SocialHerder received an email this afternoon from someone we’ve never met in person, but connected with several months ago over threaded comments at change.org. At the time, we exchanged brief, but interested conversation. Having learned about SocialHerder, they came out of the woodwork today and offered to connect us with a potential client looking for online community management. That’s a lucky break for a lot of companies. For us, it’s an important reminder that each person you meet – online or offline – is a substantive opportunity to connect, learn and grow. That understanding is a basic tenant for any online community manager.

In the busy world of online communities it can be a challenge to stop, listen and make a genuine connection. Do it every chance you get. Your community will strengthen and you never know when one of your members will pop up, surprise and connect you.   

In our offices here at SocialHerder there’s a quote on the wall that reads, “You can always tell how smart a person is by their willingness to ask questions.” We live by that philosophy, so when we started SocialHerder – a company focused on providing high-impact online community management – we started with questions: Why does SocialHerder exist? To put it another way, does the world need SocialHerder? In short, yes – and so does your organization.

In 2007, William Azaroff (head of Web Engagement & Banking at Canada’s largest credit union, Vancity) described for NetBanker.com the importance of hiring a community manager for social media projects. Azaroff dispelled the myth that an organization’s marketing department can activate various social media channels and then sit back and reap the rewards. Instead, he explains that, “If you’re going to invite the public to play, make sure you have someone who can help create the kind of community you want.” He goes on to emphasize that, “Whether or not hard dollars are spent launching a social media project, someone needs to manage the initiative and ensure that it achieves its goals.” We couldn’t agree more.

SocialHerder exists to provide organizations of any shape and size the ability to capitalize on opportunities that social media tools can offer. With backgrounds, experiences and skills in an array of industries, we’re here to help you make the most out of your initiatives and achieve your goals. In the coming days, weeks, months, and years, we plan to do just that. Think we can help you? Just shoot us an email and ask.