Community Takes All: The Power of Social+: Write like you code

Community Takes All: The Power of Social+: Write like you code

In today's fast-paced world, where technology has permeated every aspect of our lives, the power of community and social interaction cannot be underestimated. It has become increasingly clear that the best version of every consumer product is the one that's intrinsically social. But what does this mean for founders and entrepreneurs trying to make their mark in the market? The key lies in understanding that no category is truly won until the social product is built.

Having a social graph is a given in today's digital landscape, but the true test lies in whether that graph is unique and inseparable from the product. It's not enough to simply add a social element to your product; it needs to be critical to the overall user experience. Designing a superficial "invite a friend" pop-up won't cut it. To truly create a social+ product, the social element must be woven into the fabric of the product itself.

Authentic engagement between users is the holy grail of social+. It's only when a company demonstrates that users are actively engaging with each other that it can reap the advantages of being social+. Peer-to-peer social engagement is the key to success in today's hyperconnected world.

A social+ product typically has both an interaction layer and a transaction layer. The interaction layer appeals to a user's emotional and cognitive side, creating a sense of connection and community. On the other hand, the transaction layer is more functional and rational, providing the necessary tools and features for users to engage with each other. When these two layers work in harmony, the power of social commerce can be unleashed, as seen with the rapid rise of Pinduoduo, which went from a market cap of zero to over $100 billion in just five years.

While social commerce has proven to be a game-changer, there are still untapped opportunities in other industries. Take the food industry, for example. From virtual kitchens to food delivery to meal kits to plant-based food, we've seen a lot of innovation in recent years. However, social+ food experiences have yet to take off. Imagine a platform where food enthusiasts can come together to share recipes, exchange cooking tips, and even collaborate on virtual cooking classes. The potential for social+ food is enormous, and it's only a matter of time before someone cracks the code.

At the core of it all, humans are social beings. We crave connection and community, not just on social media but in all aspects of our lives. Social interaction doesn't exist in a vacuum; it's often layered on top of an activity or experience. This is where the concept of social+ becomes so important. It allows us to find ways to integrate social elements into activities that we already know and love.

In the world of writing, the same principles apply. Good writing is like good code. It's simple, efficient, and structured. On the other hand, bad writing resembles bad code. It's unnecessarily complex, inefficient with the reader's memory, and structured like a bowl of spaghetti. Just as a piece of code should be understandable by a junior engineer, good writing should be easily comprehensible by the reader.

The best code is no code at all, and the same can be said for writing. If something doesn't need to be said, don't say it. This minimalist approach allows the reader to focus on what's essential and avoid unnecessary distractions. Attention span and memory are the writer's equivalent of CPU cycles and RAM. Good writing takes into consideration the mental resources of the reader and ensures that the content is engaging and captivating.

One effective technique for maintaining reader engagement is to provide regular epiphanies. David Perell refers to this as the "Raymond Chandler rule," where the reader has a moment of insight every 250 words. This keeps the reader hooked and eager to continue reading, just as a well-written code keeps the user engaged and interested in the product.

To conclude, the power of community and social interaction cannot be underestimated. Whether in the realm of consumer products or in the world of writing, social+ is the way forward. By embracing the social element and integrating it seamlessly into our products and content, we can create experiences that resonate with users on a deeper level.

Actionable advice:

• 1. Embrace the social element: Whether you're building a product or writing an article, think about how you can incorporate social elements that enhance the user experience. Make it an integral part of the overall design.

• 2. Keep it simple and efficient: Just as good code is simple and efficient, good writing should be too. Avoid unnecessary complexity and streamline your content to make it easily digestible for your audience.

• 3. Engage your readers: Capture your readers' attention by providing regular moments of insight or epiphanies. Keep them engaged and eager to continue reading by delivering valuable and thought-provoking content throughout your piece.

In the end, it all comes down to the power of community. By understanding the importance of social+ and embracing it in our endeavors, we can create products and content that truly resonate with users and stand the test of time. So let's harness the power of social+ and build a better, more connected world together.