Beyond Numbers: When is the right time to Start a Community?

Let’s face it, community building is like the most popular genre of music now which is the “Afrobeat” and every brand, every influencer, even the newest founder talks about the power of community. But amidst the hype, an important question lingers: when, is the right time to step onto this (Afro-Beat) communal dance beat?

Because let’s be real, building a vibrant community isn’t like flipping a switch (see, I just flipped the switch). It’s a delicate song of nurturing, engaging, and fostering genuine connection. It’s about cooking the perfect party jollof rice, not putting rice and tomatoes inside a pot with a pile of logs and expecting instant jollof rice.

So, before you get swept away by the “community-first” wave or “community-led” wave, let’s pause and ponder the timing. Because starting too early can feel like inviting guests to a half-finished house, while waiting too long might leave you lagging behind the trend, watching others dance with their loyal followers.

So, let’s dive into the rhythm and blues of perfect timing and understand when these digital and physical spaces come to life, creating timeless connections that echo through the corridors of shared experiences.

1. Addressing Customer Pain Points:

Businesses thrive when they provide solutions to customer pain points. If there’s a shared challenge or concern within your customer base, building a community around addressing these pain points not only provides value but fosters a sense of loyalty and connection.

2. Addressing Business Needs:

Before inviting people into your world, you need to know what that world is. What values does your brand embody? What problems do you solve? What are your business needs?

3. Connection:

You’re focused on connection, not numbers. Don’t fall into the trap of chasing follower counts and engagement metrics. A thriving community isn’t about the biggest numbers, it’s about the deepest connections. Prioritize fostering authentic relationships, genuine conversations, and shared experiences over chasing vanity metrics.

4. Numbers, Numbers, Numbers:

I know I said community is about connection and not numbers, but the numbers are important as the connection. Community is like 10% of your followers?, so you need to have numbers to push through with the people in authority.

5. You’re ready to commit:

Building a community is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands consistent budget, effort, genuine engagement, and a willingness to listen and learn. Are you ready to show up day after day, nurture conversations, and adapt to the ever-evolving needs of your tribe?

Ultimately, the “when” of community building is less about a specific date on the calendar and more about a readiness in do you understand your customer needs, your resources, and your vision. When you have a clear identity, something valuable to offer, and a genuine commitment to fostering connection, then it’s time to open the floor and let the community groove start.

Remember, the music scene (Afrobeat) may be crowded, but your unique rhythm will attract the right crowd. So, find your beat, stay true to your values, and step onto the community stage with passion and purpose.

And hey, if you’re still finding your path, the door to my house is always open. Let’s chat about communities, share learnings, and maybe even discover the right timing together. I’m always happy to welcome fellow community enthusiasts into my space.

Also I have a community course for beginners coming out soon, join the Community Mastermind waitlist.

As always, I invite you to share your thoughts. When do you think is the right time to start a community, and how have you sustained your community? Let's continue this exploration together!

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