What Do a Tech and Leather Community Have in Common? Here’s What EVERY Community Manager Should Do…

Before I start this blog here's my community management nerd joke of the day. So, a leather crafter and a software developer sit at a bar. The leather crafter says, “I make things that last forever.” The software developer nods and replies, “Me too, as long as you update them every six months.”

Funny thing is, they couldn’t be more different—one’s blue-collar, the other’s white-collar. Yet when it comes to building communities, the foundations are surprisingly the same. Whether you're crafting leather or coding software or anything in between, if you’re trying to foster a thriving, engaged community, here are SEVEN tips to help you succeed, whether you’re supporting your community or someone else’s.

1. Interview Members, Champions, and Stakeholders

The first step in building a strong community is understanding its people. Interview your members, especially your champions and stakeholders. Want to learn more about this…I will be posting a blog soon about it. These individuals are your best resources for insight. They know the lingo, the issues, and the nuances of the community. Also, if you’re a company in a community they will show you where you belong in the community (are you a leader, pusher, or lurker). Learn the jargon they use and understand their priorities. It’s your job to speak their language and become fluent in their world.

Why does this matter?

Communities thrive on trust. When you speak in the terms they know, it shows that you understand their culture and challenges. While many people advise staying away from jargon, it’s needed in certain communities. Jargon is a bridge when used correctly.

Examples:

• In the leather community, people might talk about types of hides, tanning processes, or specific stitching techniques.
• In the tech community, you’ll hear terms like “open-source,” “Web3,” and “cloud infrastructure.”

?How do I talk to them?

• Virtual or in-person interviews (meet-ups or set up a Calendly and reach out to the community)
• Go to events for that industry (check for conferences, trade shows, fairs, etc.)
• Message them in the channel (introduce yourself and ask them your questions)
• Polls or Surveys (best when posted on social, email, and in the channel)

2. Talk in Their Jargon (Yes, Really!)

I am serious that jargon can be a bridge when used correctly. Once you’ve learned the language, use it. Whether you’re writing emails, posting on social media, or hosting events, speaking in the community’s jargon shows you belong. It makes your messages more relatable and authentic.

3. Host Events That Foster Connection

Whether it’s a virtual meet-up or an in-person workshop, events are critical for creating a sense of camaraderie. People want to feel like they’re part of something bigger, and nothing fosters that sense of connection like shared experiences. Also, this helps your community to build lasting and strong relationships with one another. Also, your event might be the only time your members can come together so make this for and about them.?

Tip: Involve your community’s champions and stakeholders in these events. Champions bring energy and engagement, while stakeholders can provide strategic direction or even funding. These events don’t just need to be fun, they can also be educational, interactive, and a space for members to showcase their skills.

4. Track the Right Metrics

To know if your community is thriving, you need to track the right metrics. This might include engagement rates, member growth, event participation, or the number of new posts and interactions in your community forums.

However, it’s not just about the numbers. Qualitative feedback is what members are saying and how they feel and that matters just as much. Pair your quantitative metrics with qualitative insights to get a full picture of the health of your community.

5. Leverage Your Platforms (Plus Social Media)

Your community needs a home base. Whether it’s Slack, Discord, a self-hosted forum, or even a platform like Thinkific, creating a dedicated space for your community fosters deeper engagement. Work closely with your social media manager to ensure consistency across platforms because social media should serve as an extension of your core community, not a replacement.?

The key is to create a seamless experience across all platforms, so your community feels connected no matter where they interact with your brand.

6. Care the Most

This might sound simple, but it’s powerful: care deeply about the community. Show up consistently. Be present in conversations. Respond to feedback, celebrate members, and be the person who advocates hardest for the community’s needs.

The community will always know who cares most. And that should be you.

7. Create a Code of Conduct That Supports DEI

Every successful community needs a well-defined code of conduct. This is your foundation for creating a safe, inclusive space where everyone feels valued and welcome. Ensure your code of conduct empowers diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and sets clear boundaries for acceptable behavior. Define consequences for violations and appoint champions to help moderate the community.

At the end of the day, it’s about making sure everyone has a place and feels like they belong.

Bonus Tip: Designate a go-to person. Have a trusted individual—whether a volunteer or a hired Community Manager—whom members know they can turn to for help. It makes a huge difference when people know they have someone in their corner.

Building a community might feel like a daunting task, but you’re already on the right track. You’ve got these tips and the mindset to start creating an engaged community. You don’t need to have it all figured out at once. This is just the beginning. Every community manager starts somewhere, and trust me, you’re more capable than you think.

This blog is just the start. I’ll be sharing more tips, skills, and tools I’ve learned along the way, so keep an eye out for future posts. If you need extra support or have specific questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. You’ve got what it takes to be a community hero, let’s make it happen together. Just send me a message, and I’ll be here to help. For now you can download my FREE Code of Conduct Template today for YOUR community.