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Built to Belong: Discovering the Power of Community Over Competition
This fresh, inspiring call to community and connection from an entrepreneur and leader is perfect for anyone feeling alone and ready to set off on a journey to true belonging.
Many of us feel more alone than ever despite living in the most connected society in human history. We need to belong in the same way that we need oxygen–our physical bodies require it. We perform better and have greater successes as individuals when we are connected to the collective.
Join author Natalie Franke as she shares her story of longing for connection in the chaos and lessons learned on her journey to true belonging. Together we’ll uncover how to: Human beings are not highlight reels—we’re done fanning the flames of comparison, drowning in our insecurities, and being pitted against one another. We’re saying no to the endless rat race of getting ahead and goodbye to the narratives that leave us feeling left out and alone.
We are destined for something better. We’re made for so much more. Because knit into the fabric of our DNA, we were Built to Belong .
Many of us feel more alone than ever despite living in the most connected society in human history. We need to belong in the same way that we need oxygen–our physical bodies require it. We perform better and have greater successes as individuals when we are connected to the collective.
Join author Natalie Franke as she shares her story of longing for connection in the chaos and lessons learned on her journey to true belonging. Together we’ll uncover how to: Human beings are not highlight reels—we’re done fanning the flames of comparison, drowning in our insecurities, and being pitted against one another. We’re saying no to the endless rat race of getting ahead and goodbye to the narratives that leave us feeling left out and alone.
We are destined for something better. We’re made for so much more. Because knit into the fabric of our DNA, we were Built to Belong .
256 pages, Hardcover
Published August 24, 2021
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January 16, 2022I feel like I've read this number of times before but because I read a lot of books in this category, I have. It'd be a fantastic pick for someone wondering about the power of community over competition and how to develop and strengthen bonds among people, especially those who may be your competition. It's focused on small, creative businesses but much of what Franke says expands beyond that group.
The best little nugget in here for me was the chapter on how people who engage in social media tend to have a better relationship with it than those who simply consume. I wonder about those who, like me, pick and choose their social media engagement vs. consumption for different purposes and maybe it's that -- knowing you're making a choice about that -- is the big secret.
The best little nugget in here for me was the chapter on how people who engage in social media tend to have a better relationship with it than those who simply consume. I wonder about those who, like me, pick and choose their social media engagement vs. consumption for different purposes and maybe it's that -- knowing you're making a choice about that -- is the big secret.
February 14, 2023
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Built to Belong is a book that is based on building community in the entrepreneur sector. Instead of looking at people in the same field of industry as a competition but as a way to support one another.
Or instead of looking at, what can I get from you in a networking event? Think, what can we do together to support one another?
I do really love the points that Natalie tackles in this book. She gives tips on how to build that type of community. She also sets and gives a framework because we might feel the competitiveness and how to look at it differently.
The only thing that I would say about this book is that Natalie uses a lot of examples from her life experience that I personally could not connect with. Not that it is bad, but I am in a different place with a different experience that I couldn’t connect with.
This is a great book if you are looking to build or join the community in your industry. Looking at your peers as a way to help one another instead of a threat.
September 15, 2021
I don't know about you, but there are times when I am on social media and I just get tired of all of the competition. I wonder if I am doing any real good. Built to Belong: Discovering the Power of Community over Competition by Natalie Franke is a great read if you share similar feelings.
Natalie Franke offers a lot of truly helpful advice in Built to Belong. She offers easy to follow steps to finding your community and to improving your communication both on-line and in person. I like how practical her ideas are and how she offers examples to show how they can work. I also like how she encourages readers to see what they have to offer and has ideas on finding a community and spending less time endlessly scrolling. Franke's writing is easy to read and understand. The whole book is definitely something we need to read with the way we interact in today's world. This would be a great book to discuss in a book club or with a group of like-minded readers. In the back of the book, there is a Reading Group Guide with good discussion questions. I have to add that I also like this eye-catching cover on Built to Belong.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
Natalie Franke offers a lot of truly helpful advice in Built to Belong. She offers easy to follow steps to finding your community and to improving your communication both on-line and in person. I like how practical her ideas are and how she offers examples to show how they can work. I also like how she encourages readers to see what they have to offer and has ideas on finding a community and spending less time endlessly scrolling. Franke's writing is easy to read and understand. The whole book is definitely something we need to read with the way we interact in today's world. This would be a great book to discuss in a book club or with a group of like-minded readers. In the back of the book, there is a Reading Group Guide with good discussion questions. I have to add that I also like this eye-catching cover on Built to Belong.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
August 25, 2021
This book will inspire you to ditch the vanity metrics and remember what business is really about: serving your community.
