Community Building 101: How to Take the First Step

Sarah Brumley

Sarah Brumley

We’ve all hesitated to reach out—wondering if it’s the right time, unsure of what to say, or nervous about taking that first step. Today’s episode is all about making the first move. Whether it’s sending a text, introducing yourself, or attending a local event, you’ll feel confident taking small but powerful steps toward building stronger connections. Sound like something you need? Well then, let’s get started!

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Before we dive into today’s episode, I have a quick question for you: Are you on my email list? If not, you’re totally missing out!

Each week, I send out an email packed with budgeting challenges, home maintenance strategies, fun and frugal family activities, meal planning tips, and even a sneak peek behind the scenes. My goal is simple: to inspire you to take those small steps that can lead to big changes in your home and financial life.

I promise I won’t clutter your inbox—just valuable insights to help you thrive! If you’d like to join our community, head over to lemonblessings.com/news or click the link in the show notes.

Together we can transform those small actions into significant results!

How to Take the First Step in Building Community

Welcome back to the Financial Fix Up Podcast! I’m your host, Sarah Brumley, and this week, we’re on a mission to strengthen our community ties with the 5-Day Community Building Challenge.

So far, we’ve defined our circles of community and pinpointed where we feel gaps or needs. If you missed the first two episodes, I encourage you to go back and catch up—they’re essential for today’s focus.

Why does today’s step matter? Because reflection alone doesn’t create connection—action does. And I know taking that first step can feel a little intimidating. Maybe you’re worried about saying the wrong thing, or you think the other person might not be interested. Here’s the truth: most people feel the exact same way. A kind message or thoughtful gesture can brighten someone’s day in ways you might not expect.

Today, we’re focusing on how to make that first move with confidence and ease. And I’m hoping by the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear plan to reach out and start building meaningful relationships.

Step #1: Choose Your Action

Let’s start by choosing one small, intentional action to initiate a connection. Think back to the circle you decided to focus on yesterday. What’s one simple move you can make this week to strengthen it?

Here are a few ideas:

  • Send a text to a friend or neighbor you’ve been meaning to connect with.
  • Attend a local event or group meeting to meet new people.
  • Introduce yourself to someone you often see but don’t know well, like a fellow parent at school drop-off or a coworker.

If you’re not sure what to say, keep it simple. For example, “I’ve been meaning to reach out and see how you’re doing” or “Would you like to grab coffee sometime?” These small actions show genuine interest and can open the door to meaningful connections.

Step #2: Overcoming Hesitation

I know making the first move can feel uncomfortable. You might worry about being rejected, saying the wrong thing, or wondering if the other person even wants to connect. Those are completely normal feelings! But here’s something to keep in mind: most people are genuinely thrilled to hear from someone who shows they care.

Let’s break it down:

  • If you’re afraid of rejection, remember this—rejection is rare when you’re reaching out with kindness. Most people will appreciate the effort, even if they can’t respond right away.
  • Don’t know what to say? You don’t need a perfect script. A simple “I’ve been thinking about you” or “I’d love to catch up” can go a long way.
  • Feeling awkward? Think about how you’d feel if someone reached out to you unexpectedly. It would probably brighten your day, right? That’s all it takes—connection, not perfection.

Taking that first step is a gift. It’s a way to show you value the relationship, and that effort alone can make a huge difference. It’s meaningful for them—and for you.

Step #3: Involve Your Family

If you’re looking for a way to involve your family, this is a great time to work together on a small act of kindness. Here are a few ideas:

  • Write thank-you notes to neighbors or friends and deliver them as a family.
  • Bake cookies or prepare a small treat and drop them off with a kind note.
  • Plan a family outing to attend a local event and invite another family to join you.

For example, you could let your kids decorate cards or help bake the cookies. This not only teaches them the value of connection but also makes the experience fun and meaningful for everyone.

What’s Your First Step in Building Community

And there you have it – Day 3 of this Community Building Challenge is in the books. Yay!

Here’s your challenge for today:

  1. Choose one action to initiate a connection.
  2. Take that step—whether it’s sending a text, attending an event, or delivering a small act of kindness.

After you’ve taken that step, take a moment to reflect on how it felt. Did the person respond positively? Did it make you feel more connected? Write it down or share it with someone close to you as a way to celebrate the effort you’ve made. Even if the response wasn’t immediate or exactly what you expected, remind yourself that this is just the beginning – this is just the first step toward building your community. So don’t give up.

Remember, connection isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up.

Tomorrow, we’ll explore how to take the connections you’re building and turn them into shared experiences with your family. We’ll talk about fun, meaningful activities that bring your household closer while helping you engage with your community in deeper ways. So I hope you’ll join me. And if this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend who might enjoy the challenge too.

Whatever you decide, just know that I’m cheering you on! You’ve got this! Have an amazing day and I’ll chat with you again next time!

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