Finding Your Crew: 5 Ways To Build A Support System In The Twin Cities

It’s been said the only way to make friends in Minnesota is to have grown up here. If you did, there’s a good chance you probably ran into one or two acquaintances from your hometown at the most recent networking event you attended. And if you’re not originally from the Bold North, you probably feel a little out of place at similar events.; clueless as to how conversations about advertising and mentorship so easily, and so frequently, head down the path of tater tot hotdish and Prince.

However you wound up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, there’s something besides our shared geographical location we all have in common: We’re all trying to find our tribe—a crew of like-minded individuals who support us, uplift us and empower us to be our best selves.

Unfortunately, finding our tribe is often easier in theory than in practice, so we’ve put together the following tips to help you find community in good ol’ Minneapolis/St. Paul

Try Something New

It’s difficult trying to make friends if you never leave your house. We know how tempting it is to lie around watching Broad City all day, but if you want a bond as tight as Abbi and Ilana’s, you have to step outside your comfort zone now and then.

Lucky for you, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to see right here in the Twin Cities. Look for events centered around your interests and hobbies. For example, visit Mia if you’re into art or check out a show at First Ave if music is your thing.

Join Online Communities

In today’s digital age, finding your tribe has never been easier. Joining online communities on Facebook, LinkedIn and Slack can be a great way to help you get to know others in the area. But how do you go about finding the right groups to join? Here are a few local groups other MPLS MadWomen love:

WOMN’S WORK

The small business version of a support group, WoMN’s Work hosts bi-weekly meetups for women in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

TWIN CITIES COLLECTIVE

This Facebook group invites local bloggers, entrepreneurs and creatives to share knowledge, expertise, event info. and additional resources throughout the work week.

#CREATELOUNGE: MPLS

Create Lounge is a community of creative professionals and business owners who want to tap into their voice, share their story and build their tribe (ding ding ding!).

WOMEN IN DIGITAL

WID is a women-only space dedicated to promoting equality in the Twin Cities and beyond by hosting monthly meetups, offering advice and sharing job openings.

Say “Hello”

Simply showing up in these spaces isn’t always enough. You have to do a little leg work to find the gals worth gabbing with. Once you’re at a local attraction or added to a stellar Facebook group, introduce yourself!

The good news: joining communities like these means you’ll always be surrounded by people who share your same interests. You can easily find someone to connect with and with whom you can bond over your career, interests, and goals.

Stay Minnesota Nice

Minneapolis is small. If you stay in the area, you’re bound to bump into (and even work alongside) someone you’ve met either online or at a past event. Don’t be shy! They call us Minnesota Nice for a reason, right? After rubbing elbows with your newfound friends, follow up with them by adding them on social media and continuing to invite them to local events.

Don’t Settle

The people you choose to spend time with will have a profound impact on your life; choose wisely. In case no one has told you recently, remember you deserve to spend time with people who realize your potential and who can help you reach it.

It takes some digging. It takes some awkward introductions, some bravery, and a little turbulence at times before you find your go-to crew—but good people exist. Here’s to finding them.

//photo by Jacquelynne Kosmicki