Top 8 Online Entrepreneur Communities You Should Join

“Your network is your net worth.” I took this saying literally early in my career. I ran a top 100 discussion forum from 2013 to 2021. During my tenure, I learned that when the digital ground beneath you moves, your entrepreneur community becomes your lifeline from the quicksand. 

Online communities offer unique networking opportunities specific to your niche and are available 24 hours daily. The global connection of peers, mentors, and industry leaders is an invaluable resource. By participating in online communities, entrepreneurs can build relationships that significantly impact their bottom line.

Beyond networking, online communities are goldmines of practical insights, experiences, and expert advice. They are collaborative environments that foster problem-solving, and members work together to tackle everyday obstacles, explore new ideas, and brainstorm ways to adapt. By staying active in these communities, everyone remains informed about the latest industry trends and how to capitalize on changes. Most importantly, community members can be a voice of reason and support in your most chaotic hours.

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What are Online Entrepreneur Communities?

Online entrepreneur communities are apps or websites with active members that have some sort of forum, messaging system, and/or official knowledge-sharing hub to help members grow and learn. Some go deeper with virtual and physical events, mentorship programs, pitch days, and courses. They often focus on a niche topic, like Six Sigma, tech, or product-led growth, and have a unique culture to match. Others are quite broad, encompassing all general entrepreneur topics. Some have strict vetting procedures, including annual fees and required participation, while others are completely free and laissez-faire.

How do Online Entrepreneur Communities Benefit Business Owners?

Simply put, online communities are made up of people helping people. The entrepreneur lifestyle is often associated with suffering or grinding in silence, but entrepreneur communities break through this paradigm and provide an outlet to connect with like-minded people facing similar challenges. In these communities, you can rub shoulders with industry experts, refine ideas, find solutions, and keep a pulse on an entire industry. 

Networking Opportunities

Being an entrepreneur can be isolating. It’s difficult to weave in time to physically take yourself to a networking event or take time off from running your business to fly to a conference. Online groups provide a similar networking opportunity without the same time commitment. Like in real life, they’re excellent for connecting with like-minded professionals, potential partners, and investors. Anecdotally, I’ve met a half dozen of my business partners and clients within online communities. 

Many communities host networking events and virtual meetups where members can interact and build relationships. Discussion forums and group chats allow entrepreneurs to engage in conversations, share interests, and identify common goals. These communities sometimes organize pitch events or investor meet-and-greets, giving entrepreneurs direct access to potential funding opportunities. Additionally, the shared environment fosters an overall culture of collaboration. Everyone is there with the purpose of learning or earning. It makes finding partners for joint ventures, projects, or even potential business buyers easier.

Knowledge Sharing

Community members share valuable resources like articles, webinars, tools, tricks of the trade, and templates, creating a readily available knowledge base that can dramatically enhance your business acumen. In discussion forums, members pose questions, share longer-form content like insights, engage in heated debate, and offer advice from financial management to revenue growth strategies. Webinars hosted by these communities provide information on emerging trends, industry best practices, and innovative techniques. Members often share their experiences and lessons learned, offering valuable real-world perspectives.

Problem-solving Support

Entrepreneurs can leverage their digital network when facing new challenges by seeking advice from peers who have experienced similar problems. You can pose questions to specific users or solicit a variety of opinions by asking the same question of an entire community. Start by creating a post detailing your particular challenge, such as finding temporary funding or dealing with a problematic vendor. Be sure to include a summary at the top with a brief question to catch the attention of the busiest individuals. At the bottom of your post, outline the solutions you are considering and a few core questions you may have. This will help readers understand the problem and your perspective better. Depending on the community, you might be able to include a poll to gather more quantitative data. By crowd-sourcing feedback from entrepreneurs who’ve “been there before,” you’re more likely to succeed. If you’ve forged strong connections within your community, they may even let you know of problems before they arise.

Accountability

Weight loss studies scientifically show that programs succeed when there’s social support and accountability. Being part of an entrepreneurial community often has the same effect and can provide significant motivation for setting and achieving business goals.

Seeing other members share their failures, progress, and successes can inspire you to push forward with your goals. The community often provides accountability, as members can share their key performance indicators and updates, encouraging each other to stay on track every week. Peer support and encouragement also help boost confidence and resilience, especially during challenging times.

Mentorship Possibilities

There are plenty of chances to find or become a mentor in these communities. Check out formal mentorship programs or join virtual events to meet experienced entrepreneurs if you want a mentor. A creative way to connect with potential mentors is by asking thought-provoking questions on discussion forums, seeing who provides the best response, and then reaching out to them privately afterward with a follow-up question.

