The Lifespan of a Social Community


TOPIC QUESTIONS
Q1) How do you plan resources for the lifespan of a social media engagement?
Q2) Do the communities you create need a community manager or can they be self-sustaining?
Q3) What do you do with a community when the budget is exhausted or resources are no longer available?
   Event Details
Event Date:
     2010-08-10
Event Time:
     12PM - 1 PM EST
Participants:
     90
Tweets:
     483


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Moderator
connie-bensen.jpg
Connie Bensen
twitter:
web: http://www.alterian.com/
BIO: Connie’s passion is community building and the related facets of social networking and branding. The goal of this site is to provide resources, mentorship & leadership for those building vibrant communities. As the community manager role becomes more prevalent she contributes to best practices. The precepts of community building apply to businesses no matter their size or type making this area critical to the integration of social media tools. It ...more
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  • RT : Big props to for moderating today & if U missed like me, archive: http://hashtagsocialmedia.com/event/72 #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:28:07 PM
  • Its about defining crtical mass. Does it happen early? Or does it grow? Whats a startup want vs. mature brand? #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:27:02 PM
  • need/interest there? Can you predict that? Or for "b", can you identify a community in need of resources? #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:27:02 PM
  • a common interest or need. So it comes down to, if you're going to build the resources for a community, is the ... #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:26:03 PM
  • RT : Community management isn't just about "Issues" mgmt. There's sales, product, marketing, customer service, content... #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:25:05 PM
  • it's a great point and question. I think b only happens naturally, and not by happenstance. They gather because of... #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:25:05 PM
  • ...or b) communities evolved because groups of people happened to be near one another and resources were needed #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:24:03 PM
  • a) developers can create communities with post offices/fire stations/homes and ppl want 2 come b/c of resources... (cont) #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:23:03 PM
  • You could real-world model it two ways: a) the "planned community" model or b) the "old west" model (cont.) #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:22:04 PM
  • how so? You mean do you need traction before you build a community, and a community to get traction? #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:21:04 PM
  • RT : Community longevity comes when the community feels like the company puts something back in, acts on suggestions, is invested. #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:20:01 PM
  • RT : Regardless, community manager(s) need to be present - either emergent or deliberately defined #SM72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:18:02 PM
  • You're gonna love the momentum-Next wks #socialmedia tweetchat host is We talk about social media & nonprofits #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:18:02 PM
  • Missed it! RT : Props to for moderating. If U missed, we archive it here http://hashtagsocialmedia.com/event/72 #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:18:02 PM
  • it requires $. Strategic planning costs $. Analytical measurement takes time & people to review. community mgr, etc. #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:17:07 PM
  • Thanks for kicking it into gear #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:17:07 PM
  • I'm still torn on whether community creation is a chicken/egg issue. #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:17:07 PM
  • Yes, i did suggest! And then I had to miss the chat. Boo hoo. Will read the transcript of #sm72.
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:16:01 PM
  • It was very very good...run the through the archive/transcript if you get time #sm72 http://bit.ly/dbj7iS
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:14:02 PM
  • Thank you. Looking forward to continuing the convo in the next Twitter chat! #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:14:02 PM
  • my first #sm72 chat. Managing online communities. Loved it and all Tweeps involved. Chat archive is here http://bit.ly/979Ejk
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:14:02 PM
  • RT : RT : Community managers, come talk about Community Sustainability at noon est today #socialmedia tweetchat #sm72 #cmgr
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:14:02 PM
  • RT : customer service/support needs to play an active role in community management. it's not all about marketing and PR. #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:14:02 PM
  • Thanks! I'm lrng frm U 2! Thr R so many great practitioners 2 learn frm in ths chats, I pick up something new each week. #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:13:03 PM
  • Thx for the great exchange of ideas & thoughts today on #sm72.
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:13:03 PM
  • and I have to give props to She got the ball rolling on this topic...#sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:13:03 PM
  • Thanks very interesting chat. #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:13:03 PM
  • RT : Lead the community 2 water but don't tell them what 2 drink. Community mgmt about letting community shape the water hole #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:12:04 PM
  • Exactly! Really if community members feel valued & part of the voice, they will participate more and pull in others as well. #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:12:04 PM
  • sorry I missed it. #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:11:35 PM
  • Big props to for moderating today & if U missed like me, glad we archive it here http://hashtagsocialmedia.com/event/72 #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:11:35 PM
  • Exactly! Really if community members feel valued & part of the voice, they will participate more and pull in others as well. #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:11:35 PM
  • great job in getting a party together today re community #cmgr #ocm #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:11:35 PM
  • thank you! i am hesitant of any chat w/ "social + media" in it but you are showing me a different group. i appreciate! #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:11:35 PM
  • agreed - great chatting with you & others on #sm72. Thanks to & !
