The Only Way to Learn in Public and the Importance of Community Management

The Only Way to Learn in Public and the Importance of Community Management

Learning in public can be a daunting task for many individuals. The fear of being judged and criticized often leads people to keep their learning process private. However, seeking validation should not be the ultimate goal of learning in public. Instead, the focus should be on tapping into the collective intelligence of your network to create constructive feedback loops.

The concept of learning in public revolves around working on a project that you own and sharing your progress with others. It's not about saying, "I learned this!" but rather, "I built this!" By keeping a public log of what you build, you can effectively track your learning progress and showcase your growth to others.

There is a famous quote that says, "If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you've launched too late." This quote encapsulates the idea that learning in public requires vulnerability and a willingness to share your imperfect creations. It's during this vulnerable stage of a project where learning can be most valuable.

Now, let's shift our focus to the importance of community management. What exactly is community management and why is it crucial in today's world? Community management involves intervening in the relationships between users within a community. It encompasses activities such as acquiring new members, maintaining existing relationships, strengthening connections, and reorganizing the community structure.

Communities can be classified along two axes: dynamic vs. static and purpose-driven vs. emotionally-driven. Additionally, communities can also be categorized based on interests, physical locations, actions, and practices. The significance of communities is similar to that of customer success. Knowledge resides within groups and environments, and communities provide a platform to harness this knowledge for learning purposes.

In the B2B purchasing process, 84% of the journey starts with a referral, and 81% of individuals trust business advice from friends and family. Communities play a vital role in facilitating these referrals and recommendations, making them an essential component of business growth.

However, it's important to note that contributions within a community can be imbalanced. The 1-9-90% rule states that 1% of members are highly active contributors, 9% are occasional contributors, and 90% are passive consumers. Community managers need to be aware of this imbalance and find ways to encourage active participation from a broader range of members.

The decline of a community can occur due to factors such as member stagnation, deterioration of purpose or interests, and changes in the demographics of the community. It's crucial for community managers to identify these factors and proactively address them to ensure the long-term sustainability of the community.

In conclusion, learning in public and community management are interconnected concepts that can greatly enhance personal growth and business success. By embracing vulnerability and sharing our learning journey with others, we can tap into the collective intelligence of our network and receive valuable feedback. Similarly, effective community management can create a thriving environment where knowledge is shared, referrals are made, and relationships are strengthened.

To embark on your journey of learning in public and community management, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Start small and build momentum: Begin by sharing your progress on a small project or topic of interest. As you gain confidence and receive feedback, gradually expand your scope and engage with larger communities.

2. Foster active participation: Encourage members of your community to actively contribute and participate. Provide opportunities for them to share their knowledge, ask questions, and collaborate with others. This will create a sense of ownership and belonging within the community.

3. Continuously adapt and evolve: Communities are dynamic entities that require constant nurturing and adaptation. Stay attuned to the needs and interests of your community members, and be willing to evolve the community structure and activities accordingly.

By incorporating these advice into your learning journey and community management efforts, you can unlock the full potential of learning in public and create thriving communities that foster growth and success.