TIN #147 - Is This the Networking Space You’ve Been Missing?
I’m sketching out an online community that makes it easier to connect, ask questions, and grow your network without small talk. Would you join?
Are online communities a good way to network?
That’s the question I’ve been thinking about this week, and honestly, I think the answer is yes.
But only if they’re done right.
Most online groups feel like bulletin boards: lots of noise, little connection.
But when they work, they’re one of the most powerful ways to grow your network, especially if you're introverted.
Here’s how I’ve used them, what I think makes them valuable, and what I’m thinking about building next.
This issue takes about 5 minutes to read…
Why online communities matter
At their best, online communities help you find people who care about the same things you do.
Whether it’s a Slack group, a LinkedIn group, or something more intentional like Substack or Circle, these platforms let you see who’s out there and start conversations around shared interests.
But that’s just the beginning.
The goal isn’t to stay in the group chat forever.
The goal is to connect with someone online and then move that connection into a real, voice-to-voice conversation.
This is what I teach in my free, online course, “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network,”
But, let me show you what that looks like in practice.
From online comment to all-day hike
I met a guy named Ben Wiant through LinkedIn.
We weren’t in a formal “group,” but we posted about similar things and kept showing up in each other’s comments.
Eventually, we started messaging directly.
Then we had a couple voice-to-voice calls.
Then, because he was going to be in Denver for a month, we made plans to meet up for a hike.
Eight and a half miles later, we’d talked about life, business, goals, and shared ideas that we never would have exchanged in a comment thread.
That’s what real connection looks like:
Start online. Move to voice. Then meet in person when you can.
You can hear more of the story about my hike with Ben in this week’s version of the podcast and the video version of this newsletter on my YouTube channel.
Ben and me on a “networking” hike
It’s not about selling yourself.
It’s about finding people with shared values or challenges and building something deeper from there.
What makes an online community actually valuable?
Here’s what I’ve learned from being part of (and leading) communities that do work:
They’re active.
A dead group is just a quiet room. People need to show up, consistently.They’re specific.
General-interest groups don’t last. Shared purpose keeps people engaged.They encourage deeper connection.
The goal shouldn’t just be posts and comments. It should be relationships.
So… what if I created a space like that?
Over the years, I’ve offered group coaching, 1:1 sessions, and 14-day challenges.
But I’ve never brought all of those pieces together in one ongoing, interactive space.
Now I’m considering it.
An online community for people who want to grow their network without going to awkward events or pretending to be someone they’re not.
Here’s what I’m imagining:
A chat space where you can ask questions, get unstuck, and hear what’s worked for others
Weekly or bi-weekly group coaching, where I help you and others work through real networking challenges
Expert interviews with people I trust. No sales pitches, just real ideas
Optional asynchronous coaching, where you can send me your questions and get personalized video or voice feedback
But none of this matters if it’s not what you want.
That’s why I’m asking:
Would you join a community like this?
I’m not launching anything yet.
This is me putting the idea out into the world and seeing what resonates.
So here’s your part:
➡️ Take the one-question poll below and let me know which features you’d use
➡️ Leave a comment and tell me what would make this worth your time
➡️ Or just hit like on this newsletter if you want something like this to exist
And if none of this sounds helpful, that’s totally fine too.
The newsletter isn’t going anywhere, and it’ll always be free.
Thanks for reading, and thanks for helping me build something that could serve you and others like you better.
Talk soon,
Greg
The Introverted Networker
Best Things I Found Online This Week:
My post on ageism and networking struck a chord on LinkedIn last week. Check it out if you missed it.
The newest NY Times Best-selling author Jenny Wood shared 4 questions she uses when she is networking (and yes, you can steal them)
Reno Perry shared an awesome one page resource to make your LinkedIn profile irresistible
I like this community idea. If it was run in a personal way and gave one to one teaching, coaching, & help with networking, I’d consider joining.