When it comes to “Tribes” there is a certain power being in one.
According to Wikipedia, a “tribe” is a “clan-based social structure”.
It became popularized as an loin community structure by Seth Godin. In his book “Tribes,” Godin explains that “A tribe is any group of people, large or small, who are connected to one another, a leader, and an idea. ….[and he further describes how] the Internet has eliminated the barriers of geography, cost and time. All those blogs and social networking sites are helping existing tribes to get bigger.”
I have participated in several tribes over the past few years.
I connect with other bloggers and share content and feedback (“syndicate”) with them. Tribe members share the same mindset of exchanging ideas and helping one another by commenting, and promoting each other’s blogs by virtue of social bookmarking and sharing.
What I love most about tribes is that not only do they help rank my site on Google, but they offer me a forum for learning from other people. While we share a general effort to cross-syndicate, we have varying strengths and focus, and we represent a wide variety of niches, or special areas of interest.
The best thing about my tribal involvement has been meeting so many awesome, devoted people. We often become friends in addition to masterminding together, critiquing each others work, and even collaborating in Joint Ventures.
The very reason I chose “donnamerrilltribe.com” as my blog title, is that I have crafted it as a sort of mini-tribe for all my readers.
There is a lot of power in that title for several reasons. First, I use my name, which is important for branding. But more important, I join it to the concept of “tribe” as an invitation for readers to join me and my online journey.
In fact, I consider anyone who follows my blog or any of my social sites to be part of my team…part of my tribe. We meet and connect. The very word… “tribe”… I feel, brings us all together.
We are all team players out here.
I welcome you to jump into action and consider yourself part of my community. I love to help people and encourage them to stay on point with their passions and goals, and to never compromise them or surrender their zeal.
If you have any questions about joining a Tribe, I can recommend some of the ones I belong to. Just ask me in the comment box.
Let me know what you think, It is really important to me.
Blessings,
Donna
So very true, Donna. that tribal aspect of our world is such a profound part of our true nature. We can no more live alone in a vacuum than we can breathe in that same vacuum. The power of a tribe, especially one in which we are volunteer participants is incredible. It is like the energy we put into the tribe comes back to us multiplied tenfold at least.
I like the name of your site and really enjoy being a part of your tribe. 🙂
Michael recently posted..Looking Back To The Past
That is exactly it Michael! I enjoy being part of a tribe for the same reason. Hey, that’s how we met and that is how I get so much useful information from you.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Leverage Your Blog Content
A blog really is much like its own community… or tribe. You have people who come and go, and those who stay and continue the conversation… and ultimately grow with you.
Nile recently posted..Blondish.net Podcast: Paid To Blog- Is It For You?
Yes Nile, that is part of it all. People do come and go, but sometimes we can continue our relationships with them if they are still in the business. The rest of us are more dedicated and it doesn’t take much to rock our blogs.
Thanks for visiting Nile,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Leverage Your Blog Content
I hear about tribes a lot these days but isn’t it just another word for a community of like minded people ? Or rather it’s a marketing term that has been used to describe a community of like minded people. And to that aim what is the underlying reasons for coining this new term ?
Tribes of old usually imposed some kind of ritual on a person to brand or indoctrinate him/her…I guess gangs in modern times do the same thing….what kind of ritual do we go through these days to “join” a tribe as per your definition ? The ritual was the bond and kind of gave it’s membership a connection and identity. And how can you be a member of 5 separate tribes ? If a tribe is connected by the leader what is the difference between it and a cult ?
Ade recently posted..More Heads Roll As The Long Winter Continues To Bite
First of all, tribes are not “connected to a leader”. They are essentially groups of people working in unison to syndicate each others content, be it articles, blog posts, videos etc.
The term tribe as a blogging community was coined by Seth Godin. I suggest you look at his seminal book on the topic, called appropriately “Tribes”.
Seth is one of the masterminds of social media mechanics and meaning. His communal blog, Squidoo, was created to emulate this tribal concept.
As far as the ritualistic aspects of traditional tribes, the metaphor may be running thin at that point. The tribal aspects that Seth Godin highlighted were those of hunting, gathering, and providing in unison. I suppose you might say that the ritualistic underpinnings involve the rhythm of syndication, mutual assistance and masterminding.
Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Leverage Your Blog Content
Donna,
thanks for sharing with others the power of Tribes! Lots of people still don’t know about it.
So what are the tribes that you belong to and is there one or two that you would recommend the highest?
Thanks so much for all you do!
~ Jupiter Jim
Hi Jim, It is amazing to me too how many people don’t know what a “Tribe” is all about. You know my favorite – TSA and The Empowered Tribe
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Leverage Your Blog Content
Hey Donna!
It’s my first time here on your blog; I made my way to it via The Word Chef interview. Love that by the way. This post in particular comes right in time for my business as I just launched my branded blog. So you know I’m taking you up on the offer, right? What tribes do you recommend? Thanks again for this great post I’m definitely a new fan!
Mys recently posted..Consistently Produce Branded Sharable Content – and finally make money from your list!
Hi Mys and Good to see you here. Tribes are the best way to get started with your syndication. I would recommend these tribes because I’m in them:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/EmpoweredTribe/
http://www.socialbuzzclub.com
http://www.facebook.com/groups/tsamembers/
Check them out and see which one you like. Start with one at a time so you won’t be overwhelmed. The easiest to get into is Social Buzz. I’m not sure if I need to add you to the other two, if so msg me.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
I love Tribes, Donna. I’m always looking to find good responsive ones as well. Which tribes are you part of and recommend? Lol, it’s also cool that your last name is Tribe…super clever and convenient!
Anthony Hutcherson recently posted..8 Phone Prospecting Tips To Quickly Build Rapport
Hey Anthony, I put tribe at the end of my name because it takes a bunch of people to connect with when you are the Ceo, and chief bottle washer of your business.
Tribing to me has been a wonderful experience and when I got into the internet business Seth’s book gave me an AHA moment.
I don’t know where I would be without my tribe-mates. They are people I can reach out to if I have a problem with something. They are my teachers and my students.
The connections I have made with people all over the globe has been the most wonderful experience in my life.
Thanks for stopping by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
The word in itself is descriptive to mean group of people. I like how you have shared your blog Donna in opening it up to others to inspire them and encourage people to be involved as much as they want.
I enjoy being part of several tribes and you can learn so much from others. Best part, all the connections have been turning into wonderful business friends and people that I know I could actually reach out to if I needed help or just to ask for ideas and suggestions.
So much appreciate your positive approach with people Donna – keep up your wonderful positive leadership!
Lynn Brown recently posted..The Importance of a Positive Attitude
I am honored by your kind words Lynn. Recently there was a man in one of the tribes I am in that had a medical problem with his child. He came onto Facebook and asked for support. There was so much support I noticed and it made him feel so much better.
I had reached out once in a situation where there was a medical issue with my husband. I was frantic. I could not believe the numbers of people that prayed and sent good wishes. They all came from the heart.
This is what I feel is the best rewards when working with people in a tribe. We get so close and get to know each other as we go along.
It is the human spirit that I love the most.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
I so much agree with that Donna! The human spirit is what gets me popping out of bed each and every day. Enjoying every minute as well!
Lynn Brown recently posted..The Importance of a Positive Attitude
Being a member of a tribe must have so many benefits! I’ve never tried it before but I think now it’s time to give it a try! Thanks for the inspiration!
Anna recently posted..cosmetic dentists
Being part of a tribe is a great place to be. But one must keep in mind that if you are, you need to have a blog that gives people good content. NEVER put up a static sales page, no one would syndicate you if you do that.
There are great tribes out there Anna, just contact me and I’ll bring you in.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
I haven’t participated in many tribes, but the ones I am included in has been super beneficial to me personally. The blog group on Facebook has been a godsend to me because of its networking benefits and it has allowed me to get to know others outside or inside my niche. What I don’t think people realize is that tribes help put your work out to people you may or may not ever reach.
If you aren’t apart of some tribe or group, I highly recommend joining. You can learn allot from the information provided and others get to know you too. That’s a win-win for everyone!
Sonia recently posted..What Are The 3 Main Channels To Make Money Online
Awesome Sonia,
Tribes are a great way to meet new people. Not only for our own syndication, but it is the learning process and friendships I build that are the most beneficial to me.
