Cultivate an Active Network

Chris,

One more thought to add…

Care about them [your network] more than yourself.

@TomMartin

You and I agree on this 100%, period, next comment. The old thinking requires a number, either that number is in followers, or cash register rings, or brand perception change, it's all about a number. It might not be the same number for everyone, but many are fixated on a number.

NO, don't go there.

Social media will either help shift our culture's thinking or it will be the biggest fad of this century ( and there is plenty of century left). The concept of community, is not quite accepted in the US. I'm not getting into the socialism, thing, but there is a shared root word there isn't it?

And we still have layered an old thinking model “My dog's bigger than your dog” mentality over a social web culture. This is causing some conflicts. Hmmm good topic for a conversation eh?

Chris, you never stop being helpful which is why you have more of an army than a network. I think the thing is if you help 10 people over and over again, chances are they'll tell people so by focussing on quality you'll inevitably finish up with quality and quantity.

Looking forward to reading Trust Agents – I'm guessing there is a lot in there about helping folk out – seems like the best way to start building trust.

Thanks for the monumental amount of investment you keep putting into your network/followers, it's hugely appreciated.

I'd add another: Be a good host, the person who introduces people to each other. Putting yourself in the middle is a good (and socially acceptable) way of pushing yourself forward.

get the most out of social networking

I'm testing the share features of facebook and capitalizing on the number of active users on FB.

Probably my favorite part is the image and feel created when you turn your chairs facing inward. Right there your efforts are directed to making the network a community instead of an audience. This is a huge thing people need to realize. They've got to interact with and talk with people instead of talking at people. I for one have no problem admitting that my audience knows more than I do. So as you change your thinking from audience to community, you are not only preaching, but learning as well. As you listen to what they have to say you can give back more because you've taken the time to figure out their needs and gather and glean from their knowledge to create something even more valuable than one person alone could do. Thanks Chris for the well thought through post

Listen, take action intelligently, and have reachable goals for your community.

Sweet! Really useful article, bookmarked to Delicious

Hi Chris, Happy Vacation! Post is awesome as usual, but I like to highlight how the picture you chose for it is equally awesome! It's a perfect example of how no one should take themselves (or their message) too seriously while getting serious. :) At the end of the day, we gotta just be a real – real people sharing the multiple facets of ourselves while engaging others to do the same. It will attract a broad spectrum of people into our “network” — which is important because now our network IS our community — and the more varied experience we create/offer/instigate/cultivate in our community the more we can discover and learn from each other. How exciting!

Chris – Thank you so much for the http://sharpieuncapped.com community shout out in your post. You are correct, we are sincerely trying to embrace our Sharpie fans and artists. It is amazing how creative, artistic and innovative they are with Sharpie markers. The work ranges from high-end art that sells for thousands of dollars to very practical uses like repairing furniture and shoes. I personally like the Sharpie fans who merge multiple media into a piece of art. Some of the videos I have seen that integrate live Sharpie art creation on video, choreographed to music are absolutely gorgeous.

Building a brand community is not easy, but Sharpie fans and users make it a lot easier due to their passion for the brand and products. We still have a ways to go, but hoping for a lot of activity and an explosion of creativity in the community.

Sincere thanks for the shout out and insightful post.

Bert DuMars
VP E-Business & Interactive Marketing
Newell Rubbermaid
http://newellrubbermaid.com
Sharpie Blog: http://blog.sharpie.com
Personal Blog: http://socialmediaecosystem.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bwdumars

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A book I read recently and dug more than I expected to was Robert McKee’s “Story” (link from my blog). I figured it would be a formulaic approach to communications, but it veers away from that concept and instead breaks down WHY stories work. It may still be a masculine viewpoint, whereas a feminine viewpoint may better suit your story, but it’s a good building block nonetheless.