Introduction threads have almost no impact on a member’s intention to participate within the community.
They might even do the opposite.
It’s scary to introduce yourself to the group. You walk the thin line between being boring or arrogant.
Think carefully about a member’s first contribution to the community.
You have to solicits an active investment without asking for too much too soon.
It should be a self-disclosure discussion. That’s a discussion where we reveal something about ourselves.
It should be something that others members are likely to respond to. This makes the newcomer more likely to convert into a regular. Guide them to discussions such as:
- What do you enjoy/like most about the topic?
- What was your best moment in the topic?
- How did you become interested in the topic?
- What are you working on right now?
- What’s your biggest challenge?
- What do you hope to be/achieve in the future?
- What are you most afraid of in the topic?
- Who do you most admire in the field?
- How long have you been interested in the topic?
All of the above can act as good conversation starters. Newcomers are likely to return to see the responses to their contribution. Members are likley to check the discussions because they’re interested.
Add the link to this discussion in the welcome e-mail and any newcomer area of the community site.
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