Online Community Building: Deb Schell's Practical Insights
Deb Schell's latest book is a practical roadmap for anyone involved in the creation and management of online communities. With a background in hosting virtual events and a deep understanding of digital community dynamics, Deb offers a rich resource filled with actionable strategies and personal insights.
Her book, Creator to Community Builder, is not just a guide but a journey through the evolution of online community strategies. What sets it apart is Deb's use of her photography, providing a unique visual narrative to her words. This personal touch enriches the reader's understanding of her experiences and philosophies in community building.
Central to Deb's approach is the belief that community members are more than mere numbers or transactions; they are the heart and soul of any online group. This is vividly illustrated in her work with Polka Dot Powerhouse, where she emphasizes meaningful engagement and authentic connections.
In the podcast interview, Deb shares valuable lessons from her authoring experience, relevant for leaders and managers in digital spaces. She touches upon the importance of investing in quality resources and the personal challenges of writing, such as overcoming self-doubt and maintaining focus.
Beyond sharing her current wisdom, Deb hints at future projects and invites readers to connect with her ongoing exploration of online communities. For executives and managers exploring the idea of building a digital community, Deb's insights offer a blend of practical advice and inspirational guidance.
About Deb Schell
Deb Schell is a global entrepreneur with extensive experience in guiding businesses through the intricacies of online community building. Her expertise covers discovery, strategy, and implementation, with a focus on simplifying experiences for both end-users and administrators. An accomplished photographer and journalist, Deb's work has been featured prominently in Central Pennsylvania. She also applies her writing skills as a certified YouMap® coach, empowering others with her knowledge and experience.
Show Notes
A Journey in Community Building (3:01): Todd introduces Deb, who explains what her book is about and why she wrote it. Deb outlines her journey from hosting virtual events to assisting with online community strategy.
The Value of Authentic Relationships (9:33): Creator to Community Builder includes Deb’s own photography. Todd mentions a portion of the book that mentions, “People aren’t transactions.”
Finding Calm to Build Communities (17:58): While you don’t need to find calm, it certainly helps when dealing with a lot of stress. One key aspect is to not assume what people need without first asking them. Deb discusses her involvement with Polka Dot Powerhouse.
Advice on Writing a Book (27:49): Todd asks Deb for lessons learned writing her book, to which she responds proper funding can afford quality designers and editors. Sitting down and writing the book without worrying was another obstacle she faced. Deb finishes with what she’s working on next and how to get in contact with her.
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