This video talks about some, but not all of the elements of A Bigger Voice:
And for a wonderfully prescient look at today's landscape from Kevin Kelly, ten years ago, click here.
What new ideas do you have now that you can move into action?
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The video makes it sound so easy! It outlines a decent process, but there are stuggles along the way. Can you say more about posting content in the social networks to get people to discuss your issue. I know a lot of people struggle with getting the community to engage. It’s one things to pull people together, but a whole other thing to get them talking.
Thanks for your comment, Herb. Yes, the video leaves out quite a bit in terms of how you build an engaged community. I don’t have all the answers. I’m still learning!
Here are a few things that I think are important if you own the platform (like this blog):
* Clarity on the central question that the community is exploring. Here, at A Bigger Voice, I think the central question is “How do you transform an idea into a sustainable movement?” The blog posts are designed to look at different pieces of the puzzle that address that question.
* Inviting others to provide their own real-life situations that pertain to the question. The interviews that I’ve been doing on this blog are one way to kick start the conversation. I’ve also been participating in a LinkedIn Group on Social Entrepreneurs and there, someone asked a question about the struggles of an SE. That’s generated some great discussion.
* Asking lots of questions (which is really part of good blogging.)
If you are participating on a social network that is not yours, I suggest in the following order:
* Observe for awhile to understand what the group is about. It’s that listening before talking thing. Determine if it’s the right group where you’ll find “kindred spirits.” For example, on the LinkedIn group that I mentioned, I’m still sorting out the mindset of a lot of the people in that group. Are they more social activists rather than social entrepreneurs? Do they believe that non-profit is the best way to create good in the world? Are they struggling with the same things I’m strugglng with?
* Offer up value in the discussion. Provide a unique point of view. Depending on who I’m talking to, I point out story or building community before monetizing or using social media as a way to build community.
* Ask a question that you are grappling with, related to your issue. Good questions are a gift to any group that wants to get smarter together.
All of these things are meant to build trust and credibility with a group of strangers who care about the same things you care about, by slowly easing into a conversation. All of this takes time.
Hope that helps. I agree that it’s more than pulling people together. It’s about engaging them in a compelling conversation. Would love to hear more of your thoughts after reading this (or anyone else’s for that matter.)