Why build communities?

Social media and web 2.0 have at their heart the building of communities.

But why is that important is this fast paced world? Isn’t everyone meant to look after themselves? After all, we live in a world where we expect our children to be self sufficient and able to stand on their own two feet so to speak.

I remember coming to Ireland many many years ago - long before it became my home and that is one of the things I was struck by - the really strong sense of community and belonging amongst the people I met.

I then found that echoed in the workplace when I eventually moved to Ireland.

However in the later 1990’s and early 21 century, it seemed to me that we moved to a far more individualistic world - not just here in Ireland.

I wonder if the rise of the online community through social networks and platforms such as blogging are starting to take a hold as we search for connections with others who have a similar point of view and want to share similar experiences?

Here are three things I think are critical when building communities in business - be that offline or online:

1. Common interest - strong communities are built around an area of common interest, experience and language
2. Collaboration - the strongest communities thrive because of the members preparedness to collaborate. That is not to say that competition does not exisit - but where it does, it is harnessed for competitive advantage
3. Connected - thriving communities stay connected - building and nurturing the network across their members over time rather than letting relationships wither and die.

Consider when you have been engaged in a strong community - were you all the richer for it? What made you want to be part of that community? How can you take that learning and apply it to expand your professional success today.

We will be talking about building communities at PodCamp Ireland - Neville Hobson, one of the people who will be speaking at PodCamp Ireland will be leading a session on building communities.

I hope you’ll join the PodCamp Ireland community!