How To Use Local Online Communities To Start Your Career

Are you maximizing your opportunities to network? While Sheryl Sandberg gave us the “Lean In” movement, she also started a lesser-known but just as valuable campaign: Lean In Circles. If you’re not involved in a Lean In Circle or its sister, a Local Levo chapter, you’re missing out on an incredibly easy and fun way to improve your career.

What are they?

Both groups are off-line communities of strong, passionate, and professional people. Both are supportive and educational environments. Both are non-exclusive, although the vast majority of people who join are women.

What’s the difference?

There are only 28 Local Levo chapters, and they’re headquartered in big cities like L.A., Boston, and London. Events are frequent and range from meet n’ greets to Happy Hour to career workshops. If there isn’t a Local Levo in your city, you can (and should) join the Digital chapter, which offers quarterly online workshops.

Lean In Circles vary more in size. Some have under 10 members and are more intimate—think book club, but for your career. Others, like the NYC chapter, have almost 1,000 members. According to Sheryl Sandberg, there are 14,000 circles around the world. Thanks to their high numbers, it’s easy to find a Circle near you. The only down-side? They’re not all as active as you’d like.

How can I use them?

First and foremost, for making connections! With so many great events, and members from a range of industries, you’d be hard-pressed not to meet someone who could potentially help you in your career. Show up to every gathering with your business cards in hand, and be prepared to make plenty of LinkedIn contacts.

However, you don’t need to solely rely on events. Both Lean In Circles and Local Levo Chapter display their members’ headshots and bios; when you first join, go through the member list and look for potential valuable connections. When you find one, send them a message asking if you could treat them to coffee in exchange for some insight into their field or job.

You may even find the elusive “mentor”—or become one yourself.

In addition, you should take advantage of these communities’ workshops and educational sessions. In the past, career experts have helped members with salary negotiation, acing the job search and perfecting your resume.

What about meeting “cheerleaders and coaches”?

Circles and Chapters are incredible sources of support and feedback as well. If you’re dealing with issues in the workplace, struggling with doubts about where your career is going, or need advice on how to handle an issue, the members of your group are (as cliché as it sounds) there to help. Studies show that belonging to a positive, encouraging group helps every member do better, according to the Lean In website.

In addition, entrepreneurs and CEOs of small companies often use the organizations as sounding boards. If you want feedback on a new website design, a social media campaign, or even a new batch of cookie flavors you’re launching, Circles and Chapters are the perfect way to get it.

No matter what you’re looking for—networking opportunities, mentorship, general help, support, or all of the above—Local Levo Chapters and Lean In Circles have it. Join and start mining the career benefits!

Photo Credit