As a Power Platform developer, you’re likely eager to network and show off your skills. But with so many social networks and online communities, knowing where to focus your time and energy can be hard. In this post, we’ll explore the top social networks and communities for Power Platform developers, including their pros and cons.
Facebook and LinkedIn Groups:
These are probably the most obvious choices for networking with other professionals in your field. However, many of these groups can be heavily promotional, making it challenging to build genuine connections. That said, there are some great groups out there that offer valuable resources and insights, so it’s worth exploring.
YouTube:
YouTube is fantastic for showcasing your Power Platform skills and building a following. Many Power Platform influencers on YouTube share tutorials, demos, and other helpful content. Creating your channel and regularly uploading videos can help you gain visibility and establish yourself as an expert in the field.
Here are two examples of YouTubers who have become pretty popular:
- Reza Dorrani – Reza is a Microsoft MVP and a seasoned consultant who shares his expertise on Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate. He posts tutorials, demos, and live streams on his YouTube channel. Link: Reza Dorrani – YouTube
- April Dunnam – April is a Microsoft Certified Trainer specialising in SharePoint, Power Apps, and Power Automate. She shares tips, tricks, and best practices on her YouTube channel to help people learn these tools. Link: April Dunnam – YouTube
As an aside, if you get popular on YouTube, the ad revenue can be rewarding.
TikTok:
While it may not be the first platform that comes to mind for professional networking, TikTok has become a popular platform for sharing short, engaging videos on various topics. Power Platform developers can leverage TikTok to share quick tips and tricks or even showcase fun Power Platform hacks. The key is to make your content engaging and shareable.
Take a look at the Collab365 Account on TikTok: Collab365 (@collab365shorts) | TikTok
Collab365 Academy:
The Collab365 Academy is an online community that provides training and resources for Microsoft professionals, including Power Platform developers. The Academy also runs a vibrant society on a Circle platform, allowing members to connect and collaborate on various projects and initiatives.
The beauty about the Collab365 Academy is that it’s narrowly focused on learning the Power Platform, so you don’t get distracted like on wider purpose networks like Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. It’s also a great way to ask and answer questions.
Twitter:
Twitter is an excellent platform for networking with other Power Platform Developers and staying up-to-date with the latest news and trends in the community. You can use Twitter to share your content, as well as to engage with others and build your following.
Microsoft Tech Community:
Finally, the Microsoft Tech Community is an excellent forum for Power Platform developers to connect with other professionals and get help with technical issues. Microsoft employees moderate the community and feature many resources, including product updates, technical documentation, and support forums.
In summary, there are many social networks and online communities for Power Platform developers to choose from. While Facebook and LinkedIn Groups are a good starting point, they can be promotional and lack engagement. YouTube and TikTok are great platforms for showcasing your skills and building a following, while the Collab365 Academy and Microsoft Tech Community offer more structured opportunities for networking and collaboration. The key is finding the best platform for you and your goals.