Step 1: Listen, Listen and Listen

This is an exciting and special time. While uncertainty is challenging and you’re probably eager to get started building community, it’s important that you first take the time to listen as much as possible.

Especially if you’re just starting a new job as a community manager with little guidance, you should do your best to set the expectation that for at least the first two weeks (at least), you’re just going to listen and learn.

If you don’t have a job yet, that’s okay. You can start learning now and become a stronger candidate for the many amazing community jobs out there.

Talk to other community professionals. Join the CMX group, subscribe to our newsletter to read our members’ stories, and browse through the conversations in the group. Set up meetings with your team to understand what their opinions and perspectives are of community management. Talk to your managers and colleagues and understand their expectations.

Listen, listen, and then listen some more. Get the lay of the land so that you know where you’re headed, like the picture in a Legos kit.