14. Building bridges, not just audiences

I want to take a little bit of time to talk about community engagement. If you're looking to connect with others, here are a few tips and trick's I've learned over the last few weeks that really helped me out. I hope these help you!

The community you build over a common interest is such a cool thing to experience. Whether its over your passion project, a hobby or sport, or some niche group of people with a single shared experience, community helps build bridges into the lives of other people.

When it came it Aether Guardian, I've learned a ton on what I think might be best vs. how people actually connect with you. It's funny, I was talking with my buddy Matt this week about some of the changes Tiffany had recommended we make for Aether Guardian's social pages.

I said "Matt, I don't know what's going on, but for some reason people are responding and engaging with everything we've posted this past week. It's weird, for the past month I've been sharing tons of quotes, concept art, behind-the-scenes sneak peaks... the works. Don't people only want what I can give them? Surely they don't want to know anything about me... that's why I wrote a book - I'm boring!"

We both laughed, it but spoke to something more important. Building connections with others on a personal level - even on social media - builds those bridges to something larger and meaningful. People don't want what you can give them. They want to know you! The creator behind the project.

So here are a few things to keep in mind:

Start with a personal connection. It sounds simple, but share with others the "why" behind what you do. Share the reason why you're super excited to share this or that with them. Connect with them by showing them who you are - not the public persona that you might be hoping to build. Just lay it out there in a real, authentic, and approachable conversation and allow people the opportunity to get to know you better.

Share the realities of not only your project, but your life - then tie the two together! Yes, of course share how exciting the project is, and how tired it makes you, and the high's and low's that come with it. Then share how it all fits into the boarder picture of you. Yes, it's exciting - and I've been able to meet tons of new people because of my shared connection with other excited people! Yes, it's tiring to work on this for several months in a row - and hey it's been a struggle to try and keep up with my other hobbies. And so on. Let people experience who you are through your work and show them the simple truths of your life.

Don't put on a face. Don't try to pretend to be someone or something you're not. Jut be you and share your experiences with others. We're all craving for connection and to know that we're "not the only ones." So be that voice to help show people they are not alone!

Full transparency - I honestly didn't think anyone cared to learn anything about me. I wasn't upset or saddened by this thought. I just figured, "hey I'm writing a book, so people want to learn about the book!" So that's what I focused on. I wanted to give something back to you all because of all your support over the years. I wanted to give you concept art no one has ever seen. Give you early access to behind-the-scenes stuff as a way to say "thank you."

And don't get me wrong - you're great and I really appreciate you a ton for your support. But thank you for showing me that yeah the art and stuff is cool - but that personal connections are so vital to the growth of a community and the health of relationships.

Thank you for your support and I'll talk with you soon!