Community is a big thing for me. I talk about it a lot. I show my clients the value of community and social equity.
My 12for12k project is all about bringing the global community together for one overreaching goal. Heck, my blog tagline is “Community; Connection; Conversation”.
So, yes, community is a big thing for me.
Why? Why do I concentrate on community, as opposed to other “magical” words like ROI, returns, end percentages, profit margins and endless other affiliations to the normal business world? After all, for many it’s just a fad; another part of the social media hype.
Simple. Community is everything. Community is you. Here’s why.
This past week, the mother of all storms (for where I live, anyway) hit, and hit with a vengeance. Our patio was a pool, our front porch was just as bad, and our basement was flooding like Niagara Falls. But you know what stood out about the whole experience? Community.
On Twitter, people I haven’t met (yet) had heard about the storm and reached out to check in on my welfare. Both Dave Folkens and Shannon Boudjema tweeted and asked if I was alright. Never met either of them physically, but they heard one of their community members was having issues and reached out.
Then there’s my neighbours. I’ve spoken with them a few times since we moved in, but it’s been more pleasant conversation than anything else. But, as soon as the storm hit and my wife went to them to ask for emergency numbers for our property management team, they were right over. Heck, my next door neighbour Chris forgave his beer mood and jumped over the fence in just his shorts to help me pump the flood water out from my water well.
That’s community. That’s sharing experiences. That’s being there for no other reason than someone needs help.
Now. Imagine you’re a business owner. Or a blogger. Or simply someone that needs help to make something happen. Imagine how a community you’ve built around you (or you’re part of) can help you share something you need to expose to a wider audience.
Imagine a blogger evangelizing about you because you’ve made a connection and there’s trust there. Imagine a customer buying your stuff because you communicate with them. Imagine a shareholder sticking with you as opposed to jumping ship, because they’re part of your dream.
That’s community. That’s building something. That’s change right there.
Still think community is just a dirty word for the latest social media fad?
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I grew up in small towns my whole life, so the value and importance of community was ingrained in me from a very young age. I suspect it's part of the reason I am so attracted to social media…because I feel at home when part of a community.
It's amazing that the Internet has allowed us to share experiences in the same ways a community can share. It's amazing that it is such a conduit for good.
When I was a kid, I lived in a small, isolated community on the West Coast of Canada. Our community didn't have a lot as far as material goods (part isolation part financial), but what we lacked in stuff we made up for in heart. My parents belonged to the local Lion's Club, and each year we raised money for disabled kids in B.C. With a very primitive setup, we managed to broadcast on TV for 21 hours straight, and each year our town of 2,000 raised more than $25,000. That was a lot of money in 1982.
Now I see what you have done with 12fo12k Danny, and how you've taken that same spirit and heart and made it contagious….spreading the good and compelling the community to do the same.
12for12k is not successful because it's making tons of cash for a good cause (though that's part of it). It's successful because of the people. Of the heart that goes into everything surrounding it.
Sorry for the long comment, but I had to say it.
Flippin eck! One of the best arguements for community I've seen yet… this is why it is so hard for brands and big biz to get into this space and be successful. They want a – 'get social quick scheme' – and it doesn't work that way. Sometimes I have to resist the urge to screech at the top of my lungs… social is not a wham bam thanks for the bandwagon jump on… It's a completely different approach to business. (sigh). nicely said Danny.
Hey there Mr. Brown,
First and foremost, sorry about the damage to the house, but thankfully it sounds like you and yours are ok!
As you well know by now, I drink the Danny Brown Kool-aid on Community. It is really amazing to see that online communities are becoming nearly as tangible as the real ones.
Sure there is no app for pumping out your pool and it is good thing that you still need to count on your actual neighbors for that. That being said, it is amazing to have the ability to create such a genuine online community. I couldnt agree more that this is a major opportunity for businesses.
Nice to know that when used correctly, these social tools help turn strangers into neighbors, regardless of geography!
Community like PR can also be about the intangible and the unmeasurable, right? Nice post by @DannyBrown http://bit.ly/33cWGQ
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I love your example of how your twitter peeps and your neighbors helped you in a time of need. That's love. Community is always important. Thanks for sharing Danny.
