Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

There are networks on Brazen Careerist to discuss all the career issues you are thinking about right now. Join now to start moving your career in the right direction.

+ Join Group

Community Managers

Place for community managers to chat and discuss all things related to running an online community.

Network Leader: Stephen Spector

Networks > Community Managers

Jennifer Koren Looking for feedback on if it's better to build and establish an internal community first before focusing on the external community..

6 days ago from Community Managers

View 5 older replies

Ryan Healy: Very interesting. Thanks for the explanation, Stephen.
2 days ago

Jennifer Koren: Stephen - when you say you like one community better, are you stating that it's better to have one or the other? I can see why you're not in favor ...MoreStephen - when you say you like one community better, are you stating that it's better to have one or the other? I can see why you're not in favor of 2 communities because it's a lot more work! I am switching to only focusing on an external site for clients first.
1 day ago

Jennifer Koren Anyone have any feedback on BlueKiwi or similar products? Looking to start an external community for clients along w/ an internal community for staff...starting from scratch so all feedback ...MoreAnyone have any feedback on BlueKiwi or similar products? Looking to start an external community for clients along w/ an internal community for staff...starting from scratch so all feedback appreciated.

1 week ago from Community Managers

Stephen Spector: My company has just started to use CubeTree for an internal community though it could be external. I have also used NING before and would go with ...MoreMy company has just started to use CubeTree for an internal community though it could be external. I have also used NING before and would go with what is cheapest and easiest for you unless YOU MUST have the data on your site in which case things get more complicated.
2 days ago

Jennifer Koren: Thanks Stephen - looking into CubeTree. Interested on your thoughts on how it would work as an external community for clients?
1 day ago

Stephen Spector Interesting post on Communities and Sacred Cows -
MoreInteresting post on Communities and Sacred Cows -
http://www.onlinecommunityreport.com/2010/03/3-sacred-cows-about-online-...

1 day ago from Community Managers

Stephen Spector Hello everyone, sorry for not posting much lately but I have been on vacation and got behind in my real job. I am just about caught up and will be posting more community stuff.

2 days ago from Community Managers

Lindsey M. Donner Hello all! I am interested in knowing more about Facebook community building. I am doing work for a startup (see MoreHello all! I am interested in knowing more about Facebook community building. I am doing work for a startup (see www.myigrad.com) whose site is still in beta; however, it will become a community for recent college grads just stepping into the "real world." Given the demographic, Facebook is one of our best ways to reach people who need us. But while I know how to use Twitter & blogging, I've never really delved into FB for a completely brand shiny new company. Thoughts? Tips? Experience?

1 week ago from Community Managers

View 2 older replies

Alyson Kilday: I found that though most companies wouldn't work for FB if it is used to help build up followers to either your site or blog it could work. I have ...MoreI found that though most companies wouldn't work for FB if it is used to help build up followers to either your site or blog it could work. I have a friend who opened a nice boutique that doesn't have a website but just uses FB to let customers know when new merchandise is in the store or other promotional news. I also found that using FB for promotional and contest (if done right) work to gather new 'fans'. Bueno Entonces, a Spanish language teaching site/company is giving away a trip to Argentina IF they get 10,000 fans. So many people who are in the running (my partner) are motivated to join the site to help them win. I think it's important to know WHY you even have a page, and would YOU join it?
4 days ago

Lindsey M. Donner: Yes, I think our view is that FB would be a value add and a more casual place to vent, not to mention a place to interact with our team directly. ...MoreYes, I think our view is that FB would be a value add and a more casual place to vent, not to mention a place to interact with our team directly. It would not be a jobs post space or a "serious" one but rather a way to find us, connect with us, and share with us, not unlike the way we all use FB fan pages. It would also be a space to promote contests and video content that's funny and share-able; for that reason, I guess my question is more about how to build that group on Facebook itself as organically as possible while the brand is young. ? Did that help clarify?
4 days ago

David Spinks Hey guys, really interested to hear your experiences with site launches/relaunches. We're relaunching our site very soon. Have you had any experiences, or know of any great examples of ...MoreHey guys, really interested to hear your experiences with site launches/relaunches. We're relaunching our site very soon. Have you had any experiences, or know of any great examples of successful marketing/community outreach campaigns for a site launch or relaunch?

