Comments on: You’re Only as Good as Your Community

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:08:01 +0000

Well I love when I’m able to influence you enough to comment with a smile on your face. That’s really what it’s all about, isn’t it? If you’re not trying to form connections, network, and build relatonships – what are you writing for? We all want to be recognized, we want people to see value in what we do – I speak from experience.

I know there are many out there who read and never feel compelled to share a comment. To them I continue to do my best to write outstanding content that keeps them coming back and eventually compels them to get involved in a discussion.

To the ‘regulars’ – I want to go the extra step. I actively read most of my readers blogs – comment, discuss, connect on Twitter, email, etc. When you really get to know your audience, what they like and don’t like, it helps me cater to my ‘target market’ (think business-sense), not to mention it serves as inspiration and I’ve met some pretty amazing people through the online realm.

Thanks for the comment Kristina – I’m glad you’re out there reading and adding some wisdom into the mix!

By: Kristina Summers

Kristina Summers — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:58:27 +0000

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I can’t say it enough. I just wrote a post about karma for bloggers and then I come across this. Blogging truly is about being a part of a community even if it is an online one. I may have never met many of my readers, but I feel connected to them through my posts and their emails/comments. You are exactly right about reaching out, the personal touch. I make a point to respond to every comment (even though I only get a few) and try to build relationships with those I admire, such as the blog bloke, Penelope Trunk and Karen Russell. The golden rule holds true regardless of whether you are talking about deeds you’ve done or a friendly smile. Everything does come around, if you are patient enough to wait for it. (and a warning for those who are not…you can’t outrun it, like an alligator on land, fate moves faster than you ever thought possible when it wants too.)
Love your blog, great post. I love it when a good read makes me smile.

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:02:04 +0000

Right on Tony. We’re on the same page. You take care of your community and they’ll in turn take care of you. It’s all cyclical. (Thanks for coming by and checking out the blog, by the way).

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:52:49 +0000

@Dan. Thank you very much for taking the time to come by, read, give some insight, and share with us some of your own writing on the subject – both posts were great reads, and I look forward to reading more from you – nice to see Dan S. came by and left some thoughts on personal branding as well.

Learning truly is a contact sport – very little ‘growth’ would actually occur if there was never any conversation here. I’m no expert – maybe I ‘get it’ but in the end, I’m no different than most, maybe just a little better at getting my ideas out in writing than some. It’s when we actively engage and interact with one another, bouncing ideas and opinions back and forth, that we are able to experience ‘real’ growth.

Cheers to you Dan. Here’s to hoping you become a regular in this neck of the woods. A pleasure to have you!

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:47:22 +0000

Great point. It’s about finding that common denominator. Engaging in healthy debate, but in the end, when it’s all said and done, being able to find that common ground to fall back on. I am a huge advocate about talking with people. Yes, I use this blog as a platform to get my opinions and ideas across to you guys (as all writers do), but once the idea is out there it’s up to the community to make it truly interactive and engaging – and I am always happy to participate in every discussion. It’s fun, it inspires me to keep writing, and it opens my mind to new and innovative thinking. Cheers JR!

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:43:20 +0000

@Elisa. I only wish I came up with the ‘Inconvenience of Truth’ but here’s to hoping the ‘Inconvenience of Change’ can see half it’s success someday.

The tweeting, emailing, etc – all of that is part of the community atmosphere I strive to develop. I want people to realize that this community crosses platforms, it doesn’t have to be limited to just lifewithoutpants.com. Conversations can continue on Twitter (where I frequently ask questions directed toward everyone to get people thinking), email, or heck, even your ‘real’ offline lives.

It’s a pleasure to have you as part of the community. I am extremely flattered to be recognized as your ‘BlogCrush’ this week and I hope I will only continue to live up and exceed your expectations!

By: Benjamin

Benjamin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:15:25 +0000

I agree with your point, but that brings the conversation back to the question of how many hours are in a day. At some point, you are going to have to focus on one or the other. Will it be the regulars or the people who are new to the community?

I think you can focus on both, but at some point like Carlos and Ryan were talking about, you need to focus on something specific and try to scale.