Encouraging Community Collaboration
Three things Community Managers can do to help communities be heard
Jeska DzwigalskiCommunity Meet Up
3/23/2011
It’s made of people…
Communities are Made of People
Large Communities
are made up of many, many, many
small communities
That’s a lot of people…
How do companies engage their users without getting lost in the noise?
1. Identify Small Groups
Wants easier login process…
Wants no change
Wishes they had bigger fonts…
Wants to find new people…
And talk to them.
• Not all features are for all users• Find smaller groups with shared
passions, values and needs• Frame and focus your
conversations• Cultivate feedback loops
Most of all…
Listen.
2. Don’t Second Guess Yourself
Listen, make decisions, communicate, gather feedback then…
wait
Give your decisions room to
or fail
succeed
Don't be afraid to evolve policies as community grows or things change
Caveat: Sometimes you will be wrong.
• Keep moving• Don’t feed the trolls• Determine the next steps• Don’t be afraid to say you’re sorry
3. Lead by Example
Mentor your best contributors
Celebrate individual and group successes
Hold meet-ups, go to fan gatherings, conventions, talk to everyone you can.
Bring it Offline
Encourage real relationships
What’s worked for you?
Contact me: Website: Jeska.orgTwitter: JeskaDSecond Life: Jeska Dzwigalski Email: [email protected]