Most offline community efforts fail. They fail because they try to get all stakeholders in a room and forge a community.
Usually, few people show up. Those that do have an agenda. Those agendas conflict. Those conflicts become arguments. Those interested in arguing, argue. Those not interested in arguing, quit.
You don’t start a community, online or offline, by starting big. The mass e-mails and influencer targeting are a colossal waste of time. You get a blip of attention followed by a mass desertion. Digital Nomads coveted half the blogging A-list as members. It couldn’t convert the attention to a community.
Start small with a tiny group of members and gradually invite new people. Ensure high activity from members and keep the discussions riveting. This will steadily build into a fast growing community.
It’s much harder to start a bandwagon than it is to jump aboard one. Those that do jump aboard leave behind their own agendas in exchange of being a part of something successful. You want people to join once the bandwagon is rolling, not before.
Totally agree that it is much easier to jump on an existing bandwagon than starting your own, but the rewards of having your own are so much greater. Hard work and dedication are important, along with knowing what they heck you are doing!
Posted by: Pablo Edwards | Monday, 26 April 2010 at 17:56
strongly agree too. excellent tips! tahnks for sharing this awesome post! Hard work and dedication are important, along with knowing what they heck you are doing!
Posted by: Nursing top | Friday, 30 April 2010 at 04:00
I'd likie to know ALOT more aobu this. Found some interesting things at the EBCC too.
Posted by: cna certification test | Saturday, 17 July 2010 at 12:00