The “new community” — Creating true connection through a massive virtual experience

Mark Schaefer
5 min readJun 8, 2020

Over the past few years, I’ve thought a lot about the word “community.”

In one respect, it’s become a punch-less term that has lost its meaning in the social media world. Marketing professionals often casually talk about their “community” when it’s really a disjointed social media following or a list of customer connections.

But another aspect of community — true community that collectively stands for something — is one of the most powerful and overlooked business connectors we have. I’ve written in my books that this idea of community and “belonging” is an enduring human need and a timely rallying point for companies and brands.

Today, the imperative for the community is greater than ever in a world where our customers are isolated and separated from their families, work teams, and life routines. In a new world of seclusion and stay-at-home routines, our customers are crying out for connection — for community.

One of the world’s largest software companies is about to launch a bold and unprecedented experience in meaningful community to help meet that need.

And you’re invited.

The world’s biggest networking experience

--

--

Mark Schaefer

Keynote speaker, marketing strategy consultant, Rutgers U faculty and author of 10 books including KNOWN, Marketing Rebellion, and Belonging to the Brand!