As a lifelong community builder and co-founder of Rising Tide Society, Natalie blended the best of scientific research, actionable advice, and storytelling in this book. I devoured it in less than 24 hours and would say it's THE book on community building for creatives. Also, can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is?!
This book is for you if:
- you have a vision that's greater than yourself
- you've felt isolated or alone as a solopreneur
- you want to nurture relationships rather than simply raising your follower counts
- you don't mind if your non-fiction books get a little nerdy!
As a lifelong community builder and co-founder of Rising Tide Society, Natalie blended the best of scientific research, actionable advice, and storytelling in this book. I devoured it in less than 24 hours and would say it's THE book on community building for creatives. Also, can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is?!
This book is for you if:
- you have a vision that's greater than yourself
- you've felt isolated or alone as a solopreneur
- you want to nurture relationships rather than simply raising your follower counts
- you don't mind if your non-fiction books get a little nerdy!
August 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The author spoke about lessons in her personal life and career, which made you feel like you where sitting around getting to know her. Through the business side, she gave many examples of other businesses that use a wonderful code of conduct like hers. On the personal side, she gives examples of becoming the person that you truly are. To not be quiet, but to share what you have been through and how you have been feeling. If someone has hurt your feelings or said a bad thing, to not just go home and think on it, but to say politely the truth. On the opposite end, how to react and what to say when someone comes to you saying that you hurt there feelings in so
July 8, 2021
Built to Belong is a great self-help-style book for the social media age. So many of us spend a majority of our time online, and feel lonely and that we lack real connection. This book acknowledges that and how much we need relationships and support, and then gives you advice on how to tackle that. It is especially geared toward entrepreneurs and those who have the desire to build their own community (like around a service, a good, or something that they see a need for). Franke uses personal stories and challenges that she's faced to show how community, both in person and online/created, have strengthened her, and then gives specific tips and steps on how to achieve that yourself.
I enjoyed this read! It encouraged me and made me want to use my social media to build each other up and support, rather than view everyone as competition. That was a main theme throughout the book-community over competition. This book would be a great read for anyone looking for more in their social media or wanting to repurpose their internet use, or anyone who wants to build a community and find people with similar interests!
Thank you to Netgalley and Worthy Books for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this read! It encouraged me and made me want to use my social media to build each other up and support, rather than view everyone as competition. That was a main theme throughout the book-community over competition. This book would be a great read for anyone looking for more in their social media or wanting to repurpose their internet use, or anyone who wants to build a community and find people with similar interests!
Thank you to Netgalley and Worthy Books for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2021
A book that every business owner needs to read! Our world needs community now more than ever and Natalie does an amazing job sharing the power of community in this book. I am a better person for reading it. I am inspired to lift others up, be the one that makes someone feel like that belong, forgive, love fiercely, stand up to injustice, and not let comparison take hold in my life but instead champion others. Thank you Natalie for this amazing book and for The Rising Tide Society which truly changed my life!
September 11, 2021
There's a lot of good in this book. I absolutely agree with the thesis, and the author has done good work with her organization. But I don't think you can champion belonging and people-first business, while simultaneously gushing over businesses like Tesla and Airbnb. If you're going to talk about corporate culture and Tesla, it feels disingenuous not to mention their union busting and other labor practices. If you're going to talk about equity and people mattering with Airbnb as an example, you really have to give at least a paragraph to the way the company has knowingly exacerbated the housing crisis, affecting the poorest people first and hardest. Those sections didn't feel people-first to me, and that being the point of the book, it affected my reading.
