“Community: …..the condition of sharing or having certain attitudes and interests in common.”

I love nothing more than hanging out with amazing, passionate and focused women who are looking to build something that means something to them.  There's a certain fire that comes with women like that and building a community of them is both challenging and rewarding.   There are so many positive benefits to developing your community.  It's a great place for people to connect and share information, skills and knowledge to support and help each other, it also builds energy around your brand and you as a business owner if you are providing solid information and support to your community.   Online and off line communities can be an amazing part of your business and building one is something that times, effort and focus.

 

So based on my experience here are 4 Steps to Building an Engaged Community :

1// Know your community well

When we start to build our community it's usually around an idea, concept, way of thinking.  As they say, birds of a feather flock together.  So getting to know your community is key to building trusted relationships that continue to grow.  Asking questions has been the biggest and best way that I've slowly grown my community, list and network. When you address and respond to your community's questions then they know you're listening and you can be targeted in your approach and actually provide what they need and want.  If you're not asking questions or listening then it's really just you talking AT people rather than starting a conversation.  I read recently that Leaders start conversations – so be the person that starts the conversation when it comes to your topic of expertise or interest.

2// Be Consistent

Now when I say be consistent, it's totally up to you if you want to do the same thing on the exact same day of the week or month but I would absolutely say ensure you communicate in whichever forum you choose on a regular basis.  Building a community takes time and effort – a lot of effort so if you're wondering why your community isn't growing (if that's a focus for you) then being there and creating content, driving the conversation, creating opportunities for your community to shine is really key.  There is no point starting something and then sitting back and ‘seeing what happens” you have jump in boots and all and give, give, give.  If that doesn't sound good to you then I wouldn't recommend starting a Facebook group or email list because if you want it to have any value for your community and your business then you'll need to commit to it.

3// Add Value

You hear it all the time – add value.  Provide people with the information that they want and need.  This obviously means that you are always front and centre in their minds when they are thinking about your area of expertise.  There are some great posts and podcasts on the topic as I do get asked the question – well how much do you ‘give away' and it's a fair question.  Most of the big guns say give it ALL away and it will come back to you ten fold so it's really up to you how you provide value, what you provide and how much you provide as well.  For more on this check out Pat Flynn's podcast on the topic – it's a great one! –  Is Giving Away Free Information Bad?

4// Be Responsive

How does it feel when someone asks you a question, you respond and then nothing……silence….. – weird right?  I've been on the other end of this, where I've responded to someone and then all I heard was crickets. Then it was weird. I actually wanted to delete my comment, but I didn't.  So when you ask a question or start a conversation be there to respond; don't just leave people hanging without acknowledging them and the time and effort they have taken to be a contributing member of your community.  When I email someone and they respond quick and personably that always sticks in my mind, so be one of those people who makes an effort.

What's worked for you?  Have you done something a little different that your community has really loved? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!