12. How to prepare for a community project with Eli Trier

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Eli Trier is from Denmark and is a community builder for the “quiet revolutionaries,” those who want to change the world through real conversations. Instead of focusing on numbers, she’s a believer in focusing on loving on your people and your community…just because. Other benefits will follow.

India and Eli discuss community projects. If you’re wondering what a “community project” is… It’s a group of people who get together online, for about a month, to discuss a particular topic.

Is a community project right for your business/brand? Maybe, especially if you’re values-driven and focused on bringing people together.
How do you prepare for a community project? Have a strategy and an objective.
What are the signs that you’re ready for a community project? You’re already established and clear on your goals, and you wantito boost your audience reach or turn your audience into a community.

[0:16:11] It’s lonely at the top. You need support, and who better than people who have raised their hands and said, “We love what you’re doing”?

Takeaways

[0:17:17] How you show up as the host of an event trickles down to the attendees.
If people don’t feel valued, they’re not going to bother showing up anymore.
Create a sense of ownership among the entire community.
[0:21:44] If you focus on bringing people together and having important conversations, you’ll get incredible business benefits as a bonus.

Your Action For This Episode

[0:33:32] Consider how you (or your favorite leaders) are showing up in communities.
Reach out — start a conversation with someone who can help you take action, no matter how scary it is.

Quotes

[0:11:19] “Diversity in all its forms is crucial.” - Eli

[0:12:45] Unless you know your objective from the start, “you’re not going to have the clarity that you need when you’re making all the different decisions throughout the process that will get you where you need to go.” - Eli

[0:14:34] “Some people find that they’ve built an audience rather than a community.” - Eli

[0:15:33] “The wonderful thing about community is that you’re in there, shoulder to shoulder with your people, and you have direct access to what they’re thinking, what they’re feeling, what they need, how their needs are changing over time, and you can get supported in return.” - Eli

[0:16:35] “You don’t have to position yourself to be above [your clients or followers]. And sometimes it can be detrimental to do so.” - India

[0:30:40] “That people piece is often the most terrifying, but it’s so crucial. A business doesn’t function without relationships.” - Eli

[0:31:04] “Some of the most powerful actions we can take are when we take an action with someone else.” - India