‘Community’ means different things to different people. For some, it’s the community they live in; the people of that town or even just their particular neighborhood.
For others, ‘community’ means their fellow church members. Or perhaps, to you, it’s all of the above.
There’s a much easier way to define ‘community’: And that is to simply realize your community is those whom you serve. Those you help, and who look to you for help, inspiration, guidance, and support. If you’re a spiritual entrepreneur who markets online, ‘community’ might instantly make you think of your Divine Market.
There is always one thing in common, in any community: And that is trust.
Your community consists of people who know you and trust you; who find themselves aligned with your values and goals.
When you are a part of something bigger than yourself, your contribution becomes exponential. It doesn’t just grow by the one person you help; it benefits the whole community, because that person turns around and helps another person. That other person helps two more. Before you know it, you have a chain reaction of people all helping each other grow and achieve goals.
Humans are social animals, and even those who are introverted need community. They need it even more than socially-adept extroverts, because without the stimulation and support of other human beings, we tend to warp and wither; or else remain stuck far from our goals. We don’t stretch our wings, take risks, pick ourselves back up with renewed purpose or any of those other priceless effects that being a part of a strong, nurturing community endows.
So why is it that we gloss over defining our community so quickly, when we attempt to define it for business purposes and branding?
Look at where you really spend your time online. Ask yourself why you do spend your time there. Why is it so easy? And only then should you ask yourself that all important business question:
1. Is there a paying market here?
Followed by:
2. What, exactly, will they pay for? Without thinking twice?
Finally, ask yourself:
3. How do I already help them?
Look at the ways you already are interacting. Where do you get your greatest response? The most compliments? The most questions?
And last but not least, take it one step further. Amid all the things they talk about, complain about and struggle with…
4. What is the unspoken question?
Their common struggles will give you a big clue. What do they seem to have the most trouble with? Where do they all seem stuck?
If it’s an online community you really care about and feel part of, helping them will come much easier than if you’re chasing the latest ‘hot market’.
How do you define YOUR community?
Speaking of communities, are you a member of my Successful Spiritual Entrepreneur Facebook community? If not, come on down and join us where I provide trainings for
Spiritual Entrepreneurs who have a passion for creating success while making an impact on the lives of others.
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Eva Gregory is a master coach, speaker, author and founder of Leading Edge Coaching & Training, where she helps spiritual entrepreneurs integrate Inner Guidance with proven practical business strategies for growing a list of loyal followers who become raving fans, so that they quickly and consistently attract more of their ideal clients, without compromising their Spirit and values. Join her Successful Spiritual Entrepreneur Facebook community here where you’ll receive plenty of tools, resources and trainings on how to grow a successful enlightened business that lights up your Soul!
