A guide to curation in community: Foundation and Live Auctions

A guide to curation in community: Foundation and Live Auctions

The value of curation in a community often feels clear to its members - the ability to access trusted and vetted information quickly. A curated source is filled with hand-picked information, whether it be tools, articles, directories, conversations, books, quotes, or tips. However, for the community builder, the true value lies in the act of curation itself.

When we curate, we can't help but learn and understand the community we serve. As a community builder, it is your job to be an expert on your people. By curating content, you become aware of trends and can pass on this valuable information to your community. Being aware of trends is extremely powerful for community builders, as it allows them to stay ahead of the curve and provide relevant and timely content to their members.

But before you can even begin to curate, you must first research the ecosystem, also known as community discovery. This involves learning who your members are, what conversations they're having, and what content they're sharing. By understanding your community and their interests, you can curate content that will truly resonate with them.

Before saving anything, it is essential to ask yourself whether it is worth saving. In other words, you must decide if something is valuable. As a community builder, your goal is to provide value to your members, so it is crucial to curate only the most valuable and relevant content. By carefully selecting what to save, you ensure that your curated content remains high-quality and beneficial to your community.

Continued curation ensures that you never run out of interesting questions to ask, content to write, and events to create. By consistently curating new and exciting content, you keep your community engaged and excited about what you have to offer. The act of curation itself becomes a never-ending source of inspiration and ideas for community builders.

While tags and categories can help you stay structured in your curation efforts, it is important not to go overboard. Too many tags can become counterproductive and chaotic, making it difficult for members to navigate and find the content they're looking for. Instead, focus on creating a curated repository that is organized and easy to navigate, allowing your community to easily connect with the content they find most valuable.

Sure, a repository of anything can be helpful for anyone in a business. But the true power of curation lies in the ability to connect the dots. By curating content that is interconnected and related, you provide your community with a holistic and comprehensive understanding of a topic. This ability to connect the dots not only enhances the value of your curated content but also positions you as an expert in your field.

In conclusion, curation plays a vital role in building and nurturing a thriving community. By curating content that is valuable, relevant, and interconnected, you provide your community with a source of trusted and vetted information. As a community builder, it is your responsibility to be an expert on your people and to curate content that meets their needs.

Here are three actionable pieces of advice for effective curation in a community:

1. Conduct thorough research on your community and their interests. By understanding who your members are and what they care about, you can curate content that truly resonates with them.

2. Continuously curate new and exciting content to keep your community engaged and inspired. The act of curation itself should serve as a source of inspiration for future content creation.

3. Focus on creating a curated repository that is organized and easy to navigate. Avoid overwhelming your community with too many tags and categories, and instead, provide a user-friendly experience that allows members to find the content they value most.

By following these actionable pieces of advice, you can elevate your community's curation efforts and provide a valuable resource for your members. Remember, the true power of curation lies in the ability to connect the dots and provide a comprehensive understanding of a topic. So start curating and watch your community thrive.