This post was most recently updated on August 1st, 2016
I could show you many reasons why you need a tribe to build your online business or blog.
The most important thing about a tribe, though, is it gives you instant access to a community of peers that can help you build your business on a fast track.
Most of all, a tribe could be just what you’ve been looking for if you’re struggling to reach more people, viewers, readers, prospects and customers.
Let’s face it.
Running an online business can be a lonely task.
In fact, many people start their online business for exactly that reason.
They are attracted to having a business that allows them to hide behind their computer screen.
With an online business, they don’t need to make calls, or travel to meet people.
They don’t have to address an auditorium full of prospects, or sit across the desk from a client.
The reality is, though, that even while you may work in complete anonymity on your laptop, you still must connect with real, live people in order to grow your business.
You can run from the spotlight, but you can’t hide from your prospects.
In order to have a busines that actually makes a profit, you need to sell a product or a service.
That means, you need to offer your online business to real people.
If you’re new to this, you probably are trying to figure out where to find those real people.
If you’ve already been turning a profit with your online business, you’re undoubtedly in the business of constantly looking for new prospects, new visitors to your site, new people to engage with.
Either way, attracting real, live people is what makes your business grow and thrive.
How To Attract A Crowd
I learned a long time ago, that if I didn’t want to be writing blog posts for invisible people, I’d have to find a way to get real ones.
So, what could I do?
I didn’t have an advertising budget, nor would I know what to do with it if I did.
I had a social profile here and there, but just putting links to my blog posts on my timeline wasn’t getting me much attention.
Then I discovered the concept of the online “tribe.”
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I joined a blogging tribe, and almost overnight, I had an endless stream of visitors to my blog.
They started leaving me comments, I interacted with them, they followed me on social media sites.
Eventually, they joined my email lists, bought my affiliate products, and then my coaching services.
As I added some membership sites and my own orignal digital information products, my crowd continued to follow and support me.
It all started with “tribing.”
An online business “tribe” is a group of people joining up to support each other in accomplishing their mutual goals.
For bloggers, this involved people forming a co-op or alliance. That was the tribe.
The tribe activity was simple.
I would write a blog post and share it with other members of my tribe
They would visit my blog, read my latest post, comment on it, and share it on their social sites.
Overnight, my blog was no longer a “ghost town.”
I had real visitors who were interacting with me and sharing my articles to the world.
Now, I had a “crowd” I could call my followers, my readers, my loyal fans.
Reciprocity
In turn for having my new crowd support me in this manner, I had an obligation to reciprocate in like manner.
So, for everyone who visited a post, left a comment and shared my post… I needed to reciprocate by visiting their blog, leaving a comment of my own, and sharing their post on some of my social sites.
If 10 people were to come to my blog on a given day, comment and share, then I needed to go to their 10 blogs, and do the same.
This is the principle of reciprocity.
The more you do of this, the more relationships you start to build.
As other people, outside of your tribe, see all the activity and buzz that now surrounds your blog, they are attracted to it. So, they jump in to join the action.
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It becomes like a snowball.
I think of it like this.
If there are 100 people inside of a movie theater, that might be a decent crowd.
But if there are only 10 people inside the theater, yet 5 of them go out on the sidewalk and stop folks to tell them what a great show it is, and a get a local radio show host or newspaper columnist to interview them about it… before long there will probably be 300 people lined up at the ticket booth.
It’s all about the buzz you can create.
Five people can create a lot of buzz.
Ten, can double it.
Before long, everyone has an eager crowd looking to get involved.
People attract people.
That’s the power of tribes.
It’s an incredibly effective way to grow your online business.
Tribes Are Not Just For Bloggers
Notice, I didn’t title this article “why you need a tribe to build your blog.” I said “why you need a tribe to build your online business.”
In fact, the concept of tribes works with any online business.
I’ve used it with affiliate marketers, where we help each other promote our products.
I’ve seen it used with Fan Pages, Vlogging, and even live event promotions.
It’s always effective when done right.
I’ve recently teamed up with one of my jv partners to start a new tribe for Periscope users.
It’s not so important which tribe you find, though.
The point is to join in with some other folks to move your game forward.
“Going it alone,” is a far tougher way to do things. It takes a lot more time, and is likely to lead to failure.
Find a good tribe to become part of, and help others achieve their goals while they help you achieve yours.
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
-Donna
Twitter: MarketingKM
January 17, 2016 at 1:34 pm #
As I write this post you have 53 people posting a message about your article.
That is what a tribe is all about.!! You are such a wonderful writer Donna.
” I joined a blogging tribe, and almost overnight, I had an endless stream of visitors to my blog.”