3 weeks ago from Community Managers

View 9 older replies

Anna Raddatz: Yeah, that was my hunch. I like your contest idea, Ryan, especially because it could create more content for the site. Since it's a community of ...MoreYeah, that was my hunch. I like your contest idea, Ryan, especially because it could create more content for the site. Since it's a community of former New Yorkers, maybe it could be a simple question like "what does it mean to be an Ex-New Yorker?" - in 100 words or less? or in haiku form!

But I'm not really sure how that would help us with our branding. There seems to be a fine line between asking members for input vs. giving them too much authority over the site's direction. Very tricky!
1 week ago

Ryan Paugh: Anna, we did a contest in 2008 where we asked members to tell us how blogging changed their lives and we gave the winner a free ticket to SXSW. ...MoreAnna, we did a contest in 2008 where we asked members to tell us how blogging changed their lives and we gave the winner a free ticket to SXSW. May not be the exact angle you want to to take, but here's a link to the announcement post: http://bit.ly/VLLT

We got so many excellent contributions that we continue to point people to when people ask why Brazen Careerist is valuable.
1 week ago

Jesse Bouman New here, liking it thus far. Question for everyone. Do you have any tactics that help you build the volume of your online community? What did you do when you started from scratch?

2 weeks ago from Community Managers

Rebecca Thorman recommended this

View 3 older replies

Rebecca Thorman: Sometimes it's as key as placement. Not just in marketing communications, but directly on the front page of the site. Do you recommend your ...MoreSometimes it's as key as placement. Not just in marketing communications, but directly on the front page of the site. Do you recommend your clients have links to their social prescence on their home page? Alice has links to all of ours on our homepage footer. We see a high rate of adoption/interaction because of this. Also, to accept that some brands just aren't meant for social media and to think outside the box on other ways they can engage their customers. Finally, are all your efforts integrated? Like do you post that companies blog content on Facebook and Twitter? Do you use the content that users give you? When we do contests, we also make it so we have User Generated Content to use as a result. Then we use that in our marketing, blogs and social sphere. I think it shows we care about engagement. Even without contests, if we particularly like a quote/testimonial someone says about us on our Facebook page or on Twitter, we ask if we can use it, and put that in our email and then the call to fan or follow. Seems to work well.
2 weeks ago

Kade Dworkin: Echoing Rebecca's points, I know that with all the companies that I've worked for or advised that the inclusion of the links on the homepage with ...MoreEchoing Rebecca's points, I know that with all the companies that I've worked for or advised that the inclusion of the links on the homepage with a clear call to action to join the program is the best move you can make. After that, prominently displaying those links when they access their account or any email promotion sends is the next best thing to do. She also pointed out a key thing that I forgot I do all the time at my current employer: integrate testimonial tweets and posts into our corporate marketing materials (most importantly printed media, digital doesn't have the same effect). That has been a great way for us to get folks excited about using the platforms we want them to.

It sounds like you're already trying to do the existing community outreach (bloggers, podcasters, etc.) which is awesome but it may be too soon for that. Make sure that we're you're sending people to is a place where if nothing else they see that you're creating content daily (use hootsuite or blogging tools to schedule posts over the weekend). Also respond to people ridiculously fast when they post something on the desired platform. I've found that being willing to comment back fast helps build that self-fulfilling loop. [For some communities I've turned on alerts that get sent to my phone that will allow me to respond to basically anything within 10 minutes given I'm awake.]

The final thing that I'd really recommend in your case for those clients who are having a hard time to clear the 1K level is putting your contact info clearly on the platform you want to build on. Get the client company to give you an email address that is twitter friendly (less than 20 characters) that forwards to your primary email addy. Also get a phone number (google voice is awesome for this but Skype can be made to work) that you can advertise even though folks will rarely (if ever) call. You want to open up the opportunity to have people talk to you (the brand) in any way that they want. Once they feel heard you can pretty easily guide them to creating content on the platforms you want (Facebook Fan Page, comments on the company blog, etc). This is time intensive up front but once you get the reputation of being available it's actually pretty shocking how few people will contact you directly since they all believe everyone else on the community platform is asking for your attention as well. It's at that point that I've found "random" calls to people who are investing time on the platforms is the best next step. Just ask them how they're doing and what they think the community needs.

