On Deck Series A Memo: The Rise of Online Communities and the Power of Focus

On Deck Series A Memo: The Rise of Online Communities and the Power of Focus

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, finding a sense of fulfillment, meaning, and community is becoming increasingly important for individuals. The decline of organized religion has led many to search for alternative sources of connection and purpose. One such avenue is the rise of online communities, where people can come together and find the support and camaraderie they crave.

On Deck, a community-building platform, has recognized this need and capitalized on it. They understand that each new program they offer contributes to meeting a specific demand within their network. By tightly interweaving their founders, angels, and talent fellowships, they create a cohesive ecosystem that fosters connection and growth. This approach not only provides value to their members but also helps build their reputation and drive new member demand.

Learning from the failures of the first generation of "ed-tech," On Deck has taken a different approach. They have "re-bundled" community with curriculum, recognizing that learning is not just about the content but also about the connections and relationships formed along the way. By creating a culture of peer-to-peer education and building tools to enhance the learning experience, they have found success in creating a rewarding and personal educational environment.

One of the key indicators of On Deck's success is the strong "repeat buying" behavior exhibited by their top fellows. Many individuals who have participated in one program go on to join multiple others, demonstrating the value and impact of the community they have built. Their Net Promoter Score (NPS) consistently polls at an impressive 65-70, and their customers actively refer others to the platform, with over 2,500 referrals made in the past year alone.

On Deck is riding a series of macro waves or tailwinds that are shaping the future. The decline of traditional higher education and the rise of "ed-tech 2.0" have led to a reimagining of how education is delivered. The shift to distributed living and working, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made location less important in hiring and collaboration. On Deck embodies the spirit of "Silicon Valley in the Cloud," embracing the opportunities presented by these changes and leveraging them to create innovative solutions.

In the quest for success and productivity, it is important to shift our focus from simply being productive to cultivating a state of deep engagement and focus. Focus is not just a result but a process, a state in which we enter a state of flow and find intense pleasure in our work. By learning to enjoy and practice focus for its own sake, we naturally increase both the quality and quantity of our outcomes. Productivity becomes the by-product of focus.

Trusting our judgment is a crucial aspect of focus. It is what binds us meaningfully to the things outside of ourselves. Focus requires confidence in ourselves, our judgment, and the object of our attention. It is a form of self-awareness, boundary-setting, and self-trust. Without trust, listing our priorities becomes meaningless. By refusing to give in to insecurities and remaining true to our state of focus, we not only produce work we are proud of but also contribute to a lifelong practice of self-trust and awareness.

Context switching and distractions are the enemies of focus. Studies have shown that distraction can lead to a significant decrease in IQ. To combat this, it is essential to minimize context switching and manage distractions effectively. Treating focus as a lifelong practice and embracing the opportunity for self-growth can help us navigate the challenges of staying focused in a world full of distractions. Seeking out unified digital workspace platforms that protect our attention rather than compete for it can also be beneficial in maintaining focus.

In conclusion, the rise of online communities and the power of focus are two interconnected themes that are shaping the future of work and personal growth. On Deck has harnessed the potential of online communities to provide a sense of meaning and connection in a world where traditional institutions are declining. By prioritizing focus and deep engagement, individuals can unlock exponential improvements in their productivity and fulfillment. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to incorporate these principles into your life:

1. Embrace the power of online communities: Seek out and actively participate in online communities that align with your interests and goals. These communities can provide a sense of belonging, support, and opportunities for growth that traditional institutions may no longer offer.

2. Cultivate a practice of focus: Make a conscious effort to prioritize deep engagement and focus in your work and daily life. Enjoy the process of focus itself, rather than just focusing on the outcome. Trust your judgment and set boundaries to protect your focus from distractions.

3. Minimize context switching and distractions: Identify and eliminate sources of distraction in your environment. Use tools and techniques that help manage distractions effectively, such as unified digital workspace platforms. Treat focus as a lifelong practice and embrace the opportunity for self-growth.

By incorporating these practices into your life, you can tap into the power of online communities and focus to enhance your personal and professional growth. As Ann Lamont wisely said, "how we spend the hours is how we spend our lives." So let's make the most of our time and create meaningful connections and impactful work in the process.