The Power Of Community Engagement March23

Rules of Community Engagement

Angela ConnorMarch 23, 2010Knight Community Information Challenge Boot Camp

Make connections? Solve problems? Steady increase in membership? Crucial conversations? Move to action? Repeat visitors? Generate buzz?

What is your Goal?

What is your Goal? “..where residents can

post problems, debate solutions, decide on a course of action.”

“…encourage users to contribute content and share links to information.

“…make their voices heard on issues of water quality.”

“To help strengthen community dialogue.”

“…creating an in-depth public interest online news service with discussion forums.”

“…discussions about the state’s government and public policy.”

If you build it will they come?

People will participate in my community because…

Every community is different

The Road to Engagement

Ask Questions◦ “What are your top concerns about…?”◦ “What should we do about…?”◦ “What will happen when/if…?

Provide useful information and content◦ Live chats, Expert interviews, access to documents

Make it Personal

Complain

Conversations & Dialogue

What is your Goal? “..where residents can

post problems, debate solutions, decide on a course of action.”

“…encourage users to contribute content and share links to information.

“…make their voices heard on issues of water quality.”

“To help strengthen community dialogue.”

“…creating an in-depth public interest online news service with discussion forums.”

“…discussions about the state’s government and public policy.”

Stroke a few egos ◦ “Loved your recent post…”◦ “What great insight.”◦ “Your topics are always relevant and timely.”

Showcase and Acknowledge good work◦ Share across other social channels

Ask for Help

User-Generated Content

Make connections

Accept and respond to criticism

Use your influence

Seek expert advice and opinions

Make small talk

Get to know the community

Common Community Killers

Rudeness Arguing with visitors Stealing ideas, refusing to credit others Ignoring comments Being pushy and pompous

Managing the Conversation

Success Stories

Who owns this community? Whose job is it to make this a living, breathing, interesting and active community?

Ask yourself….

Takeaways Give people what they want

Be present

Talk to people WHERE they are

Become a user advocate

Angela Connor ◦ Twitter: @communitygirl◦ Blog: Online Community Strategist

http://blog.angelaconnor.com◦ LinkedIn: Angela Connor ◦ Google voice: 919-374-0627◦ Email: angeladconnor@gmail.com

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