I work in communications and engagement and quite often I have been a communications team of one. This can be a lonely place – no one in the business quite understands what you do – but they’ll sure as hell tell you if they think you are doing your specialism wrong! 

So what do you do if you are in a similar situation at work? Who can you bounce ideas off that really understand your area of expertise, or just have a good sharing best practice session with? 

You certainly will not be alone in this and while sometimes getting in contact with your industry institute can feel a bit formal, there are now so many ways to connect with your industry peers simply by using social media channels. 

Let me get you an example…

Having worked in communications for the best part of a decade in a variety of different organisations, both private and public sector, it’s important to me to be able to connect with people who do similar roles to me in other organisations. Maybe I’m fortunate that people I have met in my field are naturally very open and willing to share best practice and information. 

Connecting by unplugging

Humans inherently to want to connect with others and there are those out there that will go the extra mile to help others to do so too. Earlier this month, I attended an event called Comms Unplugged. It’s an event held in a beautiful field (at Burnbake campsite) in Dorset and is a learning and wellbeing event for anyone working in communication. 

Being held on a campsite in marquees and with the majority of attendees camping; everyone is encouraged to switch off their social media (yes – no live tweeting from this conference!) and focus not only on the communication workshops, but also on wellbeing sessions.  This enables you to make genuine connections and friendships with the other delegates/campers/comms enthusiasts.

I have to say this is a unique event and I am yet to hear of anything else like it in any other industry. The three founders of Comms Unplugged (Georgia, Sally and Darren) have really hit on an incredible wellbeing ethos that 21^stcentury so desperately needs and as they put it in their five steps to wellbeing:

• Connect 
• Learn 
• Take notice
• Be active 
• Give

How they do this not for profit event on top of their very demanding day jobs is beyond me!  You can find out more at www.commsunplugged.co.uk .  

Benefit of peer connections

What are the benefits of a peer group outside your organisation? Well, as I’ve already said, the opportunity to bounce ideas and share best practice is certainly part of it. But if you allow those connections to flourish then you will find a community of people that will encourage, challenge, support and give advice when you need it.

Create the connections

If a community does not exist in your field of work, then why not start one? It doesn’t need to be anything big, it could be as simple as a Twitter conversation or a Facebook group. If you build it and there is a need for it – then you may just find that you start a whole new hub of peers.  You may need support in setting this up if it is not in your skills set, but put that message out there; you’ll be surprised at the kindness and community that can be generated from wanting to make genuine worthwhile connections.