The Key Ingredients for Building Successful Communities and the Role of Product Managers

The Key Ingredients for Building Successful Communities and the Role of Product Managers

Introduction:
Communities are built on trust and the willingness of individuals to contribute their time and energy. However, maintaining and growing a community requires more than just enthusiasm. In this article, we will explore the challenges of building communities and the importance of trust. Additionally, we will delve into the world of product management and its role in shaping successful communities.

Building Trust in Communities:
Trust is the foundation of any thriving community. People need to trust that their contributions will be put to good use and that the intentions behind the community are genuine. Furthermore, they must believe that progress can be made towards achieving the community's goals and that the values of the community align with their own. Without trust, communities struggle to gain momentum and fail to attract committed contributors.

The Power of Achieving the First Win:
Communities become real when they achieve their first win. Enthusiasm alone is not enough to sustain a community. It is crucial to understand why individuals join a community and what they hope to achieve. By empowering community members to have a say in decision-making and execution, their commitment to the community deepens. Real trust is built when the interests of others are prioritized over individual gains.

The Pitfalls of Building Communities:
Even smart and capable individuals can struggle when it comes to building communities. Unrealistic expectations of the process required to build a community often lead to disappointment. Additionally, attempting to replicate the success of existing communities can hinder originality and value creation. It is important to focus on creating value rather than simply playing house.

The Role of Product Managers in Community Building:
Product managers (PMs) play a vital role in shaping successful communities. Through comprehensive surveys, it has been observed that PMs are highly valued for their communication skills, execution abilities, and product sense. However, design/UX, empathy, and raw intelligence are less frequently prioritized. PMs have significant influence at 70% of companies, although the spectrum varies widely. From Zynga, where PMs run the show, to Apple, where PMs have the least influence, the role of PMs in community building cannot be ignored.

Actionable Advice for Building Successful Communities: