The Hidden Work of Community Building: Why the In-Between Matters
The Spotlight on Big Moments
When people talk about online communities, they highlight the big moments - launching something new, hitting milestones, and celebrating successes. These are the visible markers of progress, the ones that get the most attention and recognition.
Community building is like gardening. The beginning, choosing what to grow and planting, is exciting. And later, there’s the harvest - the big wins that get noticed and celebrated.
But the Real Work Happens in the In-Between
Between planting and harvesting, there’s a season of tending. It’s quieter, less obvious, but absolutely essential. The same is true for communities. The real work happens in the in-between: the daily rhythm of noticing, adjusting, and encouraging.
I see these moments every day managing my own community and in my work as a Mighty Networks expert and online community consultant. They don’t always make the highlight reel, but they shape the long-term success of an online community:
🌱 “Hmmm… why isn’t this post sparking conversation the way I expected?” 🌿 “That was an unexpected insight—how can I amplify it?” 🌻 “I love seeing members step up to support each other.” 🍃 “How could I use this new feature to make things even better?”
Finding Joy in the Process
Many community builders, especially small business owners, get discouraged when engagement isn’t instant or when a new initiative doesn’t take off right away. But long-term success comes from enjoying the process—finding motivation in the small wins and daily improvements.
The best community builders are like great gardeners: patient, observant, and always learning.
Want More Community-Building Insights?
Maintaining engagement between big moments is just one piece of growing a thriving online community. If you’re looking for more strategies, check out my YouTube channel—I share practical tips to help you navigate the ups and downs of community building, including strategies specifically for Mighty Networks and small business owners.