We at PAC your blogging tribe wish you well with your operation Donna.
Please check in with us when you are able. Until then I will say a prayer for you my friend.
Twitter: brentjonline
December 8, 2015 at 11:08 am #
Hi Donna!
They say that no man is an island… and the same is true of just about anyone that wants to build their brand in the online space, including bloggers.
How we interact with people matters.
Sometimes, I look over my list of active clients… and I start to trace back how and when I first connected with them.
And much of the time, the answer is…
(*) They found me through a guest post I did
(*) They were referred by someone I’m connected with on Twitter
(*) I commented on their blog
Etc.
There’s always value in building relationships / tribes — and I think you underscored that nicely in this post. The key is always to deliver value to other people.
Chat soon,
Brent
PS: Sorry I haven’t been by your blog much lately. I was on the road until mid-November and it feels like I’ve been playing catch-up since. If I don’t connect with you again beforehand, Merry Christmas!
Brent Jones recently posted..How I Wasted a Year Blogging – and Here’s What’s Next:
Hi Brent,
No need for apologies…I’m late in responding here too. I was on the road for a bit and now the holiday season is upon us that makes things a bit upside down lol.
I was nodding my head reading your comment because most people found me the very same way. I have to say commenting on other’s blogs have done more for my traffic than anything else.
Lately, I’ve been in a Periscope group and try to do a short scope every day. Within a few months my list is going wild. Dumb Luck? no…I’ve been targeting and engaging with others on that platform. Just Say’n. lol.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How Much Content Can You Give Away For Free
Twitter: villagemarketer
December 8, 2015 at 7:31 am #
Hi Donna and thanks for sharing your experience and expertise with “tribes” or as some poeple refer to as “communities”
As a relatively new blogger and online marketer fortunatley I was advised very early on how important it would be for me to start creating my own tribe as soon as possible.
Apart from building my fledgeling blogging community that still has a lot of work to do I also just recently started a private Facebook group I refer to as “My VIP Tribe”.
These are folks who had signed up to my lists via paid solo ads – the result being little know, like and trust factors and even smaller levels of engagement.
Building my Facebook tribe has given me a new opportunity to build engagement and I always share my latest posts with the group to further build relationships and build my blogging cvommunity at the same time.
I loved the point you made re “you can run from the spotlight but you can’t hide from your prospects” – although sales and marketing has never been an issue for me there was a time early in my online journey when I completely forgot that “people buy people not products or services”. So your point made a real impact with me.
Your explanation of the “snowball” effect of reciprocity was also an important take-away for me Donna. For sure we can’t do all this alone and we all should leverage as much as we can to build the buzz and potential for our websites.
Thank you again for sharing this important info
Best wishes as always from an ancient Thai village marketer
Peter
Peter Beckenham recently posted..Cool Free Tools
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your lovely comment. Without a group or community of some sort, it is like swimming upstream. We do need that “tribe” in order for us to prosper. We can create our own and/or join others.
Either way, it is a must when it comes to driving traffic to your blog and especially marketing.
I just visited your latest post with your first webinar on it and have to say that you did a wonderful job.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How Much Content Can You Give Away For Free
Twitter: MarketingKM
December 6, 2015 at 8:36 pm #
Hi Donna.
I do agree with you, it is so helpful to have a community of like-minded individuals.
As you say “Instant access to a community of your peers”
We work away on our computers by ourselves for the most part. Blogging can
be a lonely existence, but you have shown that with a community to reach out to and
have them reciprocate. it can be less so. I do enjoy your periscopes, a great new system for
those of us who are talkers. Thanks for your marvelous article (s)
Kathryn Maclean recently posted..Free Subscription to University ?
Hi Kathryn,
Without a community we are lost. “No man is an island” is a saying I like to refer to. With business, we need that community in order to be able to succeed.
For talkers like me Periscope fits so well. I rather talk than write anytime he he he
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How Much Content Can You Give Away For Free
Hi Erika,
Yes, tribes are all about all of us supporting each other and helping everyone have success online. And I know, from my own business, it’s been a great source for building friendships as well as a loyal following. I love how I can talk to people in my various tribes who live on the other side of the planet, and we find so much in common, and always find new ways to support each other.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: ErikaMohssenBey
December 5, 2015 at 1:33 pm #
Hi Donna ,
you are right like always, building a tribe helps.
I liked the term tribe from the begin.It is a natural
thing to build a tribe since ancient times, people
who are sharing interests and knowledge,help and
support each other.In our time, we are able to expand
this through the internet and can build tribes all over the
world, This sure helps the online business, if the people
learn again how a tribe works and connect and reciprocate.