Thanks for coming by
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Being in a tribe has been a great learning tool for me, you can’t beat the price. But now that I am a little more savvy about online marketing I can see that the time that you may put into the tribe may not be a good return on your inbvestemtn. Reading and commenting and syndicating takes time.
Thanks for visiting Joyce, It is great to see you again. You are correct in saying that it is a great learning tool and you can’t beat the price! Reading and syndicating takes a lot of time, but we have to only do what we can. We cannot let our syndication rule our business.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Hello Donna
Many people do not yet realize that due to technological changes the direction of the economy and society in general is toward what you describe in this post. Kevin Kelley in his book “New Rules for the New Economy” shares 10 strategies for a connected world. In the new economy tribes will be a powerful tool for meeting and connecting. As you clearly point out the very word… “tribe” brings us all together. Donna, you have share a cutting edge message.
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City
Perry Davis recently posted..What is the next big thing in network marketing?
Thank you Perry! I have been keeping my eye out to keep ahead of the new economy. Well,, it is here already, but things WILL change. Being on the cutting edge is important.
I tell my clients that even if they have a J.O.B. They need to have a back door plan. Long story short, I always try to keep up with the latest trends in the economy as much as I can – That’s why I am here!
I value knowing you Perry because your blogs are so informative and I always learn from you.
Thank you,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Hi Donna,
Tribes are really powerful, I started joining tribes just a few months ago at the end of 2011 and I realize how they can help to get more traffic and meet like minded people. As you said the most important thing that tribes offer is that you find so many people who can help you in many ways or even become friends with them…
Kostas recently posted..Blog Networks – Unnatural Backlinks Detected
You Bet Kostas! I find that since I have joined tribes, I have met the most wonderful people that I can feel free to contact if I have a question, also connect with them on other social media platforms to enhance our relationships. Hey, that’s where I met you!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
I haven’ been a member of any tribes yet, but it seems to be a really nice thing, I think it could be such a nice experience! I really want to give it a try. Which tribe would you suggest?
Julie recently posted..Dental Implants For A Permanent Tooth Alternative
Hi Julie, Tribes are great I will message you soon about it.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Donna, great blog URL! Joining “tribes” is a very smart idea. It is great that we can find people online who are like minded and provide great information like you do.
I have belonged to a number of tribes over the years and have always learned lots and had fun too.
Carla McNeil, Social Media Manager recently posted..Find Your Customers on Social Media
Hi Carla, I like being in tribes for the close connections I have made. I believe I found YOU via a tribe. I like following people that I can learn from and you are one of them.
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Hi Donna,
I quite like the idea of tribes, where we can turn and ask advice or offer support as well as generating long term relationships that help us all move forward.
It also helps with getting our content out to a wider audience and of course the benefits that go hand in hand with that extra reach as it were.
I take on board what Oliver said in his comment about having to comment on posts that doesn’t quite grab you, but we don’t have to comment on every post. Just those that do grab our interest or attention 🙂
I can think of far more benefits than disadvantages 😉
Thanks Donna,
Barry
Barry Wells recently posted..I Interviewed Adrienne Smith and Asked Her…
Hi Barry,
If I reach a post that is a sales page, or nothing but talking about the benefits of joining their business, I do not leave a comment.
It doesn’t benefit either party.
Syndication is all about good content first and foremost. I have fun with it because I learn something from all the blogs I visit, find great friends and have done some JV’s
Cheers!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Hi Donna,
Good article on what we do at TSA. It’s great to become part of a community and make new friends like you!
Tom
Right on the money Tom! This is the TSA model and also the same model for other tribes. When put into place we not only get more recognition, but make such great friends.
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
So glad to be a member of your tribe. There is such value and a sense of connectedness to belonging. We all want to belong to something and the tribe type syndication fills the bill
Thanks,
Donna
Rick Lelchuk recently posted..Causing Uncertainty to Create Certainty
Hi Rick
I am so glad that we are in the same “tribe” because it does give us a connection to one another. It also helps our syndication!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
I love tribes for the simple reason it makes me feel I belong to something. The web can be such a lonely place. We sit and work all by ourselves, so it’s warming to know that there are like-minded people out there (some of whom we may never meet) who share what we do, our passions and concerns.
Well done for building your tribe, Donna!
