This piece is from Fastcompany it's from The World Vision Activism Network. (October 2012) I selected it because there are some great takeaways whether you have a community or are starting one from scratch.
Intro:
When you build a brand, one of the most important measures of success is the actual engagement and connection of your loyal customers, followers, supporters, partners, fans and friends--your community.
The digital age and 24/7 connectivity, social platforms are forcing companies to find new and compelling ways to keep up with daily communication and connection with the people who matter the most
Here are a few highlights:
Create a long-term relationship
**You must understand your audience's interessts
**Use the most popular form of communication
**You have to be available and ready to interact to keep them actively engaged.
. Listen to people
**Pay attention to where and how your key people want to communicate, what they want to talk about and what they actualy do.
**Build the community they demand - use posters, art, videos and whatever connects with your audience on a digital platform that is eaily accessed & shred through a space where your audience is already spending time
Create it & Continually Influence Your Audience
**You must be an active participant on a regular basis
]
**By continually sharing, creating, leading and converse with the people you want to influence to establish a long-lasting relationship.
**By staying actively engaged, you will become easy to relate to and your audience will learn more about you, creating a closer relationship
Selected by Jan Gordon covering, "Curation, Social Business & Beyond"
Read article here: [http://bit.ly/TEKl4n]
[Two biggest social media assets? Connection and engagement. ~ Jeff]
Via janlgordon
I believe in staying active on a regular basis by doing so you are creating and continually influencing your audience. IMO