December 12, 2021
Built to Belong was completed unexpected. I was excited to read Natalie Frankie’s book but didn’t expect the honesty and depth this book provided. This book was full of real life examples of loneliness and feeling like an outsider with so much honesty and a rawness that felt way too relatable.
Thank you to Net Galley and the author for allowing me the opportunity to read this book prior to its publish date. I enjoyed it so much I bought an extra copy for a friend.
Thank you to Net Galley and the author for allowing me the opportunity to read this book prior to its publish date. I enjoyed it so much I bought an extra copy for a friend.
September 10, 2022
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up. A basic introduction to the benefits of community. While I was able to take away a few nuggets that were helpful, it was overly wordy and simplistic. Even though the author has overcome brain surgery and infertility, parts still felt seeped in privilege.
March 4, 2025
Re-reading this for a work book club & as always, served as a great reminder of what’s most important in life. We are a lonely society in need of more connection!
August 22, 2021
In Built to Belong, Natalie Franke has written a new book about we were all created to be a part of a community and to help one another out. She begins the book by discussing how even before we were born, we were all created and designed to belong. She also shared how we struggle with balancing between cooperation and competition. She opened up about how she started her own photography business. She realized that she also had to rely on others and how she wanted a true community that would support each other. She revealed how she battled loneliness and how being isolated can lead to depression, dementia, cognitive decline, and even suicide. She shared how she dealt with it and how she started to build her own community around the globe and this paved a way for her to connect with others. In the book, she goes into detail about how she was able to kick the comparison wheel to the curb. She helped found the Rising Tide Society in 2015 with three other people and this is a group of entrepreneurs that have a goal of cultivating communities. She faced some backlash from other people saying how other businesses won’t help one another because the business field is supposed to be competitive. She looked at how being so competitive can have major disadvances and they lose the sight of serving their customers and they stop focusing on forming meaningful relationships. She explained how success builds upon success and how much more we can benefit, if we would work together as a collaboration.
She also in the book shared how when she was newly married that they discovered that she had a tumor in her pituitary gland. She shared about how she was afraid to tell people because she didn’t want to be treated any different. Most of all she was struck in the denial phase. She explored how the changing times have also allowed us to hide behind a screen and how easier it is to put up a mask about how we are feeling. In 2017, after five years from being diagnosed, the doctors finally recommend that they perform surgery to remove it. She decided to tell people and she wrote about it on her blog. This taught her the importance of vulnerability and how others were also living their own lives in silence and they began to take their own masks off. She also opened up about her struggle with infertility and how she was eventually blessed with having a son.
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is ready to build a community and they are seeking a place to belong. I immensely loved the principles she included and how she encouraged readers to start with themselves. She taught readers how to get past our own insecurities and to learn to love yourself. Then we can focus on discovering and identifying what community we need. One of my favorite areas, she discussed was how to overcome first time phobias and how critical and life impacting it is to remember people’s names. I liked how she shared the whole story about how she started her own photography business and how she was able to also start another business that has helped over seventy thousand small businesses to also choose community over competition.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”
She also in the book shared how when she was newly married that they discovered that she had a tumor in her pituitary gland. She shared about how she was afraid to tell people because she didn’t want to be treated any different. Most of all she was struck in the denial phase. She explored how the changing times have also allowed us to hide behind a screen and how easier it is to put up a mask about how we are feeling. In 2017, after five years from being diagnosed, the doctors finally recommend that they perform surgery to remove it. She decided to tell people and she wrote about it on her blog. This taught her the importance of vulnerability and how others were also living their own lives in silence and they began to take their own masks off. She also opened up about her struggle with infertility and how she was eventually blessed with having a son.
