Presentation given by Angela Connor at the Knight Community Information Challenge Boot Camp on March 23, 2010. Los Angeles, CA

1. Rules of Community Engagement Angela Connor March 23, 2010 Knight Community Information Challenge Boot Camp

2. Make connections? Solve problems? Steady increase in membership? Crucial conversations? Move to action? Repeat visitors? Generate buzz? What is your Goal?

3. What is your Goal? “..where residents can post problems, debate solutions, decide on a course of action.” “…encourage users to contribute content and share links to information. “…make their voices heard on issues of water quality.” “To help strengthen community dialogue.” “…creating an in-depth public interest online news service with discussion forums.” “…discussions about the state’s government and public policy.”

4. If you build it will they come?

5. People will participate in my community because…

6. Every community is different

7. The Road to Engagement

8. Ask Questions “What are your top concerns about…?” “What should we do about…?” “What will happen when/if…? Provide useful information and content Live chats, Expert interviews, access to documents Make it Personal Complain Conversations & Dialogue

10. What is your Goal? “..where residents can post problems, debate solutions, decide on a course of action.” “…encourage users to contribute content and share links to information. “…make their voices heard on issues of water quality.” “To help strengthen community dialogue.” “…creating an in-depth public interest online news service with discussion forums.” “…discussions about the state’s government and public policy.”

11. Stroke a few egos “Loved your recent post…” “What great insight.” “Your topics are always relevant and timely.” Showcase and Acknowledge good work Share across other social channels Ask for Help User-Generated Content

13. Make connections Accept and respond to criticism Use your influence Seek expert advice and opinions Make small talk Get to know the community

14. Common Community Killers Rudeness Arguing with visitors Stealing ideas, refusing to credit others Ignoring comments Being pushy and pompous

15. Nurturing Managing the Conversation

17. Success Stories

18. Who owns this community? Whose job is it to make this a living, breathing, interesting and active community? Ask yourself….

19. Takeaways Give people what they want Be present Talk to people WHERE they are Become a user advocate

20. Angela Connor Twitter: @communitygirl Blog: Online Community Strategist http://blog.angelaconnor.com LinkedIn: Angela Connor Google voice: 919-374-0627 Email: angeladconnor@gmail.com Stay in Touch!