A startup in town started by handing out shirts with their logo and website on them to people who have never used the startup’s service.
A summer camp in my hometown started as a summer camp and got t-shirts the second year of camp.
The difference is critical to recognize. The former sought advocates without converting strangers into customers – a sort of blind advocacy, if you will.
The latter promoted inclusivity by providing a way for camp attendees to label themselves as part of a tribe that has gone through the same experience together.
Let’s not confuse handing out t-shirts, online badges, and bracelets with building a tribe.
Stay Positive & Tribes Connect On Experiences, Are You Offering That?
Garth Beyer is a Certified Cicerone®, Product Marketer, owner of Garth's Brew Bar and a Madison-based freelance writer.
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