Any of that helpful Jesse?
2 weeks ago

John Barber Good ideas on improving your online community without spending a penny from @richmillington - http://cot.ag/9kS9C5 ...MoreGood ideas on improving your online community without spending a penny from @richmillington - http://cot.ag/9kS9C5 via @JasonFalls

2 weeks ago from Community Managers

Ryan Paugh: I like Richard's idea about enlisting community volunteers. We've done that a lot via Brazen Careerist and it works quite well. What are other ...MoreI like Richard's idea about enlisting community volunteers. We've done that a lot via Brazen Careerist and it works quite well. What are other people's experiences with this? Any negative ones? I've definitely had a few volunteers that didn't work out.
2 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: John Barber Community Roundtable just came out with State Of Community Management Report. Useful. http://bit.ly/c2dgZu.

2 weeks ago from Community Managers

Ryan Healy, Maggie McGary and Jim Storer recommended this

Mariel McKone Leonard question: when managing a twitter account (for work or an organization), is it necessary to thank everyone for retweets? if should, should they be @ replies, DMs, or can they be bunched into ...Morequestion: when managing a twitter account (for work or an organization), is it necessary to thank everyone for retweets? if should, should they be @ replies, DMs, or can they be bunched into lists? what about for #FF? I'm working to build a relatively new 'brand' for my grad program and hopefully a community around our subject matter (democracy and governance), and I see different organizations doing different things. advice would be great!

2 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists on Twitter and Community Managers

View 7 older replies

Kade Dworkin: Mariel,

If you beat me on the execution side send me a link so I can show my company's top brass how it can be done. ;)
2 weeks ago

Stephen Spector: I like #followfriday for calling out some of the people who do the most RT of my tweets. This will connect you to them and make them a reliable ...MoreI like #followfriday for calling out some of the people who do the most RT of my tweets. This will connect you to them and make them a reliable source to help spread your information.
2 weeks ago

Stephen Spector New Community Survey to participate in - The next Online Community Research Network project is open for participation. In January, OCRN members discussed and prioritized a long list of topics, and ...MoreNew Community Survey to participate in - The next Online Community Research Network project is open for participation. In January, OCRN members discussed and prioritized a long list of topics, and the issue that made top of the list was “Developing Social a Strategy”. If you are involved in the development of your organizations Social Media and Community strategy, I would encourage you to participate in a short survey here:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ocr_socstrat

2 weeks ago from Community Managers

Boon Chew I am looking for a community manager/content strategist to work with me and my team, which is based in London, UK. Contact me for more details!

4 weeks ago from Community Managers

Ryan Paugh recommended this

View 8 older replies

Boon Chew: Blaise and everyone, here's the link to the Comm Mgr job ad on gumtree - MoreBlaise and everyone, here's the link to the Comm Mgr job ad on gumtree - http://www.gumtree.com/london/95/54445295.html
3 weeks ago

Blaise Grimes-Viort: thanks have advertised :) have also sent you a PM :)
3 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh As a Community Manager do you ever find it hard to push back on the business side of your organization? What kind of pressures are you feeling from their end? Interested in how other CMs are ...MoreAs a Community Manager do you ever find it hard to push back on the business side of your organization? What kind of pressures are you feeling from their end? Interested in how other CMs are managing expectations, conflicting goals, etc.

