Do Startup Companies Need Community Managers?
We’re doing a lot more community engagement for brands these days, so this was an interesting article: Do Startup Companies Need Community Managers? (Via ReadWriteWeb)
Behaving well in communities is important; for brands it demands diligence, sensitivity to community values, and a thick skin. Quiet confidence in the brand is essential - people always criticise brands, but online communities can expose brand managers to this in a very direct way which can be troubling when first encountered.
Resist the natural urge to duck and cover in these situations - you might learn something which is truly valuable for your product or service. Also don’t be defensive - and remember a golden rule: don’t feed the trolls.
Meanwhile don’t let risk-aversion dictate the course of every action: open-ness and honesty can work wonders, encouraging brand ambassadors, reinforcing positive brand values, and helping gather real market intelligence
We think the most compelling way for brands to engage online is for brand managers and marketing staff to do it themselves - but if you need it, we can help you get started.
