Engaging Your Team in Online Communities: A Practical Roadmap

Unlocking Your Team’s Potential: Can You Master Engagement in Digital Spaces?

Today’s post addresses a burning question recently posed on ASAE’s Collaborate Forum. A fellow community manager asked, “How can we, as Community Managers, onboard other departmental staff to engage within the online community?”

This question struck a chord, as it’s a challenge many of us face in the digital era of community building.

It echoes the conversations I’ve had with many of you. Bringing different departmental staff into the fold of our online communities is not just a logistical one – it’s about creating a shared vision and journey. With over two decades of navigating these waters, I’ve gathered some strategies and insights that I believe will be valuable for anyone looking to enhance their community engagement.

So, let’s look at a practical roadmap that has worked for me and might be the key to transforming your online community engagement efforts with your team.

Engaging Your Team in Online Communities: A Practical Roadmap

Step #1. “Simon Says” (Start with Why)

The Kick-Off: Begin with an informal session that clarifies the “why” of your community. Share compelling success stories and the significant impact their involvement can have.

Step #2. Roles and Goals

Defining Responsibilities: Outline clear roles for your team members. Whether it’s responding to community queries, offering insights, or just being the cheerleader, clarity here is critical. Help them understand their role and what’s expected of them.

Step #3. Easy Wins

Quick Tasks for Big Impacts: Compile a list of simple, straightforward tasks to ease them into community involvement. Whether it’s liking a post or welcoming a newcomer, these small actions can build confidence and routine. Consider integrating these into daily or weekly schedules – like morning reminders or calendar prompts.

Step #4. Training Wheels

Your Cheat Sheet: Provide a basic, easy-to-digest guide. A simple one-pager with guidelines, tone-of-voice instructions, and basic interaction how-tos can be incredibly effective. Make it printer-friendly or easily accessible for quick reference.

Step #5. Feedback Loop

Keeping the Conversation Going: Regular check-ins for feedback and support are vital. This approach not only maintains momentum but also allows for necessary adjustments along the way. It’s a learning curve for us all – I’m even picking up new tricks for my team at Big Red M!

Step #6. Celebrate

Recognition and Appreciation: Never underestimate the power of a ‘thank you’. Acknowledging and celebrating contributions, big or small, boosts morale and encourages continued participation.

The Wrap-up

There you have it! – a straightforward, adaptable roadmap to actively involve your team in your online community.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re looking for more detailed strategies or specific examples. With over two decades of experience in this field, I’m always thrilled to share more insights and learnings.

Here’s to your team’s successful journey in community building! And remember, we’re always eager to hear your stories and experiences, so keep us updated on your progress.

Until next time, keep inspiring associations and the people who run them!

 

[Use of AI Disclosure: I used Grammarly to check for typos and Chat GPT to identify themes in my original draft to help with ideas for the headings for my key points in this article. I also used DALL-E to generate a relevant image to insert into the article. I did not use any generative AI tools to construct my writing – all the mediocrity in writing skills is MINE!]

It Takes a Community

Connecting with Your Higher Self: A Pathway to Conscious Leadership

Three Ways You Can be More like Walt Disney World