Thank you
Erika
Erika Mohssen-Beyk recently posted..The Uplifting Power Of Gratitude – Happy Thanksgiving !
Twitter: diyblogguy
December 5, 2015 at 2:01 am #
You are spot on.A tribe is an absolute must because people do business with people they trust.
It’s like the phrase the money is in the list.However, if you look deeper, your list is a tribe and that tribe trusts you or they wouldn\’t have trusted you with their email address.
Also, I fully subscribe to Kevins Kelly\’s 1000 true fans theory where your tribe only needs to be 1000 raving fans.
Those numbers are a lot more doable when building your tribe.
Hammo recently posted..Is Wealthy Affiliate a SCAM?
Hi Hammo,
You make such a good point about your email list being a tribe.
In fact, your email list is the place where you coordinate with your tribe, let them know what’s going on, when you publish a new post or Facebook timeline update, what services you offer to help them along, and when you’re launching a new product.
That’s just for starters.
Your email list is like the control center for your Tribe. Anyone who wants to follow you and what you’re doing will want to be not only want to be on your list, but they’ll open your messages and engage with you.
You mentioned that you can build a great tribe with only 1,000 people on your list, but truthfully, you can do it with even 100 people if they’re really engaged in what you’re doing, and if you have high end products and services to offer them.
-Donna
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: Appsforpcsir
December 4, 2015 at 11:08 pm #
Hello Donna,
This is my very first visit and very first post, I found your blog on “Adrienne Smith Blog” and it seems like theirs a lot to read here.
Am very new into blogging so just exploring all of the blogs and bloggers with whom I can learn and gain my blogging knowledge a bit fast.
Honestly this post is very related to mine own story until I stopped by on “Enstine Muki Blog” before that I used to join a lot of FB group and forum and start posting my blog link their ultimately results into “BANNED”.
Then I saw EM blog and their top comment, and realized that initially building up a community and connection is very important specially when you are new into blogging, No one is going to visit your Blog – In fact no one knows about you.
So I started to connect with every possible bloggers Just like I found your Awesome blog – it was possible just because of connections.
Back to you Donna,
Thanks for the Connections.
Hi Ashok,
I’m glad you found your way to my blog. You got here through the connections you mentioned, and that really makes the point.
Tribes are about people connecting because they have similar interests. You’re interested in blogging, so you’re learning that if you connect with other bloggers, you’ll learn more about them and in turn, they’ll learn more about you. And their readers will, too.
Welcome to the tribe!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: DavidMerrill101
December 4, 2015 at 4:44 pm #
Working with a tribe or community is such a huge advantage over doing things alone, Donna.
Yes, you can generate traffic to your blog or website all by yourself, without involving yourself in a tribe. But why would you? Why would you want to work so hard, when others are ready and willing to share the burden with you?
I think the answer is that people just don’t know about tribes, or they’re not sure how to find them. I run across people every day who never heard of this concept, or didn’t really understand how it it works.
So this article is so valuable for bloggers, and also, as you point out… anybody running an online business that desires to have traffic, followers and engaged participants. I guess that pretty much means everyone. And that’s the beauty of tribes… they can be adapted to any business model or platform.
Great info!
David Merrill 101 recently posted..How Do I Drive Traffic To My Blog
Hi David,
You know, of course, that our entire business uses the tribe concept to attract people who want to know about the things we teach.
Our own “tribe” of followers is mostly people who want to blog or blog better, people who want to know how to use internet marketing to build a profitable online business, and people who are reps of a company, and want to know how they can use online network marketing to get prospects into their business.
So, people interested in those things read our blogs, join our email lists and buy our products and services.
It’s really that simple.
Attract people interested in what you’re doing, then give them value.
When you do, they become loyal followers and you have your very own little (or big) tribe!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: ikechiawazie
December 2, 2015 at 4:56 am #
HI Donna
One of the awesome thing about the internet is to be able to build a community of peers and like minds. A business that is takes advantage of having a tribe will never be disappointed.
I know what it means to be friends with like minded people and what it also means to be a ghost which is why i love your points about why a tribe is beneficial to a business.
The principle of Reciprocity when it comes to business is still not understood by some people. Some people have the mindset of taking and not giving.
i loved your periscope video and I could see the hearts glowing on the screen. smiling
Thanks for sharing thispost. Take Care
ikechi recently posted..When Positive Thinking Goes Crazy and What You Should Do About It
Hi Ikechi,
I’m so glad you liked the Periscope video. Aren’t all the hearts fun?