Anne recently posted..Self-Confidence: 5 Ways To Build It
Hi Anne, I feel the same way. In fact when people ask me who are my friends, they are all from the internet lol!
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Hey Donna,
I’ve also been in several tribes the last few years and they’ve all been great experiences. I agree that one of the key benefits, besides sharing content are the connections you make with fellow tribe mates.
Some of the people I’ve met in tribes are among my closest internet friends and mastermind partners. It’s a great way to understand what someone else is all about, how they run their business and their philosophy. From there, the decision to connect or not is easy.
Dr. Bob Clarke recently posted..Part Time Entrepreneurs: This Mistake Will Cost You BIG TIME
Absolutely Bob, The connections are great. Sometimes the best part for me is to show someone how to do it correctly. Maybe that’s why I was compelled to write this post.
Blessings,Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Twitter: marquitaherald
April 15, 2012 at 6:51 am #
Well said Donna … I’ve learned so much, and met so many nice people participating in ‘tribes.’ Only disclaimer I can think of is that like anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it.
marquita herald recently posted..What Will You Do to Celebrate Earth Day 2012?
Girl you put your heart and soul into the tribes I share with you. I think that your activity and awesome comments are the key to your social proof.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
I have not read the Seth Godin book, but it is on my list. Being part of a tribe is very helpful. We are able to exhange ideas with like minded people and get support. It also helps rankings through syndication and blog hits.
Hey Jacob, Seth Godin is the guy who started it all. You don’t need to read the book, but can get a good idea by Google or Youtube him.
I am glad I met you through tribes!
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
As you know Donna, online syndication tribes have a very dear place in my heart. It’s a blessing to get to work with the TSA community team and you there too 🙂
Tribes play a vital role in both syndication and having a sense of community. There’s a lot of personal connectedness to them that goes beyond simply gaining traffic and can really help someone survive rough spots in their sites growth.
Plus, the relationships built often turn into both friendships and business joint ventures that can be profitable to both the heart and wallet!
Kim
Kimberly Castleberry recently posted..Creating Sub-Pages or Child-Pages in WordPress
Hey my friend, we go back a long way and I learned so much from YOU. Tribes are a vital role in syndication and community. Hey, I would have never found you if it wasn’t for Tribes! And I am glad I did because you keep teaching me endless ways in business.
If you don’t know Kim my friends, you should!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Donna,
I have found that joining and regularly participating in blog tribes has been critical for the development of me as a blogger and the development of my blog. I have learned a lot from other bloggers and have met some wonderful people along the way. Thanks for highlighting the importance of these groups.
Kristen
Kristen recently posted..The Happiest Countries: Why Aren’t People in the United States Happier?
I feel the same way Kristen. I have made so many good friends and JV’s through tribes. They are awesome.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
I’m pretty new to the idea of tribes but since I started participating I’ve found it really enjoyable. I can see where a tribe might lose momentum (like Oliver said) but I think that during your time in the tribe you make friendships that transcend the “rules”. I know there are people I would still follow and share with even if the “tribe” itself dissolved (ahem… you would be one of them!) I also use RSS as a way to track other people who I enjoy but that just adds to the experience!
And yes, i would definitely be interested in hearing what other tribes you recommend. I’ve been finding so many really insightful people this way. Thanks you being part of that!
Carol Lynn recently posted..How To Write A Good Email Subject Line: Practical Tips For Getting Your Customer’s Attention And Keeping Your Email Out Of The Spam Folder
Hi Carol Lynn, As Oliver said in his experiences some tribes do fall apart but the friendships go on. I’ve met more powerful people and made close friendships with those from tribes that fizzled out.
RSS is also important, but Tribes are a way of connecting to people and learning about different things that can pertain to your own business and well being.
I’ll Send you some links,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Hi Donna,
First off, yes, I would love to know some of your tribes. I love to join groups of people who are of the same frame of mind as I am. It’s such a good way to learn from others and get richer, mentally and spiritually.
You are right, the title or your blog using the word “tribe” is a subconscious pull for people to want to join you and your blog. Very good move on that one.
Thanks you for this explanation about the meaning of tribe.
Have a great day!
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Why Should You Be Grateful?
Hi Sylvaine, I am glad to hear that you understand the power of tribing!
