Episode C.018 Your Virtual Community

Author's Notes
We are introducing a new format to our Show Notes and Broadcasts. We received feedback our podcasts are too long (average 26 minutes). The shows have been restructured into 13 minute segments - each with a specific objective. Segment 1: What the show will cover and why it is important. Segment 2: What do you need to know to take action. Segment 3: How do you apply it and the tools available, and Segment 4: Tips and Insights from our experience. Thanx for the Feedback and keep it coming.

What are Today's Topics & Why is it Important?​
What

1. Adds value to your customers because it makes them intelligent consumers and enhances the relationship.
2. It is a giant focus group where you can gain feedback on the current offer and test ideas/solicit ideas on new and improved offers.
3. Brand Ambassadors are Born because you are going beyond satisfaction and loyalty - creating enthusiasm.
4. Drives Retention because the cost of switching - is losing the relationship and involvement in the business worth a better price? 

Best Practices

1. Focus on a niche first
2. Have guidelines
3. Create a habit
4. Ask for feedback

How

1. Start Small
2. Add a Layer of Exclusivity
3. A Norm of Helpfulness
4. Make Connects and Let Go

Support

• Tiered Invites
• Newsletter
• Social Channels
• Invite Influencers
• Very Targeted Outreach

Knowledge to Take Action
Courage to Stand Out, a willingness to make bold statements about a purpose beyond making money. Embrace followers as equals on this journey to create momentum.

What You Need to Do
​The Leader

• Be introspective;
• Be ready for and embrace surprises;
• Provide structure from the bottom up;
• Leadership = Stewardship - avoid being egocentric;
• Bad Times + Good Opportunities;
• Open To All who fit your vision.

The Community

1. Publish a manifesto for the community - the why.
2. Make it easy for people to connect and join.
3. Make it easy for followers to bring others onboard.
4. Money is the effect, not the cause.
5. Track progress on goals - membership, frequency of contact, balance of communications.

​
Phases

1. Create​
2. Build
3. Grow

​Create

• embed in their experience - understand the movement your are creating emotionally
• message of "your not alone"
• people looking experiencing what you are experiencing
• create a virtual virus

Build

• clarify how people interact
• mix of face to face and virtual
• intention of meeting? experiences, problems, solutions
• meet on common ground

Grow

• quick to join and a special welcome
• empower others - no single point of leadership survey, survey, survey - know the pulse of the movement
• invest time early in building relationships

Next Show: We Embrace Your Safety