There’s one thing you should know if you’re just beginning your Encore Career: it takes a community to build a career. You need people around you to help, support, and encourage you. This is the way to ensure that you grow and have success.

We often recognize the importance of community in our personal lives. We spend time with friends and participate in hobbies. However, this is just as important in your professional life. 

You need like-minded people around you in your Encore Career.

I myself am a member of various communities. Last week on Creating Your Encore Career, I talked about five of them. Today, I want to share what they’re all about and why they’re so impactful.

Influence and Impact

Influence and Impact is a mastermind hosted by Mike Kim. It’s a group of about 50 people who are all doing different things. Some people are working on podcasts, some people are copywriting experts, and some work in graphic design. It's been amazing to be engaged with such a marvelous group of people for the last couple of years. 

Your Message Matters

I work with Jonathan Milligan in Your Message Matters as a coach and a member of the group. It's a community of about 30 or 40 people who are all committed to growing a business. We’re all growing different kinds of businesses. Some people are even focused on writing books. 

Beyond Emotional Intelligence

Beyond Emotional Intelligence is a community of coaches run by the CEO, Michelle Nevarez. I took this as a training in emotional intelligence several years ago. As a consequence of going through this extensive year-long training, I got involved with several different cohorts. 

There are almost 200 people who are certified emotional intelligence coaches in this community. It's all focused on the idea of going beyond your emotional intelligence. Rather than making emotional intelligence just a thing you learn about, it's something you actually do. 

The Modern Elder Academy

The Modern Elder Academy community as a whole has several thousand people involved. There are lots of smaller groups and classes within that larger group as well. Not all of us are starting Encore Careers. Some members are just transitioning out of working life and into a true retirement or trying to find a new path for themselves. It’s a very like-minded group in that we’re all of similar age.

SCORE

SCORE stands for Service Corps of Retired Executives. This is a local group that allows me to give back by helping people who are trying to start businesses. I get a chance to work with people in all different stages of building their businesses. Some people are starting brick-and-mortar businesses while others are selling products and services online.

The Key Elements of a Good Community

If you’re looking to get involved in a community, make sure you find a good one. Communities should have the following elements:

1. Made up of like-minded people, not competition

2. Focused on peer learning

3. Coaching and mentoring included

4. Accountability: constructive love and encouragement

5. Encourages new routines of thinking and action

6. International

Communities are a factor in having a longer life. Go find yours!