Cause Machine

From Digital to Physical

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One of the core tenets I share over and over about digital engagement is the desperate need and drive that all things digital should drive people to something physical.   

I believe society has bought the lie… hook, line, and sinker… that social media will help draw us closer together as individuals and create better communities.  That very well may have been one of the original intents and it may even be a derivative of what we experience in social media.  But we’ve seen far more of an increase in jealousy, comparison, materialism, isolation, false security, and many other attributes that we don’t like about ourselves.  

This is why it’s important for anyone who leads a social community or digital engagement to always keep in front of them the deep need for all digital to drive to physical.  

I believe that we are all hard-wired for community and relationships with one another.  And while technology can make some great connections and provide great experiences, nothing can replace physical interaction and presence with other people.  This is most obvious when we are hurting and in need of a friend to process life.  No amount of social posts will replace being with someone who loves you and cares for you.  

Let’s make this more practical… how do you lead people from the digital space to something more relational and physical?

  • Virtual Events - guide people to personal connections with other people of similar interests with a nudge to connect in person.  

  • Virtual Events - guide people to joining groups in their area to keep process but also to see they are not alone.  

  • eCourses - encourage people to take courses as a cohort and go through in person with others.  

  • Online Groups - guide people from virtual groups and discussions to in-person events and gatherings.  

  • Blog & Content - encourage practical engagement with your content in a manner that connects people in person.

  • Membership Platforms - guide people to connect with others who are like-minded to meet in person and build sub-tribes.  

Be creative and have fun exploring how you can help guide people from digital to virtual.  You have a responsibility to make this part of your ethos.  

Okay, so yes, why am I talking so much about this concept in a discussion that’s primarily about digital engagement?  I write this because, for any digital engagement strategy to be successful, it must lead to relational connections.  And I would argue those relational connections should be physical (face to face).  The strongest digital communities and digital strategies keep this tension in place and guide people well in both.  May I encourage you to do the same as you build your digital engagement strategy.  

 

Cause Machine Solutions

The Cause Machine platform provides various modules and tools to provide digital engagement touchpoints (memberships, groups, events, and more).  The platform stands apart in how it uniquely connects two people in a community based on like-minded interests.  These connections help make a large community small and help create great relationship connections. Schedule a demo today! 

 

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