Building Community with Leslie Greenwood

Leslie Greenwood is community builder, known for her work with Pavilion and her consulting firm, Chief Evangelist Consulting. Jen Simmons and Mike Simmons are the leaders of the Phoenix Club, a community aimed at connecting professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Three Key Quotes:

1. Leslie Greenwood: "Connection, growth, and expanding your reach are what truly excite me about community."
2. Jen Simmons: "We're trying to put a lot of thought into what our members are looking for and why they came to a community in the first place."
3. Mike Simmons: "People rise together by contributing to others, helping each other work through their challenges."

In this episode, Leslie Greenwood, Jen Simmons, and Mike Simmons discuss the intricacies of building and maintaining a successful community. They share insights on setting up foundational guidelines, engaging members, and the importance of continuous feedback. The conversation highlights strategies for fostering connections and driving meaningful interactions.

Five Key Takeaways:

1. Foundation and Structure:

   • Set Clear Mission and Values: Start with a clear mission, vision, and values to guide the community's purpose.
   • Create Community Guidelines: Establish terms of service, privacy policies, and community guidelines to set expectations.
   • Develop a Content Calendar: Plan content in advance to keep members engaged and provide continuous value.

2. Engagement and Interaction:

   • Encourage Introductions: Create a welcoming environment where new members feel comfortable sharing about themselves.
   • Foster Connections: Act as a relationship broker, connecting members with similar interests or goals.
   • Social Listening: Regularly monitor conversations to understand member needs and interests.

3. Challenges and Solutions:

   • Manage Member Expectations: Clearly communicate what the community offers and continuously gather feedback.
   • Address Non-Engagement: If posts receive little interaction, explore ways to make content more relevant and engaging.
   • Handle Difficult Situations: Address any violations of community guidelines promptly and transparently.

4. Growth and Sustainability:

   • Phased Migration: When moving platforms, plan a phased approach to ensure smooth transition and member retention.
   • Member Participation: Highlight and reward active members to encourage participation and create a sense of belonging.
   • Long-Term Vision: Understand that building a mature community takes time and consistent effort.

5. Value and Feedback:

   • Conduct Interviews: Regularly interview members to understand their needs and how the community can serve them better.
   • Iterate Based on Feedback: Use feedback to make continuous improvements and keep the community relevant.
   • Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that all members feel valued and heard, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration.

These key points align with the theme of "finding a catalyst," as they provide practical steps for creating and sustaining a vibrant, engaged community.