You sure make a good point about “giving.” It’s really what tribes are all about. They teach you to be a “giver” and not a “taker.”
I usually find that people just starting out with an online business like a blog, are totally focused on what they will “get” from it.
The truth is, until they learn to “give” first… they won’t be “getting” much of anything. Success online is all about giving value to others. That means “giving.” When you do it enough, you reach a tipping point when you start “getting” the rewards you’ve earned.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: TalwarSonal
December 2, 2015 at 4:12 am #
Hi Donna
It is so true! We all are a part of tribes. I was totally clueless about these things when I started blogging. All thanks to the wonderful members of the blogging community who supported and helped me. I understood what reciprocity means.
Tribes do help us in many ways. We build new connections, interact with new people and learn so much.
Thanks for sharing!
Sonal Talwar recently posted..Stay Fit without Gym
Hi Sonal,
You really do learn a lot when you join a tribe.
I think we concentrate so much on the traffic aspect of tribing, and the commenting and social sharing, that we tend to overlook the learning aspect.
In fact, you learn so much about blogging when you’re part of a tribe because you’re not just reading a course or watching a video. You’re actually watching what others do, and seeing it all happen in real time.
And then, when you’re visiting everybody’s blog to read and comment, you’re learning even more!
Can’t beat it, can you?
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: jennifergiacop2
December 2, 2015 at 2:39 am #
Hey Donna,
. I am so in agreement with your view on tribe. I love having an online business, but relationships with your audience and a group of like minded people are the heart of why I do what I do. I feel your heart is in your work and I enjoy watching what you have to say from time to time. Thankyou for your help…….Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
Nice to have you here.
Building those relationships with your audience is the key to making your online business a smashing success… for sure. You’re certainly on the right track, my friend.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..5 Blogging Mistakes
Twitter: ChrisDeeWaard
December 2, 2015 at 12:28 am #
Hi Donna,
Very well said about needing “tribes” or communities to help spread your word.
I covered the basics of blog hopping, as you know, but didn’t go into as much detail
of why as you have here.
I’m working on a traffic training course and I will be sure to include more of the reciprocating aspect when I cover blog hopping, which will probably
be the first video I do. We all need help and, like you said, this is one of the best ways
to get it, as well as give it ourselves.
Have a great rest of the week…..Chris
Chris DeeWaard recently posted..Kick Fear’s Ass and Take Control of Your Future
Hi Chris,
The traffic training course sounds exciting. Reciprocation is an absolute necessity in getting the traffic flowing your way. Even if you want to pay for traffic, it’s never as good a traffic that you get organically.
Organic traffic is one of the biggest benefits of blogging within a tribe.
No more “blog hopping” once you get into the groove of giving, sharing and reciprocating on a consistent basis. That’s the power of tribes.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: leadingedgeadv
December 1, 2015 at 8:35 pm #
Hi Donna,
You’re right, when I first started blogging it seemed so isolated and lonely. Then when I started to connect with others who were doing the same thing it was refreshing. Doing this is a commonality that I don’t have with my other friends so it’s nice to connect with others online.
Tribes are definitely beneficial in more ways than one. You’ve done a great job illustrating the importance they can have.
I’ve been hearing a lot about Periscope but haven’t checked it out yet. Guess I will have to soon.
~Lea
Lea Bullen recently posted..How to Be Incredibly Successful with Huge Life Changes
Hi Lea,
I like the word “isolated.” That’s really a great way to describe the feeling you get when you’re trying to be an “island.”
But as we know, “no blogger is an island”.
And yes, there is help out there. Call it a tribe (as I like to), or a community or co-op… when you join others in a common cause, you just kind of sense that sigh of relief.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: cheryschmidt
December 1, 2015 at 8:02 pm #
Hello and Happy December Donna! I don’t know about you but I never intended to do business alone here online, I just didn’t know how to go about meeting others right from the get go.
I did pay someone to set up my first blog and yet didn’t have a clue as to what to do, I guess at that point I should have paid to get myself a mentor too… LOL
It wasn’t until I joined an online community that I started to learn about “Reciprocity” as you put it!
Oh Yeh before that my blog was a Ghost Town! The only one visiting it was me and my son, and the only reason he was there is because he was helping me LOL
But as you have stated once I started visiting, commenting and sharing the relationships started.
No More Ghost Town, No More Lonely Me!
Gosh If only I knew then what I knew now HEHE We have come a long way HUH?
Thank You so much for sharing, your post really brought back some memories..
Have an Awesome New Month Girlfriend!
Chery :))
Chery Schmidt recently posted..Gaining Balance In Your Entrepreneurial Journey
Hi Chery,
I love your eye opener: “No More Lonely Me.”
