Community Building Tips

“You’re not drinking?” It’s a question so many people hear and one that often comes with assumptions, pressure, or judgement. But the truth is simple: there are countless reasons someone might choose not to drink, and none of them require justification. The illustration below captures it perfectly. People may not drink because they’re in recovery, managing medication, pregnant, protecting their mental health, caring for their family history, following their faith, or simply because they don’t like how it makes them feel. And sometimes the reason is: “No… and it’s none of your business.” In professional spaces, especially networking events, dinners, and celebrations, we can unintentionally create environments where alcohol becomes the default expectation. When that happens, we risk excluding or alienating colleagues who choose not to drink for any number of personal, cultural, or health-related reasons. Inclusion isn’t just about who’s in the room, it’s about whether everyone feels comfortable being themselves in that room. A few small shifts make a big difference: • Normalise alcohol-free options without making them feel like an afterthought. • Don’t ask why someone isn’t drinking, accept their “no” the first time. • Host events where the focus is connection, not consumption. • Remember that wellbeing, faith, and personal choice all matter. Whether someone says “I’m in recovery,” “I’m on medication,” “It’s against my religion,” or simply “I prefer not to,” every answer deserves respect. Here’s to workplaces and events this festive season where everyone belongs, with or without a drink in hand. 🥤✨ Photo credit: Abi Adamson

A ‘major’ donor said to me once “The only reason I give honestly is because of you." While it might sound like the ultimate compliment, it’s actually a red flag. Here’s why: Donors should be engaged through a hearts-and-minds approach, but not just a single person. Of course, part of my job is building trust and personal connections—but if I’m the only contact for that donor, we’ve got a problem. Sustainable funding is the goal…not just immediate dollars in the door driven by one person. If the donor doesn’t trust at least two other people at the organization, I haven’t set them up to truly invest in the work itself. My charm might open the door, but their belief in the mission is what weaves them into the ecosystem. They shouldn’t just be riding for me—they should be riding for the impact, the purpose, the vision. So yeah, it’s a cute moment for my ego, but it also means I needed to organize my team and do a little more. Program staff touchpoints beyond the development folks are crucial. Donor relationships that depend solely on me don’t ensure longevity—and this work demands sustainability. Make sure folks are riding for your work, not just you. #SustainableFunding #BuildingTrust #AskSadé #SadeKnows

Today, I will be addressing a harsh truth I don’t see many people talk about until “mental health awareness day”. We prioritize physical fitness, pushing ourselves to stay strong and healthy. But what about our mental well-being? We see tons of tips on meditation and journaling (both great practices), but what about a hidden gem that might be even more powerful? The Power of Social Connection. Our brains actually crave connection. Studies by psychologist Matthew Lieberman show that simply talking to someone we trust can lower stress hormones and boost our mood. Think about it: when you're feeling overwhelmed, chatting with a friend or family member can offer a fresh perspective and remind you that you're not alone. - Instead of solo walks, try incorporating social interaction. - Walking with friends, family, or even joining a walking group can double the benefits. - You get the physical exercise you love, plus the emotional support that comes with connecting with others. While venting can be helpful in the short term, true mental well-being goes beyond just letting off steam. When you walk and talk with loved ones, you can use this time to brainstorm solutions to problems together. Having different perspectives can lead to creative ideas, and feeling supported in tackling challenges can make a huge difference in reducing stress and anxiety. Taking care of your mental well-being isn't about waiting for a specific day or following the latest trends. It's about incorporating healthy habits into your everyday routine. Social connection is a powerful, and often overlooked, tool for mental fitness. So, lace up your shoes, grab a friend or family member, and walk your way to a stronger, more resilient you! What are your favorite ways to connect with others and boost your mental well-being? #mentalhealth #fitness #mindset #growth

You can’t do community engagement on a deadline. I came across a contract offer recently. It was a community engagement ‘task and finish’ project over 2 months. But community work doesn’t work like that. If you want genuine engagement then you need trust and trust isn’t a task on a Gantt chart. People don’t open up when the timeline says so, they open up when they feel safe. Genuine relationships don’t form during engagement events. They grow in conversations after the meeting has ended, during those ‘water cooler’ moments, at the school gates chats, on the walk back to the car. If your timeline has a fixed slot for “community engagement,” ask different questions: Who already has trust here and are they in the room? Where do people naturally gather and are we showing up there? Are we listening to meet a deadline or to understand what’s really going on? Community engagement isn’t the soft bit before delivery, it is THE work. It’s slow, human, and sometimes uncomfortable. But when people start to trust the process, everything else moves further and faster than any deadline could force. #CommunityDevelopment #CoDesign #Participation #PublicServices #Trust #PlaceMaking #CommunityPower

