Easily one of my favorite chats on Twitter (or FriendFeed now) is about community moderated by Sonny Gill and Bryan Person. I’m always nervous about the term “community” because I think it often has a warm and fuzzy conotation (read: something clients aren’t necessarily willing to pay to build). However, these guys (plus all of the other folks that participate) bring a real practical business sense to the equation that sometimes is lacking when we’re talking about social media.
Last week’s chat (linked above) was based on Chris Brogan’s new book called Trust Agents. The first question was about outlining some best practices around community building. I’m right in the middle of Chris’ book, and have had similar discussions with colleagues and clients lately, but the issue of community building (which for the sake of this post we’ll call reputation building) really doesn’t seem overly hard to me. Sure, dealing with a number of complex personalities (including your own, by the way) is no easy matter. However, to me it really breaks down into two key categories – time and value. Rome (in this case your reputation or community) wasn’t built in a day, despite the fast moving nature of social networking. You must spend time getting to know the people you are interacting with. What makes them tick. What are they interested in hearing about? What do they want to know from you? Which leads to the second point…value. If you are providing value for your community, whether in the form of links to interesting stories, being a good listener or just answering questions from your community, you’ll be seen as someone who is constantly adding value. Am I oversimplifying? Sure, but start with time and value and you’ll likely go far.
One of the things that’s bothered me of late, though, is how do you properly balance the ”You” and “I” within social media communities. You want to be helpful, but you also want people to get to know you as well. What’s the appropriate balance? This was something we also discussed during the most recent community chat, and the consensus seemed to be that you shouldn’t overshadow your community. Is that fair? Is there any other way to quantify it? Maybe it’s just a matter of feeling out your community? Anyway, maybe you can help me figure this out…
Really great to hear that our #cmtychat is valuable to people and something they can take back to the workplace, Chuck.
On that though, I think you summed it well in our chat last week and in your post here. You being you is acceptable but comes to a point where you don’t overshadow your goals but more importantly, your community members.
It’s all about balance but I think you’ve got it down with your initial thoughts and questions!
Thanks, Sonny. Certainly is a delicate balance between the I and you. one I suppose we will continue to struggle with.
I think the “you” vs. “I” balance is found in the ebb and flow of conversation. In my own endeavors I’ve noticed that some days or weeks I can contribute my own smarts and promote myself and my personality to a degree I’m happy with, while others I’m able to focus on helping people in my community.
This probably sounds either horribly cliche or cheesy, but a solid community will develop around people who’ve already found their ideal balance between self promotion and community assistance. People flock to that sort of teeter-totter because it’s interesting and helpful.
Maybe I’m being too idealistic or fluffy? I don’t think so, but…what do you think, Chuck?
Teresa – thanks again for raising the intellectual quotient of this blog! You seriously rock! It isn’t cheesy and cliche, but I think you’ve hit on it…communities develop around people who they find interesting and generally helpful.
Waow loved reading this post. I submitted your feed to my reader!!