Admin & Webmaster Swim with the Best: Building Excellence in Online Communities from the Ordinary

Sociology professor Daniel Chambliss spent years studying the qualities of elite swimmers who reached the Olympics:

"Excellence is mundane. Superlative performance is really a confluence of dozens of small skills or activities, each one learned or stumbled upon, which have been carefully drilled into habit and then are fitted together in a synthesized whole. There is nothing extraordinary or superhuman in any one of those actions; only the fact that they are done consistently and correctly, and all together, produce excellence.

When a swimmer learns a proper flip turn in the freestyle races, she will swim the race a bit faster; then a streamlined push off from the wall, with the arms squeezed together over the head, and a little faster; then how to place the hands in the water so no air is cupped in them; then how to lift them over the water; then how to lift weights to properly build strength, and how to eat the right foods, and to wear the best suits for racing, and on and on.

Each of those tasks seems small in itself, but each allows the athlete to swim a bit faster. And having learned and consistently practiced all of them together, and many more besides, the swimmer may compete in the Olympic Games... the little things really do count."

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The Power of Consistency​

Chambliss discovered that excellence is not about grand, superhuman feats but a series of small, everyday actions performed consistently and correctly. This principle applies perfectly to building a successful online community. Here’s how you can implement this idea:

Mastering the Basics​

1. Engage Regularly: Like a swimmer perfecting their flip turn, your consistent engagement with members makes a significant difference. Respond to posts, welcome new members, and encourage participation every day.
2. Quality Content: Just as swimmers refine their techniques, focus on creating valuable content. Share insightful posts, start meaningful discussions, and provide resources that benefit your members.
3. Streamlined Processes: Streamline your community management tasks. Use tools and strategies that help you moderate effectively, such as automated moderation tools and clear community guidelines.

Small Actions, Big Results​

• Personal Touch: Send personalized messages to new members, thanking them for joining. This small gesture makes them feel valued and encourages active participation.
• Regular Updates: Keep your community informed with regular updates about new features, upcoming events, or changes in guidelines. Transparency builds trust.
• Highlight Contributions: Recognize and highlight valuable contributions from members. This not only motivates the contributors but also sets a positive example for others.

Building Habits​

Just like elite athletes, community builders need to build good habits. Here are a few:

• Daily Check-ins: Make it a habit to check your community daily. Address any issues, respond to queries, and keep the conversation flowing.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and tools in community management. Attend webinars, read blogs, and participate in other communities to learn and grow.
• Feedback Loop: Regularly seek feedback from your community. Understand their needs and preferences to continuously improve the community experience.

The Cumulative Effect​

Remember, each small action you take contributes to the overall success of your community. When these actions are consistently practiced and combined, they create a thriving and engaged community.

• Growth Over Time: Like an athlete preparing for the Olympics, your efforts might not show immediate results. But over time, you’ll see your community grow stronger and more vibrant.
• Building Trust: Consistency builds trust. When your members see your dedication and reliability, they are more likely to stay engaged and loyal.

Conclusion​

Excellence in online community building is about the accumulation of small, consistent actions. By mastering the basics, building good habits, and focusing on quality interactions, you can create a vibrant, engaged, and thriving community. So, dive in, start small, and watch your community flourish!

Happy community building! 🌟