Community Manager Appreciation Day 2012
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a lot of things when I grew up, a doctor, an archeologist or even an astronaut. But alas, little did I know that I will end up in a job that was not even considered a real career option until a few years ago. But it was just as fulfilling as my dream jobs back then. It continues to remind me that the world of communications that I love is all about people. Products can be great, but people are the very reason they exist.
I left my full time Community Management role in exchange for graduate school. But once you have become a Community Manager, you will always be one at heart. This post is dedicated to all the hardworking online Community Managers out there. And to those who still find it difficult to grasp what exactly a Community Manager does, below’s a colorful job description that would make even granny understand.
Illustration from Get Satisfaction.
7 Responses to “Community Manager Appreciation Day 2012”
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- - August 26, 2012
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Hello, I’m Clarence
An Amsterdam-based twenty something with a multicultural background and an interest in far too many things.
Currently working in the strategic arm of a Dutch advertising agency.
Willingly surrendering to biking, cold weather and hagelslag. Read more here.
What exactly does it imply to be a Community Manager? and how did you become one? (not that I would want to try… not enough of a people’s person).
Community Managers (CM) exist because of the prevalence of online communities. I’m quite sure WordPress has its own CM too. A CM is pretty much a Jekyll & Hyde. One part of him represents the organization he’s working for, acting as a brand ambassador, while the other part represents the people. A CM listens and engages in conversations, making sure that the organization is fully aware of the community’s needs and wants.
I worked for a communications agency (with its own online community) a couple of years ago initially doing Account Management/Client Servicing but then our Community Manager resigned. I was then offered the role. I have always been closely involved with the community so it wasn’t such a drastic change. I really enjoyed the work, which is why I would love to be in a similar role again.
As for you not being enough of a people’s person, that’s a bit hard to believe considering how good you are at interacting with fellow bloggers on WordPress! ;) Maybe WP should make you their CM!
Thank you Clarence! I very much appreciate those nice words! I am better with people online than offline though… online is more manageable and more of a level playing field. Anyway, so Community Manager is an online role! That is a useful detail because I imagined that your role was to walk around in your local neighbourhood and manage local bingo activities, kid’s soccer training and mural paintings… that’s why I thought it required advanced face 2 face people’s person skills. Online Community Manager sounds like a rewarding and very suitable role for you.
You’re welcome. Your comment made me smile, but that’s probably where the “Community Manager” idea came from because it’s pretty much the same thing, except you’re managing a community online.
I currently work in digital advertising as part of the Creative department, and one of the things I’ve noticed about Community Managers and other people in the Social Media department are their commitment to the brand, and their patience. The latter, particularly, I admire. I hope that your work has given you and your fellow CMs recognition for all the work that you do on Community Manager Appreciation Day. Belated greetings, and I hope that you are having a pleasant and restful weekend.
Thanks Maria! I hope you’re having a great weekend too.