So far, we’ve compared starting a new community to building a campfire and addressed the point where you just have to flick your bic and light that fire, being prepared to do whatever it takes to keep it burning after that. Now that we’ve lit the fire, let’s take a look at how to keep it going. This is a labor intensive period (although it should be a labor of love). Here’s how I have been reaching out to others for help and the effect it’s had on the project.
Move with persistence. Start strong.
With the bulk of the design work done for Mitsubishi Gearbox Magazine, I wrote a post highlighting Mitsubishi’s DNA as they call it, sharing my thoughts on how the Mitsubishi edition of Gearbox Magazine will tie in to their core beliefs. Having a clear goals laid out for the community facilitates the decision making process (as well as the creative process). To that end, I think starting strong means doing more than just posting a simple mission statement somewhere on the “About Us” page. It means coming out of the gate with a manifesto which lays it all on the line. In this case, I wanted to connect Mitsubishi enthusiasts around the world, and do it in such a way that Mitsubishi themselves would be pleased.
Cover much distance. Make connections.
You can’t do it alone. Well, you probably could, but it’s easier when you’ve got help. I reached out to Rob Douglas, owner of Mitsu-Media.com to share my idea and see if he would be willing to allow me to contact members of his community to help with mine. There is a certain terror you feel deep inside when you lay out all the details of your hot new idea to someone who you know could easily take your ball and run with it, but I’ve always felt that those who invest everything stand to see the greatest returns. Hold back even the slightest bit and you limit your success.
Knowing no perdition. Empower others.
As it turns out, Rob has turned out to be one of the greatest allies imaginable in building this new community. In addition to Mitsu-Media, he also runs Mitsu-Marketplace. Both reflect his vision of stepping beyond model-specific boundaries and bringing Mitsubishi enthusiasts together to help each other out. I had suspected this, but it wasn’t until I contacted him privately that all this was confirmed.
We now have a brilliant relationship based on mutual trust and passion. As I am unable personally meet with Mitsubishi enthusiasts beyond a certain distance from my home here in Phoenix, Rob and I have provided his community members (who enjoy Mitsubishi photography) with opportunities to go out into their communities all over North America, meet new Mitsubishi owners, and have their work published and credited on Mitsubishi Gearbox Magazine. Rob has also provided free advertising for Gearbox on both of his very well trafficked sites. Genuine interest in helping others achieve their goals is leading to helping me reach mine.
That’s [our] game. Stick with it!
In light of the positive response from Rob, I made a point of mentioning Mitsubishi Gearbox Magazine on just two other Mitsubishi sites I frequent. All that was there at the time was the single DNA article. I did this on Saturday, October 10th. Mitsubishi Gearbox Magazine got 68 visitors that day. Since then, we’re at 382. It’s climbing steadily and, officially, the site is less than a week old. We’ve since got our first two interviews up and, in the process, come across a confirmed three more to round out the month. Everyone we share this idea with is excited about participating. What started as a request for permission to approach members of one community has resulted in a sound partnership benefiting both communities. Mitsubishi Gearbox Magazine is no longer my project. It is our community. We are connecting people and ideas and it’s a beautiful thing.
So what do you think? Are you building a new community? Is there someone you could reach out to plant the seeds of success together?
