A Guide to Curation in Community: Connecting and Creating Value

A Guide to Curation in Community: Connecting and Creating Value

Curating content in a community is more than just creating a resource for members to access. It is an exercise that holds immense value for both the community builder and the members themselves. While members benefit from having access to trusted and vetted information quickly, the act of curation allows community builders to learn and understand the community they serve.

When we curate content, we can't help but notice new ideas popping up and spreading. This learning process enables us to pass on valuable information to our community. However, it's essential to remember that community curation is for the community builder first and the members second. Before saving anything, ask yourself whether it is worth saving. Determine if it holds significant value. Otherwise, if everything is considered special, then nothing truly is.

Building a repository of curated content can be helpful to anyone in a business setting. However, the true power of curation lies in the ability to connect the dots. Community building is about helping individuals within the community, from members to potentially every employee in your company.

Now, let's explore the traits of a good product manager and how they align with the principles of community curation. According to Andreessen Horowitz, a good product manager is the CEO of the product. They possess deep knowledge about the market, product, product line, and competition. Similarly, community curators must have a strong basis of knowledge and confidence in the content they curate.

Good product managers take responsibility for devising and executing a winning plan, without making excuses. Similarly, community curators must take ownership of the content they curate and ensure it aligns with the needs and interests of their community.

Furthermore, good product managers don't get caught up in the day-to-day operations of various organizations. They focus on managing the product team rather than being part of it. Similarly, community curators should prioritize the act of curation itself and not get bogged down by other aspects of community management.

Effective product managers crisply define the target, focusing on the "what" rather than the "how." This principle aligns with community curation, as curators must carefully select and capture valuable information for their community, ensuring it aligns with their needs.

In addition, good product managers create collateral such as FAQs, presentations, and white papers to leverage and communicate effectively. This approach applies to community curators as well. They should create curated resources that are easily accessible and shareable within the community.

On the other hand, bad product managers tend to get caught up in the details of "how" rather than focusing on the bigger picture. Similarly, ineffective community curators may spend too much time on trivial matters rather than curating valuable content.

Bad product managers complain about the time spent answering questions, while good product managers take written positions on important issues. Community curators should also adopt this mindset and focus on providing clear and concise information to their community, rather than getting overwhelmed with individual queries.

Lastly, good product managers focus on revenue and customers. They decompose problems and think about the story they want to be written by the press. This approach aligns with community curation, as curators should prioritize the needs and interests of their community, thinking about how the curated content can benefit them.

In conclusion, community curation is a valuable exercise for both community builders and members. It allows community builders to learn and understand their community better while providing members with trusted and vetted information. By connecting the traits of a good product manager with the principles of community curation, we can see how both practices emphasize the importance of knowledge, focus, and effective communication.

Actionable Advice:

1. Prioritize quality over quantity when curating content for your community. Ensure that every piece of curated information holds significant value and is worth saving.
2. Focus on the bigger picture and the needs of your community when curating content. Avoid getting caught up in trivial details and prioritize the "what" rather than the "how."
3. Create collateral and resources that are easily accessible and shareable within your community. Leverage different formats such as FAQs, presentations, and white papers to effectively communicate with your community.

By following these actionable tips, community curators can enhance the value they provide to their community and create a more engaging and informative environment. Remember, community curation is a powerful tool for learning, understanding, and connecting with your community.