As a consultant, web developer, and someone who hasn’t been under a rock for the past few years, I’ve seen a lot of online groups come and go. The Triiibes community is different and leadership is key. Seth Godin provided a great intro, a common tie (yes the book but also a train of thought and a thirst), and prodded the conversation along.
I’ve built forums that languished without leadership. Where the leaders thought it would be great and were willing to pay to have a community built but not willing to invest their own time and participate. The Triiibes community has had it’s own leaders emerge but we wouldn’t be there if Seth had become a part of the community himself.
I’ve consulted for businesses who hoped their customers wouldn’t congregate because they didn’t want everyone talking. Becuase they feared empowering their customers. Seth embraced it. He even sought out the most die hard customers, ones who would buy a book before it was published, and invited them to join the Triiibe.
I’ve even been a member of a business group where everyone only cared about themselves but pretended like they cared about everyone else. Like most habits, that came straight from top leaders of the group and put me off pretty quickly. The Triiibes members seem willing to help each other and honest about themselves.
I regret that I haven’t had time to participate more but I enjoy getting a few words in when I can and love seeing the group develop. I’ve had a busy year with changes at the office and a new child at home (which makes 3 under 3). There are a lot of demands for my time. Triiibes is one community that keeps drawing me back.
Happy Anniversary Triiibes.
Thanks Seth
thanks for this post, Michael! Well said.