Community Takes All: The Power of Social+ & How to Find Your Hidden Creative Genius

Community Takes All: The Power of Social+ & How to Find Your Hidden Creative Genius

In today's interconnected world, the power of social+ cannot be underestimated. The best version of every consumer product is the one that's intrinsically social. It's not just about having a social graph, but whether that graph is unique and inseparable from the product itself.

When a company can authentically engage its users through peer-to-peer social interactions, it reaps the advantages of being social+. Designing annoying "invite a friend" pop-ups that are neither wanted nor needed does not make a product social+. The social element needs to be critical to the overall product experience.

A social+ product typically consists of an interaction layer and a transaction layer. The interaction layer appeals to a user's emotional and cognitive side, while the transaction layer is more functional and rational. This combination creates a holistic experience that enhances user engagement and loyalty.

Take the example of Pinduoduo, a Chinese e-commerce platform. In less than five years, it has gone from a market cap of zero to over $100 billion. This success showcases the potential of social commerce in today's market. By leveraging the power of social interactions, Pinduoduo has created a unique and defensible position for itself.

Another emerging category is social audio, which has gained significant traction recently. Platforms like Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces have revolutionized the way we connect and communicate with others. By incorporating social elements into audio experiences, these platforms have tapped into the innate desire for human connection.

But social+ is not limited to e-commerce or audio. There are endless opportunities to integrate social into various activities and experiences that we already know and love. From virtual kitchens to food delivery to meal kits to plant-based food, the potential for social+ in the food industry is vast and largely untapped.

Humans are social beings at our core. We crave connection and community, beyond what social media can provide. That's why the concept of social+ is so important. It allows us to find ways to layer social into everyday activities, making them more meaningful and enjoyable.

Now, let's shift our focus to finding our hidden creative genius. Many people believe that creativity is something innate, reserved for a chosen few. However, research and personal anecdotes tell a different story.

Picasso famously said, "It took me thirty years to draw that masterpiece in thirty seconds." This highlights the importance of practice and persistence in creative endeavors. It's not about waiting for inspiration to strike but showing up and doing the work consistently.

Studies have shown that most groundbreaking work happens after a significant amount of time and practice. Cognitive psychology professor John Hayes found that out of 500 famous musical pieces, nearly all of them were created after year 10 of the composer's career. Similar patterns emerged with poets and painters.

To tap into your creative genius, you must give yourself permission to create junk. There's no way around it. Amateurs wait for inspiration, while professionals create on a schedule. The key is to show up and get to work, regardless of whether you feel inspired or not.

Chuck Close, an American artist, once said, "The most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Do a huge volume of work." By pushing through and creating a volume of work, you improve your skills and increase the likelihood of producing something exceptional.

It's crucial to finish something, anything. The fear of judgment and perfectionism often hinders our progress. But done is better than perfect. Set aside the research, planning, and preparation, and just do the work. Your first attempt doesn't need to set the world on fire. It's about proving to yourself that you have what it takes to create.

Don't shy away from sharing your work publicly. This accountability will push you to produce your best work. Feedback from others will help you improve, and seeing others connect with your creations will inspire you to keep going. Sharing your work also allows you to find like-minded individuals who can support and collaborate with you on your creative journey.

Remember, what seems simple to you is often brilliant to someone else. But you'll never know unless you choose to share. Finding your creative genius is a process that requires perseverance. Do the work, finish something, get feedback, find ways to improve, and show up again tomorrow. Repeat this process for ten years, and inspiration will reveal itself through your dedication and effort.

To summarize, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Incorporate social elements into your product or experience. Make the social element critical to the overall user experience and engagement. Don't settle for superficial social features but create something unique and inseparable from your product.

2. Show up and do the work consistently. Give yourself permission to create junk and push through the fear of judgment. Inspiration comes after perspiration, so focus on creating a volume of work and improving your skills.

3. Share your work publicly. This will hold you accountable to creating your best work and provide valuable feedback for improvement. It will also connect you with like-minded individuals who can support and inspire you on your creative journey.

In conclusion, the power of social+ and tapping into our hidden creative genius are two essential aspects of personal and professional growth. By embracing social elements in our products and activities and committing to consistent creative work, we can unlock new levels of success and fulfillment. So, let's harness the power of community and unleash our creative potential.