5 New Year’s Resolutions for the Community Manager

2012 is nearly here, and lots of people are thinking about New Year’s resolutions. It’s also a great time for community managers to think about what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve. If you’re a community manager looking to make a few resolutions, here are some ideas:

1.) Measure everything that moves

You don’t know if you’re succeeding if you don’t measure your performance. Data is good. Keep track of everything you can. Make Excel your close and personal friend.

2.) Become a better writer

The written word is how we communicate, and communication is key to everything we do. So take the time to write well. When composing a communication to your members, do several drafts until you get it right. Ask somebody else to read your writing and give you feedback. Bad things happen when community managers miscommunicate ideas. Be the best communicator you can be.

3.) Say thanks

You know those leaders in your community that make your job a whole lot easier? Tell them that you appreciate what they do. Shooting off an email to thank somebody who has made your community better takes just a few moments, but can reap huge rewards in loyalty and continued help. More importantly, it’s the right thing to do.

4.) Read more blogs

There are some really great community management bloggers out there. You’re wasting a huge opportunity if you’re not reading what they have to say. Take a look at the blogroll to your left to start. Need more ideas? Check out Richard Millington’s extensive list of blogs and other online community management resources.

5.) Try something new

Keep things fresh in your community. Experiment with new and different ways to engage people. If you need some inspiration, see tip #4. After you give your new idea a try, see tip #1 and measure how well it worked.

Are you a community manager making resolutions for 2012? Please leave a comment and share your plans.

Photo credit: notmargaret