Canadian Bohemian

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Hudson's Bay/176 Yonge St./416-861-911 Duo Heidi Sopinka and Claudia Dey have created a devine line for the bohemian girl. Brought to life from habotai and sand-washed silk, their light as air caftans can be grounded for your fall/winter '13 wardrobe with motorcycle boots and faux fur hat.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Cliques vs Tribes: How one hurts and one helps in networking Part 2

I think the best way to sum up the difference between a clique and a tribe is: A clique is exclusive. A tribe is inclusive.

Cliques don't want new members. The dynamics of the group-usually one leader with a bunch of followers-is set in stone.

For those who get upset about being shut out of a clique, don't. It's not worth the time or energy. You have better things to do - like finding your tribe.

For those who find themselves in a clique and want to expand their network - your clique is holding you back.

A network is entirely different than having best friends.

You will find those in your network will push you, question you and you won't necessarily get virtual head pats for being medicore. Which is hard for some bloggers. Which is why many stay within the confines of their clique.

Within a tribe you will find those with similar passions and interests but there isn't this exclusivity. Everyone is welcome to join. The more the merrier, often working for the good of the group, rather than the ego of the leader. Which is what happens in cliques.

With more people welcome to the table, the tribe's collective knowledge grows. One member who is good at web design might help a writer with their web page. The writer in turn might know an accountant for the web designer or help them write a blog post.

In tribes, differing opinions and constructive criticism is not taking personally. It might be because members are seen more as advisors rather than co-dependents - which, unfortunately is a fun feature of cliques. This helps you grow as a professional. Someone in a clique doesn't like another's Instagram filter and it quickly escalates into accusations of bullying. In a clique, members either offer glowing reviews, sometimes not genuine, or say nothing in fear of being ousted from the group. How is this helpful?

Tribes are much more flexible and generous with sharing of connections within the group and outside when it is required.

Cliques will always exist. Even past high school. It's important to remember though, that cliques are very fragile organisms, they usually don't last very long and quite frankly are based on pretty superficial things. They are not something to depend on to build yourself as a successful blogger.

So, chin up and you will find the place where you belong and you will make great connections that will help you and your blog grow. There are people out there just like you, who think they don't belong anywhere, until they do. And they'll let you still be yourself, welcome your feedback and expertise, and open you up to so many wonderful things. We are out there and we are waiting for you to join us.