How can you find common interests with other facilitators?

1 Identify your goals

Before you reach out to other facilitators, it helps to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from networking. Do you want to learn new techniques, tools, or frameworks? Do you want to get feedback, support, or advice on your facilitation challenges? Do you want to collaborate on projects, events, or initiatives? Or do you just want to chat and have fun with like-minded people? Having a specific goal can help you narrow down your search and tailor your communication.

2 Find relevant platforms

There are many platforms where you can find and connect with other facilitators, both online and offline. You can join online communities, such as forums, groups, or networks, that focus on facilitation topics, themes, or sectors. You can also attend events, such as webinars, workshops, or conferences, that showcase facilitation best practices, trends, or innovations. Or you can create your own platform, such as a blog, podcast, or newsletter, where you can share your facilitation insights, experiences, or resources.

3 Engage authentically

Once you find potential facilitators to network with, the next step is to engage with them authentically and respectfully. You can start by introducing yourself, expressing your interest in their work, and asking open-ended questions. You can also offer value, such as sharing relevant information, resources, or opportunities, or giving constructive feedback or praise. You can also show your personality, humor, or passion, and avoid being too formal or salesy. The goal is to build rapport and trust, not to pitch or spam.

4 Follow up and follow through

Networking is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process of building and maintaining relationships. To find common interests with other facilitators, you need to follow up and follow through on your interactions. You can follow up by sending a thank-you note, asking for feedback, or inviting them to another conversation. You can follow through by delivering on your promises, updating them on your progress, or supporting their work. You can also keep in touch regularly, by checking in, sharing updates, or celebrating achievements.

5 Seek diversity and inclusion

Finding common interests with other facilitators does not mean limiting yourself to those who share your background, perspective, or style. In fact, you can enrich your facilitation practice by seeking diversity and inclusion in your network. You can learn from facilitators who work in different contexts, cultures, or domains, who use different methods, tools, or approaches, or who have different goals, values, or opinions. You can also be inclusive by respecting, acknowledging, and amplifying the voices of facilitators who are underrepresented, marginalized, or oppressed.

6 Enjoy the journey

Networking with other facilitators is not only a way to enhance your professional development, but also a way to enjoy your personal growth. You can find common interests with other facilitators by being curious, open, and generous, by exploring, experimenting, and collaborating, and by having fun, being creative, and making friends. Networking is a journey, not a destination, so enjoy the process and the outcomes.