Yea, that pretty much summarizes the tribe experience, doesn’t it?
As you say, when you first start blogging (or, Periscoping for that matter), you really don’t know how to meet people that are standing by to help you along.
But they’re there!
Just gotta look around, find some good tribes to jump in with and the rest is history.
“No More Lonely Me”… thanks for that, Chery. I love it 🙂
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
December 1, 2015 at 10:41 am #
Hi Donna,
I have to say that you’ve branded the word “Tribe” because if I hear of it I’ll be thinking about your blog and you, since you’re using this word often.
True we can’t do this business alone, and if we want to be successful at anything there is no way on earth that we’ll be successful we ourselves alone. We need people, we need prospects, we need friends, we need clients, we need advisers, helpers, supporters, coaches, you name it.
I love the concept of tribe, much better than the concept of team, because I’d be a tribe member, but not so much a team member, but that’s just me 🙂
I think that you are doing great with you tribe concept and you are the proof that it really works.
By the way, good luck with your swimming lessons 🙂 Too bad I’m not over there, I’m an excellent swimmer, and could help you with that LOL!
~Sylviane
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Is Suffering Necessary To Create Happiness?
Hi Sylviane,
I understand what you mean when you say you like being part of a tribe, but not a team. A team is different because there’s a “group goal.”
With a tribe, every member has his/her own individual goals, but everyone in the group is there to help everyone reach their own goals… and to help them get there.
I named my blog “Donna Merrill Tribe” because I wanted my blog to be a place where people come together to help each other find their “way” in the blogging world. I’m pretty happy the way it’s worked out because I know a lot of people have used this blog to connect with each other.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: CopyWarner
December 1, 2015 at 10:12 am #
Hey Donna,
This was a really awesome post that spoke so much truth.
I believe that having a dedicated tribe is one of the best ways to succeed online and get rid of that “ghost town” stigma.
When I started out I wasn’t a part of a tribe … but I knew that I couldn’t succeed online alone. I made connections and built friendships and through those I was able to meet and connect with other people I never would have before.
A sharing tribe, commenting tribe or just a tribe to give advice is something all businesses should explore.. the returns would be more than they imagined.
Superb stuff here as always, Donna.
– Andrew
Andrew recently posted..How To Boost Your Blog Performance With Google Analytics
Hi Andrew,
You remind me of when I first started blogging, and like you, I knew it wasn’t something I could do alone.
You’re right, that you can just start networking, reaching out, making connections with other bloggers. But joining a tribe gives you such clarity in the process, along with accountability. It really gives you the marching orders you need to make sure you’re connecting with folks, and reciprocating and all that.
Everybody watches over each other, and everyone helps the next guy when he or she needs it.
I love tribes for blogging, and for Periscope. I think it’s crazy to try doing things on your own when there are others just waiting to help show you the way.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: HelpStartMySite
December 1, 2015 at 5:28 am #
Hi Donna!
I love tribes because it’s one of those situations where everybody wins. Everybody in the tribe benefits from each other. Not just financially, but in other aspects as well. It is so nice having people in my network that specialize in different areas that I can turn to if I have a quick question about something, or need some additional input. And likewise, I can do the same for them. We both build each other up.
When I was first starting out I was fiercely competitive and didn’t fancy the idea of working with other people. It’s amazing how over the years my mindset has totally changed. Really, I do believe now that I have something I can learn from everyone, and everybody is superior to me in some way. Whatever I can gain from them, I will take and use that to become a better person myself.
When there are so many benefits to be had it just makes sense. I am still on the fence about jumping into Periscope but I know if it were something I were to get into, PeriPosse would be worth every cent because the time you save from having a tribe is invaluable – not to mention all the opportunities that arise from meeting new people.
You know me – I could go on about something I believe in forever with these comments… I’d better cut myself off.
Talk soon Donna!
– James McAllister
James McAllister recently posted..These 5 Things Are Distracting You From Achieving Your Blogging Goals
Hi James,
One of the fun things about being part of a tribe is that you do learn to start relying on others for support. It kind of takes the weight off your shoulders, trying to figure out everything for yourself.
This is especially true for beginners, of course, but nobody ever gets so big that they don’t need others. Even if it’s just to bounce things off, or like you say, to turn to them for their own unique expertise. Nobody can be an expert at everything.
As for Periscope, I think you’d have a lot of fun with it. Let me know when you want to do a test run, my friend.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: HelpStartMySite
December 2, 2015 at 10:47 am #
Agree completely!
