# Use Signals as a professional community

Canonical HTML: [https://collty.com/help/community/use-signals-as-a-professional-community](https://collty.com/help/community/use-signals-as-a-professional-community)
Audience: All professionals
Reading time: 8 min
Updated: 2026-07-15T00:00:00.000Z

Ask for useful help, find collaborators and turn a discussion into real project work.

## Signals are professional objects

A Signal carries a purpose, so its primary action changes with the post. A question invites an answer; an open collaboration invites interest; a team request can become a team in Teams Canvas.

## Actions by Signal type

| Signal | Primary action | What it creates |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Need advice | Answer or accept an answer | Reusable expertise evidence |
| Build a team | View specialists or build in Canvas | A team draft linked to the Signal |
| Opportunity | Express interest | A focused collaboration conversation |
| Case | View project outcome | Evidence of completed work |
| Introduction | Connect | A professional relationship |

## Why someone is recommended

### Inside Collty: Contextual introductions instead of follower counts

People worth knowing explains the evidence behind a suggestion, such as complementary skills, mutual collaborators, shared industry context or relevance to an active project.

- Accepted answers contribute to professional reputation.
- Availability signals expire so old intent is not treated as current.
- Private project and chat data are not exposed in public Signal content.

## Related guides

- [Professional Reputation And Achievements](https://collty.com/help/community/professional-reputation-and-achievements)
- [Build And Edit A Team In Teams Canvas](https://collty.com/help/teams/build-and-edit-a-team-in-teams-canvas)
- [Private Workspaces And Access](https://collty.com/help/security/private-workspaces-and-access)