Volunteers seek opportunities to help for free. Often they put in many hours working on in-person or online projects. In fact, author Jono Bacon promises that engaged volunteers are available and – if you organize your online community properly – you can attract them. He tells you how to set up effective communities and fully utilize the collaboration they inspire for your nonprofit or, for that matter, your brand. Bacon also explains why otherwise busy people contribute without earning a dime. They find that purposefully supporting a meaningful cause or advocating for a beloved brand – and thus gaining a sense of belonging, even to a virtual community – make participation worthwhile.
Communities, whether online or in-person, come together based on shared interests.
Communities form when individuals with common interests choose to gather together. These gatherings can range in number from a few people who meet in person each week to discuss their favorite books to millions who meet online to share passions such as video-gaming, as well as groups that coalesce for charitable purposes.
Community groups may meet both in-person and online, and they can work casually or in a highly formalized manner. Communities are not temporary gatherings. Instead, being in a community implies permanence and ongoing collaboration. Members engage with one another, usually enthusiastically.
For example, the online group that coalesced around Fractal Audio Systems of New Hampshire is a typical product-aficionado community. The company specializes in “high-quality emulation of analog-tube amplifiers.” Its customers – 40,000 loyal users – enthusiastically come together through its online forum. Members create special sounds to share as downloads.
You can plan, create and sustain a viable...
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