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: Jeska.Dzwigalski@gmail.com