Are you sick of the word tribe yet?
Before we abandon it for the next hot idea, consider this question:
Are you leading a tribe or boring a crowd?
In Ken Robinson’s compelling book, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything
One of the hallmarks of a tribe is that their gatherings inspire the members toward remarkable action. Whether it was Socrates’ circle, Hollywood filmmakers in the ’60s or the birth of Silicon Valley, the connections within a tribe can lead to profound events. One might even argue that it requires a tribe to effect a significant shift – that individuals just don’t singularly possess the amount of energy needed to have that effect.
A crowd, on the other hand, is more like a mob: fickle, draining and with the potential to stampede you. The crowd members all show up for a common reason, like a sports event, and they might even be quite devoted as fans. But you’re actually more likely to lose your sense of individual identity in a crowd.
And here the real kicker: fans and mobs don’t contribute to achievement. They may feel excited about supporting those who achieve but, as members, they are diminished rather than enhanced by their participation. It might be fun to be a fan but it’s not necessarily productive.
With all the hoopla about social media, I believe way too much has been made of fans and followers and who’s the mayor of what.
Who cares?
This mindset leads to behavior that people (hopefully) would not choose if they believed their mission was to lead and inspire vs. herd a mob toward a purchase. People even have the nerve to automate their annoying behavior because some so-called expert recommended it. Stop. It. Please.
Have you been on Facebook lately? It feels like a carnival alley with barkers yelling that I’ll get three tries for a dollar. I don’t want to give them my dollar and I’d really like for them to stop yelling at me (especially via my inbox). Sure, I could go home from the carnival, but there are some really fun rides and it’s cool to run into people that you know.
Yes, I can unfriend, unfollow or just hide (if I want to be a hypocrite and keep my own count high). But it’s hard when people are inconsistent. Occasionally, the “real” friend is there, but then Mr. Hyde (or Mr. Hyde’s virtual assistant) starts robo-tweeting or posting the same thing three times a day.
Does this mean that I think people should never make offers via social media? Absolutely not. When someone is leading an authentic tribe, the tribe wants their offers. And that’s why they don’t have to be personally annoying. The tribe will enthusiastically share the message for them. And each member of the tribe adds their own energy to the offer. Powerful stuff.
I want to learn from people who lead tribes instead of those who yell into mobs. I’m seeking those leaders and tribes. It’s an easy metric:
- Where do I feel like more of myself?
- Who gives me the opportunity to co-create?
- When do I feel energized as part of a tribe vs. frenzied as part of a crowd?
The extra cherry on top is that when I consciously choose a creative tribe (and creative is the lightening here), then I get to be part of the achievement. Members of tribes crave the opportunity to contribute.
My advice to those marketing online… be tribe-worthy. If no one is sharing what you do, it’s not because they didn’t hear you yelling at them. But don’t let that discourage you.
I repeat: do not let that discourage you.
It’s valuable, really valuable, information when people ignore you. It’s not a bad thing or even something to feel bad about. It’s just an opportunity to learn. Reassess what you are giving (not just selling, but giving) before you start asking again. Work on offering a more creative environment for people to feel more like themselves and opportunities for them to be part of the achievement, too.
You can do it. Start creating. Leading will come easily.
Let’s learn more together — I need your examples! Who do you consider a great tribe leader online and why? If you are one, be bold. Strut your stuff.
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p.s. I dropped your name on Gina's post, Barb. ;)
thank you so much Lisa, that helps a lot. I know he tried to blame me for so much stuff, but like I told all of his family and mine none of that added up to a divorce. I do realize it's his needs, it just hurts so bad to think how many years he's
What an apt and wonderful post. Beth Kanter, with her generous, inclusive and helpful work is a valued member of the non-profit tribe. Rick Warren has encouraged small groups within his large congregation – among the first to do so – so people feel purpose and belonging and many have gone with him on the journey towards actively supporting efforts to end poverty (such as joining forces with Bono)…
Gee, I remember good friends of ours in Sacramento being part of a small group in their church–Mariners, I think they were called, and there were several such groups in their congregation–and the denomination, as I remember, was Presbyterian. They were quite active in it. This was in 1957. Did this sort of thing die out and is just now being re-invented?
I don’t think it died out. I affiliate with a small Presbyterian church that has been famous in Houston Texas for twenty years. It dropped from a 200 member church to a 30 member church when it started engaging ALL its members. But the things those 30 have done over the last 20 years has been more than the 200 did in all the years before. On line and in person it is about passion and community -caring, supporting and energizing each other to accomplish big things.
sounds like aCSS. where I used to affiliate and play music. here’s to the engaged 30! Sue
Thank you!
Thanks for this thoughtful post. As a regular contributor to several online sites, this post may be of interest to Vibrant Nation readers. http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2010/07/08/Eat-Pray-Love-Shop.aspx This marketing ‘tsunami,’ based on a book that quickly rose to many best-seller lists, shows the power of social media campaigns. Will be interesting to watch what happens after the movie’s premiere on August 13th.
Thank you! What a wonderful way to look at social media.
Valuable Insight. As an artist/owner of a studio <The Conn-Artist Studios & Art Gallery>- feel free to “LIKE” on FB
I have been trying to balance what works vs what doesn’t and to, “make a friend” when it looks like a win-win situation. (And to un-friend when needed.)