I’ll message you the tribes I am in with the links.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Great post– and I must say that being a part of several “tribes” is what makes working from home actually work– it could feel pretty isolating if not for all the other great people who are just a few clicks away.
Thanks so much for commenting on my Pinterest Marketing article on Kosma’s Opportunities Planet…I am a Pinterest junkie myself…and there is so much business upside to it. See you on the Boards—I’m going to look for those shoes now.
DeniseGabbard recently posted..Monday Motivation: Successful Writer with Dogged Determination
Hi Denise, Nice to see you here on the other side of Pinterest. Yes, working at home is a lonely place, but getting to know other people is great. When people ask me who are your friends, I have to say they are all from the internet.
See you on the Pinterest Boards,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Donna,
We should call you the “Tribal Queen” You get this “give to get” concept so well. It’s amazing how it’s turned your blog into a busy hub of excitement.
I love that you added the word tribe in your blog. It goes a long way with your core value of helping others.
Ken Pickard
The Network Dad
Ken Pickard recently posted..Pinterest Traffic – Blog Roll Style
Ken, you always make me laugh! I could imagine myself dress up as the “Tribal Queen” ha ha ha. You were the first Tribe I signed into. With your guidance I have learned so much of how to correctly syndicate and work with others and I thank you.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
April 12, 2012 at 6:49 pm #
I love how you explained this Donna and I had a feeling that is why you included tribe in your blog title.
I’m also thankful that I had the pleasure of meeting you in a community as well. It’s also where I have met so many wonderful people and have built some very solid relationships with them too.
You are so giving and I hope others will take you up on your offer of helping them become members of some tribes. The support is wonderful and the people are even better.
Appreciate you sharing this with us Donna and I appreciate you!
Have a glorious day young lady and a fabulous weekend.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..Cool Facebook Timeline Ready Made Apps
Thank you Adrienne,
If it wasn’t for Tribes, I wouldn’t have met you. It is those close connections that we start having with other people that is such an uplifting experience. Helping out each other, going that extra mile is a blessing.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Hi Donna
what can I say, If it was not for the tribe in TSA I would not know you at all. Today we are together in my mastermind group for my game and what a blessing to have you as a friend that help me to become the best me and to put the game on the map.
Thx a 1000 X for the friends ship we great vis the Tribe’s we belong to.
Regards
Theuns
Theuns recently posted..There are no traffic jams on the extra mile
Thank you Theuns, Yes, tribes do work and we meet so many great people. Now, meeting you, we do mastermind and it is a pleasure to get to help you with your project.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Hi Donna,
a tribe is very powerful tool. And you are right, it doesn’t help with Google ranking, we’re always a lot from other people – and they do from us. What I noticed with tribes that they lose momentum after a while, a few weeks, months or a year and if you have to comment for example, because it’s a part of the deal, it becomes annoying if you have to comment on a post you can’t resonate with at all. So I prefer free blog networking today, I suscribed to a whole bunch of RSS feeds and visit the post and comment on them if I choose to do so and not because they rules of the tribe say so.
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Be blessed
Oliver
Thank you Oliver for your input. I am glad those RSS feeds are working for you. I know some tribes lose momentum after a while, but the bond of friendship we make with those people last a long time!
Thanks
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
This is great Donna!! I love tribes too and it is so true that we are all in this great big movement together. I love that we can embrace each other and help eachother out!! Awesome learning from you Donna!! Keep on leading!!
April Marie Tucker recently posted..How to generate Qualified FREE MLM LEADS for your MLM Business
Hey April, Good to see you! I see that you have just joined one of the tribes I am in. You will notice how wonderful those people are and if you ever need anything at all, they will be there. Just ask a question, and you will be surprised how many answers you will get.
Talk to you soon,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes
Twitter: RyanBiddulph
April 12, 2012 at 9:15 am #
I dig tribes for the same reason Donna. We expand each other’s presence and pick up a TON of awesome research material along the way. Learning, prospering, all that good stuff. Thanks for sharing Donna.
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..Generating Online Business Leads Now – 9 Tips
Hey Ryan, I just had to share this because I have been seeing so many powerful blogs out there with zero comments! I have been hitting up the “big boys” and trying to teach Social Media to them. It boggles my mind how a company big or small will try to get into the game of Social Media and screw it all up.
I’m try’n!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of Tribes