5 tips to find your tribe

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”   — Jane Howard

We are all looking for a tribe, “our people” A place where we feel we belong. 

If you’ve moved to another country or city, repatriated, or even just feel you’ve outgrown your current “friends” circle or need to find a new group of people with similar interests, finding a community who you feel at home with and who get you is so important. 

With the current pandemic, and limited to negligible social interaction, connecting with people who have your back,  even if it’s virtual, could be the lifesaver you need when you are feeling lonely, isolated or when things do get tough.

 

Here are 5 tips to help you find your tribe:

WHY DO YOU NEED A TRIBE

The first step is to reflect on and ask yourself why you join a community. Start with yourself to get a better understanding of what your priorities and needs are at this time in your life.  New experiences, challenges, successes may have changed you in ways that you may not be aware of.  Write these questions down or meditate on them. “What makes me happy? What am I interested in?  What type of people do I want to surround myself with? Developing awareness as to what you are looking for is the first step in finding a community that resonates with you.

 

WHAT TYPE OF TRIBE ARE YOU LOOKING FOR

Get specific on the type of tribe you want to be part of and start making an action plan of how you can meet those like-minded people. Are you looking for a personal tribe like an inner circle of friends or a group of women who have similar interests, career paths, backgrounds, goals and  who will lift you up, help you grow, recharge you, inspire you, and celebrate with you, and who are willing to lend a hand when you need it.  You don’t have to restrict yourself to one group. If you are a professional woman and also a foodie, you may seek a tribe for career women and a separate one for foodies. Or maybe the tribe you belong to also has a subgroup for foodies. 

 

HOW TO FIND YOUR TRIBE

Now that you have identified why you would like to belong to a community, what type of people you want to connect with, and what your interests are, the next step is to find your tribe. Look up meetups, women’s networking groups, Facebook, and LinkedIn groups. There are so many communities out there. Read the descriptions, what they offer their members. And if you can’t find one, start your own.

 

COMMIT TO YOUR TRIBE

You think you may have found your tribe but you first want to test the waters. Get involved, make an effort to get to know members in your new community and if you feel this is the right platform for you. Give yourself 30 days or longer. Then, if something is not working you know you gave it your all and you can move on to something else you are more suited for.

 

 ENGAGE WITH YOUR TRIBE

If you joined a community to meet and connect with like-minded people, you need to be active and engage regularly with other members. Being shy or a lurker will not really help with building relationships. So put yourself out there, join in the conversations, ask questions, share your experiences and insights and support other members

 

LIFT UP YOUR TRIBE

When you join a tribe you must be open to giving as much as you get. The members of your tribe can be your allies on your life journey and you theirs. And remember no one is perfect. Avoid negativity and judgment. Motivate and build up those around you. You’ll be happy you did, and you’ll be adding to the sense of community within your tribe in the process. 

 

.

Nyna is the Founder and CEO of The Expat Woman, a global platform focused on connecting, supporting and empowering women who have moved abroad or plan to relocate. She is also a LinkedIn coach, consultant, trainer and speaker. LinkedIn played a huge role in my professional journey abroad, helping me build a network of powerful expat women and allies.

Pin It on Pinterest

Get your Free Ticket

Online from Nov. 7th to Nov.9th