I figured out that (for me) blogging + twitter was a waste of time. However, FACEBOOK has been a valuable tool to connect with artists (many in our “arty” area of Asheville, NC). I have been inspired by posts and others say the same about my personal page and studio page. We offer classes so the EVENTS tab has been great. We have attracted two nationaly known artist/instructors and filled those two workshops. Not bad for a newer studio and emerging artist!
Of COURSE I would like to sell more art– and that happens in person more than on-line. Knowing that, I just do (on-line) what I do in the studio– I remain dedicated to my original mission of why I opened up our studio to begin with::
“My goal is to become a better artist and help others do the same…”
I am considered a “positive communicator” about our art community::: that shows in comments. I keep it positive, about the arts, promoting the arts, and learning about the arts. It all came together when we had our first big show June 9th:: 1st Annual Please Match My Sofa Show. Facebook helped getting well over 225 people to our opening where we sold 5 works.
When I get no response about something– I do delete –thinking I may have missed the mark.
When others post things that I consider complaining, mean, untrue, I just un-friend.
If you end your post with a Call To Action or a question it can be fun to see who says what. Facebook is also a way to relax instead of watching TV.
I welcome more ideas, comments, and ways to Get-Out-There in positive ways.
Vibrantly Yours!
Constance Vlahoulis
Quite informative. I will keep reading this.
Thanks for the great response and comments! I’m loving reading about your examples. Best, Laurie
Great post and very apt. I consider Ellen Britt, to be a great tribe leader in online marketing. She uses Facebook to build relationship, and provide information. She leads by example. A prime case being her introduction and use of AudioBoo on Facebook. We get to hear her lovely voice almost daily, in 2 or 3 minute soundbites that provide a strong metaphor for different aspects of entrepreneurial business. I look for them everytime I log onto Facebook–and skim over those who are constantly selling. Thanks for your insights.
Thanks. I didn’t know about audioboo.
Thanks for the info about AudioBoo!
Thanks for the info about AudioBoo!
I am using FB to increase my knowledge about healthy aging and I am very particular as to who I like! NaturalNews.com provides me with the latest health news – and I don’t have time to read every single thing that comes through. If it’s not of value to me, then I don’t waste my time.
Thanks for posting this. I needed to read this, especially now. I think what is key for me to remember is that it is genuine connection (on the same wave length) that defines a tribe, not size of the membership.
Frankly, I am fb ‘friends’ with some people who don’t feel very damn friendly! I want to ask you all something, if you don’t mind. When I see a post on FB that I can ‘like’ or add a comment that is sort of on the same wave length, I do so. Other posts, with which I disagree (as you can guess, this frequently has to do with politics or social values) I just ignore…pass over. I don’t feel it’s necessary to stir up an argument and make sure everyone knows I’m right and the poster is wrong. But I notice not everyone feels that way. They seem to feel compelled to chime in every time they disagree and make sure their points are proven correct. And very often, the tone of the ‘correction’ is aggressive, if not downright hostile. And I will say, that isn’t unique to FB. I’m not a long time participant on VN, but I notice a similar pattern from some folks here.
What do you think this means in terms of tribes? Should one ignore these aggressive responders, on fb, should they be deleted? Should they be hidden, blocked, what? What is best for your own personal sense of tranquility and for the general tone of the tribe?
Am I making any sense here? HELP!
Oh, and just for the record, I have more than one fb page. This usually happens on my profile. My music page on fb (I’m a recording musician) is MarMelodian.
Hi Martha Maria - I love this topic that you raised. I think you answered it in your beautiful song on your site: Don’t Shout Me Down. You sing “I know when you shout, it’s because you’re afraid.” That feels very true to me. I never delete hostile things. That person is making themselves known, even in their moment of pain and fear. I get to choose how to make myself known. I always use my real name. If I could change one thing online, it would be to require everyone to claim their remarks.
On FB, if someone is just relentlessly negative, that brings me down and I quietly unfriend them. It’s just like choosing not to shop certain places or attend certain gathering. I don’t have to take a stand everytime; I can just move on. Life is too short, you know?
Thanks so much for taking time to leave your thought-provoking comment.
Best to you,
Laurie
Thanks for your response. I have been thinking about quietly de-friending a few folks.
Also, thank you so much for visiting my web site! I really DO appreciate it.
I agree with you about claiming remarks…I think the anonymity of the web unleashes the inner bully for WAY too many people. MM
I find very little hostility on VN or facebook, but the comments on Yahoo news articles, oh my! Not just on political stuff, but people being nasty about somebody’s personal tragedy. On my local paper’s website, too. Mostly I don’t look, of course, but sometimes I’m tempted, and then I’m sorry. And of course those remarks are anonymous.
You said it perfectly! I feel my head hurts from the din, and I do have a biz page. I share good info all about publishing options because everyone has different needs when it comes to getting their content out there. I want people to know about options, and there are many, but I don’t see a lot of activity on my page. People can ask me questions too, but rarely do I get any. I still don’t know how some people do it so eloquently and others provide noise. I don’t want to be a noise provider. Tell me what you think at http://www.facebook.com/remarkablesolutions.