Escaping Mediocrity

Earlier today, I posted this question on Twitter and Facebook:

What initially attracts you to a community – online or off? What keeps you there? 

I asked it because I’m hearing a TON of buzz around “building a community around your business” but I’m not sure those who are buzzing have a clue what it is people are actually looking for.

So, I’ve pulled together some of the responses below to begin a conversation about how to build a community from the inside out. That is, building what it is people really want.

dyuhas62 Diane Yuhas

@SarahRobinson Acceptance. A group that asks me to be an equal in terms of sharing expertise, not just someone to be ministered to.

lisarobbinyoung Lisa Young

@SarahRobinson commonalities, smart people, the capacity for me to learn, grow and connect in said community.

DigitalWheelie Ted Kusio

@sarahrobinson A warm, open attitude toward all attendees; new, challenging ideas; thick layers of innovation and creativity…

DanaReeves Dana Reeves

@sarahrobinson it’s a fit if i make real connections w/ others in the comm – not just surface level, but the underpinnings of relationships.

BusinessPartnrs Business Partners

@SarahRobinson consistency in interaction. mutually mentally stimulating interaction.

balemar Beatriz Alemar

@SarahRobinson Feeling safe to voice my opinions and being heard are two things I look for in a community. An environment of “I get you”

Beat Schindler an invite. a welcome – from (some) community members. best 2gether.

Julie Vician Sincere friendliness. There’s nothing worse than joining and feeling like you just crashed a party you weren’t invited to.

I would love to continue this conversation in the comments below. 🙂 What attracts you to a community – online or off? What makes you stay there?

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 at 7:28 pm and is filed under Uncommon Business. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.