It's funny how some of the biggest ideas can come from the smallest starts, Sue. It just goes to show that you don't need budgets of millions or celebrity endorsement – the real success, as you say, comes from the humble.
I was talking to Shannon Boudjema (@ShannonBoudjema) over coffee today, and that was something that came up numerous times. Businesses are spending millions on marketing, advertising and similar creative budgets, when success can be had with a more personal touch. Some are coming onboard with that idea; some are not. Now that more successes are becoming public, though, the “want nots” are coming around. Course, may be a little late for some of them…
Couldn't agree more, Jeff – cheers!
I have a feeling that it is going to be hard for a lot of established businesses out there. Those that are in power are likely going to be last to come around and marketers who were amazing at their job before the 2.0 shift are showing reluctance to reinvent the wheel. Sadly, I am seeing a lot of this in my world.
Plus, it is not just a matter of using these tool, but using them creatively. Just signing up for a FB account and setting up a twitter ID wont cut it. The budgets may be dramatically less, but the creativity required is much, much more…
Danny as we've discussed before, the internet has brought me a community. A little more for thought…
I grew up a “disadvantaged kid” by the time I was 15 I'd gone to 16 schools, spent 6 months in a hospital and had no idea what a community is. I yearn for a BFF (best friend forever) that I met in grade school. Needless to say, I could allow my introvert gene to sail away with me to an unknown corridor of society. Or I can use the technology of the day and meet people and make friends all over the world. I choose the latter.
Community is where you are, want to be or wherever you have a voice. Just step up and be a part of it all. I love the concept of 12for12k. I'm an advocate of small change makes a big difference. You've taken that concept and ran with it. I applaud you, and your community.
Agree. And that's where people that would shine offline can really take the reins and go places
That's an incredibly encouraging story, Robyn – something many of us can learn from. We can either give up or, as you say, build armies around us (and be part of) and make a difference in our own lives as well as others.
Thanks for sharing that.
I find blogging is a community builder. I know when most people create a blog, they do it for whatever reason. They never think that by commenting on another person's blog they are actually building trust or building a friendship.
I think of business went back to the old style of doing business. By being active in civic groups, getting to know your neighbor, and helping. Things will become better for all of us. Through technology and global outreach we have forgotten about our neighbors. If people are having a problem it is our friends who are going to be there to help.
That's definitely one of the key strengths/benefits of blogging, Jamie. And as you say, it's all organic – people wouldn't stop by unless they wanted to, and that's community right there. Some companies are getting into this mindset (or have been for a while), while others are bypassing it. It'll be interesting to see which comes out on top in the long run.
Twitter: ctmarcom
Sorry to hear about your storm/flood troubles, Danny. I have to say though, what a great analogy to why we need community in the business world as well. It's a shame so many corporate heads are still somewhat afraid of community. We'll get there eventually. In the meantime, I hope your home is on the mend and all is ok soon.
RT @johnhaydon: RT – Why "community" is not just the latest social media lingo: http://bit.ly/RhyyC
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RT @johnhaydon: RT – Why "community" is not just the latest social media lingo: http://bit.ly/RhyyC http://myloc.me/pPHb
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I like this about community RT @dpeter Reading and thinking about http://is.gd/2uNTc
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It IS all about community (from a man I truly admire) RT @DannyBrown "Why It’s All About Community" http://bit.ly/uNV3b
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Danny Brown must be a deep see dweller too – i love this http://shar.es/BVla
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RT @RobynMcMaster: @hdbbstephen I work to build community http://bit.ly/RhyyC
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Another great post by @DannyBrown about community, leave your thoughts there on it! http://bit.ly/yKMUA
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Twitter: johnhaydon
Sue – I grew up in a small town in CT as well. We all knew each other by first name, and always knew when someone was in trouble.
Amen Danny you do it so well
Another thought provoking blog, Danny. I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone else. In my adult life, I've been part of several 'communities', some geographical, some vocational, some a community of mutual interests. Most of my growth as a person comes from the support and interaction in these communities. I've lived lately in a very traditional small town community in the Appalachians, and though very different from most of my neighbors (I'm the eccentric Yankee whose farm is full of books), we have a commonality of interests that link us (although you're not really considered a local if you weren't born here, there is a woman in her 90's who moved here in childhood who is referred to as 'the woman from West Virginia'). When my father died in his sleep a few months ago, the community was there, when my mother (who has Alzheimer's) wandered off into the woods recently, they dropped what they were doing and found her.
