Adeayo Adekunle is the Community Manager at The Comms Avenue.
“I’ve seen communities change lives, including mine.”
— Idongesit Akpan (Youth Engagement and Community Manager, Smile Outreach)
I came across this tweet a few weeks ago, and it resonated deeply with me because of how much I’ve personally gained by being active and intentional within the communities I’m part of. Communities have a unique way of shaping our experiences, offering support, and providing opportunities we may have never imagined.
The sad reality is that many people fail to leverage the full potential of the communities they’re members of. Whether they’re not sure how to contribute or because they’re not actively engaging, they miss out on the true value that comes with being a part of a community.
So here are six practical ways to leverage communities to your advantage:
Know Why You’re There
The first step in getting the most out of a community is understanding why you joined in the first place. Are you there to connect with like-minded people? To learn new skills or gain insights? Or maybe you’re looking to find job opportunities? Being clear on your goals helps you interact meaningfully with the group.
It’s easy to get lost in the noise of a community, so it’s important to ask yourself: What am I looking to gain from being here? Your answer will guide your participation and interactions. Whether you’re job hunting, networking, or simply learning, clarity will help you focus your efforts.
For example, I mostly join communities to learn from other professionals, especially when someone asks a question and others share their answers. I find the process interesting, almost like troubleshooting, because often it takes real experience to arrive at a solution. If you don’t ask, you may never know.
Choose Your Communities Wisely
There’s no need to join every community that comes your way. It’s far more effective to focus on a handful of communities that are aligned with your goals. Too many communities can spread you thin, leaving you inactive in many and getting little value from any.
If you’re someone who doesn’t thrive in a crowded space, aim for two or three active communities where you know you can contribute and learn. The quality of the community is far more important than quantity. Being selective helps you remain engaged and make the most of your membership.
Contribute Your Quota
Communities aren’t just about taking; they’re about giving back. One of the best ways to leverage your membership is by actively contributing.
You don’t need to be a mentor to give back to your community. There are plenty of ways to offer value without necessarily dedicating hours of your time. You can:
- Share your knowledge on a specific topic for virtual learning sessions.
- Offer to create or contribute to resources like templates, guides, or toolkits
- Help behind the scenes with community projects or events
Giving back doesn’t always have to be time-consuming. Small contributions like sharing a relevant article or responding to a fellow member’s query can go a long way in building goodwill and trust.
My favourite way of giving back is by volunteering with the social media team during community events. My most recent experience was at the HerSynergy Summit and it was all shades of amazing because some women in tech got their wish granted through the fairy godmother segment and I got to meet my co-mentee Joy and mentor for the first time.
Attend Events (In-Person or Virtual)
Events, whether they’re online meetups, webinars, or in-person gatherings, offer an opportunity to deepen relationships with other community members. There’s something powerful about face-to-face interactions. And sometimes those interactions can be virtual. These events allow you to connect on a deeper level than you would through text alone.
When you attend events, you’re more likely to build lasting relationships that can lead to collaborations, job opportunities, or friendships. It’s also a great way to interact with people you wouldn’t otherwise encounter in day-to-day discussions.
At The Comms Avenue, our chapters host in-person hangouts and online events designed for learning and interaction. We also hold bi-monthly community hangouts where you can connect and interact with other Communications professionals across Africa.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
One of the most underrated ways to engage in a community is by simply asking questions. And yet, so many people hold back, worried they’ll come off as inexperienced or that no one will respond.
Communities exist to support learning. And more often than not, when you ask a question, someone will respond. Even if they don’t have the full answer, people will often try to point you in the right direction, tag someone else who might know, or just offer encouragement. That simple exchange can lead to unexpected help or connections.
No question is too silly, too basic, or too late. As long as you’re in a safe, supportive space (and hopefully you are), nobody’s going to mock or condemn you for not knowing something. In fact, your question might be the exact thing someone else was too shy to ask.
So speak up. That could be the spark that opens new doors or starts a conversation that changes everything.
Apply for Opportunities
Many communities offer perks! Think discounted courses, exclusive programmes, scholarships, job openings, and early-access opportunities. But you’d be surprised how often people ignore these chances simply because they feel like they’re “not ready” or “don’t want to beg.”
Taking advantage of a discount or applying for a scholarship is not begging; it’s smart. If the community is offering 15% or 20% off something that could benefit you, take it. If there’s a scholarship available, apply. If a job opening gets posted and it aligns with your skill set, shoot your shot.
Also, if you’re actively job hunting, let the community know. Don’t assume people can read your mind. A short, thoughtful post or message can prompt others to recommend roles, make introductions, or just keep an eye out on your behalf.
I got a full scholarship to the Treford Content Marketing Bootcamp in 2023 simply because I applied despite overthinking the process due to a past rejection. I also applied to be the Community Manager at The Comms Avenue, even though imposter syndrome was eating at me. But the gist is: I still applied, and over a year later, here I am today.
You gain nothing by staying silent and unseen.
Your experience with communities is only as valuable as your level of intentionality. A community, when properly leveraged, can open doors, provide valuable knowledge, and offer the kind of support that can change the course of your career or personal life.
By understanding why you’re in a community, contributing your value, and respecting the group’s rules, you’ll be able to get the most out of your membership.
