Everyone wants a community. They're the thing to have these days. All the cool kids have a community. How do you get one?
Start by understanding what a community is. Richard Millington has plenty of excellent ideas and advice on what a community is. Spend some time reading his thoughts and you'll walk away inspired and equipped.
Determine what kind of community works for you. There's a community of 20 Something Bloggers. That community is much different than the one that comments on YouTube videos. And the YouTube community is a whole different ball game than a band of Harley enthusiasts.
A community doesn't just land on your doorstep. And if one does happen to just show up overnight, you're welcome to question their intentions.
A community develops, grows, and evolves. Most importantly, a community fits. Members feel comfortable, appreciated, at home. You don't buy a community. You earn a community.
Have you earned your community?
Comments
Thanks for the 20SB shout
Thanks for the 20SB shout out! It's an incredible community and I'm glad they're finally getting some recognition from other people.
The 20SB community is a great example. It began as one girl's idea and in the span of 2-3 years it has almost 7,000 members. The community grew, not because of the idea, but because of the people inside it. The people running the network are some of the most passionate and dedicated people I know. They get that this can't happen over night and are extremely appreciative of every ounce of energy that goes into developing and evolving the community. I'm incredibly proud to be a part of that community.
@Jenn - That truly is a
@Jenn - That truly is a community. As you say, the people are what matters, not the tools, platform, location, etc. Thanks for commenting!
I always like a community to
I always like a community to the combination of communication + unity = community. If you treat as equals and respect as peers, you'll build. And then, funnily enough, your community will keep the building happening.
Don't always be THE voice, but do offer a voice and a place where other voices can be heard. That's where the communication part blends into unity, and you suddenly find you have a community.
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