Social networks are a different kind of community, but a community none the less. While they can't really offer physical support, they do provide emotional support. And in some ways, you are closer to your social community. You are linked to your geographical community in the same way you are to your family, you don't choose your parents, the people that surround you physically are partly happenstance. But your social community are people you have more choice over, probably people who you have more in common with. You might not ever meet them in person, but the friendships are just as real.
RT @iggypintado: RT @tweetmeme Why It’s All About Community | @dannybrown http://bit.ly/uNV3b
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RT @iggypintado: RT @tweetmeme Why It’s All About Community | @dannybrown http://bit.ly/uNV3b
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Excellent post. Conversation and community is good for business – noise, fad and all!
#community RT @theyinspire: Why It’s All About Community: http://bit.ly/1430W8 (via @DannyBrown )
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RT @OhBelleville: #community RT @theyinspire: Why It’s All About Community: http://bit.ly/1430W8 (via @DannyBrown )
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RT @autom8: RT @charlottehrb Why It’s All About Community: http://bit.ly/1430W8 (via @DannyBrown) // Good post to start the day
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Why It’s All About Community – great post by @DannyBrown http://bit.ly/DTIms
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RT @saradavidson Why It’s All About Community – great post by @DannyBrown http://bit.ly/DTIms
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RT @DannyBrown Why It’s All About Community | danny brown http://bit.ly/uNV3b <-and this is why Danny is the bomb!
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RT @JeffHurt: Why It’s All About Community by @dannybrown http://ow.ly/l6A9 [Community Triumphs again!] [And events ARE a community!]
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@dannybrown reflects on my favorite c-word. http://bit.ly/1430W8
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RT @12for12k: Why It’s All About Community http://bit.ly/1430W8 via #12for12k founder @dannybrown
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RT @igobydoc: RT @12for12k: Why It’s All About Community http://bit.ly/1430W8 via #12for12k founder @dannybrown #12for12k
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Another GREAT Read on Community in Soc Media and Its Importance Fm @DannyBrown – http://bit.ly/yKMUA
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Twitter: timjahn
Community powers alll those other “magical” words and brings them to life. Without community, you have nothing.
Thanks, Danny, for reminding us all it's important to actively engage in our communities.
I don't think it's a dirty word at all. Community is at the heart of everything we do, whether in business or in our personal lives. Everything we do and say is a reflection of that. Building communities, fostering relationships — real relationships — means everything. If I have a chance to reach out to someone, be it a neighbor or a friend online, I'll do it. Just like commenting here: the virtual version of lending your neighbor a cup of sugar. So, all of those things: SEO, ROI, “the conversation”, and all of that other gobbledeygook, do they mean anything? Sure, but ultimately, success in your business, nor in life, won't come without a strong community to back you up.
Twitter: knealemann
You nailed it again, my friend! You know my three favorite c-words are Content, Context and Community. Content may be king but context is the glue and community is the soul.
Bravo!
Sometimes I think the more technologically-advanced we get, Roger, the closer we become. It doesn't have to be the end of family, and friends, and inter-connections. Instead, and as you pointed out so well, it can simply be the start of something even stronger.
“Context is the glue and community is the soul” – love it!
RT @tweetmeme Why It’s All About Community | @dannybrown http://bit.ly/uNV3b – Community can be stronger than anything u could imagine
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Wow, I wish I had community friends like that. I get what your meaning by this. Having a group of people that are all working together for a common goal and support one another can make for a great culture and that's something that we need in the business world and the real world.
Community is built over time one relationship at a time. Community is built by people helping other people with no intention to seek something in return. It's tough to gauge that online. Sometimes that happens in group settings like at Church or though sports. Those are the 2 places I've seen it personally.
It also seems to happen online, but it's tough here. Creating shared experiences in an online only world limits our ability to create real community – in my opinion. That's why we've got to try and get out to meet people in person.
http://twitter.com/franswaa