How I work
When building communities, I encourage founders to be as honest as possible about why they want to build and nurture their communities. What are their purpose, goals, and benefits to themselves?
I also try to understand what the community could bring to its members. Where there is alignment, a community can emerge.
I believe that every community needs to have a clear purpose and give members something they can’t get elsewhere that is relevant to their lives (e.g., benefits, skills, information, impact).
But most importantly, the community has to satisfy them on a deep, human level.
Make your community your (and their) superpower
Community members have to feel a connection, a sense of belonging, an empowerment which comes only from interacting with other humans. And the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves.
Often, neither the founders nor the members themselves realize this. They think they go to communities (even business-oriented and paid communities) for valuable content, interesting events, and other benefits. They do go, but as David Spinks said: They stay for the relationships (and the interest in others and the interest of others in them).
Watch my videopodcast on communities & learn why I love communities! Because they are your future superpower you can start building now.
(Sorry, in Slovak only)
So I think relationships are the most important thing in any community,
but of course, you also need resources to make a community sustainable. So I work with clients to make sure that the community is also aligned with their business goals.
My job is to help clients understand what is really going on in their community and why. I see the community as a living entity that is constantly evolving, so I encourage them to follow the purpose and energy of the community. I see the community as a living entity that is constantly evolving, so I encourage them to follow the purpose and energy of the community.
We develop a community strategy and plan together, then I share best practices, teach essential skills, and help them gain confidence in their ability to build and lead the community.