Robert and Daphne Mallory are a husband and wife writing, editing and marketing team in the business and telecommuting sector. A former journalist and an attorney, they consult with political campaigns, large corporations, small businesses and anyone else that needs a kick in the pants to make their dreams come true.
This is the last in a three part series on based on Seth Godin’s book, “Tribes.” In Part 1, we explored what tribes are and how leading one can help you turn your idea into profitable business. In Part 2 we examined the online and offline platforms that you can utilize as a means for tribe members to connect with one another. In this last installment, we’ll consider 8 do’s and don’ts in order to lead your tribe and achieve small business success.#1 – Publish a manifesto
Godin believes that a manifesto, a mantra, will unite your tribe members and give them structure. It’s a way to think about the world. Your idea reflects your thinking of the world and you have to share that with your tribe so that they can unite around it.
#2 – Don’t make it difficult to connect with you
Making it possible for your tribe to email you, for example, is a simple yet powerful tool of connection. The unseen guru is not an effective tribe leader. Members will leave to find another tribe member who they perceive cares about solving their problems.
#3 – Make it possible for tribe members to connect with one another
Your role is to facilitate and promote interactions among members. Your leadership is the value you add to an existing tribe. It must include creating or leveraging the tools they need to interact with one another.
#4 – Don’t let money be your primary focus
Godin explains that you can stunt the growth of your movement if you try to cash out on it rather than focus on growing it. Making money is necessary for any business venture. You risk losing your tribe if you make that your central focus.
#5 – Track your progress
Don’t assume that every marketing activity you engage in is a success. Find tools that can automate tracking your goals and activities, whether it’s tools to manage your social media presence or events. You’ll then know what activities to keep pursuing and which ones are time and money wasters.
#6 – Build a blog
Doing so will allow members to share ideas, connect with you and talk to one another. The feedback that you’ll get via comments or emails can help you steer your marketing and sales in the right direction. And it’s one of the best tools a leader has to convey and explain ideas, because it allows for interaction.
#7 – Provide tools for members to tighten their communications
It can be as simple as allowing members to post freely on a forum. Don’t put barriers in the way of members communicating with one another. That can slow down the momentum.
#8 – Launch a newsletter
A newsletter can transform individual members into a community working together to promote your message. You can highlight group accomplishments, and provide resources and information that will impact their lives.
There’s a tribe out there waiting for you to lead them, and perhaps only you can. Follow these do’s and don’ts to connect with them, and to connect them to each other. As your tribe grows, you’ll experience the joy and success of entrepreneurship.
