Will Obama keep using his community?

Posted on November 5, 2008 by Tom

Analysts have applauded Obama’s use of social media during his campaign.  Building and engaging a community is a powerfull tool that could benefit many companies, they can all take lessons from the election campaign in the US.  Matt Rhodes from Fresh Networks commented quite a lot on this topic and wondered if they’ll keep building on their community now that the elections are over?

“Social media can really help engage people when it provides away for them to have a real exchange about things that matter to them, where they can find out information on things they are interested in, share ideas and thoughts with peers and with politicians, report things to them and feel that they continue to be part of a campaign. Whatever happens tonight and whoever wins the election, it is likely that it will be a difficult few years; involving and engaging those who have been such strong supporters to now will continue to be a priority.”
Full article here

How to keep them engaged?  It’s a problem with a lot of companies who look at social media as a project with a clear and defined goal.  A point when everything is done.  But building and using a community is a project that’s never done.  You have to keep feeding it, keep maintaining it.
·  Keep listening.  Just because Obama has won, doesn’t mean his loyal supporters won’t have any concerns.  Opinions can change over time, even the ones in your own community.  If Obama keeps listening, he can adjust, adapt quickly and respond accordingly.
·  Explain.  Obama won’t be able to do all the things in his program.  In every political game he’ll have to compromise.  It’s important to explain to his community why he can’t do everything.  That he has to choose his wars, choose his victories.
·  Expand.  Obama is the president of the United States, not only president of the democrat party.  He has to expand his community towards everyone.  Not only because they have some valid concerns, but because this is a great opportunity for the Democrats to gain momentum and gain new supporters, the next election is ‘only’ four years away.
·  Use your community.  The community can still give you feedback.  Just like a short-term and long-term businessplan it can help evaluate your current administration.  Use it to lobby, to get things done when others can’t.

It’s going to be interesting to see what Obama will do with his community.  If he’ll keep feeding it and use its full potential.  If he does, a lot of community-experts will cheer its success.

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You may want to read:

• A plea for traditional media
• Being alone together or how social media puts it all back together
• Social media, not for me!