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:11:35 PM
  • RT : Community management isn't just about "Issues" management. There's sales, product, marketing, customer service, content... #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:11:35 PM
  • RT : Lead the community 2 water but don't tell them what 2 drink. Community mgmt about letting community shape the water hole #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:11:34 PM
  • Exactly! Really if community members feel valued & part of the voice, they will participate more and pull in others as well. #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:11:34 PM
  • RT : Community management isn't just about "Issues" management. There's sales, product, marketing, customer service, content... #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:10:06 PM
  • I keep saying this every week, but this was one of the best tweetchats. #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:10:06 PM
  • Thank you! Very insightful and glad we are having community convos. So important as more and more pop up. Helpful 2 members! #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:10:06 PM
  • RT : Gr8 #sm72 chat
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:10:06 PM
  • Agree - RT there's a diff btwn constructive neg and destructive negativity. Ignore the latter, embrace the former. #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:09:03 PM
  • Gr8 #sm72 chat
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:09:03 PM
  • : you're quite welcome! :) #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:09:03 PM
  • someone throw rocks at me for missing #sm72 w/ today. On client site & tied up. Looking through, I missed a great one!
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:09:03 PM
  • I can tell you what not to do in trying to handle negativity, tho it was a number of years ago..#sm72 :)
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:09:03 PM
  • how to treat neg / attempt to convert / but their are comm guidelines / eventually the comm will drive away negativity #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:08:04 PM
  • Thank you for an excellent chat today. These weekly sessions are always healthy discussions for me. Cheers to all in #sm72.
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:08:04 PM
  • there's a difference between constructive negativity and destructive negativity. Ignore the latter, embrace the former. #sm72
    Posted by: - 08/10/2010 01:08:04 PM
    • Load 20 More
Moderator
: you're quite welcome! :) #sm72
thanks for joining us and offering your experience & ideas! #sm72
this quest just in #sm72 RT : how to overcome negativity in the community, any ideas you can share?
Thanks again to for inviting me to host #sm72. And thanks to all of you for joining us! Some great points
RT You have to observe and watch for community needs. Don't force tools/concepts on it. Let it evolve and then help it. #sm72
RT Stay involved, Stay current, Empower your members, Empower your staff, have the right metrics in place. #sm72
RT : Find a way, MAKE a way, for everyone to stay involved and take ownership. #sm72
RT : make it your primary one-stop-shop of your web presence #sm72
RT Keep members notified of new/updated content, reg (but not too frequent) engagement, encourage them to talk there #sm72
Last Quest - What are your tips for sustaining the momentum of a community #sm72?
I agree. It's such an important position. I am training someone who has no product knowl. I lean towards the nurturing #sm72
I see communities being shut down - Ning communities being moved to Facebook #sm72
I found it interesting that people don't understand the definition of 'community' offline #sm72
I think that a person must have the nurturing skills to feel successful as a community manager #sm72
My favorite ones are the ones that I can go to when I need help & a passionate community offers assistance #sm72
great conversations happening here! thanks to everyone :) on to the next question #sm72
great conversations happening here! thanks to everyone :) on to the next question #sm72
great question - the big quest is - are the skills more important or the passion for the product? #sm72
RT : Yes! RT 3 types: Influencers, Participants & Listeners. Comm's often nd a push 2 kp topics lively #sm72
RT : Yes! RT 3 types: Influencers, Participants & Listeners. Comm's often nd a push 2 kp topics lively #sm72
and my present company doesn't have a branded community - but I consider all our stakeholders online as 'my community' #sm72
I just realized that my defn of 'Community' is very broad. I consider staff the most important community. #sm72
I just realized that my defn of 'Community' is very broad. I consider staff the most important community. #sm72
RT : I speak from experience that in community manager, it is better to be seen than heard #sm72
RT : If there isn't a community manager, it seems that the members disengage and that the content becomes stale. #sm72
RT : I speak from experience that in community manager, it is better to be seen than heard #sm72
RT : If there isn't a community manager, it seems that the members disengage and that the content becomes stale. #sm72
RT : I personally try to let the community I "manage" do their own thing, but I interact and share new info with them #sm72
asked does every brand need a community? #sm72 > What's a brand w/out brand visibility?
agreed - the community role definitely needs to be empowered. If it's pushed into a silo it will fail. #sm72
I always view it as an opportunity. (rather than talk about problems :) ) but yes! great idea #sm72
exactly - everyone jumps into the 'what' before they ask/solve the 'why' #sm72 (resources will be given to a good 'why')
Quest 2 What do we do with communities we have created? Do they need a community manager or can they be self-sustaining? #sm72
a startup has the amazing opportunity to find new markets (their comm's r out there too) #sm72
I agree & my philosophy now is find them & go to your community. #sm72
yes, they start with the tactical first. (Campaigns first). That's when the resource issue rears it's head #sm72
RT : SM act should have a long term foundation of resource and commitment Campaigns will need their own resource on top #sm72
maybe you would share how you have done both re: integrating long term comm building and campaigns - getting resources #sm72
maybe you would share how you have done both re: integrating long term comm building and campaigns - getting resources #sm72
agreed that before you can request internal resources, you need a plan with objectives for your comm #sm72
before we talk about resources, maybe we should step back - the big question is 'Is there a strategy?' #sm72 thoughts on that?
we're happy to have you here, but we'd love to hear your thoughts too! #sm72
: #sm72 we can talk about both internal and external - don't you think that both have sustainability challenges?
Quest 1 - How do you plan resources for the lifespan of a social media engagement? Or do you plan for campaigns? #sm72
The topic today is Community Sustainability - we'll be doing 4 questions each spanning 15 min's #sm72
Thanks for inviting me to host, Marc. Community sustainability is key. Anyone can build one, but ... #SM72
Community managers, come talk about Community Sustainability at noon est today #socialmedia tweetchat #sm72