A guide to curation in community: Hello, Content Creators. Silicon Valley’s Investors Want to Meet You.

A guide to curation in community: Hello, Content Creators. Silicon Valley’s Investors Want to Meet You.

Curating forces you to process what your members are sharing. It is not just about creating a resource for your members to access; it is an exercise that creates immense value for you and your members. The value for members often feels clear—the ability to access trusted and vetted information quickly. They are provided with a source filled with hand-picked information that they can rely on.

However, for the community builder, the value lies in the act of curation itself. When we curate, we can't help but learn and understand the community we serve. It allows us to immerse ourselves in the interests and needs of our members. It helps us stay connected and engaged with the community, fostering a sense of belonging and trust.

While you’re curating content, you will notice new ideas popping up and spreading. You will come across different perspectives and insights. This constant exposure to fresh content and information can be incredibly stimulating. It keeps your mind open and receptive to new possibilities. While you’re learning, you can pass on the information to your community, enriching their experience and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Community curation is for you first, and your members second. Before you save anything, you ask yourself whether it is worth saving. Essentially, you’re deciding if something is valuable. You become the filter, the gatekeeper of information. You have the power to shape the narrative and influence the direction of the community. This is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.

A word of caution - if everything is special, nothing is special. As a curator, it is important to maintain a discerning eye. A repository of anything can be helpful for anyone in a business. But the ability to connect the dots is where the power of curation lies. It is about identifying patterns, making connections, and drawing insights from seemingly unrelated pieces of information. This is what sets great curators apart from the rest.

So, how does this relate to content creators and Silicon Valley's interest in their tools and platforms? Well, content creators are essentially curators themselves. They sift through vast amounts of information, distill it, and present it in a meaningful and engaging way. They are the ones connecting the dots and creating value for their audience.

Silicon Valley recognizes the potential in content creators and the impact they can have on their platforms. The venture capital firm SignalFire estimates that 50 million people around the world consider themselves content creators. This is a massive market with immense potential. As a result, venture capital firms have invested $2 billion into 50 creator-focused start-ups so far this year.

The focus is not solely on the creators themselves, but on the digital tools and platforms they use. Silicon Valley understands that by providing content creators with the right tools and platforms, they can unleash their creativity and amplify their impact. It is about empowering content creators to reach their full potential and create meaningful content that resonates with their audience.

As Linus Walton, vice president at the Chernin Group, an investment firm, puts it, "it's all about becoming that influencer, or becoming that new TikTok star that all your friends are watching." This shift in focus reflects the changing landscape of social media and the increasing importance of content creators in shaping online communities.

In conclusion, curation in community and the interest of Silicon Valley in content creators share a common thread - the power of connecting people and ideas. Whether you are a community builder or a content creator, the act of curation holds immense value. It allows you to learn, understand, and shape the narrative of your community or platform.

To make the most of this power, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the role of curator: As a community builder or content creator, embrace the role of curator. Take the time to sift through information, identify valuable content, and present it in a meaningful way. This will not only benefit your audience but also deepen your understanding of the community you serve.

2. Foster a culture of continuous learning: Encourage your community members or audience to actively engage with the curated content. Encourage discussions, debates, and the sharing of insights. This will foster a culture of continuous learning and create a vibrant and engaged community.

3. Embrace the right tools and platforms: If you are a content creator, embrace the digital tools and platforms that can amplify your impact. Look for platforms that provide the necessary support, resources, and reach to help you connect with your audience and create meaningful content.

By following these pieces of advice, you can harness the power of curation and create a thriving community or platform that fosters learning, connection, and growth. So, whether you are curating for your community or creating content as a content creator, remember the immense value that lies in the act of curation.