Commerce vs Community: What We Can Learn from the SoHo District in New York City

In my blog at WeGrowMedia.com, I explore the history of SoHo in New York City, and how the threat of a huge public works project helped a community of artists form. Now, several decades later, little is left of that original community, as businesses have “unlocked the value” of that area. Read the post here:… Continue reading Commerce vs Community: What We Can Learn from the SoHo District in New York City

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Bigger is Not Always Better: Niche Communities Online

On my blog at WeGrowMedia.com, I explore the value of focusing on serving smaller niche communities online: “The web does an incredible job of organizing and engaging small groups. What’s more, it gives a business data to measure how well they are serving that community; tools to research what their community needs; the ability to… Continue reading Bigger is Not Always Better: Niche Communities Online

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An Example of How to Serve and Grow an Online Community

From my blog at WeGrowMedia.com: The sudden death Daniel Jezek, of an online community leader sent an outpouring of emotions and condolences from those he served. It is an incredible example of what it means to truly support a community online. One of the many notes of condolence: “Dan’s talent created an amazing website but… Continue reading An Example of How to Serve and Grow an Online Community

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Scott Gould Interview

I just posted a video interview over on WeGrowMedia.com with Scott Gould. He and I discuss what it takes to serve and grow a community, and the complex nature of leadership and ownership in that process:

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Lessons From Walt Disney

I shared a new post today on my blog at WeGrowMedia.com that explores the differences between having vision, and merely managing. Walt Disney was a visionary, and I explore these ideas by talking about a pivotal moment in his career – how he looked so far beyond the expectations set upon him by his customers… Continue reading Lessons From Walt Disney

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Community Involvement Is About Commitment, Not Recognition

Again and again, we hear about “community marketing” or some variation of that term – how businesses are leveraging social media and the web to engage their markets at a deeper level with the strict goal of growing their own business – growing revenue and profits. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that there are… Continue reading Community Involvement Is About Commitment, Not Recognition

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You Don’t Sell To A Community. You Support A Community.

Companies now realize that there is business value in social media. That it is worth an investment of their time and resources, that it can bring them closer to those in their market, and can be a powerful marketing platform. But there is one term that us being thrown around a bit too casually: community.… Continue reading You Don’t Sell To A Community. You Support A Community.