Community - it starts with one

Growth Starts with One

When I created a few community groups (I have several), I was often met with skeptical expressions and raised eyebrows. "How big is your group?" they would ask, their curiosity barely masking the underlying question of whether it was worth their time.

But to me, the size of the group was never the point. Instead, it was about the connections, the shared values, and the support system that started with just one individual and grew organically from there.

They have all begun with a single person or extremely small group willing to engage in a common interest, and then another, and another is added.

Each addition wasn't about hitting a target number but about welcoming someone new into the fold, someone who genuinely cared about the same things we did. This incremental growth, person by person, has crafted some of the most robust and supportive communities I’m proud to be part of today. There are always bad apples, but they soon fall from the trees as your orchard begins to flourish.

Community in Events is a Big Word

At its core, a community is more than just a collection of individuals.

It's a network of people coming together over shared values, mutual respect, and a common purpose. The essence of community lies in the relationships that form within it—the camaraderie, the support, and the collective growth.

These are people who show up for each other, who celebrate successes together and lend a hand during tough times. In a true community, every member's voice matters, and their presence contributes to the group's overall tapestry.

So when we're looking at events, in my opinion of course, we need to shift our focus from just numbers and attendance to the quality of connections and relationships being fostered. Are your events creating opportunities for genuine human interactions? Are they inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of background or expertise? How do you shape your networking?

Quality vs Quantity

A phrase you possibly only ever heard if an event or conference's numbers were down. Hands up if you've heard or said that phrase before? It's making a comeback. But... it is perhaps because the value of those groups is truly being realised for sustainable growth.

Companies (and sales or marketing teams, for example) are encouraged to think big and grow their communities rapidly and exponentially. However, for me and my local communities, this emphasis on scale can often dilute the essence of what makes a community meaningful.

When the primary goal is to grow as quickly as possible, the focus shifts from fostering genuine connections to hitting numerical milestones. This can lead to a shallow community where members feel like mere numbers rather than valued participants and this rapid growth might bring impressive figures, but without a solid foundation, it's akin to building a house on sand... it will soon wash away.

Plus, this rush to scale can result in overlooking the importance of the initial individual connections. These first few members are often the most engaged, the most passionate, and their involvement sets the tone for the entire community. If these foundational relationships are neglected in favour of rapid expansion, the community's authenticity and strength are compromised.

Sustainable Growth: The Power of One

True community growth is organic and sustainable, beginning with just one individual or one idea. It grows from cultivated relationships that matter, where each new member feels genuinely welcomed and valued. This slow, deliberate approach might not bring immediate large numbers, but it builds a far more resilient and engaged community.

Considering some of the most successful community-driven initiatives, they often start small, with a handful of dedicated individuals who believe in the cause, such as our pal Hannah at RED January . Their passion and commitment attract others, and gradually, the community grows. This type of growth is sustainable because it's rooted in genuine connections and shared values. Each new member is integrated into the fabric of the community, enriching it rather than diluting it.

Another example that comes to mind is a local surf lifesaving club I helped start. It began with just four of us meeting online (it was Covid times), to discuss our concerns and ideas to be proactive as opposed to just whining about the problems we all foresaw. As others saw our commitment and enthusiasm, they asked to join. Today, we’re a thriving group, taking over our beach and Lido each weekend, with each member actively contributing to our projects and initiatives. Our growth has been steady and organic, allowing us to maintain the community spirit that was present from the very beginning.

What do you do if you a Thousand Strong Community already?

Having a large, active community is an incredible achievement, but sustaining and nurturing it requires careful attention.

From my experience with some of our clients, it starts by ensuring open lines of communication within the community. Make use of open forums / discussion groups or pay attention to Linkedin style channels, WhatsApp groups, or regular newsletters to listen AND keep everyone informed and engaged. Be transparent about your goals and encourage feedback to foster a sense of inclusion and ownership. Build those connections that really matter.

Then, focus on maintaining the quality of interactions. Organise meetups, or webinars to facilitate genuine connections with useful information or conversation and offer value to your "members". Recognise and celebrate the contributions of individuals within the group to keep morale high and strengthen the community's foundation.

Additionally, consider delegating responsibilities to a core group of trusted members. Empowering others to take on leadership roles not only relieves pressure from you but also helps in sustaining the community's growth and vibrancy. Encouraging sub-groups or specialised committees, such as the working groups of the AEO or ESSA for example, within the main community can also promote deeper engagement on specific interests or projects.

Remember, regardless of size, the essence of a supportive and thriving community lies in the quality of relationships and shared values. Focus on these aspects to keep your thousand-strong community robust and dynamic.

The Heart of Community: Embracing Growth, One Connection at a Time

In my humble opinion, in the rush to scale and achieve impressive figures, the true essence of community is often lost. Real, meaningful communities are built one person at a time (however quickly that growth may begin...). They grow through genuine connections, shared values, and mutual support.

If we shift our focus from rapid expansion to nurturing these fundamental relationships, we cultivate communities that are not only larger but also stronger and more resilient. So, start with one, and let your community grow naturally. It’s the quality of the connections, not the quantity, that forms the bedrock of a truly successful community.