I was recently talking with a freelance writer who was writing about how to build a following, otherwise known as a “tribe” or “community,” or as Dan Kennedy says, “the herd.”  Here are some ideas I shared with the writer. I thought you might be interested in this too:

1. Take a stand. People become loyal to others who take a stand and lead a movement. This requires a certain amount of courage, because you need to share your opinions and point of view. That means that some people will love what you have to say. Others will not. And that’s OK, because plain vanilla isn’t interesting, and it doesn’t build a tribe and create word of mouth buzz like Wildberry Lavender and Riesling Poached Pear Sorbet does.

2. Actually communicate with your tribe. True communication requires some back and forth conversation. It’s not just about sending out social media updates and emails. You need to hear from your community. How can you do that? Ask your followers what they need, what they care about, what they are struggling with and what they are celebrating. Listen to their comments on your blog and their emails in response to your ezine. Send out surveys through SurveyMonkey, Facebook or otherwise. Read and respond to their social media updates. Be aware of who they are and what is important to them. That’s the way you stay relevant to them as a thought leader so they will continue to follow and buy from you.

3. Actually care about your tribe. Of course you are in business to make a profit, but never put making a buck in front of serving them properly. If your tribe gets the sense that you are solely out for their wallets and not to genuinely help them, don’t let the door hit you on your way out.