3 weeks ago from Community Managers

View 2 older replies

Blaise Grimes-Viort: It's a steep learning curve. The problem stem more from staff turnover - you educate a bunch of them, they start understanding and factoring it in ...MoreIt's a steep learning curve. The problem stem more from staff turnover - you educate a bunch of them, they start understanding and factoring it in their negotations with clients, then leave and are repalced by staff who don't understand etc...
3 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh: I can see that being a problem ... At the very least, I hope that they include you in some of the advertising discussions. One thing that I think ...MoreI can see that being a problem ... At the very least, I hope that they include you in some of the advertising discussions. One thing that I think Brazen has really benefited from is what we call "Conversational Ads" or sponsored content that members can interact with. Still, I always have to stress the importance of making sure that the sponsor is relevant.
3 weeks ago

Stephen Spector Here is a short review of the Unconference in NY last week on community management - MoreHere is a short review of the Unconference in NY last week on community management - http://www.onlinecommunityreport.com/2010/02/online-community-unconferen... ; I had hoped to attend but the weather was not aligned with my plan so I was not there

4 weeks ago from Community Managers

Sarah Blue Hey community managers, anyone headed down to SXSW? Wondering what sessions around community management are not-to-be-missed. ...and which community managers are good to drink with...

5 weeks ago from Community Managers

Ryan Paugh: Hi Sarah, you're spot on! The community management panels are off the hook. Last year's panel included community leaders from YouTube, Current.tv ...MoreHi Sarah, you're spot on! The community management panels are off the hook. Last year's panel included community leaders from YouTube, Current.tv and Flickr. I'm not sure what the lineup looks like this year, but I'll definitely be in the crowd.

Which community managers are fun to drunk with? Me! At least I hope I am. I pride myself on being a fun drinking companion :)
5 weeks ago

Sarah Blue: Great, well, I propose setting up some type of Brazen Community managers bat signal, so if anyone hears of any interesting content going down, we ...MoreGreat, well, I propose setting up some type of Brazen Community managers bat signal, so if anyone hears of any interesting content going down, we let everyone else know. I'm all about quality over quantity. I am totally comfortable using by myself even if nobody does (I'll just say I'm cutting edge).

proposed SXSW/Brazen bat-signal:

#brazensxsw

It took me a while to come up with that...
5 weeks ago

Miranda Bogen I am trying to set up a poll for the community I manage that would prompt people to share who they voted for in their facebook status through facebook connect (the poll is kind of like a campus ...MoreI am trying to set up a poll for the community I manage that would prompt people to share who they voted for in their facebook status through facebook connect (the poll is kind of like a campus pride thing), but the programming is a bit beyond me. Has anyone tried anything like this? Is there a survey tool set up to do this? Was it successful in engaging participation in the community?

5 weeks ago from Community Managers

View 1 older reply

Miranda Bogen: Someone helped us design and build the website, so we use a non-mainstream content management system to edit the content of sub-pages using a ...MoreSomeone helped us design and build the website, so we use a non-mainstream content management system to edit the content of sub-pages using a WYSIWYG/html editor (http://www.pbcstechnology.com/articlenav.php?id=287#Content Mangment System Editor)

I'd love to connect with someone who can explain what would be required to implement something like this to see if it is possible. Thanks!

5 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh: Hey Miranda, there are some great networks on Brazen Careerist for this. I recommend starting with these two:

Drupal - MoreHey Miranda, there are some great networks on Brazen Careerist for this. I recommend starting with these two:

Drupal - http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/drupal

WordPress - http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/wordpress-bloggers

If you're looking for a freelancer, you could post in the Hire a Freelancer network. Here's the URL:

http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/hire-a-freelancer
5 weeks ago

Stephen Spector Interesting idea to get community members to participate from Chris Brogan : MoreInteresting idea to get community members to participate from Chris Brogan : http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisbrogandotcom/~3/UfbEK6lgXsU/

6 weeks ago from Community Managers

View 1 older reply

Ryan Paugh: I've seen this done on other communities. They call it "Stop Lurking Day." I'm not annoyed by it. I think it's nice for readers to know that their ...MoreI've seen this done on other communities. They call it "Stop Lurking Day." I'm not annoyed by it. I think it's nice for readers to know that their contributions are important.
5 weeks ago

Maggie McGary: @Rebecca--I totally agree about Chris Brogan. He reminds me of one of those self-help BS artist guys. On one hand I'm impressed that he started ...More@Rebecca--I totally agree about Chris Brogan. He reminds me of one of those self-help BS artist guys. On one hand I'm impressed that he started small and worked up to being the "guru" he is but his approach is a little Tony Robbins-esque for me.
5 weeks ago

Grady Locklear Ok, which blogs should I read to learn more about being a community manager? I need better sources. Feel free to link me to your own blogs, I want the Gen Y perspective more than any.

