Let’s have a group project, shall we? Some folks have been talking about growing communities lately, and there is a heap of scattered information out there about the best way to do it. I thought we might be able to put some of the best advice together here and compile it into a resource that we can share.
toolbox
Let’s harness the power of our connections and see what we can build. I’ll start with a couple of my own tactics:
A. Prove that you are a passionate believer.
As Hugh McLeod says, “The market for something to believe in is infinite.” People want to believe in something (or someone) so give them a reason to join your community. Express your passion with authentic language.
B. Make it easy to share the enthusiasm.
Provide a vehicle for community members to share with each other. Comments on blog posts are a simple method, creating an actual forum platform is even better. Depending on your community and its needs there are plenty of applications to choose from:
- ning.com
- flickr.com
C. Encourage new ideas.
Keeping the content fresh is what entices people to come back and to stay involved. Explore new concepts and get people talking about them. Reward innovation and collaboration.
Take it one step further
What say you? What would you like to add as advice for a community evangelist? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
For gosh sakes, BE YOURSELF.
Do not put on air, so not try to pretend to be something or someone that you are not. Show everyone your true self – those that flock to your community will be people that are right for that community, instead of right for the person that you were trying to be!
Along with Kris’s thoughts, don’t just imitate. Lead out in doing what you want to do, the way you want to do it.
GIVE. GIVE. GIVE.
An act of giving is a gravitational point around which forms the stuff of community.
Since SOBCon is business school for bloggers, let me also say this: if you give, then they will buy. That’s good business.
Pay attention to the individuals in your community. Listen. Remember details. Remember names. Celebrate their successes. Look for ways to encourage and build them up. Notice when they’re applying things you’ve talked up, or taken ideas and run with them.
PS Hi everyone!
Listen, listen and only after you’ve listened should you begin to think about listening. It’s not about you, it’s about them.
Be genuine, caring, real. Readers can sense fake and they know when you really don’t care about them. Value their opinions and feedback. Show them you appreciate them.
I’ve been scarce around my writing blog lately but I still chat with my readers on social networks or by email. I find out how they’re doing, encourage them if they’re sick or “down” and genuinely just really care about how things are going in their lives. You don’t have to post every day for that.
*smiles*
Michele
Ask questions you genuinely want to explore.
I’m with Kris on this one – we have to be authentic. And a good listener. Oh, and keep the glass half-full. Always.
Thanks Stephen,
Terry