5 Types of Connection Every Community Should Make

Building a community at its foundation is about bringing people together — connecting people who wouldn’t otherwise meet for opportunities that would otherwise not be found. Not all types of connections are made equal: big groups, small groups, 1:1 and others achieve different outcomes.

This is especially true for a founder community, where opportunities can come from the most seemingly random of connections. Even in an online community spanning multiple countries and with different cultures such as in Southeast Asia, these connections will prove valuable. So here are five essential types of connections that you as a founder should take advantage of.

1. Member Directory

A well-organized directory empowers members to find others who share common interests, industries, or goals. It’s a powerful tool for fostering connections without needing constant facilitation.

Why It’s Essential: Members can easily identify potential collaborators, mentors, or peers based on their profiles.

How to Implement: Create an online directory where members can list their skills, needs, and interests. Ensure it’s searchable and regularly updated.

With generative AI easily accessible these days, directories can be upgraded into something more interactive and allow community members to find the right person quickly.

2. Matchmaking Service

Sometimes, members need a little help finding the right person to connect with. A matchmaking service pairs individuals based on their needs, goals, or interests, enabling one-on-one networking.

Why It’s Essential: It facilitates intentional and meaningful connections that might not happen organically.

How to Implement: Use a tool or form where members can specify their interests and needs, then pair them with others who align.

Sometimes, unexpected connections can be formed when we are (randomly) matched with others. In addition, this service encourages those who are less sociable to expand their network in a meaningful manner.

3. Forum Discussions

A forum serves as the heartbeat of your community—a place where members can engage in discussions, ask questions, and share insights on anything and everything.

Why It’s Essential: Forums encourage spontaneous interaction and knowledge-sharing, keeping the community active and engaged.

How to Implement: Create an online forum or Slack channel where members can start threads, comment, and interact freely.

This is essential for intellectual exchanges or to share opportunities, enabling everyone to participate. Such discussions elevate the skills and knowledge of the entire community.

4. Physical Events

Events bring your community to life. They provide opportunities for members to meet face-to-face (or virtually), share ideas, and discover new opportunities.

Why It’s Essential: Events build trust and camaraderie, helping members form deeper relationships.

How to Implement: Host a mix of recurring events (like monthly meetups) and one-off experiences (such as guest speaker sessions or hackathons).

As much as online communities can thrive, physical interaction is often the most desirable to build connections and create a sense of liveliness in the community. Where possible, organise physical meetups to show that there are real people who exist in the community.

5. Mastermind Groups

Small group discussions or mastermind sessions allow members to dive deeper into specific topics, share insights, and solve problems collaboratively. These intimate gatherings create space for niche conversations that might not happen in larger forums.

Why It’s Essential: Members benefit from tailored advice, focused brainstorming, and mutual accountability.

How to Implement: Organize regular small group meetings around shared interests or goals. For example, founders could join groups focused on fundraising, scaling, or product development.

Mastermind groups can be designed differently depending on their purpose. For some, the goal is accountability and keeping people on track to meeting their goals. For others, the goal is a safe space to share difficulties and get insight from others who may have been in similar shoes.

Final Thoughts

The best communities aren’t just collections of people—they’re ecosystems designed to help individuals connect, grow, and thrive. By incorporating different ways people can connect, you can build a community that delivers real value to its members and stands the test of time. When these components work together, they form a dynamic network where everyone can find their place and contribute meaningfully.

Check out our review on the top Singapore-based communities in Southeast Asia.