I’ve been considering getting into Periscope as you know but I do have a few questions / concerns first. I sent you an email the other day but I’m not sure if it went through or not? In any case, I’m sure it’ll get figured out.
– James McAllister
James McAllister recently posted..These 5 Things Are Distracting You From Achieving Your Blogging Goals
Twitter: mrsdeegee
November 30, 2015 at 8:29 pm #
Hi Donna,
I love being part of a community (or tribe).
I think it can become pretty boring (and even lonely) at times when you’re creating projects from home and not communicating with others.
The world is becoming more automated as time goes on. I’ve recently come across some posts from others who have made similar observations. It makes us realize that true and authentic relationships with one another based on our human connection is more important now than ever.
We share our work with the world and have to rely on genuine and organic methods of doing so. This means building communities.
So I absolutely agree with the message here, and I appreciate having gotten to know so many of you.
Dana recently posted..Why You Are the Creator of Your Own Experience (and What You Can Do About It)
Hi Dana,
Automation is certainly something that tends to separate us from each other as real, caring people.
I agree that the organic methods of building tribes and communities goes a long way toward keeping us engaged with each other as human beings, not just robots.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: mrsdeegee
November 30, 2015 at 6:11 pm #
Hi Donna,
I’d have to say that the most rewarding thing I have picked up from blogging has to do with the community (or tribe) aspect of it.
I can see how easy it would be to get bored, and even lonely if you were to write/ work from home without interacting with others.
With the large amounts of mass marketing out there directing people to the websites of big companies who can afford to reach people by the millions, it’s up to us to form relationships and connect with one another in an effort to grow and expand our reach organically and authentically.
I value the relationships I’ve made through the community. I like to see what others are doing and I find inspiration in seeing their creative ideas come to life. Through doing this, we write posts for one another and pick up on some lessons and tips that simply help with day to day life.
Eventually, I’d love to be part of a group that meets online for video chats or hangouts. I just think it’s cool that we can get to know one another regardless of our location.
Dana recently posted..Why You Are the Creator of Your Own Experience (and What You Can Do About It)
Hi Dana,
Yea, it does get lonely if you’re doing everything yourself, without being part of a bigger community (tribe) with a bigger purpose. That bigger purpose is to work toward success for yourself, but beyond that, to help others achieve success too.
I know a lot of people like to work online so they can hide away from the world, but the truth is, everything we do brings us back to our role in the world. It’s really essential that when we blog or shoot a video, or broadcast a Periscope, we do it to benefit others. If that’s not our main objective, than nothing we do will bring much success to anyone, including ourselves.
Tribes are such a vibrant way to share our journey to the top!
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: stellachiu97
November 30, 2015 at 5:56 pm #
Hi, Donna
Great post in helping us to understand what “tribe” is all about and its significance for the business. OMG, I thought “tribe” is just for blog only. Now I know it is dead wrong to narrow ‘tribe” to just blogging area.
I am taking steps to learn commenting and reciprocating. It is my desire that I will form a “tribe” of my own.in near future. As you mentioned, it is tough to do online business alone without the support of tribe or community.
Congratulation of new tribe – #Periscope. Wishing you great success.
– Stella Chiu.
Stella Chiu recently posted..How to Combat or Stop Bullying
Hi Stella,
I think many people think of a “tribe” as a blogging community because when Seth Godin first developed the concept of “tribing” … he was talking about blogging.
But in fact, the whole concept of tribing is not new, and is certainly not just for bloggers. As you noticed, I’ve just started a tribe for Periscopers. My JV partner and I decided to use the concept of tribes, so we called it PeriPosse, a “posse” being like a tribe… a group of people with similar interests and purpose, joining together to help each other.
It’s exciting that you’ll be starting your own tribe! Be sure to let me know when you’ve got it all together. I’ll be sure to shout it out for you 🙂
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: marquitaherald
November 30, 2015 at 5:45 pm #
Just this morning I was sharing with my readers about the terrific people I’ve met through the community of bloggers we frequent. After two careers smack in the public eye requiring extensive international travel, public speaking and being on call 24/7 I have no qualms about admitting that what first attracted me to working online was the opportunity to back away from the limelight, and I must admit for the first year or two I morphed into quite the hermit. But you are so right about what it takes to grow a following and after bumping around in the virtual world for awhile trying to find my way I’m happy to say that I feel truly fortunate to have connected with a few terrific “tribes” of fellow entrepeneurs, authors and bloggers. As always, thanks for your timely and inspirational wisdom Donna!
Marquita Herald recently posted..Reflecting On The Year’s Single Most Valuable Lesson
Hi Marquita,
You’ve certainly been on both sides of the track. You’ve gone it alone, but when you realized you needed a following, you found the power of tribes.
