Learning and being known.
WHAT COMMUNITIES PROVIDE
Answers to problems Awareness of what is happening Relationships Opportunities
WHERE THEY EXIST
Technology-specific forums and channels Local meetups Online communities Open source projects
WHAT TO DO
Participate, over time.
WHAT PARTICIPATING MEANS
Answering questions within your ability Asking good questions Sharing what you learned
WHAT A GOOD QUESTION CONTAINS
What you are trying to do What you tried What happened What you expected
WHY
It is answerable, and it demonstrates effort.
WHAT TO AVOID
Asking without attempting Demanding help Posting only self-promotion
WHAT ANSWERING QUESTIONS DOES FOR YOU
Consolidates your understanding Builds visible reputation
WHY VISIBILITY MATTERS
It produces opportunities without applications.
WHAT LOCAL COMMUNITIES PROVIDE
Relationships that produce referrals Awareness of who is hiring A sense of the local market
WHAT TO DO AT EVENTS
Talk to people, rather than only attending.
WHAT TO ASK
What they work on, and what is difficult about it.
WHY
It is a genuine conversation, not a pitch.
WHAT TO OFFER
Help, where you can.
WHAT TO SUSTAIN
Presence, modestly, over years.