If you are further along in your career and are interested in mentoring others, share your expertise in forums, do an AMA (Ask Me Anything), or join mentorship programs to guide fellow entrepreneurs and help the community thrive.

Trend Awareness

Online communities help entrepreneurs keep a pulse on emerging industry trends and market shifts. In particular, forums help identify popular posts from that week or month. The informality of community posting allows members to share information as situations and trends develop quickly. 

Generally, entrepreneur communities will feature insights from industry experts and thought leaders, where you can learn about current trends and future predictions. Members also share interesting articles, reports, polls, and case studies, so you get a steady stream of the latest developments in real time. Plus, many communities host virtual events focused on new trends, allowing you to hear directly from experts and ask questions.

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What are the Top 8 Online Entrepreneur Communities to Join in 2024?

Each platform and community caters to a different entrepreneurial need and has varying types of commitment or vetting processes. Below, you will find a comprehensive overview of the top 8 influential communities you should consider joining:

LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn hosts numerous entrepreneur-focused groups where professionals network, share industry insights and discuss business challenges. A strategic advantage of LinkedIn is the ability for users you engage with to find your profile and learn about your business quickly.

Pick a group that focuses on your business niche, regularly posts relevant content, keeps you learning and engaged, and offers the most partnership or sales potential. Be mindful of the difference between private and public groups. Public groups may share less sensitive advice like trade secrets, but anyone on LinkedIn can view your posts, which boosts your visibility.

Before joining a group, look at the type of members who are active, the most recent posts, and the “recommended” posts. Note that the quantity of members is ultimately a vanity metric. Just because a LinkedIn group has over 50,000 members doesn’t mean it’s useful. I’ve encountered dozens of spam groups with the same handful of members or bots shilling their services rather than providing support and insights. Posting, replying, or reading the content in those groups will waste your precious time. Some examples of my favorite groups are “On Startups” and “Harvard Business Review Discussion Group.” Each provides an unending stream of new insights and connections relevant to me.

LinkedIn groups are ideal for building professional connections and engaging with industry-specific content. It’s a more formal environment suited for professional development and networking when you do not require a roadmap for success. 

Startup Grind

Known for its global reach, Startup Grind connects entrepreneurs through both online events as well as local in-person chapters which provide an opportunity to connect in person. It offers networking events, educational content, and hosts successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

Startup Grind is ideal for entrepreneurs who desire more structure, a broad network, and the opportunity to connect offline.

Reddit Entrepreneur

r/Entrepreneur is a large, active subreddit community where entrepreneurs of all levels engage in open discussion. You can find discussions related to startup advice, industry trends, and personal experiences in it. 

Reddit is known for its candid and diverse discourse. Like most online groups, a skeptical eye is often necessary when reading posts, and feedback can be brutally honest. This online community is great for informal advice and peer support. 

Compared to other online communities, Reddit is like the wild-west, with only a vague structure and no events, mentorship programs, or vetted material. Still, there is ample opportunity for growth and connections if you put the work into engaging with the content and finding an active subreddit like r/Entrepreneur that meets your needs.

Founders Network

Founders Network is an exclusive membership-based community offering peer mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to a vast network of tech founders. Their qualification page stipulates that you must be a full-time tech founder, align with their values, pay annual fees, not engage in solicitation, and more.

If you can qualify, this community is particularly beneficial for tech entrepreneurs seeking connections with other founders and potential investors who want to scale quickly.

Slack Communities

These communities focus on real-time communication and offer channels for specific topics and hyper-focused discussions. Their communities are more intimate and interactive because of their real-time collaboration and frequent direct messaging.

Each Slack community’s requirements for joining are different. Some have a steep vetting process and are invite-only, while others charge a monthly fee. Bear in mind that if the community is 100% free without vetting or invitation, the activity level is likely low, and the group may not exist for long.

Some popular ones include:

• Online Geniuses: aimed at digital marketers
• No Code Founders: tailored to entrepreneurs who want to build an internet company without code
• GrowthMentor: focuses on founders and marketers involved in business growth
• Traffic Think Tank: for SEOs
• Unicorn Think Tank: caters to anyone in SaaS

These communities are great for networking in a more personal setting, getting quick feedback, and building closer relationships with peers.

