This is the first interview in our series — we delve into the importance of building communities in 2024, their potential benefits for members, and strategies for discovering and expanding a network of like-minded people.
In a world of traditional and serious HR communities, one visionary founder sought to create a safe space for like-minded professionals. Meet Linh Grethe, the founder of HR Collective — a community where passion meets purpose, and the future of work becomes cooler. In a Community Talk with Maria, founder of Maramio, she shared insights about the challenges behind the scenes, the non-traditional approach to community building, and the power of good karma.
This is the second interview in our series — we delve into the importance of building communities in 2024, their potential benefits for members, and strategies for discovering and expanding a network of like-minded people.
In a world of traditional and serious HR communities, one visionary founder sought to create a safe space for like-minded professionals. Meet Linh Grethe, the founder of HR Collective — a community where passion meets purpose, and the future of work becomes cooler. In a Community Talk with Maria, founder of Maramio, she shared insights about the challenges behind the scenes, the non-traditional approach to community building, and the power of good karma.
How did you come up with the idea of creating the HR community?
I was looking for a modern, cool HR community, but unfortunately, I didn't find one. So the ones I did find were very traditional and serious. That's why I envisioned a safe space for myself and for all the awesome HR professionals and recruiters out there. Basically, I wanted to build a digital hangout for like-minded people who are passionate about making work awesome. And that's why I now have HR Collective.
So it came from personal pain, let's say.
Yeah.
What are the core values and mission of it? What problems does it solve?
We are on a mission to empower HR professionals and recruiters to build a future of work that is way cooler than the current HR situation. We break down silos and connect people, fostering a sense of community and collaboration — that's our values.
We are more than just a social club, because many people think of us that way. We are an HR and recruiting education platform with events, conferences, webinars, and, of course, a lot of content. Basically, it's like a one-stop shop for recruiting, designed to transform the old ways of doing things.
We are the next generation of HR, and we aim to effect change. We want to do more than just be HR people. We want to create a positive impact on people's lives.
Perhaps this is the difference between our new generation of HR and the old one.
How many members do you have?
After one year, we have over 900 members from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It's so nice to see how the community has grown. It's like a small circuit, very exclusive because among the 900 members, they are only HR professionals and recruiters. This is what I also envision for the community: sustainable growth and creating a safe space for the members. I don't feel the need to grow to over 10,000 members.
We have a lot of regional meetups, and now we are present in almost 40 cities across the three countries. I'm also very proud to see monthly how our ambassadors are doing great work. They are so creative and organize events so well. It makes me very, very proud.
I know that you started it out of passion, without many resources, but with a lot of energy. Like when I started Maramio, the first year was transformative for me and for the company as well. What is the main insight you gained during the development of your community?
The start was very hard, of course, because I didn't have any connections, or I was not as visible as I am now on LinkedIn. So I believe that building genuine connections is key.
Focus on doing good, putting good vibes out there, and the good karma will come back to you tenfold.
Building a community solely for profit is, for me, a no-go. That's why authenticity and genuine connection are what keep people coming back for more.
It's like a business in a way — with a lot of moving parts that you need to connect, bringing people together and motivating them to participate.
It's also a lot of work, and people often don't see that. They just see all the good things, but behind the scenes, it's very challenging. At the start, I cried a lot because it was so difficult.
Me too, me too.
Yeah, I feel you. But people, they don't see all of these hard milestones.
Would you do it again if you knew what it takes?
Yes, I would. It was part of the process. I think if you are strong enough and if you really want to do this, then you will reach your goals.
Why do you think businesses or different professionals need the community in 2024 and what opportunities for the members does it provide?
I think we are all social beings, and communities fulfill that basic human need for connection and inspiration. In 2024, building a robust community within your organization is crucial. Stronger employee bonds lead to better retention rates, providing a significant advantage in today's competitive job market. Think of it as an investment in your company culture and your most valued asset: your people.
I know that you organize leading activities and retreats, which I imagine also provide great value to your members.
Yes, the idea came up last year in September. It was our first HR retreat because I love to mix things up. It's not just about HR; it's more than that because we are people with diverse interests. So why not combine HR with lifestyle and our personal lives? That's why I had the idea to organize HR retreats. It's so cool because it's a different way to learn and also to connect with other people.
What is your main advice for those who want to find like-minded people and develop their own community?
I have a lot of advice, but the most important one is: don't overthink it, just jump in and get started. However, remember to have a clear vision and mission. Think of yourself as a North Star. With a strong sense of purpose, it's easier to attract and retain members. Just do it, and do it with passion and vision.
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Written by Maria Bakatsiuk
Maria is the founder of Maramio. With a deep appreciation for the sentimental value of physical gifts, Maria works tirelessly to deliver exceptional and thoughtfully curated experiences to her clients. When not at work, Maria finds solace in the great outdoors, spending her free time hiking and exploring nature. Join her in her passion for both her business and for life's simplest pleasures.
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