Hey, Sprinklr Community!  Time for the next blog in our series!

 

Hey there, community builder! Whether you’re creating an online hub or an offline gathering, the first question to tackle is the big one: What’s our purpose? Purpose isn’t just a fancy add-on—it’s the heartbeat of your community. It keeps things lively, helps your community grow, and makes sure it truly benefits its members. So, if you’re just starting out, let’s dive into some fun steps to help you nail down your purpose and bring your vision to life!

Why Purpose Matters 

Imagine the communities you’ve seen flourish and those that fizzled out. (I have personally seen a few of those!) Almost every time, the ones with a clear, genuine purpose—designed to really serve their members—are the ones that stick around. A strong purpose connects people beyond just a shared interest; it taps into a need, a passion, or a common challenge that everyone cares about. It’s this anchor that keeps everyone moving forward together, even as the community evolves over time.

 

 Step 1: Define Who You’re Helping 

 

Start by figuring out exactly who your community is for. You might have a general idea, but let’s dig deeper. Who are these awesome people, and what do they need that they might not find anywhere else? What pain points, goals, or dreams do they share? These questions will keep you focused as you move forward. Don’t be afraid to get specific—the more you narrow down your audience, the easier it will be to provide real value.

 

 

For example, having led both B2C and B2B communities, I’ve seen how their purposes differ. B2C communities often focus on emotional connection, brand loyalty, influencers and peer support, creating a space where customers feel engaged and valued. On the flip side, B2B communities typically prioritize knowledge sharing, technical resources, subject matter experts and professional growth, offering tangible business value.

 

 Step 2: Identify the Core Problem You’re Solving 

 

Once you know who you’re building for, zoom in on their challenges. Great communities solve real problems. Think about what unique solutions or resources you can offer that will meet their needs. This could be as direct as providing educational resources or as simple as creating a safe, supportive space for sharing experiences.

 

 

For example, while B2C thrives on brand affinity, B2B succeeds as a trusted hub for expertise. In B2C communities, unique solutions include fostering emotional connections through engaging content, loyalty programs, and peer support networks that make customers feel valued and part of a larger community. Resources such as interactive forums, user-generated content, and exclusive events can enhance this engagement.

 

 

On the other hand, B2B communities benefit from solutions like comprehensive knowledge bases, technical webinars, and industry-specific resources that support professional growth and knowledge sharing. Providing access to expert-led discussions, case studies, and best practice guides can offer tangible business value. The key to success in either space is defining a purpose that aligns with both business goals and community needs.

 

 Step 3: Define Your Values 

 

Alright, let’s talk about the magic combo!  Purpose and values! If purpose is what your community is all about, values are the fun, guiding principles that show how you’ll chase that purpose. Defining values helps everyone get the vibe of your community and sets the tone for all interactions. So, what will your community stand for? Respect, openness, education, support, etc.  Pick the values that will light up every conversation and action!

 

 

B2C Communities:

• Emotional Connection: Building strong emotional bonds with customers to foster loyalty and a sense of belonging.
• Brand Loyalty: Encouraging customers to develop a deep affinity for the brand through positive experiences and engagement.
• Peer Support: Creating a supportive environment where customers can share experiences, advice, and encouragement.
• Engagement: Keeping customers actively involved through interactive content, events, and discussions.
• Customer Satisfaction: Ensuring that customers feel valued and heard, leading to higher satisfaction and retention
  
  

B2B Communities:

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of expertise and best practices among professionals.
• Technical Resources: Providing access to in-depth technical information, tools, and resources that support professional development.
• Professional Growth: Offering opportunities for members to advance their careers through learning and networking.
• Business Value: Delivering tangible benefits that help businesses improve their operations and achieve their goals.
• Trust and Credibility: Establishing the community as a reliable source of industry knowledge and insight.

Step 4: Start Small, Iterate, and Listen  

So, you’ve got your purpose and values nailed down—awesome! Now, let’s get this community party started. Remember, building a community is a journey, not a sprint. Starting small lets you listen, learn, and tweak things based on what your members need. Creating content, offering support, and holding discussions based on real feedback will help your purpose evolve and serve your members even better.

  

Start Small and Build Genuine Relationships

It’s easy to dream big, but a strong community doesn’t have to start with a bang. Focus on building genuine relationships with the people who show up. They’ll become your best advocates, attracting more like-minded individuals. And that’s what community is all about—connecting and growing together!

Anchor Everything Back to Your Purpose

As your community grows, it’s natural to explore new topics and ideas. But always bring it back to your purpose. Revisit why you started, and make sure each decision reflects that vision. Keep asking, “How does this serve our purpose?” to ensure your community remains meaningful and doesn’t lose its identity.

Build with Purpose in Mind

Starting a community with a purpose-driven approach is both rewarding and challenging. When done thoughtfully, you’re not just creating a space; you’re creating something that can uplift, inspire, and truly make a difference for people. And that’s powerful.

 

If you’re building a community or thinking about it, take the time to get clear on who you’re helping, the problems you’re solving, and the values you stand by. These foundational steps will create a community built to last—one that’s deeply valuable to each member and fulfilling for you as the creator.

 

 

Community Managers, what additional ideas do you have based on your expereince??  

 

Allison “Alley” Fasching 🐱 
Sprinklr Head of Community 

 

Read the next blog in the Series: Creating a Seamless Experience: Welcoming and Supporting Your Community Members