As consumers embrace social networks and communities to connect and learn from each other, this provides great opportunities for brands to reach them in their most trusted relationship -with each other. Brands must first analyze where their customers are online -and evaluate if they should join communities where they exist, or create their own community. Yet despite marketers desire to connect with customers, they often deploy software without first developing a strategy. Brands must, to host a successful community, think of it as you would of product development: Start by focusing on objectives, chart a road map, assemble the right team, and plan to be flexible. Then build your success by launching the community with the backing of your most enthusiastic customers and staying engaged as the community grows. Above all, remember that control is in the hands of the members, so put their needs first, build trust, and become an active part of the community.

In my keynote at the CSN Conference attendees will learn how to:
• Understand when to build an online community or join a social network
• Use frameworks and scorecards that help you create a strategy around social for social networks.
• Develop a strong understanding around online community best practices

See you at the CSN Conference!

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