At Blissdom: 5 Ways Your Community Can Grow Your Brand

I am speaking on a panel today at Blissdom ’10 and the subject is powerhouse communities. Yes, Manic Mommies, you are so worthy of this designation!

The Manic Mommies community has totally helped us to reach levels of success we never imagined. You, dear listeners, are so much a part of our story. When people ask me how to replicate our success, I say, “get avid, passionate and super loyal fans.” And I offer the following bits of advice on how a community can help a social media enterprise grow.

1. Facilitate introductions. When we launched our first Manic Mommies Escape in 2007, it was a listener who introduced us to the social media director for General Motors (thank you, Gayle). In 2009, GM was the first corporate sponsor to sign on for a full year. This year we are proud to be sponsored by Chevrolet.

2. Support you financially. Our community told us time and time again they wanted to support us. We knew our archived podcast episodes were something new listeners really wanted. We tested a system of charging for back episodes and found that people were actually willing to pay for them! We call these listeners our “Gal Pals” and credit them with sponsoring the show at the start of every episode.

3. Develop product extensions. One of our listeners was on maternity leave from her job at Mead paper products when she discovered Manic Mommies. When she returned to her job in Mead’s licensing department, she pitched the idea of a “Manic Mommies” calendar. We trademarked our name, licensed it to Mead, they developed and marketed the calendar and we reaped the benefit of shelf space at Target.

4. Be your advocates. Ask your community to be your brand ambassadors. At the end of every podcast we ask our listeners, “If you like our show please tell three friends or leave a review for us on iTunes.” We know iTunes drives 85% of our listening audience. It’s absolutely critical to our continued success.

5. Contribute their expertise. Manic Mommies is more than just Erin and Kristin. We are a better resource to crazy busy working moms when we can draw on the expertise of other moms. Ask your community for help and they will deliver in surprising and awesome ways.