Digital communities that have helped me over the last year
Digital communities have helped me through the last year with all the challenges it has brought to the table. I kept thinking about what it would have been like to go through lockdown 10-15 years ago without the technology available to keep us connected the way there is now. I feel very grateful for the communities I run but also for those I am a part of.
Communities I have created that have kept me going:
1. #AbuseTalk
Join the discussion on domestic abuse through a weekly Twitter Chat every Wednesday 8-9pm GMT we discuss domestic abuse and invite anyone to join in.
I set up #AbuseTalk in 2017 and haven’t failed to miss a Wednesday for the original weekly discussion, there’s a lovely community in this public forum. This helped me to remember which day it was in the week over the last year as well as having a digital companionship with regular tweeters.
2. Latte & Live
Small business networking with the perfect blend of opportunity and community. A fun, bold and fresh new way to meet fellow business owners, learn new skills and get support with your business growth.
This took me by surprise as just over a year ago it didn’t exist, in fact, Latte & Live is celebrating its first birthday this month. This has helped me sane for the last year and I run it alongside my husband, we have over 140 members and it continues to grow.
Communities that I am a part of that have kept me going:
1. Marketing that Converts Academy
The Marketing that Converts Academy is an online business building community, for business owners who want to market and grow their business without the stress or overwhelm!
It is run by Teresa Heath-Wareing and I had seen her speak at a couple of conferences, implemented what she talked about and it made a difference to my work. I joined the Academy after she spoke as a guest trainer for my new community Latte & Live.
2. #SBS Winners
Small Business Sunday, shortened to the hashtag #SBS on Twitter, was created by Theo Paphitis in October 2010. Theo is best known for appearing on Dragons’ Den on BBC Two. Each week, Theo rewards small businesses that tweet him @TheoPaphitis and describe their businesses in one tweet including the all-important hashtag #SBS. Only tweets made in the time slot between 5.00 PM and 7.30 PM each Sunday count.
I was thrilled to win a year ago and since then have been a part of the winners’ community. There are different benefits to being a winner but one is that there is a supportive group of people with the same passion for business.
3. Digital Women
The Digital Women Members Club is the only digital membership subscription you need to upskill, connect and network with like-minded women and get access to 100+ digital training videos instantly. Gain the professional training and support network you need to THRIVE in your career or business.
I joined as a founding member after having knowing the creator Lucy Hall for a few years, I am a fan of her social media planners. It equips me with CPD certificates for my freelance social media work.
Reflecting on digital communities over the last year:
Like most, I have been at home working from my bedroom for the last year. I have missed face-to-face meetings, events and conferences. I would have struggled greatly without these digital communities in my life at this time, it was as if we were together despite being apart.
Most of the digital communities have meant I have spent a lot of time using Zoom. It can be used in many different ways, I use it to record the podcast episodes for #AbuseTalk and also for the networking sessions on Latte & Live. I am also using Zoom for the event I am co-hosting on the 15th June “Life After Domestic Abuse” which is the first time I have spoken at a virtual event about my experiences of domestic abuse, it would be great to see you virtually there. There are different tools available to run digital communities but this has to be the one I have used the most.
The last year has also helped me to recognise how different communities have made a difference in my life, from the age of 11 I have volunteered in different settings and for different projects/organisations. It all came together through the community of Clubhouse when I recognised a natural passion and personal traight for me was something sought after by others. I provided a talk on the power of digital communities in various different groups and made a space for all of the online spaces I have created, community building for business.
Which digital communities have helped you over the last year?
Follow my work, the campaigns I get involved in, organisations I support and my journey.
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