Quora Spaces

Quora Spaces centers around knowledge sharing. “Spaces” are topic-focused, allowing entrepreneurs to follow and contribute to discussions on areas of interest to build topical authority. Members curate content for quality, which is helpful for deep dives into particular subjects. A couple of my favorite spaces are Entrepreneurial Mindset and Startups.

Entrepreneurs use Quora’s Q&A style format to gain insights or garner credibility. You can leverage Quora’s deep talent bench to get expert answers by asking targeted questions about your industry. Conversely, crafting well-thought-out answers in areas of your expertise can help boost your credibility and visibility.

Quora Spaces is ideal for entrepreneurs who seek deep insights in response to nuanced questions or want to build a professional online presence via answers. 

GrowthHackers

As you can guess from the name, GrowthHackers is a community specializing in marketing strategies. Their industry experts offer discussions, case studies, and AMAs (Ask Me Anything) focused around marketing tactics.

This invite-only community is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to learn the ins and outs of growth hacking.

Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC)

YEC is an invite-only community for young entrepreneurs under 45. YEC members gain access to exclusive events, forums, and resources tailored to young business leaders. According to their website, to qualify, you must achieve one of the following:

• Your business must generate at least $1M in revenue.
• Your business must have $1M in funding.
• You must have sold your company for at least $2M in the last three years.

This community is helpful for young founders looking for a well-vetted, prestigious network, professional development, and peer-to-peer support. 

How to Best Promote Your Business in Online Entrepreneur Communities

Promoting your business online is all about balance. Start by being genuinely helpful – answer questions, share advice, and join discussions. This builds your credibility without coming across as self-serving. Engage with others’ posts to demonstrate your willingness to contribute, not just promote. Instead of direct promotion, share success stories or case studies showing how you’ve helped others. Offering free resources like guides or webinars can also showcase your expertise. When you do talk about your business, be transparent and focus on how it can benefit the community. Remember, it’s about building relationships first; the promotion will follow naturally.

Provide Value First

Try giving before asking. Offer value to the community before seeking anything in return. By sharing your knowledge or providing helpful resources, you build credibility and show genuine interest in helping others. For example, offer to help evaluate a business idea if an entrepreneur is uncertain of its success. This approach creates goodwill, builds connections, and encourages people to reciprocate when you need support. When you give first, people are more likely to be open and supportive when you eventually ask for something.

Share Your Expertise

Sharing your insights in online communities can help you stand out as an authority. When you consistently provide thoughtful advice, people see you as a “go-to” expert. This builds trust and credibility with other members. Over time, this can lead to more opportunities because people will seek out your expertise.

Participate in Discussions

Jumping into meaningful conversations and helping solve problems can be rewarding. It helps you build strong relationships, which may lead to collaborations or friendships. You also learn from different perspectives, which sharpens your intuition.

Offer Exclusive Deals

Offering special discounts to community members at the right time and place is a clever way to build goodwill. It shows you appreciate the community, making members feel valued. These offers can also get people to check out your website or follow you on social media for an additional touchpoint in your marketing funnel. If they become customers, they’re more likely to share their positive experiences with their network, creating a sales “snowball” effect.

Host Virtual Events

Hosting webinars, workshops, or Q&As is a great way to show off your expertise while adding value. Compared to hosting a physical event, online events offer greater flexibility and reduce costs to you and attendees. While presenting at an event like a webinar, remember to keep the discussion high-level unless someone asks for more details. Avoid lengthy monologues and summarize your experiences. This approach keeps the conversation interactive and more like a discussion than a lecture.

Interactive sessions get people involved and make learning more engaging. By offering practical tips and solutions, you give attendees something they can apply to their businesses, which boosts your value in their eyes. These events also help you connect directly with community members. And, of course, participating or hosting these events increases your visibility, drawing more attention to your brand and attracting new clients.

Complete Your Profile

Filling out your profile is an easy one many entrepreneurs skip. People don’t want to connect with an enigma. Create a solid digital presence by paying attention to details in your profile. Use industry-relevant keywords and statistics for your business, and include a professional profile picture and link to your website. 

Making It Easy to Sell Online Businesses
Flippa provides owners and investors with the tools and expertise to sell.

Are There Restrictions on Who Can Join Entrepreneur Communities?