7 weeks ago from Community Managers

Ryan Paugh: Grady, here are some that I keep in my feed reader:

Feverbee: MoreGrady, here are some that I keep in my feed reader:

Feverbee: http://www.feverbee.com/
Web Strategy: http://www.web-strategist.com/blog/
Online Community Strategist: http://blog.angelaconnor.com/
7 weeks ago

Grady Locklear: Thanks Ryan, I'm following them now.
6 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh What do you guys think of this Facebook community-building strategy by Rich Millington: http://bit.ly/bt3beo
MoreWhat do you guys think of this Facebook community-building strategy by Rich Millington: http://bit.ly/bt3beo

Would any of you ever do this, or is it too shady? My gut tells me that this kind of strategy wouldn't necessarily yield the types of community members that you're looking for.

6 weeks ago from Community Managers

View 13 older replies

Ryan Paugh: I like that idea a lot! And it could actually fit in nicely with an upcoming release.
6 weeks ago

Bear Heiser: Rachel- GREAT IDEA! The question you posed is something that hits the "emotional home" of the user. I cannot even begin to list the amount of ...MoreRachel- GREAT IDEA! The question you posed is something that hits the "emotional home" of the user. I cannot even begin to list the amount of times I have thought that about my resume. By engaging the user right off the bat you are creating a road of creative and connective thought for them to pursue. Using this approach will reduce the likelihood of being ignored and introduce a genuine relationship to the consumer.
6 weeks ago

Maggie McGary Ok--not quite as great a post as I'd like to do, because my husband is shooting daggers at me for being online now, but a start to what will hopefully become a series of better posts about ...MoreOk--not quite as great a post as I'd like to do, because my husband is shooting daggers at me for being online now, but a start to what will hopefully become a series of better posts about work/life balance in social media/community management careers: http://www.mizzinformation.com/2010/01/is-worklife-balance-possible-in-s...

7 weeks ago from Community Managers

Ryan Paugh: Funny that your husband is giving you flack while you write a post about work-life balance ... Going to read it now.

Thanks for the ...MoreFunny that your husband is giving you flack while you write a post about work-life balance ... Going to read it now.

Thanks for the mention by the way!
7 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh Ok, I definitely want to ask everyone how they maintain a healthy work-life balance, blend or whatever you want to call it, as a Community Manager. It's something Maggie and I started talking ...MoreOk, I definitely want to ask everyone how they maintain a healthy work-life balance, blend or whatever you want to call it, as a Community Manager. It's something Maggie and I started talking about yesterday. Can you guys share any stories, tips, etc?

7 weeks ago from Community Managers

View 13 older replies

David Spinks: I have no problem shutting down. One thing I make sure of though, is that as I get emails to my phone, I check them right away. If it's a ...MoreI have no problem shutting down. One thing I make sure of though, is that as I get emails to my phone, I check them right away. If it's a pressing issue, I have no problem hopping back online and responding to it. Most issues aren't that pressing though, and a response now would be just as good as a response in the morning, so I wait until the morning.
7 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman: Rachel - I think as you grow, you should consider delegating just one person for the job if you can't. For instance, I know I use this example a ...MoreRachel - I think as you grow, you should consider delegating just one person for the job if you can't. For instance, I know I use this example a lot, but iTunes has 1 person managing and posting on their Facebook fan page (and they get 10,000 new fans a day!). Other people contribute content ideas, etc. to a shared spreadsheet, but just one person takes control. It could get quite ugly if you try to spread the duties across people, unless you do it by niche.
7 weeks ago

JR Moreau Maggie, please share a link to your post when you finish it. I'm pumped to read it!

