The Power of Community and Learning: On Deck's Unique Approach

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Sep 28, 2023
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The Power of Community and Learning: On Deck's Unique Approach
Introduction:
In a rapidly changing world, where traditional institutions are losing their grip on society, people are searching for new avenues to find fulfillment, meaning, identity, and community. This shift is evident in the decline of organized religion and the rise of online communities like Peloton. On Deck, a community-driven platform, has tapped into this need by providing a space for individuals to connect, learn, and grow together. By combining curriculum with community, On Deck has found success where the first generation of "ed-tech" failed, creating a powerful model for peer-to-peer education.
The On Deck Model:
On Deck's success lies in its ability to leverage the power of community to drive engagement and growth. Each new program offered by On Deck addresses a specific demand identified within their network, creating a continuous cycle of supply and demand. For example, their founders, angels, and talent fellowships are tightly interwoven, ensuring that each program contributes to the overall growth of the community. By reinvesting program revenue into hiring the best talent and creating exceptional experiences, On Deck has built a strong reputation and fueled further investment in research and development, acquisition, and distribution.
Rebundling Community with Curriculum:
Learning from the failures of the first generation of "ed-tech" platforms, On Deck has successfully rebundled community with curriculum. They understand that learning is not just about the content but also about the people you learn with. By creating a culture of collaboration and respect among participants, On Deck has made peer-to-peer education rewarding and personal. This approach has led to strong "repeat buying" behavior, with participants often signing up for multiple programs, and a consistently high Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 65-70.
Riding the Macro Waves:
On Deck is riding a series of macro waves or tailwinds that are shaping the future of education and work. The decline of traditional higher education and the rise of "ed-tech 2.0" have led to a reimagining of how education is delivered, with a focus on virtual curriculum and community. The shift to distributed living and working, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made location less important in hiring. On Deck has positioned itself as "Silicon Valley in the Cloud," capitalizing on these trends and providing a platform for individuals to thrive in the new normal.
Frameworks for Success:
On Deck's success can be attributed to its unique frameworks for democratizing valuable skills and navigating the hype cycle. By democratizing specialized talents, On Deck has expanded its market and captured a larger audience. They understand the importance of pushing through the trough of disillusionment in the hype cycle and iterating on features, rather than abandoning them for the next big thing. Additionally, On Deck recognizes the four phases of using data in startups, from ignoring it to relying on it to make decisions, ultimately considering the impact on the overall system.
Actionable Advice:
- 1. Embrace the power of community: Create spaces where individuals can connect, learn, and grow together. Foster a culture of collaboration and respect to make peer-to-peer education rewarding and personal.
- 2. Democratize valuable skills: Identify valuable skills or knowledge that were previously limited to a few specialized talents and find ways to democratize them. By doing so, you can tap into a larger market and capture a wider audience.
- 3. Iterate and adapt: In the fast-paced world of technology and education, it is crucial to push through the hype cycle and iterate on features rather than abandoning them for the next big thing. Continuously adapt to the changing needs and demands of your community.
Conclusion:
On Deck's unique approach to combining community with curriculum has positioned them as a leader in the evolving landscape of education and work. By tapping into the ongoing search for meaning, identity, and community, On Deck has successfully created a space where individuals can connect, learn, and grow together. Through their frameworks for success and ability to adapt to changing trends, On Deck has established itself as a platform that offers utility and long-term competitive advantage. As we navigate the future of education and work, embracing the power of community and continuously iterating on our offerings will be key to success.
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