"A guide to curation in community: Connecting the Dots and Creating Value"

"A guide to curation in community: Connecting the Dots and Creating Value"

Curating content in a community is not just about creating a resource for members to access. It is an exercise that creates immense value for both the community builder and the members. While members benefit from accessing trusted and vetted information quickly, community builders gain valuable insights about the community they serve.

When we curate, we inevitably learn and understand the community better. As we process what members are sharing, we notice new ideas popping up and spreading. This newfound knowledge can then be shared with the community, fostering growth and engagement.

However, community curation is not solely for the benefit of members. It is equally valuable for the community builder. Before saving anything, community builders ask themselves whether it is worth saving. They evaluate the content's value and decide if it is worth capturing. This discernment is crucial because if everything is considered special, then nothing is truly special.

Curating a repository of information can be helpful for anyone in a business or community. However, the power of curation lies in the ability to connect the dots. By curating content, community builders can identify patterns, trends, and insights that may not be immediately apparent. These connections can then be used to drive innovation, problem-solving, and decision-making within the community.

In essence, community curation is about helping people. These people are not only the members of the community but potentially every employee in a company. By curating and sharing valuable information, community builders empower others to learn, grow, and make informed decisions.

As community builders embark on their curation journey, here are three actionable pieces of advice to consider:

1. Focus on quality over quantity: It's tempting to save every piece of content that comes your way, but it's crucial to prioritize quality. Curate content that is relevant, reliable, and valuable to your community. Remember, it's better to have a curated collection of high-quality resources than a cluttered repository of mediocre content.

2. Foster collaboration and participation: Curation should not be a solitary endeavor. Encourage community members to contribute their own curated resources and insights. By fostering collaboration, you create a sense of ownership and engagement within the community. This collective effort also ensures a diverse range of perspectives and ideas are included in the curation process.

3. Continuously evaluate and update: Curation is an ongoing process. As the community evolves and new information becomes available, regularly review and update your curated resources. This ensures that the content remains relevant, accurate, and valuable to the community. Additionally, seek feedback from community members to understand their needs and preferences, allowing you to curate content that truly resonates with them.

In conclusion, community curation is a powerful tool that benefits both community builders and members. By curating content, community builders gain valuable insights about their community, while members enjoy access to trusted and vetted information. The ability to connect the dots and identify patterns within curated content provides a catalyst for innovation and growth. Through thoughtful curation, community builders can help their people thrive and succeed. So, embark on your curation journey, prioritize quality, foster collaboration, and continuously evaluate and update your curated resources. The value you create through curation will have a lasting impact on your community.