Being a better community member may seem like it has nothing to do with your business, but I ask that you stick with me here.
In this week’s marketing strategy, we’ll talk about why it’s important to be a better community member (Hint: It has everything to do with your business!).
First, allow me to define what I mean by “community member.”
I am referring to online communities you belong to, specifically entrepreneurs you may follow on social media. If you’re like me, you soak up the wisdom of other entrepreneurs, especially those up the ladder from you.
We watch their videos, read their blog posts, get inspired by their social media posts – in other words, consuming all they have to offer.
But are we sharing their content? Buying from them? Leaving more than a “like” on their posts?
Or are we just being content consumers…
Please keep reading. I’ll explain why we need to be better community members and how to do it.
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I love to follow other entrepreneurs on social media. I get inspired by their posts, learn from their videos, and feel encouraged by what they’re implementing.
For sure, I am a consumer of other people’s content.
One day, it occurred to me. I was excellent at consuming their content, but I was being a horrible community member.
Here I am, taking from them (even though it’s generously given) – but I am not giving back to these entrepreneurs in any way.
As a Law of Attraction practitioner (and a decent human being), this felt out of alignment. So, I made a pact to be a better community member. And I want to share my plan with you, hoping it inspires you to do the same.
#1: Commenting on their social media posts
While “thumbs up” and “likes” are nice, comments are social media gold. It gives direct feedback to the entrepreneur and helps with the social media algorithm. Leaving a comment is super easy, and really, the least I can do. I want the entrepreneur to know I appreciate her content.
#2: Sharing their content – not just reading it
If someone records a great video or writes an informative blog post, I am no longer just consume the information. I am sharing it, too. This helps get the information out, of course, but it also acquaints the entrepreneur with my community. Who knows where that could lead?
#3: Stick up for the entrepreneur when she makes a controversial statement
Many of the entrepreneurs I follow use their marketing platforms to advance their causes. This is brave.
Sometimes, especially entrepreneurs with big platforms, they’ll get comments that are vile, personal, or hate-filled. I’ve seen people pick on the entrepreneur’s appearance or call them ugly names. I now stick up for the entrepreneur. I want her to know that she’s appreciated and loved.
#4: Purchase from the entrepreneur
Let’s face it: Every entrepreneur needs a sale. So, I purchase from them. Most of the successful entrepreneurs have a book or a low-cost program you can invest in.
And let’s not forget our advancing entrepreneurs…
For example, I love watching vocal coaches critique performances by famous bands. I especially love the style of Rebecca Vocal Athlete. She’s authentic in her expressions and uplifting in her critiques, always teaching her audience through the big-name singers.
After consuming most of her critique videos, I decided to support Rebecca more. So, I became her Patreon supporter. For a small monthly investment, I am helping Rebecca fulfill her dreams. And it’s my pleasure to do so.
How you benefit from being a better community member
Being a better community member is amazing for your mindset. When you are showing your appreciation, you are vibrating at a high frequency, which attracts more goodness into your life. You feel great!
In addition, you are telling The Universe that you are ready to receive support from your community, too.
You see: When you are just consuming other people’s content (not sharing, commenting, and purchasing), you are telling The Universe that you’re okay with people only consuming your content, too.
Is that the message you want to put out there? That you don’t want people to share your stuff and buy from you?
I don’t know about you, but I want people to share my stuff, make comments, and buy from me.
It starts with me – by being a better community member.
Will you join me in becoming a better community member? Think about the entrepreneurs you follow and plan on how you will be a better member of their communities. As they give generously, be a generous receiver. You’ll love how it feels, I promise.
Need more marketing inspiration?
If you need more ideas on how to get clients, check out my Magnetic Marketing Checklist (it’s a free download!). It’s packed with ideas on how to authentically attract more customers to your business.
ABOUT JILL
Hi, I’m Jill Celeste. I teach purpose-driven entrepreneurs (just like you) everything you need to know about marketing so you can become the Director of Marketing for your business.
Because when you put your Director of Marketing hat squarely on your head, marketing is your number one priority (which will result in more clients!).
When I am not teaching about marketing, you’ll find me hanging out with my husband or my teenage boys, or taking a nap with my basset hound, Emma. I also like to play with my two kittens and feed the backyard ducks (much to my neighbor’s chagrin).
If you’re feeling alone in your entrepreneurial journey, I invite you to check out my monthly membership group, The Celestial Circle. Affordable, loving, supportive, informative, and fun – that’s how we roll in The Celestial Circle. We would love to welcome you!
