Building Successful Communities: From Larry Page to Meetup and Airbnb

Building Successful Communities: From Larry Page to Meetup and Airbnb

Introduction:
In the world of technology and online platforms, the success of a project often hinges on the ability to build and nurture a strong community. This article explores the journeys of Larry Page, the co-founder of Google, and the strategies employed by Meetup and Airbnb to create thriving communities. By examining the commonalities and unique insights from these stories, we can uncover actionable advice for anyone seeking to build their own successful community.

Larry Page's Vision:
Larry Page's fascination with the premise behind BackRub, which later became Google, stemmed from its potential to make the web a more valuable place. The concept of counting and qualifying backlinks on the web resonated with Page, as he saw the internet as a vast repository of human knowledge. This idea of leveraging the collective intelligence of users is a common thread in successful community-building efforts.

Lowering Barriers and Gradual Commitment:
Meetup and Airbnb both emphasize the importance of gradually increasing commitment levels within their communities. The strategy is to lower the barrier to entry and then incrementally ramp up the asks as members become more engaged. This approach ensures that members feel a sense of progression and rewards their commitment over time. By starting with small asks, such as reading a blog post or watching an introductory video, and then gradually moving towards larger asks like hosting a meetup or posting a listing, these platforms cultivate a sense of belonging and ownership among their users.

Community-Member-Fit:
A crucial aspect of building successful communities is finding the right fit between the community and its members. Meetup and Airbnb recognized this early on by focusing on actions at the top of the commitment curve and targeting individuals who were already highly committed. This approach not only ensures that members are providing meaningful value to each other without being prompted but also increases the likelihood of success. Instead of trying to convince people to join, start by identifying those who are already attempting to engage in the activities your community offers. By supporting their efforts, you can create a strong foundation for growth.

Start Small with True Believers:
Contrary to popular belief, the size of a community is not the primary indicator of success. Meetup and Airbnb demonstrate that starting with a small group of true believers is often more effective. Instead of targeting established conference organizers or successful event planners, focus on individuals who are motivated but haven't found success yet. These are the people who genuinely need your help and are more likely to be passionate advocates for your community. By nurturing this core group, you can build momentum and attract others who resonate with the values and purpose of your community.

Actionable Advice:

1. Gradually increase commitment levels: Start with small asks and gradually ramp up the level of engagement to reward members' commitment over time.
2. Find Community-Member-Fit: Identify individuals who are already attempting to engage in the activities your community offers. Support their efforts and provide value to establish a strong foundation.
3. Start small with true believers: Focus on a core group of passionate individuals who genuinely need your help and are more likely to become advocates for your community.

Conclusion:
Building successful communities requires a thoughtful approach that aligns with the vision and purpose of the project. By exploring the experiences of Larry Page, Meetup, and Airbnb, we can glean valuable insights and actionable advice. By gradually increasing commitment levels, finding the right fit between the community and its members, and starting small with true believers, anyone can lay the groundwork for a thriving community. Remember, it's not about the quantity, but the quality of engagement that drives success.