7 weeks ago from Community Managers

Maggie McGary @Ryan--I totally worry about it! There are definite ebbs and flows in participation, but the thing that makes me happiest is when they come to the group with questions or to share resources. I ...More@Ryan--I totally worry about it! There are definite ebbs and flows in participation, but the thing that makes me happiest is when they come to the group with questions or to share resources. I love that they see this Facebook page as the go-to place to get answers because they value the community. That part isn't even about me--I just see myself as kind of the party host. My goal is to continue to attract members who can then serve as resources to the community.

7 weeks ago from Community Managers

View 1 older reply

Maggie McGary: Definitely lots of pressure! Also lots of time invested, not just 9-5 by a long stretch. I predict lots of divorces for people in community ...MoreDefinitely lots of pressure! Also lots of time invested, not just 9-5 by a long stretch. I predict lots of divorces for people in community management/social media careers! I have to be very conscious of the amount of evening/weekend time I spend doing this stuff or my husband gets PISSED! It's also hard because the sense of urgency the community manager feels is not necessarily shared by the rest of staff--getting questions answered by other staff on a weekend, for instance, or whatever.
7 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh: Maggie, I have the same problem. My girlfriend isn't a big fan of it either ... I don't blame her.

Perhaps a topic for tomorrow ...MoreMaggie, I have the same problem. My girlfriend isn't a big fan of it either ... I don't blame her.

Perhaps a topic for tomorrow should be: How can Community Managers establish a solid work-life balance.

7 weeks ago

David Spinks True... but I'd imagine that's a problem that a lot of brands would love to have. A community should be focused around connecting people and providing value to it's members. If you're able to ...MoreTrue... but I'd imagine that's a problem that a lot of brands would love to have. A community should be focused around connecting people and providing value to it's members. If you're able to accomplish that, more people will want to become part of the community...it's inevitable.

And that's where subgroups help. Their voice might go unheard to the entire community, but within their corner of the community, they can still be heard.

7 weeks ago from Community Managers

View 5 older replies

Rachel Vincent: I agree that subgroups goes a long way to fixing the problems that come with big communities, but what do you do as a community manager. As one ...MoreI agree that subgroups goes a long way to fixing the problems that come with big communities, but what do you do as a community manager. As one community gets more and more subgroups, do you community managers over each subgroup and then one community manager for everything. It seems like for consistency you would want one person that is an overall community manager. But as the overall community becomes larger, how do you, as that community manager, still keep good personal relationships?
7 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh: Maggie, do you every worry that people are losing interest? With 17K+ followers I'd be pulling my hair out if I only got a few "likes" and ...MoreMaggie, do you every worry that people are losing interest? With 17K+ followers I'd be pulling my hair out if I only got a few "likes" and comments from my Fans. What kind of content are you posting? Is there anything in particular that gets a good response?
7 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh Do any of you ever worry about your communities getting too big? I'd love to hear people's thoughts on this topic ...

I think that sometimes we need to be wary of how large we let ...MoreDo any of you ever worry about your communities getting too big? I'd love to hear people's thoughts on this topic ...

I think that sometimes we need to be wary of how large we let our communities be. More people doesn't automatically mean more value.

Also, when communities get too big, Community Management maybe becomes a job that's less personal. Does that ever worry anybody?

7 weeks ago from Community Managers

View 5 older replies

David Spinks: Look at twitter... You could consider the entire social media space to be a community. Within such a large community, voices constantly go ...MoreLook at twitter... You could consider the entire social media space to be a community. Within such a large community, voices constantly go unheard. But that community can be broken down into so many smaller communities like SEO experts, community managers, PR, young professionals, bloggers, vloggers etc...
7 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh: I think Twitter is a great example of why small, niche communities may be extremely valuable. A lot of people can't deal with the noise of a ...MoreI think Twitter is a great example of why small, niche communities may be extremely valuable. A lot of people can't deal with the noise of a community that's so massive. So they go seek out a smaller community that fits their comfort level.

It's like moving to the suburbs to get away from the hustle. You can always visit the big city, but more regularly you prefer a place where you feel like you know everybody.
7 weeks ago