While many online entrepreneur communities welcome a wide range of participants, some have specific criteria or restrictions for membership. Factors often include the stage or scale of the business, industry focus, or professional experience. For instance, some communities are open, allowing anyone interested in entrepreneurship to join and participate. Others might have an application process or require referrals from existing members. Some may charge membership fees. These barriers to entry are a feature, not a bug. They create a more tailored networking environment and ensure that discussions remain high-quality and relevant to the community’s focus. By doing so, these communities aim to foster meaningful connections from engaged members and provide valuable support.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Online Entrepreneur Community Membership

You get out of online communities what you put into them. To maximize your results, focus on one, remain active, engage genuinely, and network strategically. The following tips can help you grow professionally and make the most of your community membership:

Active Participation

You can’t be all things to all people in multiple online communities and run your business. Pick one community that best aligns with your business goals, personality, and availability. This will ensure you have the bandwidth to regularly participate in discussions and events, sharing your experiences and insights to add value to the community. 

Genuine Engagement

Don’t be a spam bot, reposting the same things repeatedly. Engage with others by asking questions and offering feedback. Be humble and seek advice. You’ll gain insights and encourage others to share their teachable moments.

Strategic Networking

Look for critical connections, like potential mentors and influencers in your industry who have run a similar-sized business. Use networking events like virtual meetups, webinars, and workshops to expand your circle.

Leverage Resources

Remember to use the community’s resources, like articles, templates, webinars, and mentorship programs. Most importantly, consider offering your expertise to help others. Your time is limited, but know that giving back grows your visibility within the community and hones your leadership and business-building skills. 

Making It Easy to Sell Online Businesses
Flippa provides owners and investors with the tools and expertise to sell.

In Brief

An online entrepreneur community can transform your entrepreneurial journey. You don’t have to grind in isolation or learn exclusively by trial and error. Communities are invaluable hubs for networking and a robust support system. Engaging in one can significantly reduce your learning curve as you grow your business. When you tap into an online community, you can fast-track progress and grab opportunities in the ever-evolving business world. 

FAQs

How active are entrepreneur communities?

Entrepreneur communities can be active, but it varies. Large, open groups like Reddit’s r/Entrepreneur or LinkedIn Groups usually have a steady stream of new discussions because they have so many members. Niche or industry-specific communities might not have as much volume, but the conversations are often more focused and relevant. Membership-based groups like Founders Network or YEC usually center around events and curated discussions, so the engagement is high-quality but may be more intermittent. Slack communities and private forums can be hit or miss. Some buzz with real-time chats, while others are quieter until something big happens. 

What types of entrepreneurs are online communities best suited for?

Online communities are great for any entrepreneur who has the time to participate. If you want to connect and learn, there’s a community out there for you!

What networking opportunities do these online communities offer?

In online communities, you can glean insights from other entrepreneurs, meet industry experts, forge quick connections in real-time chat, and use mentorship programs to pair you with experienced guides. Collaborating on projects with other members can lead to valuable, longer-term partnerships.

What resources do entrepreneur communities typically provide to members?

Entrepreneur communities typically offer a range of resources to support their members, including:

• Educational content like essential entrepreneurial skills for success
• Mentorship opportunities
• Networking events
• Discussion forums
• Tools and templates

Can entrepreneur communities help with funding or investment opportunities?

Entrepreneur communities can help with funding and investment. They often connect with investors and organize pitch events where you can present your ideas. You might also find mentors who can guide you through the funding process. Members often share tips about a variety of funding opportunities. Networking within these communities can lead to valuable introductions to potential investors.

How do entrepreneur communities handle privacy and data protection?

Some platforms let you control your privacy settings to give you control over what you share. A general rule of thumb for online security is to refrain from posting any information you would be uncomfortable sharing publicly. It’s a delicate balance to strike when your goal is increased visibility. While platforms may take appropriate steps to secure your data, predicting the future of hacks and criminal intent is impossible. Many online communities are becoming compliant with prominent data privacy laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). I can’t speak for all platforms, but they typically have clear privacy policies. Remember to read their privacy policies carefully to see how they use your data. Quite often, if something is free, you’re the product. I.e., they’re selling your data. 

What’s the difference between general and niche entrepreneur communities?

General entrepreneur communities are open to various business types and offer advice on broad topics like marketing and finance. They’re great if you’re looking for diverse perspectives. Niche communities focus on specific industries or interests, providing specialized discussions and resources. These are perfect if you want to target advice and networking in your particular field. For example, when I ran the largest discussion forum for domain name investing, members learned the value of domains and how to buy them for their businesses or even sell them. Your choice depends on whether you need general guidance or something specific to your niche.

Making It Easy to Sell Online Businesses
Flippa provides owners and investors with the tools and expertise to sell.