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is ready to build a community and they are seeking a place to belong. I immensely loved the principles she included and how she encouraged readers to start with themselves. She taught readers how to get past our own insecurities and to learn to love yourself. Then we can focus on discovering and identifying what community we need. One of my favorite areas, she discussed was how to overcome first time phobias and how critical and life impacting it is to remember people’s names. I liked how she shared the whole story about how she started her own photography business and how she was able to also start another business that has helped over seventy thousand small businesses to also choose community over competition.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”
August 22, 2023
The first third of the book was very good - but the rest dragged it down. I definitely do reccomend to listen to the first third - it’s about our world gone wrong, about people not connecting, and how that is needed right down in our biology, the way we are built. Okay, I’ll sum it up myself :) We are still in the same bodies as cave men were, but we have seperated ourselves from other people, locking us down in our cubicles and concrete boxes, ordering even food home. Everywhere is unhealthy rivalry where losing is taking with emotions. A race to be the smartest, the strongest, and to be the most popular. We should aim at being OUR best, not THE best. We should not trust others, we don’t need to guard ourselves against the people next to us. No need to seek outer approval, but inner. To be ourselves, not “be like others”. In latin, “compete” comes from “strive together”, not strive against. We get more done when we are doing things together as a team. And we should go online to connect, not to scroll. When ever we are trying to “fit in”, we are not being ourselves - rather we should try to BELONG. As we are.
But also some notes from community building (the later ⅔ of the book, quite empty): build one persona at a time, one event at a time. Have unique rituals as a group, unique signs. We should earn their trust, not buy their attention.
Oh, and I found the phrasing of my aim in this book: I am here to introduce You to Your power and potential. This is what I have always done with people, this is what I always strive towards to. More is possible for You guys, and I have some great thoughts
But also some notes from community building (the later ⅔ of the book, quite empty): build one persona at a time, one event at a time. Have unique rituals as a group, unique signs. We should earn their trust, not buy their attention.
Oh, and I found the phrasing of my aim in this book: I am here to introduce You to Your power and potential. This is what I have always done with people, this is what I always strive towards to. More is possible for You guys, and I have some great thoughts
May 1, 2023
This is such an incredible book. Everything, well nearly everything because I'm not a small business owner, struck a cord with me. Each word, each experience, each chapter, it connected with me in so many ways. This book isn't just for the small business owners to build connection and community to support each other instead of being in competition, it is for anyone who wants to be connected and build a community together.
As a competitive person, I definitely have parts of myself I'm not a fan of, but they are things I'm aware of which helps immensely. Natalie's words are some of the most basic, I know that's not the right word, but they are so easy to connect with and are written for anyone who wants to learn and grow, to do so.
Built to Belong really helped me in so many ways. Whether it was affirmations, reminders, or insights, my heart and soul found a home within it all. I felt lighter and happier as I read the words. Will everything be easier and a fix overnight? Of course not, but I will pick this book up over and over again as I continue to navigate my life journey as many times as I need. There just isn't enough words to capture how incredible this book was for me. I should have picked it up awhile ago, but I believe that every book I pick up is the book I'm meant to be reading at that time.
As a competitive person, I definitely have parts of myself I'm not a fan of, but they are things I'm aware of which helps immensely. Natalie's words are some of the most basic, I know that's not the right word, but they are so easy to connect with and are written for anyone who wants to learn and grow, to do so.
Built to Belong really helped me in so many ways. Whether it was affirmations, reminders, or insights, my heart and soul found a home within it all. I felt lighter and happier as I read the words. Will everything be easier and a fix overnight? Of course not, but I will pick this book up over and over again as I continue to navigate my life journey as many times as I need. There just isn't enough words to capture how incredible this book was for me. I should have picked it up awhile ago, but I believe that every book I pick up is the book I'm meant to be reading at that time.
August 5, 2021
I’ve read several books lately on building community, connections, and relationships. I normally spend time in fiction, but when I do dabble in non-fiction, if it’s really good, I tend to gravitate to another and another.
I’m an introvert, rarely get lonely, and enjoy quiet contemplative time to myself. But that doesn’t mean I don’t empathize with those who struggle with feelings of loneliness. And don’t we all want to belong to something powerful and meaningful?
The following line made quite an impact on me: All relationships—personal or professional—succeed or fail based on that simple principle: How do you make people feel? This is so true. This is a fundamental source of strong, healthy, and significant relationships.
