Friday of last week was the one month anniversary since I introduced myself on BecomeAnEX Community. It's been a great month and I'm starting to remember the faces of the many active members of the community. I'm also starting to tie faces to names and even to quit dates. But, there are so many people in the new members list and some others that have been here a while that haven't posted a blog, haven't filled out their profile and/or haven't updated their profile picture even if they've commented on other's blogs. I'm intrigued by the many new people who join each day. I'm sure there are many others who want to do the same. They want to pay it forward to the new people starting their journey, just as they were the new person on the site at some point in the past.
This community works because the members interact. They find commonality between each other. They share their personal stories. Their interests. Their struggles. And their desire to free themselves from an addiction.
A couple people have asked me if the picture on my profile is really me. Yes, it is. Even my co-workers were surprised when I posted my picture on this site. I'm not hiding behind a mask like the Wizard. I'm a person just like you and am excited to interact with you all. Having run communities I know people are a lot more comfortable when they know there is a person behind the logo.
It's hard though to interact when a profile is blank and there isn't a profile image. It's much like a new person moving in on the block of a close-knit neighborhood. Everyone is excited to meet the new neighbor but the new neighbor has to be open to the idea as well. So don't be afraid to add some landscaping to the yard(update your background), put a decoration on the door(update your profile picture) and leave some kids toys out in the yard (update your profile interests). There is no requirement to put a picture of yourself when choosing a profile image though certainly it is nice to know who we're talking with. Plenty of people have put up pictures of their interests or other icons they've made. Don't feel you have to show who you are until you are comfortable. You can even choose one of the preloaded profile pictures we have on the site if you can't think of one to upload until you locate one you like. But please don't leave your profile picture as the boring silhouette. Your peers here want to bring over a casserole and welcome you to the community but you have to give them something to go on. Your comfort in the community will certainly increase if you show you're a person too. We all know you can only get out what you put in.
So take a couple minutes today and fill out your profile and update your profile picture if it is still the silhouette. You might just improve your chances of quitting if you show there's someone there.
We're excited to meet you!
Have a question? Leave a comment in the section below.
Mark
EX Community Manager
