Dictionary.com defines the word community as ”a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.” It also states that the word community is a noun. For all the social media geeks, I guess our “specific locality” is the universe.
In social media circles, community may be a noun (a “virtual place, space, or chat” ) but the focus of a successful online community is verbs: action, interaction, engagement, sharing, and giving.
Building a community online is all about these five core words: What Can I Give You?
What can you give to build and contribute to your social media community? Consider these opportunities:
- I can give good information.
- I can give my time to others who ask for help.
- I can give my business expertise without expecting anything in return.
- I can give a virtual hug or smile when I believe it can help someone’s mood.
- I can give a link to a resource.
- I can give hope and wisdom by sharing an insightful or uplifting video, article, or blog post.
- I can give a recommendation on Linked In or a #Follow Friday shout on Twitter.
- I can give someone a compliment or postive comment on their blog.
- I can give someone a break (by not calling them out on something in public)
- I can give my experiences and “lessons learned” in a chat or group forum.
- I can give someone space if they don’t respond to me as I had wanted.
- I can give a second chance to someone who may have goofed.
- I can give a social media newcomer helpful tips and connections.
- I can give students, interns, and young people an opportunity to learn from me.
- I can give the gift of my attention to others by acknowledging and appreciating them.
In a different generation there was a catch phrase of “It Takes a Village.” Welcome to a new era that doesn’t “take” anything. We have morphed into a community of givers. That’s a good thing.
Mr. Rogers (from the old neighborhood) would be damn proud.
(Photo Credit: Dreambird)
Hi Susan,
Thanks for this post – it’s got some really nice tips in for actions which I know make me feel good when I do them and, equally, make other people feel good too. They say what goes around, comes around!
All the best,
Sophia
Hi Sophia,
Social Media community or the “old style community”–we have to stick together! Thank you for your comment.
Best of luck~
Susan