Unsplash Canva Designed.
This is a recap of the space held on 29th November 2023, hosted by BREADS and had 2.9k members tuned in (at the time I listened to it). The meeting lasted for 3hrs, 21mins and 5secs.
The topic treated was a vital one, a topic that almost everyone of us needs to keep a good Community alive. Below is the topic and some highlights of the things discussed;
How to keep your Community engaged after mint
Although the space was hosted by BREADS but it has many speakers. One of the pinpoints were the first step of keeping Community engaged and that's making clear the expectation and plans of what to come after postmint.
Establishing transparent guidelines for the community enables members to concentrate on these expectations, preventing confusion during downtime. Additionally, the speaker highlighted a common problem where community founders overly promote their projects at the minting phase, only to fall short of the hyped expectations. Simplifying, if community rules are clear, everyone can focus on them, avoiding chaos during breaks. Moreover, many community leaders face challenges when their initial project excitement doesn't align with the reality of the end result. In essence, clear expectations not only help community coherence during lulls but also curb disappointment caused by exaggerated project promotion that fails to meet the anticipated outcomes.
The key solution is to maintain a balanced approach, avoiding excessive commitments. This ensures that if unexpected issues arise, the community won't lose trust and disband because promises couldn't be kept. By not over-promising, there's a safeguard against potential letdowns. This approach establishes a foundation of trust, making it less likely for the community to collapse if challenges emerge. Striking a middle ground prevents exaggerated assurances, fostering resilience within the community and minimizing the risk of disappointment, ultimately preserving trust even when faced with unforeseen obstacles.
While listening, I went on to the chat section and I saw some people bugging questions and ideas by listeners with regards to the use of commenting (engagement) to keep fit the Community and not just by rewards and engagement.
As a community founder, showing genuine care and involvement fosters a sense of love and importance among members. Instead of leading with monetary incentives, building connections through engagement is more effective. When members feel valued beyond just rewards, they remain committed. Unlike a reward-centric approach where interest fades when rewards diminish, a community driven by authentic engagement thrives on lasting connections and a shared sense of belonging.
When a community founder actively engages with members, it cultivates a strong sense of belonging, encouraging them to remain part of the community. Imagine if the founder personally reached out, anonymously or publicly, to express gratitude for a job well done. Such recognition not only makes the individual feel appreciated but also sparks a desire for others to seek similar acknowledgment. This goes beyond mere rewards; it's about standing out and being noticed. By recognizing and appreciating members, founders not only reward hard work but also effectively promote their brand or business. Everyone craves recognition, and acknowledging efforts not only retains community members but also fuels a collective drive for success and promotion.
A powerful method to engage and retain community members is by forming partnerships in their businesses or areas of expertise. Imagine collaborating with members on their ventures or specialties. This not only strengthens the community bond but also demonstrates genuine support for individual pursuits. By actively participating in their endeavors, a founder goes beyond a transactional relationship, fostering a deeper connection. This engagement builds a community that feels more like a collaborative family, where everyone's strengths contribute to the overall success. Partnering in their businesses not only benefits the members directly involved but also sets a precedent for a supportive and interconnected community, ultimately creating a win-win scenario where the success of one contributes to the success of all.