Beyond Gm, Gm: What's Community?

Do you ever greet strangers you pass on the street with a friendly “gm”? In online circles, especially in web3, “gm” signals “good morning” no matter the time, while briefly acknowledging someone. Yet fleeting social media gm’s hardly encapsulate meaningful community connections, do they? Let’s go “beyond gm” as we unravel what community means in today’s digital spaces.

In a world offering limitless access behind screens rather than fences, developing online communities is the new shiny wizard. When geography and physical proximity don’t naturally converge people with common interests, how do you spark that magical world of community beyond effortless “gm’s”?

My early perception of community stemmed mostly from neighborhood connections. As a kid, born and raised in Africa, we have this belief system that a child is raised by the community, so to some extent everyone in the community expects a form of respect or trust from you. Over time through the advent of social media and managing online groups though, my definition expanded.

What is community, anyway?

Is it the folks crammed next door, the online forum where you unleash your inner meme lord, or the netizens bonded by a shared love for Korean series? If I asked a hundred people to define “community,” would they describe the same thing? Certainly not! But that diversity reveals the richness underscoring this deceptively complex concept.

Community Defined: A Multifaceted Concept

At its core, a community is more than a gathering of individuals; it’s a living organism, a shared space where people come together, connected by common interests, goals, or geographical proximity. The essence of community lies in the relationships it fosters and the feeling of belonging, the sense of being seen and heard, the knowledge that you’re not just another face in the crowd, but a vital thread in the fabric of something bigger than yourself.

The Evolution of Community:

Let’s recognize the fascinating evolution of communities:

• Ancient Tribes: In the earliest chapters of human existence, community meant survival. Ancient tribes gathered around fires, not only for warmth but to share stories, experiences, and wisdom. The communal bond formed the foundation of early societies, creating a sense of belonging and collective purpose.
• Medieval Guilds: In the medieval period, communities took shape in the form of guilds. Artisans, craftsmen, and traders joined forces, sharing knowledge and resources to navigate the complexities of emerging marketplaces. These communities became hubs of skill development and economic growth, marking a shift towards specialized collaboration.
• Renaissance Coffeehouses: Fast forward to the Renaissance era, where the concept of community expanded beyond geographical boundaries. Coffeehouses became vibrant hubs of intellectual exchange, bringing together scholars, artists, and thinkers. These spaces sparked innovation, creativity, and the exchange of diverse ideas, emphasizing the role of community in fostering intellectual growth.
• Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution witnessed a profound shift as people flocked to urban centers for work. New forms of community emerged in factories, neighborhoods, and social clubs. The need for social support in rapidly changing urban landscapes became evident, giving rise to community structures that addressed shared challenges and celebrated shared successes.
• The Digital Age: In the present day, communities manifest in diverse forms, blending physical and digital interactions. Hybrid communities leverage both online and offline spaces, providing individuals with the flexibility to connect in ways that suit their lifestyles. The emphasis on inclusivity has become a defining feature, recognizing and celebrating diversity within communities.
• In the Future with the Influx of emerging technologies like the metaverse , Ai and Virtual reality, changing societal structures, and global challenges will continue to shape the contours of community. The power of community lies in its adaptability, echoing the sentiment that, no matter the era, humans seek connection, support, and a sense of belonging.

Diversity in Definitions

The beauty of the term ‘community’ lies in its ability to adapt to various contexts. It could signify a digital space where like-minded individuals share ideas, a neighborhood where people support one another, or a global network bonded by a common cause. Understanding the diverse definitions allows us to appreciate the versatility and universality of the concept.

The Glue: Shared Purpose, Connection and a Sense of belonging.

What binds a community together? It’s the glue of shared purpose, connection and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a community of practice centered around a profession, a cultural group preserving traditions, or an online forum discussing shared interests, the common thread is the sense of purpose that brings individuals together.

Community in Business: Beyond Profitability

Community in terms of business is a group of people with a set of boundaries, emotional safety, sense of belonging and identification, personal investment, a common symbol, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, shared emotional connection and unrivaled scalability of community which brings about business profitability.

Consider community as an extension of your team, not just a marketing buzzword. Old companies tend to control everything, dictating from above. But community-led companies distribute control, empowering members to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. This shared sense of purpose builds trust, communication, and mutual respect, forming the bedrock of a thriving community.

Remember, building community isn’t a one-size-fits-all recipe; it’s an art form. It’s about creating spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, empowered to contribute, and inspired by a shared vision. Forget stale pizza and empty gatherings! Let’s craft communities that are vibrant ecosystems where belonging blooms and connection thrives. We can achieve this by:

• Identifying and aligning with a genuine purpose: What values and goals resonate with your target audience? Building a community around a shared passion fosters organic engagement and deeper loyalty.
• Creating safe and inclusive spaces: Foster an environment where diverse voices are heard and respected. Encourage open communication, collaboration, and mutual support.
• Providing value beyond transactions: Remember, community is more than just selling products or services. Offer exclusive content, valuable resources, and opportunities for meaningful interaction.
• Empowering your community: Trust your members to contribute their skills and perspectives. Encourage leadership, feedback, and co-creation to foster a sense of ownership and belonging.

Building a thriving online community takes time, effort, and genuine dedication. But by embracing the essence of shared purpose, connection, and belonging, we can create not just customers, but advocates, collaborators, and even friends. In this age of digital connection, a vibrant online community can be your most valuable asset, fostering loyalty, growth, and a sense of shared purpose that transcends mere profitability.

So, let’s go beyond the fleeting “gm’s” and create online communities that truly shine, where connection thrives and belonging blooms. Now it’s your turn! Share your thoughts, your experiences, and your vision for what makes a community truly shine. Let’s keep the conversation flowing and paint the world with the vibrant colors of human connection! Remember, the heart of community beats not in shared spaces or interests, but in the symphony of shared humanity that binds us together.