It’s easy to look around and see how technology has affected everything. Kids and adults attached to screens for information and entertainment. Our social circles used to all be in real life, but now they are more and more virtual. With all the help technology has given us, it seems we have less and less time to connect one on one.

It’s important to have real friends and it’s also become important to have friends who can support you virtually. You can connect with them at midnight when you’re in your PJs and worrying about something or you can quickly connect while you’re waiting for a flight at the airport.

There are all kinds of online groups for:

• Parents
• Children
• Stepfamilies
• Employees
• Entrepreneurs
• Sports enthusiasts
• Animal enthusiasts
• Political enthusiasts
• Movie buffs
• Travel buffs
• History buffs
• Exercise buffs
• Spirituality
• Religion

And on and on it goes…

What these groups can do is take you from feeling like one tiny person in a mass of humanity to a person who can connect to other real people around a passion or issue. It’s kind of like the difference between going to a huge mega-church where no one knows your name to becoming a part of a small group within that church. You can find friendship, fellowship, support when you need it, give support when someone else needs it, significance and so much more.

We’ve been part of different organizations who give support to entrepreneurs and small business owners. They’ve been great for getting feedback and ideas on what’s working right now in business and for getting a different pair of eyes on what you’re doing as a business and how you could improve. But not only those practical reasons are why we’ve become part of these groups that mostly interact online, we’ve formed lifelong friendships from these groups.

Here are 3 tips for finding online groups to support your life:

1. Try out a couple of tribes – Try out a couple of groups around the topic you most want help with or are passionate about. That way, you can see what the differences are and how you fit in and gel with the group. Not every group will be a fit, so don’t get discouraged if your first try isn’t a smashing success.
2. Stay on the positive side – Always give your group members the benefit of the doubt. Some things can get “lost in translation” when you’re sending emails or making comments on a forum. There’s so much negativity online today, but you can steer clear of it by choosing to be a part of groups of like-minded people who are committed to making things better, rather than complaining and criticizing
3.  Stay connected – Make sure to go in from time to time and actually connect with your group members. It’s easy to feel like you’re in the “conversation” if you’re getting everyone’s emails and comments but be sure you’re also contributing to the group.

You may be surprised at the online community you become a part of. Even if you aren’t right in front of each other, these people can become trusted and supportive friends for your journey.