On Tuesday, Richard Millington joined us to explain 16 social science concepts that are relevant to community builders. Hit play on the recording above to learn more about the advanced social sciences that underpin our work as community builders and get insight into how you can leverage these concepts to influence behavior and build bigger, better, and more active communities.
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Unlike past presentations, there is no direct connection between the themes discussed outside of the fact that they are all concepts sprung from the social sciences. I found this non-narrative approach refreshing and at the end of the hour was left with the urge to research and find out more about the Social Identity Theory, BJ Fogg's Behavior Model, roles and labeling effects, and the new best friend theory. On Richard's recommendation, I added The Situationist, PsyBlog, and Group Processes and Intergroup Relations to my reading list; if you're interested in the topic, you should do the same! Scroll on for key takeaways shared on Twitter and add your own thoughts in the comments below.
Don't overload your community with unused features... focus on what people are actually using #NingTalk
— Crystal Coleman (@thatgirlcrystal) October 22, 2013
For #communities, major goals are too daunting, smaller, achievable goals elicits more productive engagement @richmillington #ningtalk
— Catherine Shinners (@catshinners) October 22, 2013
"The Vocal Minority Believe that they speak on behalf of everyone" - @RichMillington #NingTalk
— Alethe Denis (@Leafies42) October 22, 2013
People become the expectations of them. If you give people roles & implied characteristics, they will adopt those tendencies. #NingTalk
— Allison Leahy (@zapleahy) October 22, 2013
Communities that last the longest have the strongest sense of community. - @RichMillington #NingTalk pic.twitter.com/hx4nw8ifiH
— Ning (@Ning) October 22, 2013
Inspiring, Enlightening & Motivational! Thanks to @RichMillington & @Ning for a great #NingTalk
— Penni Shelton (@PenniShelton) October 22, 2013
For more community management best practices, download half of Buzzing Communities: How to Build Bigger, Better, and More Active Online Communities for free, then thank @RichMillington!
Advanced Social Sciences for Community Builders is part of the Ning Community Management Talks series. Past presentations cover topics including strategies for generating activity, managing growth, facilitating member engagement, metrics and measurement for community health, and the science behind it all.