Online communities -– instantaneous information sharing, a fountain of data at our finger tips, always available. Social networking sites allow us to catch up with friends and maintain relationships without the time investment of phone calls and letters. It’s how we fit conversations into our busy schedule. As long as you share information with everyone the same way it’s a valuable tool.
The connection is the information. Social networking allows groups of people to get the same information from the same source at the same time. Yes, email can disseminate information but your goal with social networking is two-fold; you want to provide information and make connections, you want feedback, you want dialogue, you want an exchange. You need user feedback to create information.
Lightning fast collaboration. Social media allows lightning fast posts, multi-media sharing capabilities, real-time collaboration and so much more. Why make your membership wait on a paper newsletter to find out important information? Give it to them now. Give it to them often. The more information and value you provide, the quicker you will become part of their daily Internet routine. And you never want your members to feel left in the dark.
Create a loyal army! An online member community gives your members somewhere to go for personalized information about their industry, company, church or passion. You have the opportunity to create industry gurus, brand evangelists, even armies of volunteers, because you are able to touch so many so quickly.
It’s time to harness the power of your online community. Give your members the information they need and soon they will be disseminating it -– carrying it to places you can only dream of. Empower them for they are the true measure of your success.