Just because I can’t eat, doesn’t mean I dont want to be included. The festive period is around the corner, and it can be one of the most difficult times living with a feeding tube, as even more so than it usual, talk and gatherings of food heighten. So how do we promote inclusion for everyone around the table? 1. Access to facilities and private spaces: always provide access to a private space for somebody to disconnect or connect their tubes, which is clean and private and bathrooms with sanitatary bins. 2. Respectful curiosity and judgement free: never judge, stare, ask intrusive questions to anybody who may not be eating, eating something different, or has different food habits. Any questions should be asked respectfully and with the intent of inclusion not embarrassment. 3. Ask before laying a place at the table: some people like to have a place laid for them even if they are not eating, others do not. Some people will bring their own implements and food so always ask in advance what makes that person feel most comfortable. 4. Shift focus away from food and drink: ensure that games, conversations and activities are not just focused around the food and drink to be inclusive of fun for everyone. Where food is a central part of something, think of providing alternatives such as a table activities. 5. Ask about food and drink in advance: ask someone’s preferences about what they need well in advance to avoid making anyone feel uncomfortable for declining or not being able to join in. Remember most people with feeding tubes can still eat but usually specific or small amounts. 6. Welcome those bringing their own food: feeding tube users often have safe foods which don’t upset their stomachs, or a strict diet they must adhere to, so always welcome people brining their own food with them. 7. Respect allergies and triggers: always ask someone’s dietary requirements in advance, and take strict care with cross-contamination. Also be conscious of certain foods which might be triggering. 8. Reserve space at the end of the table/exit: if set places try and place someone with a tube at the end of the table or near facilities so they feel more able to get and down from the table. 9. Don’t forget our invite to events: just because we might not participate in the same way, doesn’t mean we don’t want to be included! #Disability #Disabled #FeedingTube #Food #Christmas Image description: The image is a black square graphic, across the top in white and bold writing it reads ‘How to: feeding tubes, inclusion at the table’. In the top right hand corner is a picture of Celia and Jamie, Jamie has a cream cake in his hand in front of Celia, she is leaning down with wide eyes to smell it. Underneath are nine yellow, pink and blue coloured boxes with heading text and little descriptive symbols using the headings from the points of this written text above. In the bottom right hand corner is the Disabled By Society logo in pink and white.

How to Talk to C-Suite Leaders (even if you’re stuck in an elevator with them) ↳ Your heart pounds. ↳ Your throat tightens. ↳ Your brain scrambles for the perfect thing to say. And then - that defining career moment to introduce yourself and make a mark - slips away. But the next time will be different. Here are 9 conversation starters and tips you can use, to engage senior leaders: 1. The Perfect Elevator Pitch 💬 "Hi [Name], I'm [Name] from [team]. I'm leading [strategic project in their radar]." ↳ Keep it under 20 seconds - C-suite leaders respect brevity ↳ Connect your work to their priorities, making you memorable 2. Acknowledge the Moment 💬 "I think this is the first time I’ve been in this elevator with you - do you spend a lot of time in this building?" ↳ Simple and low-pressure. ↳ Gives them an easy way to keep the conversation going. 3. Mention an Insight from Their Public Talks 💬 "In your [interview/speech], you said X. I found that interesting because…" ↳ Shows you’re paying attention to what matters to them. ↳ Opens the door for a deeper discussion if they’re interested. 4. Mention a Mutual Connection (If You Have One) 💬 "I was just speaking with [name], and they mentioned X about your leadership style." ↳ Warm introductions make engagement easier. ↳ Makes the conversation feel warm and natural. 5. Ask About a Favorite Business Destination 💬 "I know you travel a lot for work - what’s been your favorite city to visit?" ↳ Keeps the conversation refreshing. 6. The Value-First Approach 💬 "We've seen [trend] impact our [metric] by X%." ↳ Share one specific insight about their priority area. ↳ Data points grab executive attention instantly. 7. The Market Intelligence Play 💬 "Have you seen what [competitor] is doing with [initiative]?" ↳ Positions you as strategically aware of external trends. ↳ Executives respect people get the bigger picture. 8. The Problem-Solver ↳ Followup the last point with: "[Competitor] is targeting X, but the real opportunity lies in Y - here's why..." ↳ Position yourself as a strategic solution-provider. 9. How to Close the Conversation & Keep the Door Open 💬 "Really valued this conversation on [specific point]." 💬 "Would love to keep you posted as [project] evolves." ↳ Doesn’t force future interaction but plants the idea. ↳ If they’re open to it, they’ll invite further conversation. Remember: C-suite leaders are human too. They respect authenticity over forced charisma. What’s one thing NOT to do when meeting a CEO? Share your wisdom with me in the comments. ♻ Repost and help others navigate high-stakes conversations. ➕ Follow me (Meera Remani) to master C-suite conversations and executive presence.

