3 tips for building a community when you work remotely

Here's something I honestly NEVER thought I'd be talking about as someone who thrives off alone time: building a community when you work remotely.

Now, community can mean a myriad of different things. For the purpose of this blog we're keeping it simple.

Community is the space in which you feel home.

Whether that's a corner of the internet, an IRL community in your area, a group of people, or a culture or movement online, it's where you feel comfortable.

It's pretty easy to think about the community that means the most to you. The trick is believing your community out there and actively doing something to find it.

If you're reading this, you're likely either already working remotely or thinking about doing it one day.

Good on ya!

You might know that with working remotely comes a few challenges, one of which is isolation.

For some, that seclusion is welcomed. I *thrive* on my alone time and working independently.

For others, the thought of not uttering a single word to another human for more than a few hours at a time makes their skin crawl.

For both, community is important. It's not only for extroverts or outgoing freelancers. It's for everyone.

With community comes a bond and relationships. This is important for humans, not only remote workers.

So, I'm here to help guide you on just how to build a community for yourself when you work alone. The challenges are unique, but they're not insurmountable.

Let's tackle them together. You know I've always got tips.

Tip #1: you have to know your own interests first

Before you can begin finding or even building your community, you have to know what you like and don't like first.

Right?

If I KNOW I hate math, I'm not going to surround myself with a bunch of people whose idea of a good time is sitting down to tackle some of the world's unsolved equations.

Nothing is WRONG with them. I just don't have the same interests.

On the flip side, I am a whore for words.

A bit aggressive, yes. But hey, that's me.

I don't simply like to write. I LOVE writing and have an intense passion for expressing my creativity and myself through words and storytelling.

I gotta find people like THAT. Not just people who are interested in reading and researching, but who are CURIOUS and PASSIONATE about uncovering answers and informing the masses.

Start with yourself first. Always.

Tip #2: step outside your comfort zone, take risks, and put yourself out there

Then forget about yourself entirely.

Confused? Stay with me.

To form friendships and relationships, you have to learn about others. Once you've discovered what you're interested in, it's time to put yourself out there.

This is the time to take risks and dabble in different communities and talk with a bunch of different people.

This is the action tip.

It's easy to talk about building a community for yourself as a remote worker, but ACTUALLY doing it?

Way harder.

The thing is, when you decide to put yourself out there, you'll discover how interesting life can be.

For instance...

You never know who knows who. You'd be surprised how a night out with an old friend can introduce you to new people you get along with even more! Or how attending a volunteer event for a cause you care about can lead to deep friendships with other humans who share the same passion.

We like to think we can just show up in our life, yell out to everyone what we like and why we like it, and then *magically* people will flock to us and we'll have "found our tribe."

It doesn't work like that.

Au contraire.

You have to show up. And you have to show up consistently. Whether that's in-person or online.

Tip #3: show up consistently

Speaking of online, a digital community still needs consistent nourishment.

Whether you're trying to build a community IRL or on the Internet, showing up consistently is everything.

You can't do anything half-assed and expect a remarkable outcome. Building your community is the same way.

Be 100% committed or not at all.

Harsh, yes. But... honest. You can't deny that.

If you're working remotely and you really desire to build a community around you to support and encourage you, do it.

Don't just say you'll do it. Actually do it.

Use tips #1 and 2 to help you.

Then show up consistently for the people in your life; for the relationships you have already and the ones you hope to nourish.

BONUS TIP: here are a few more practical ways to build a community when your day job doesn't require you to wear pants.

And if you want to join an established community of freelancers, Remote ID is for you. Be a part of the global community of like-minded online business owners tired of chasing after everyone else's dreams but their own. Get the support, accountability, and community you need to do things differently.