Good call on that one 🙂
It’s no fun being an online “hermit” unless you just like talking to yourself.
It’s like writing a book and putting the manuscript under your mattress instead of publishing it.
Being able to connect with a tribe has been such a blessing for me, and I want all the bloggers and scopers to try this out for themselves.
It not only makes your success happen faster, it gives you the much needed support that can keep you from giving up on yourself.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..5 Blogging Mistakes
Twitter: coachtocoachguy
November 30, 2015 at 3:32 pm #
Thanks for making it so plain Donna!LOL!
And you said it so very well!
You simply can’t afford to be a part of a reliable tribe!Especially
if you’re just starting out!
And I absolutely love your example of the five people standing outside of
the movie theater and how they help build the buzz!LOL!
That’s priceless! And so real!You’ve shared so many excellent points, as usual Donna!LOL!Thanks!
No doubt about it, developing a reliable tribe is definitely where it’s at!
Mark recently posted..Introducing Three More Incredibly Profitable Reasons Power Networking Is Simply A Must!
Hi Mark,
You’re so right. You’ve just got to find a good tribe to be part of, especially if you’re a new blogger, or in the case of Periscope… a new “scoper.”
Trying to tough it out all by yourself is just the wrong approach. You can’t get the promotion and recognition you need for your blog or scope or any other platform without the help of others. That’s why a tribe is so essential.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..5 Blogging Mistakes
Twitter: ArtaGene
November 30, 2015 at 12:30 pm #
Hi Donna,
Kudoos to you for figuring out the “tribe” and blogging thing.
Integrating People, not a social media site, a fan page or a blog has to
be the real desire.
All those other things are just tools and window dressing.
When you connect, an I mean really connect by taking the time to read and
appreciate what others have shared and return the favor by including a
little of you in everything you share….
Then and only then the magic begins. But only if you are willing to do
that backstage work needed for returning and sharing the gift you have
received from fellow Tribe members and Bloggers.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
Cararta recently posted..Build
Hi Cararta,
I like the way you put it… “tribes” are about “integrating people.” That pretty much gets to the heart of the matter.
Building relationships through tribes or communities requires a lot of “backstage work,” but it is time and effort that pays off in the long run. You really get to know people, to connect with them, and to help each other grow.
It gets down to sharing and reciprocation, and that’s the whole purpose of tribes.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..5 Blogging Mistakes
Twitter: donpurdum
November 30, 2015 at 12:12 pm #
Hi Donna,
Amen!!! It’s funny because just as you said you didn’t say it was just about “blogs” I began thinking it’s not just about “online business.” Although I get it that is your audience and point.
I learned how to network offline starting twenty years ago and I have become exceptionally good at it. In fact, most of my business comes from networking offline.
But here is the cool part. I have a whole tribe offline and then one online (of which I consider you an extremely valuable member of my online tribe).
They validate one another. Pics of speaking and networking offline are on my blog and of my on Skype videos with clients and tribe members online.
I couldn’t agree more with you; it’s the reciprocity that drives it all in the beginning. As we build competency reciprocity turns to to opportunity thanks to competency.
When we have a message and great business, we need help getting that message out. The tribes we create can help us in ways that we can’t imagine and do things for us that we can’t do for ourselves.
Call it “community” or “tribe” – it’s essential for our mutual successes. And, the longer we are doing it together the better and more successful we all become.
You’re a great example Donna for us all!!!!
I appreciate your insights and the value that you give me with each article.
I hope you had a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!
~ Don Purdum
Don Purdum recently posted..Overcoming the Challenges of Owning a Business
Hi Don,
It’s a good point that tribes work for both online and offline businesses.
We associate them more with online business, though, because the whole concept of social sharing in particular, happens online not offline.
It’s nice if you can get people from offline to join into the online world, of course, but that isn’t always the most natural way for them to go.
Periscope, in particular, is kind of a hybrid model, here. While it’s streamed through Twitter and shared via social media primarily, you actually have to do a Periscope presentation offline, if you consider smart phone to be offline. You can watch Periscopes online, but the only way you can present them or be actively involved is via mobile device.
The bottom line, though, is that people helping people is what tribes are all about, and it’s what helps give you almost instant credibility on your blog or “scope”. And beside credibility, it gives you exposure. That’s the critical role of tribes, and is the main reason for people to join tribes and get actively involved in them.
Like with anything, the more you give… the more you get back.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..5 Blogging Mistakes
Hey Donna,
It was through joining tribes and interacting with other bloggers that really jump start my blogging journey. It was recommended to me and I’m glad I caught on to the concept back then although I was making a lot of mistakes.
