Explore the fascinating dynamics of community building! Delve into the crucial difference between audiences and true fans, and learn how shared values and emotional connections strengthen communities. Discover strategies for engaging a dedicated fan base and rejuvenating stagnant groups. The discussion also highlights the power of SMS marketing and the significance of sharing personal stories to foster authenticity. Get insights into overcoming imposter syndrome and empowering introverts in content creation!
Building a community requires time, consistency, and patience, with a focus on engaging existing audiences and providing value.
Expanding and scaling community building efforts require clear goals, collaboration, and leveraging online platforms.
Public speaking can be a powerful way for introverts to build connections and establish credibility in their field.
Deep dives
Building Community on a Local Scale
Building community on a local scale, such as through a cooperative business model, can be powerful and impactful. Organizing local events and creating intentional spaces for community interaction can foster deep connections and engagement. Distribution is key to reaching wider audiences and gaining visibility. Providing value to other audiences and collaborating with like-minded groups can help spread the message and build support. The cooperative model, with its focus on shared ownership and community involvement, offers opportunities for community building and creating a sense of belonging.
Challenges and Strategies in Community Building
Building a community, whether locally or on a larger scale, requires strong foundations and a clear value proposition. The journey to building a community takes time, consistency, and patience. It is important to be intentional about engaging with existing audiences and finding ways to provide value and solve their problems. Transformational teaching, where knowledge is transferred in ways that allow individuals to apply it creatively, can help build a loyal and engaged community. Embracing authenticity and sharing both successes and struggles can foster deeper connections and gain trust.
Expanding and Scaling Community Building Efforts
Expanding and scaling community building efforts requires clear goals and a focused approach. Collaborating with other communities and platforms can help reach wider audiences and amplify the impact. Leveraging online platforms and tools, such as social media, can help extend the reach of the community beyond physical interactions. Balancing between providing tools for self-guided learning and creating space for collaborative engagement can create a thriving community. Embracing the journey and continually refining the mission and value proposition are key to building a community that supports and sustains its members.
Building Connections Through Public Speaking
Public speaking can be a powerful way for introverts to build connections with others. By sharing our knowledge on stage, we create a communal experience that allows people to feel like they know us. This can lead to meaningful conversations and connections, alleviating the need to start conversations from scratch. Public speaking provides an opportunity for introverts to showcase their expertise and connect with others who appreciate their content.
Positioning and Credibility in Building a Network
Positioning ourselves correctly and establishing credibility in our field is crucial for building a network. While reaching out to highly successful individuals is challenging, operating at a similar level to them can make the connection easier. Like Hollywood A-list actors who tend to be friends with each other, being perceived as playing at the same level as those we want to connect with increases our chances of networking successfully. Positioning ourselves effectively and working towards building credibility makes it easier for others to approach us and strengthens our network.
Many of us have heard the famous Kevin Kelly phrase, "To make a living as a craftsperson, photographer, musician, designer, author, animator, app maker, entrepreneur, or inventor, you need only a thousand true fans." When you get those TRUE fans, they're willing to support your endeavors. However, there is a difference between all of those followers you have on your social media accounts and those thousand true fans. The true fans are one of the building blocks of your community. They are the ones who will genuinely be with you on your journey to develop your voice, build your brand, and establish your authority. But, that's just one part of what it takes to build a solid community. In this episode, the first of two, Chris talks with Tom Ross of Design Cuts about what a community is and how to build one. Tom generously shares his invaluable insights and expert knowledge on key community-building questions. They will discuss the intricacies of engagement levels and how they can fluctuate, and highlight the importance of having a clear, compelling offering for your community. He'll also provide practical strategies for distribution and delve into the potentially challenging topic of how to rejuvenate a stagnant community, breathing new life into it. This is part one of a two part conversation.
