The Importance of a Development Plan for Digital Communities: A Three-Layer Pie Analogy

In this article, we will look at one of the five key schemes of community management, codenamed "cake".

it will help you understand why you need a play-by-play recipe - an instruction manual for building your community, and exactly how all the layers of our cake - that is, the community model - are interconnected. So, let's start preparing our digital culinary masterpiece

Why a Development Scenario is Essential

Every digital community has its own development dynamic. At its inception, a community might start as a simple forum for exchanging ideas or resources.

Over time, however, it can evolve into a vibrant ecosystem where members collaborate, innovate, and grow together. A clear mission and development goals provide the foundation for this evolution, ensuring that the community remains focused and purposeful.

The Three-Layer Pie Analogy

To illustrate the concept of a development scenario, imagine your community as a three-layer pie:

The Glaze: Mission and Ideology

The top layer, or the glaze, represents the mission, ideology, and overarching goals of the community. This could be a shared commitment to knowledge sharing, innovation, or mutual support.

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The mission permeates every aspect of the community, guiding its activities and growth.

The Middle Layer: Members and Their Input

The middle layer consists of the community members themselves, their personalities their personal visions and their potential input in community development. These members evolve, bringing new ideas, skills, and perspectives to the community.

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The mission helps to shape and inspire this input, fostering a collaborative environment.

The Base Layer: Activities and Interactions

The base layer consists of the various activities, events, and interactions that occur within the community. These include all forms of communication such as webinars, discussion forums, collaborative projects, and social events.

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Each activity presents a unique opportunity to reinforce the community's mission and allows members to express their creativity and passion.

Integrating the Layers

To ensure the community thrives, it's crucial to integrate these layers effectively:

Mission Reinforcement

At every gathering or event, take a moment to remind members of the community's mission. For example, during a webinar or discussion, highlight how the topic aligns with the community’s goals of innovation and excellence. This helps to keep everyone aligned and motivated.

Empower Member Growth

Encourage every member to express their voice and contribute actively. This can be achieved by inviting various members to lead sessions or discussions. Such practices not only cultivate a sense of ownership but also promote both personal and professional growth within the community.

Scaling and Expansion

As the community grows, consider expanding its reach. This could involve organizing parallel events across different platforms, hosting virtual conferences, or creating additional online resources for broader engagement. Leveraging the talents within the community can help to scale these initiatives effectively.

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However, don't forget that the middle layer—the members—should be especially important to you as the community founder. Therefore, all the aspects of this layer—their worldviews, ideas, and personal development, which directly impact the community’s growth—should be taken to heart. You should keep pace with them, evolving together.

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A Practical Example: A Community of Chefs

To bring the three-layer pie analogy to life, consider a digital community of chefs from all of the world who collaborate and invent new recipes. 

- The Glaze (Mission): The chefs share a commitment to culinary innovation and excellence, which drives their interactions and activities.

- The Middle Layer (Members): Each chef brings unique skills and creative ideas, contributing to the community’s evolving knowledge base.

- The Base Layer (Activities): The community hosts virtual cooking classes, recipe exchanges, and culinary challenges, all of which reinforce the mission and allow members to grow and collaborate.

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The Harmony Effect

The true power of a digital community lies in its synergy. When members come together, they can achieve far more collectively than they could individually. By sharing ideas, collaborating on projects, and supporting each other, the community can drive innovation and excellence in their field.

Conclusion

Building a thriving digital community requires more than just occasional interactions. By viewing the community as a three-layer cake, with a strong mission, evolving members, and engaging activities, you can create a dynamic and supportive network. This approach not only fosters personal and professional growth but also drives the community towards collective success. Whether you are just starting or looking to expand, remember that a well-developed plan is the key to a successful and thriving digital community. You can start small—if you have a group chat, KYG can help you build a landing page. Post a link to the landing page on your social media, and that's how you can gain your first traction.

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