Why Community isn't (just) a place or platform

As entrepreneurs, we often obsess over growth.?

More customers, more revenue, more impact.

More, more, more.

But in the relentless pursuit of scaling our businesses, have we overlooked the foundation that supports it all - the lifeblood of community??

Which leads to the question: What exactly does Community mean??Especially in this hyper-commoditized world?

I was recently reminded of how easily we assume community means the gathering place. Ever since COVID-19 restricted physical interactions, our focus has narrowed to digital spaces like Facebook groups.?

But a recent serendipitous trip to Waco, Texas opened my eyes.?

Visiting the Silos, Chip and Joanna Gaines' iconic shopping destination, I felt an immediate sense of connection that transcended direct conversations.?

Just being somewhere that radiated shared values fostered community more powerfully than any membership or platform ever could.

This experience made me reconsider what community represents for any purpose-driven business.?

It starts with examining assumptions, peeling away the surface-level interpretations.?

Community isn't the place, digital or physical. It isn't defined solely by direct interactions.?

True community stems from forging authentic bonds through deeper layers of connection and access.

What Community means

Placing connection at the core revolutionized my perspective.

Community isn't just about gathering people together. Community flourishes when people relate to the values your business represents, sparking an intrinsic drive to engage. That emotional resonance matters more than manufactured conversations.??

Community isn't the gathering place

Community cannot be built by forcing participation in spaces people don't intrinsically value. Providing access shouldn't demand more of people's limited time. It means meeting them where they are, not where you want them to be.

Creating connection and access through Content

Access might simply mean sharing vulnerabilities, stories, and case studies that inspire. Thoughtful content presents avenues for people to connect with you by allowing access to you and your values.

It nurtures community by revealing what matters, not just discussing business tactics. When people relate to the person behind your work, emotional bonds empower community.

While this thinking evolves, I'm committed to building community intentionally. Who joins us matters more than how many.?

This is why I am excited to be hosting our first-ever intimate community event, Capshovians Live. ?

In the spirit of community, please share your most valuable or challenging community insight.

Want more? Listen to Episode 92 of the Grow My Podcast Show for a candid conversation with my Capsho Co-Founder on how build community for your business

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