I’m a big fan of communities. I recently had a conversation with someone about them and was asked what’s been most valuable to me about the communities I’ve been a part of. After reflection, here’s my answer:

Connecting with people trying to solve the same problems I’m trying to solve.

Being around people who have similar interests is okay. But being around people actively trying to solve for the same thing I am is when I’ve received the most from communities and contributed the most to them. In my experience, sharing and learning from one another builds deeper connections.

Communities of people actively trying to solve the same problem have the most passionate members because those members receive immense value from being part of those communities.