But one thing is for sure and that is you have to be in the right mindset to make it work. There were so many people that go into these tribes with a self absorb mentality that they don’t get anything out of it and either end up quitting or wasting their time.
It’s all about making it a win-win with tribes. You build the synergy with all the interaction and support with tribes that eventually every serious genuine person within it experiences gain.
Thanks for sharing Donna and I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving!
Sherman Smith recently posted..How You Can Easily Create SEO Friendly Blog Posts
Hi Sherman,
You’re so right about that… you’ve got to have the right attitude when you join a tribe.
It’s not enough to just be there, you’ve also got to be of the right mindset. The right mindset means you’ve got to be a giver, not a taker.
Help others, give them your time, your social sharing and your attention. When you’re really interested in helping others, they’ll really be interested in helping you, too.
That’s the attitude and the energy that helps everybody benefit from being part of a tribe. It’s a really powerful model for building your blog, your Periscope or any other online business.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..5 Blogging Mistakes
Twitter: harleenas
November 30, 2015 at 11:34 am #
Hi Donna,
Wonderful indeed 🙂
Now one knows the reason for the name of your blog also, as it has the ‘tribe’ attached to it! Honestly speaking, I never knew what a tribe was when I started, other than the usual meaning of a tribe. Unlike you, I joined Facebook groups, but not the ones with the reciprocal offers as some used to visit and some not, but I was lucky in another way.
I think within 1-2 months of the time I started blogging, I started receiving comments from bloggers and non-bloggers, both. I just started making my return visits to their blogs and sharing their posts, without really knowing that I was reciprocating, which is required for bloggers. Slowly one learns though, and then there is no looking back.
Yes, you read each others posts carefully, then comment and share, and most bloggers do the same when they visit your blog. Some of course are very niche conscious, so either just comment and don’t share, or share only without commenting. Either ways, all are welcome, isn’t it?
As Adrienne mentioned, a community is another word for tribe and over time, we all make our own little tribes or communities or circles of friend’s, and they are what keep is going actually.
Many congratulations on starting your new tribe on Periscope and I am so sure you’re going to do so well there, as you’re already creating waves in that world!
Thanks for sharing it all with us. Have a nice week ahead, and a wonderful new month coming up. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Understanding and Managing Emotions Using Your Inner Voice
Hi Harleena,
Seems like you were doing all the right things as a new blogger.
A lot of this is instinctive, really. If you’re trying to get some community going, you have to reach out to people and invite them to respond by seeing what your blog or online business is all about.
One of the great things about “tribes” and “communities” (we call it a “posse” in our Periscope group)… one of the great things is that it takes you step by step through the process you need to follow.
Even more importantly, it gives you access to an instant group of people ready and willing to actually do that process with you. They are, in a way, instant fans of yours.
In return, you become an instant “fan” of theirs.
I’m reminded of the old saying “one hand washes the other” … hehe
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
November 30, 2015 at 11:09 am #
Good morning Donna,
It was about a year before I started blog commenting that I had heard the term “tribe” online. I’ve shared often with my own audience that I was very intimidated back then connecting with others.
As I continued to learn and grow though I understood the importance of a tribe but as you know, I call it a community. You’re right though, it’s not just about having a community for our blogs but they’re the ones that help us get the word out about who we are and of course that’s to support our business.
No one can do this alone and I’d love to meet the person who thinks they can. When you have a support system there for you eager to spread the word about you with their friends, that’s huge. People don’t trust easily anymore which is why building your own tribe and/or community is the only way to go.
That’s exciting that you have a new tribe for Periscope users. I’m sure anyone using that platform will truly benefit from teaming up with you guys.
Thanks for getting the word out about tribes Donna and I know you’ve definitely got a great one behind you.
Have a terrific week and a glorious month. The holidays are slowly creeping up on us now.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..10 Reasons Why Your Business Should Be Blogging
Hi Adrienne,
I remember, too, that when I started blogging I thought I just had to put together some content and somehow, magically, people would start finding me.
Boy that had to change fast.
It was nearly impossible to be able to keep cranking out good content and then do all the promoting necessary by yourself.
But even more important, no matter how much promoting you do for yourself, it’s never as good as having other people promoting to you, talking about you, talking to you and sharing your blog posts on their social media sites.
This is what we call “social proof.”
When people see you being talking about and supported on a lot of different social sites, they start to trust you, trust your brand, and take a visit to your blog so they can see for themselves what everyone is talking about.
It works like a charm for bloggers and any other online marketer.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why You Need A Tribe To Build Your Online Business