@lars_kurth@xen_com_mgr
Lars KurthXen Community Manager
Do we need a Management Theory for Community Building?
Phrases that came up in earlier sessions!
“The Unwritten Rules that determine the Growth of Community”
“Let’s sprinkle a little Community Magic!”
This made me think: Community Developmentshould neither be Magic nor follow Unwritten Rules!
Renaissance of Community
More and more companies spend money on CommunityThere never have been so many Community Managers
Jono Bacon @ OSCON 2011coined the idea that Community Management is at the beginning
of its own Renaissance
So: Community is getting more important!
So what about Prior Art?
• A few good books• Lots of good presentations at open
source conferences and workshops• Much on Sociology and Community
BUT:• Too much focus on the mechanics, tools,
etc. of Open Source• Much on techniques that help solve
point problems
http://www.theopensourceway.org/book/Etc.
What is missing?
What is missing is the big simple pictureA simple management theory/metaphor of community development
Needs to unify existing knowledge
And cover – People to people interactions – Marketing theories and the impact of social media – The mechanics of Open Source (tools, licensing, mechanics, etc.)– When does it make sense for corporations to invest in Community?
Funnels: Example of an Idea that can help!
Sales and marketing uses the idea of a “Funnel” as a systematic model to selling a product or service
The basic structure could be adapted to visualizing the growth of an Open Source Community
Also works for Freemium business models and social media communities
@lars_kurth@xen_com_mgr
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Social & Media Buzz
Event Presence
Website Presence
User Experience
Recognition
Rewards Governance
Business Opportunities
Perceived Momentum
Community Activity
Values
Documentation PartnershipsVolunteer Programs
Partnerships & Support
Eco-system (Tooling, Projects, Services)
Activities Supporting or SlowingCommunity Development
Measure, how well you are doing
Other Disciplines that may Help!
Change ManagementOther Marketing TheoriesFunnels could be connected to Strategy Maps & Balanced Score Cards
Probably there are lots more
So do we need a Management Theoryfor Community?I think so!My job would become easier!
If you are interested in developing these ideas get in touch:
[email protected]@lars_kurth
@xen_com_mgr