Everyone wants a place to belong. Even us introverts. We want people who have the same ideas as us to converse with and share with. Most of all, we’re looking for someone to lead us.
Seth Godin says
“We are drawn to leaders and to their ideas, and we can’t resist the rush of belonging and the thrill of the new.” –Tribes
What is a tribe? A tribe is simply a group of people who are connected by the same ideas and a leader. It doesn’t matter how big or how small. There are big tribes and small tribes. I’m willing to bet all of you have a tribe of some size.You are all also part of other tribes.
I’m part of several tribes myself.
–>I’m part of a Ghana adoption tribe
–>I’m part of a blog mentoring tribe
–>I’m part of the tribe surrounding my blog, Joyful Mothering
When it comes to your blog, you want to be the leader who builds the tribe surrounding it. Your job as a leader is to inspire, encourage, and motivate your tribe. You can do this through your blog and through other forms of social media, such as Email, Facebook, and Twitter.
The catch is, it’s up to you to build your own tribe. No one can do it for you. Your tribe needs your vision and passion. It’s a choice only you can make.
How do I build a tribe?
You lead from the bottom. You take what you know, and inspire other people. Then, you go out and learn more and do the same thing. People are always hungry for more.
You don’t need to be a bigger blogger to build a tribe. You just need to start right where you’re at.
A tribe isn’t merely about building numbers, it’s about building loyalty.
We do this by telling our stories; stories that “sell” and stories that spread. This is how we engage. It’s what today’s marketing looks like; making connections.
Making connections means being real and relating with real people.
It’s also about leading. People are looking for someone influential to follow.
How do I create influence?
You get around influential people and engage with them; learn from them.
Contact them.
Yes! Get in touch with people who are influential and ask to guest post or ask them to guest post. Ask to do an interview. Ask them to endorse your eBook. Just ask.
Share your ideas with the world and watch the ones that spread.
The secret?
“We don’t need more information. We need better information. We need compelling reasons to believe in a cause worth following. And those sharing them will be the leaders of tomorrow.” –Jeff Goins
So, friends, use your voice and your stories to create better information, and watch it spread. Sometimes this doesn’t happen over night. It takes dedication and commitment to learn new ways to communicate.
Are you willing to put the work in to get there; to build that tribe?
Fieldguidesandfairytales says
June 21, 2012 at 9:05 amThank you. This is a new way for me to look at blogging.
Jane
fieldguidesandfairytales.blogspot.com
Stacey says
June 21, 2012 at 9:10 amWorking on it. 🙂
Chelsea Farnsworth says
June 21, 2012 at 9:20 amYou’ve just put words to my thoughts as to why I want that Allume sponsorship from your blog @JoyfulLivingMedia.net (I hope it’s ok I put a plug in here! =) Now off to see what my hubby says!
Mindy Bowman says
June 21, 2012 at 9:58 amThe best thing about all the legwork Christin is it’s a lot of fun, too! 🙂 It’s much more meaningful to have people around you who genuinely care and “know” you…they are more than just stats.
Christin says
June 21, 2012 at 10:06 amYes!! Exactly!
Dianna Auton says
June 21, 2012 at 10:37 amSome great things for me to ponder. Thank you, Christin.
Amanda Friddle says
June 21, 2012 at 10:49 amI have recently hit a stride… I went into blogging wanting to hit that thousand mark and beyond (show me the money lol). I have somewhere in the neighborhood of 60-70 between all the social media tools, and, of that, probably 10 women that consistently read and comment. I am now fine with small! I am loving the conversation that is happening. I love having 10 people that I get to learn to do this thing called life with and take with me to Jesus. Building community really is the best!
Thanks for this post!
Amanda @ http://www.the-cadence.com
Anne says
June 21, 2012 at 5:08 pmIt’s really interesting to read this. I have a blog. I started it because I love to write and some things I just need to express. Blogging sounded like a good way to do it. While I am not interested in the numbers of readers, and I don’t promote what I write besides an occasional link on my fb page for my friends to see what I’m thinking about, the “stats” page on my dashboard is really enticing. It’s kind of the nature of the beast, isn’t it? I have to constantly remind myself that I am not blogging for anyone else. But if someone else were to find me and be blessed, that’d bless me. Until then, I’m content with my small tribe.
Christina Lang says
June 21, 2012 at 6:00 pmThank you for reminding me why I do what I do.
Stephanie's Mommy Brain says
June 21, 2012 at 6:53 pmI’ve been thinking a lot about my tribe over the last few months. I love hearing that you have several little tribes that make up your entire tribe. I have my IRL tribe, my home school tribe, my Rhode Island bloggers tribe, and few other tribes. For me, it’s difficult to think of myself as an “expert” or “influencer” but that’s what I do when I blog, tweet and post on FB. Thanks for articulating how to build our tribe and establish ourselves as leaders.
Janice says
June 21, 2012 at 10:06 pmThanks for sharing. It’s very easy to connect with others. You just have to do your part and reach out first. I like this article.
Traci Michele says
June 22, 2012 at 2:07 pmgreat tips! Love, Traci Michele @ Ordinary Inspirations http://www.ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com