It’s not about collecting business cards or follower counts. It’s about building bridges with people who get it - who challenge you, inspire you, and open doors you didn’t know existed. The right network doesn’t just grow your career - it expands your mindset, your confidence, and your opportunities. Here are 12 ways to build powerful, authentic connections: 1️⃣ Lead with curiosity. Ask, don’t pitch. People love being seen and heard. 2️⃣ Add value first. Share insights, introductions, or encouragement before asking for anything. 3️⃣ Show up consistently. Comment, engage, and participate where your industry hangs out. 4️⃣ Find your communities. Join professional groups, Slack channels, or niche forums. 5️⃣ Attend events strategically. Go where your next mentor, collaborator, or client might actually be. 6️⃣ Follow up. A short, thoughtful message can turn a conversation into a relationship. 7️⃣ Be generous with your expertise. Give more than you take - it builds reputation fast. 8️⃣ Don’t chase status. The best opportunities often come from peers, not big titles. 9️⃣ Stay authentic. Pretending to be someone you’re not is the fastest way to disconnect. 1️⃣0️⃣ Keep it human. Share stories, not sales pitches. 1️⃣1️⃣ Support others publicly. Celebrate others’ wins - it builds goodwill that lasts. 1️⃣2️⃣ Play the long game. Relationships compound like interest; nurture them with time. The truth? You’re one conversation away from a completely different path. Image credit: Tim Stoddart

Your network creates your opportunities. But nobody talks about how to build one from zero. That awkward feeling at events. Those LinkedIn messages that go unanswered. The coffee chats that lead nowhere. Time to change that. 7 ways to build real connections: 1. Start close ↳ Begin with who you know ↳ Old classmates often open doors 2. Give first ↳ Share useful articles ↳ Help without expecting back 3. Focus small ↳ Quality beats quantity ↳ Five real connections trump fifty weak ones 4. Show up regularly ↳ Pick two key events monthly ↳ Become a familiar face 5. Listen more ↳ Ask about their journey ↳ People remember good listeners 6. Follow through ↳ Send that recap email ↳ Keep your promises 7. Stay consistent ↳ Check in without asking favours ↳ Build before you need anything Connections grow through genuine interest. Networks build through consistent care. What's your best networking tip? Let me know in the comments. ♻️ Repost to help others connect 👉 Follow Lauren Murrell for more like this

A BIG follower count looks impressive. But followers don’t pay the bills 🤷🏻♀️ High numbers ≠ revenue. Why? Because followers don’t always translate to trust. That’s the difference between having an audience or a community. An AUDIENCE listens. But they’re passive. They consume your content and move on. A COMMUNITY? They engage. They connect. They show up for you. Audiences might watch from the sidelines. Communities take action. They invest. They stick around. And here’s the key difference: Communities are built on shared values, not just content. If you’re struggling to monetise, it might not be about growing your follower count. It’s about deepening your relationships. So, how do you build a community on LinkedIn? 1. Start conversations, not monologues. Ask questions. Invite opinions. Respond to comments with thought and care. 2. Be authentic. Share your wins and your challenges. Vulnerability creates connection. 3. Engage outside your posts. Comment on other people’s content. Join relevant discussions. Be present where your audience is. 4. Create shared value. Offer insights, solve problems, and share ideas that help your network grow. 5. Highlight others. Celebrate their wins. Share their content. Show that you care about their journey. 6. Be consistent. Communities thrive on trust, and trust is built by showing up regularly over time. 7. Take it offline. Meetups, coffee chats, or webinars. Bring your LinkedIn network into real-life connections. A handshake or face-to-face conversation builds bonds no algorithm can replicate. Communities aren’t built overnight. They grow when you focus on connection over attention. Because people don’t just buy products or services. They buy trust. They buy relationships. When you build a community, you don’t just have followers. You have advocates. Supporters. Friends. That’s the real game-changer. PS: Do you have an audience or a community?

You’re never too important to be kind to people. The misconception? Kindness is a weakness. 
The reality? Kindness is wisdom. Natasha Mahajan said it best … It’s the foundation of leadership that doesn’t just command but inspires. The kind that doesn’t demand respect but earns it effortlessly. No title, no corner office, no accolade makes unkindness acceptable. True leaders - the ones whose teams follow them not out of obligation but out of belief - lead with humanity, not just authority. Here’s how to lead with kindness that resonates deeply: 1/. Listen like they’re the only person in the room. 
Put the phone down. Look them in the eye. Ask thoughtful questions. Listening is more than hearing words - it’s valuing the person behind them. 2/. Celebrate the details. 
“Good job” is a checkmark. Highlighting what they did well and why it matters is impact. Let your praise be specific, intentional, and memorable. 3/. Protect their time and energy. 
Meetings that don’t need to happen? Cancel them. Deadlines that aren’t reasonable? Adjust them. Respecting their bandwidth shows you value their humanity over their productivity. 4/. Own your mistakes. 
Leaders don’t deflect - they take responsibility. A simple “I could’ve guided you better” builds trust faster than any excuse ever could. 5/. Remember the moments that matter. 
Birthdays. Anniversaries. Firsts and lasts. These moments may seem small, but they’re reminders that your team is made up of people, not just roles. 6/. Be tough but thoughtful. 
When hard conversations come, focus on behaviors, not character. Collaborate on solutions. Toughness doesn’t have to cut - it can build. Kindness isn’t soft.