What Does Community Really Mean?

You hear a lot of talk in the coworking and entrepreneur world about “community.” But what does community really mean?

Community can take on many definitions. 

This Atlantic article explains how people used to be born into a community and had to work hard to be individuals. Over time that paradigm has changed, and now individuals are actively seeking the community with which they most identify. Basically, the world has flipped-turned upside down (#FreshPrince), and people aren’t seeking comfort and support from those in their immediate geographic area but are instead finding their place in the larger world around them with like-minded, like-oriented people.

Finding a community that fits with who you are (your tribe! your vibe!) can be hard, especially if you’re an entrepreneur. You’re likely busy closing deals, building your business, and following the thought leaders on Twitter, like PopTarts. You’re trying to figure out the Facebook algorithm, kissing hands and shaking babies (jk!). Finding your “just-right community” can be even harder if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Like we always say at Bridge Space, “You don’t know what you don’t know.”

First, find people who are seeking to accelerate their success just like you are. The last thing you want to do is to hang with folks who do not have their eyes on the prize, and it’s really nice to work side-by-side with people who are pursuing success as they define it and feel like they are speaking the same language as you.

Second, track down a community that has people at every stage of the entrepreneurial process, and frankly, find folks across multiple industries and not just your own. While you don’t need to be the smartest person in the room in the basket-weaving sector, it is nice to spend time where you might not be the tippy-top genius, where there is someone from whom you can learn, perhaps in another field — and maybe even find a place where you feel confident mentoring those who are a few steps behind you on the experience ladder.

I could throw a buzzword-y phrase at you like, “a good entrepreneurial community is an authentic group of like-minded, big-hearted people coming together to save the world / make a bunch of profits / build a better underwater basket.” But, I would never do that because I don’t want you to miss my larger point.

Here’s what I think: a robust entrepreneurial community is a place of empowerment where you’re surrounded by people who share your goals, interests, and values. It’s a place where you can build real relationships, develop real trust among those around you, find mentors and sponsors who care about you getting ahead, and a place where you can capitalize on multiple paths to accelerating your business success in measurable and meaningful ways. Above all, it is a place where you feel truly comfortable.

At Bridge Space, of course! Bridge Space is designed so that you meet people you wouldn’t have normally met. It’s built — literally — in a way that compels you to meet other people. Why?   Because that’s what we do, and we know how important and advantageous being a part of an amazing, supportive community is. We’re building Bridge Space in a way that meets entrepreneurs where they are, fosters community, and creates new value, and there is no hiding under our basket that we want you to be a part of it. We want you to feel like you are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to do your thing, in your own time. Because you are.

Becoming a member at Bridge Space is the first step to joining our community. Check out our membership plans and decide which one is right for you. 

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