The Business of Belonging: How to Make Community your Competitive Advantage

Involve members as much as you can in developing the structure of the community. When I began building Escaping Mediocrity, I had some loose ideas on the structure I wanted to put in place. But because I wanted to create a real community, one that could function whether I was present or not, I encouraged people to take ownership of how

Superusers … 1. Check in frequently and consistently—not just once a year for an intense engagement. 2. Create content that others can access. 3. “Police” the community and ensure that cultural norms that strengthen the group are enforced. 4. Have a two-way relationship with the organization itself—providing feedback and suggestions. 5. Demonstrate

In any group of colleagues and friends, there will be a handful of people taking on the role of responding to most questions, organising most activities, and driving progress forward. No matter what kind of community you’re building, your success is likely to hang upon a few highly motivated members.

If it’s successful, then your communities will do at least four things better. First, it’ll help members grow in the ways they hope to. This growth can be technical, social, or internal. Second, it’ll cause members to feel more connected, welcome, proud, and excited to be a part of the group. Third, it’ll help members work together toward making th