Though Built to Belong is strongly fashioned for entrepreneurs and community leaders, it can even impact and inspire a couch potato. (Namely me.)
Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.
I’m an introvert, rarely get lonely, and enjoy quiet contemplative time to myself. But that doesn’t mean I don’t empathize with those who struggle with feelings of loneliness. And don’t we all want to belong to something powerful and meaningful?
The following line made quite an impact on me: All relationships—personal or professional—succeed or fail based on that simple principle: How do you make people feel? This is so true. This is a fundamental source of strong, healthy, and significant relationships.
Though Built to Belong is strongly fashioned for entrepreneurs and community leaders, it can even impact and inspire a couch potato. (Namely me.)
Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.
December 19, 2022
I wasn't really looking for a business model, but just a way of belonging. I think this book delivers both. I found myself so energized and dreaming again about beautiful authentic communities. This is such a passion of mine and I am grateful for the ways God has used this book to reignite my fire and get my creative wheels turning again. I am in a stage of big time surrender and I am finding the looser I hold things and the more open my mind is to something looking different than I thought it would, the more and more beautiful opportunities that seem to be opening up. I think this book will serve as a catalyst as I finally get my dreams onto paper and into a working framework. Thank you Natalie for the way you have let love and faith navigate this book. There is nothing about it that translates religious and so much that translates Jesus. I needed that more than you will ever know. Thank you for writing this book. It came into my path at just the right time!
August 18, 2021
Built To Belong is a personal growth book written by author Natalie Frank.
I believe the thesis for Built To Belong is that community is greater than competition. In a culture that is becoming more isolated, Ms. Franke writes about how we need community.
My favorite quote is from page 36. “Relationships are like roots. They anchor us to what matters most and connect us to the sustenance we need to thrive.”
Built To Belong is a well-written book for friendships and entrepreneurship.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I believe the thesis for Built To Belong is that community is greater than competition. In a culture that is becoming more isolated, Ms. Franke writes about how we need community.
My favorite quote is from page 36. “Relationships are like roots. They anchor us to what matters most and connect us to the sustenance we need to thrive.”
Built To Belong is a well-written book for friendships and entrepreneurship.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
August 27, 2021
In a world that can feel so isolating, Natalie Franke shares powerful insights, scientific data and weaves her personal struggles with loneliness, infertility, brain surgery, and building a business to share how she harnessed the power of community to transform herself and her business. #CommunityOverCompetition is the key to overcoming that feeling of loneliness and building those connections we all crave. She reminds us that we don't have to feel alone or do it all alone because we ALL are built to belong. And isn't that a reminder we all need right now, after everything we have been through? It is a must-read and the perfect guide to help build honest connections, and it starts with making people our priority.
This book is a true inspiration and deserves to be in your hands. I highly recommend it!
This book is a true inspiration and deserves to be in your hands. I highly recommend it!
January 10, 2025
This book was quite a disappointment. In all fairness, it seems partially like a failing of the marketing. The subtitle Discovering the Power of Community over Competition lead me to believe it would be focused on how to crate community as a community organizer. Instead, this book read more like a memoir on personal vulnerability with a significant grounding in experience with entrepreneurship. While the actual accomplishment of the author creating their organization is commendable, there were no new ideas or advice explored in the book. It did not delve deep into any single issue to uncover new perspectives. It relied on trivia like topic investigation and flowery language that resulted in repetitive statements.
Instead of reading this book, I would recommend reading:
1. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
2. Together by Vivek H. Murthy, MD
3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Instead of reading this book, I would recommend reading:
1. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
2. Together by Vivek H. Murthy, MD
3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
February 13, 2022
I read this book as a part of an online book club that promotes community and uplifting women. The book starts off on a personal level, but the last few chapters focus on building a business which wasn't quite as interesting to me. However, this is a great, encouraging book. It is about serving others, drawing together as a community, and working together to bring out the best for all. One of the best quotes that sums it all up is as follows: "There is power in collaboration when we accept one another's distinct gifts and talents. In the intersection when one person's weakness meets another's strength, their lies the potential to amplify our collaborative power."
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