1/ They create a built-in source of real-time user feedback, which is critical for building a product people really want. 2/ They foster friendships rooted in an affinity for your product, which drives lifetime value and new customer referrals.

Who should read this? -Growth/scale ventures.-Entrepreneurs who have built an MVP and have a user base.-Companies that have a product/service with a social component, whose users would define being part of an associated community as a value-add.