Building for Believers: A Guide to Curation in Community

Building for Believers: A Guide to Curation in Community

Introduction:

Building a strong and thriving community requires careful planning and strategy. In this article, we will explore two key aspects of community building: building for believers and the art of curation. By understanding these concepts and implementing them effectively, community builders can create a space where members feel valued and engaged.

Building for Believers:

When it comes to building a community, it is important to understand that commitment plays a crucial role. As members become more committed, they are more likely to contribute meaningfully to the community. Lowering the barrier to entry and gradually increasing the level of commitment is essential. This can be achieved by implementing incrementally harder asks that generate incrementally more reward.

For example, Meetup and Airbnb successfully implemented this strategy by not immediately asking new members to host an event or post a listing. Instead, they started with smaller asks, such as reading a blog post or watching a video, before gradually progressing to more significant contributions. By starting with people who are already highly committed, community builders can ensure a strong foundation for their community.

Finding Community-Member-Fit (CMF) is another vital aspect of building for believers. CMF refers to the point where members consistently provide meaningful value to each other without being prompted. To find CMF, it is essential to focus on the people who need little convincing and are already trying, albeit unsuccessfully, to engage in the activities that the community offers. These individuals should be motivated and in need of assistance to succeed in their endeavors.

Contrary to popular belief, a community does not require a massive number of members to thrive. In fact, having a small group of true believers is more valuable than a large but disengaged membership. Finding those individuals who are already attempting to organize events or engage in the community's activities is key. By offering support and guidance to these motivated individuals, community builders can create a strong sense of belonging and commitment.

The Art of Curation in Community:

Curating content within a community is not just about creating a resource for members to access; it is also an exercise that benefits the community builder and members alike. When curating content, community builders are forced to process and understand the information being shared by members. This act of curation creates immense value by enabling the community builder to learn and gain a deeper understanding of the community they serve.

Additionally, community curation allows for the quick and easy access to trusted and vetted information. Members can rely on the curated content as a reliable source of hand-picked information. However, it is important for community builders to remember that the value of curation lies not only in providing resources for the members but also in the act of curating itself.

Through the process of curation, community builders can uncover new ideas and insights that can be shared with the community. By continuously learning and passing on this information, community builders can foster growth and engagement within the community. The ability to connect the dots and provide valuable insights is where the true power of curation lies.

Conclusion:

Building a thriving community requires a thoughtful approach that incorporates building for believers and the art of curation. By gradually increasing commitment and finding CMF within a small group of motivated individuals, community builders can create a strong foundation for their community. Simultaneously, the act of curation allows community builders to learn and understand the community they serve, while also providing valuable resources and insights for the members.

Actionable Advice:

1. Start with a small group of highly committed individuals: Instead of focusing on attracting a large number of members, identify those who are already motivated and in need of assistance. By nurturing this small group of believers, you can build a strong community foundation.

2. Embrace the art of curation: Curating content not only benefits your members but also allows you to learn and understand your community better. Continuously curate and share valuable insights to foster growth and engagement.

3. Connect the dots: While curating content, look for connections and patterns that can provide unique insights for your community. By connecting the dots, you can offer valuable perspectives that will further engage and benefit your members.

In conclusion, building for believers and practicing effective curation are essential elements for creating a thriving community. By implementing these strategies and continuously adapting to the needs of your members, you can foster a sense of belonging, engagement, and growth within your community.