You don't need more followers... you need a Community

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening Thought Leaders ??

In the race to grow our online presence, it's so easy to get caught up in the numbers game.

We often measure our success by the number of followers we have, believing that more followers equate to more influence. I call these vanity metrics.

Don't get me wrong, having more followers is great, and it does allow you to grow your reach/audience (and let's face it, it looks nice to see a big number).

However, what if I told you that focusing solely on growing your follower count might not be the most effective approach to achieving your goals?

In today's hyper-connected digital landscape, the true power lies not in the quantity of your followers, but in the quality of your community. That's right – you don't need more followers, you need a community.

Building a community goes beyond amassing a large number of followers.

It's about cultivating meaningful connections, fostering engagement, and creating a loyal network of individuals who share common interests, values, and goals.

Here's why prioritising community over followers is essential for Thought Leaders like us:

1. Authentic Engagement ?? Unlike followers who may passively consume your content, community members actively engage with your ideas, providing valuable feedback, sparking meaningful conversations, and contributing to a vibrant exchange of knowledge and insights.
2. Support and Collaboration ??A strong community serves as a support system, offering encouragement, guidance, and assistance when needed. By nurturing a community-oriented environment, you open the door to collaboration, partnership opportunities, and collective problem-solving.
3. Long-Term Impact ?? While followers may come and go, a loyal community endures. Investing in building a community pays dividends in the long run, as members become advocates for your brand, spread your message organically, and contribute to sustained growth and influence.
4. Community converts →It's so much easier to convert a community member into a customer than it is to convert someone who doesn't know you or even a regular audience member. Why? They've already bought into you!?

Brands that foster community:

• Apple: Apple cultivates a loyal community through its user-centric design philosophy, exclusive events like WWDC, and support forums, fostering brand advocacy and customer engagement.
• Nike: Nike builds a passionate community around its brand through events like Nike Run Club, Nike Training Club, and social media campaigns, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty among athletes and enthusiasts.
• Amazon: Amazon fosters community engagement through customer reviews, forums, Prime membership perks, and its Influencer Program, leveraging user-generated content and exclusive benefits to drive sales and customer loyalty.
• Harley Davidson: Harley Davidson creates a strong community through H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) events, group rides, and sponsored gatherings, fostering a sense of camaraderie and identity among motorcycle enthusiasts.
• Lululemon: Lululemon builds a supportive community through yoga classes, run clubs, and ambassador programs, encouraging active lifestyles and creating a sense of belonging among fitness enthusiasts.

See the theme?

So, how can you transition from focusing on followers to cultivating a thriving community?

It starts with shifting your mindset and adopting strategies that prioritise meaningful connections and engagement over sheer numbers.

In the upcoming newsletters, we'll delve deeper into practical tips and strategies for building and nurturing your community, empowering you to unlock the full potential of your online presence. Here are a few of the ideas that I'll expand on:

• Webinars
• Podcasts
• Engaging with them
• In-person events

Together, let's embark on a journey to cultivate a community that inspires, supports, and drives meaningful change.

Stay tuned for more insights and actionable advice in the weeks to come.

Warm regards,

Jonathan