Hosts discuss the importance of measuring community ROI and the frustration surrounding this topic. They emphasize the need for accurate data and assumptions in decision-making. The hosts share their joy of receiving Buntini's and reflect on the delicious flavors and discontinued favorites. They also indulge in pretzels and speculate on the cause of their wife's thinness. The chapter explores their high energy levels and the secrets behind it.
Measurement is crucial for proving the value and success of a community.
Understanding the goals of community members and aligning them with community objectives is essential.
Don't dismiss measurement practices due to imperfections; tell compelling stories to showcase community impact.
Deep dives
Importance of Measurement
The podcast episode discusses the importance of measurement in community building and addresses the recent trend of downplaying the significance of metrics and ROI. The hosts express frustration towards the notion that measurement is unnecessary and argue that it is crucial for proving the value and success of a community. They highlight the cyclical nature of this debate within the community building industry and emphasize the need to prioritize measurement to build authentic and vibrant communities.
Balancing Belonging and Transactional Value
The hosts delve into the misconception that communities should solely focus on fostering a sense of belonging and downplay the importance of transactional value. They argue that many communities, especially those associated with products or software, are often sought out primarily for transactional purposes, such as obtaining help or support. They emphasize the need to understand the goals of community members and align them with the objectives of the community, which may include both transactional and belonging-focused aspects.
Addressing Measurement Misconceptions
The hosts address the misconceptions and criticism surrounding the measurement of community building efforts. They discuss the challenge of achieving perfection in measurement and emphasize the importance of using available data and calculations to gain insights and make informed decisions. They caution against dismissing measurement practices due to their imperfections and emphasize the need to tell compelling stories and showcase the impact of community-building efforts to stakeholders.
The Importance of Collaboration and Respect
The hosts advocate for a more collaborative and respectful approach within the community building industry. They express concern over the prevalence of elitism and judgmental attitudes towards different approaches to community building. They emphasize the need for open and constructive discussions, listening to different viewpoints, and avoiding personal attacks. The hosts encourage community builders to support and uplift each other, creating a positive and inclusive environment within the industry.
Takeaways and Call for Improvement
In conclusion, the podcast episode highlights the importance of measurement in community building and challenges misconceptions surrounding its significance. The hosts call for a more balanced approach that considers both transactional value and the sense of belonging within communities. They urge community builders to embrace measurement practices, strive for collaboration, and promote a more respectful and supportive culture within the industry.
Erica and Brian push back hard on the idea that measuring community ROI isn’t important (we can’t believe we had to talk about this or are typing this right now, but here we are).
