To help us celebrate our third birthday, we’ve asked three VIP broadcasters to share their tips and tricks about three key topics.
We’re kicking off this series with a post about communities — which are at the very heart of Periscope. Stay tuned for Q&As about broadcaster tools and monetization!
@JaniceTemple:
Q: You curate the #OwnVoices community channel, which highlights Black history, innovation, culture, and more. How do you build community around common themes and interests?
A: I started meet-ups on July 15, 2016, to meet new people who shared my passions for Black History and Periscope, when I moved from Boston to the Washington D.C. area. A teacher who attended the first meet-up shared [information] about the Underground Railroad in the area. Washington D.C. is a historical city of museums and monuments. Also, the states of Maryland and Virginia are full of Civil War to civil rights history. I did scopes asking broadcasters to join us. Some scopers traveled from New York and Philadelphia to our Periscope meet-ups. The largest Periscope meet-up had 50 attendees, who participated in a Periscope training, lunch, and a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
@GoRiceGirl:
Q: The #PeriGirls have been going strong for years: what’s your secret for sustaining a community over time?
A: My secret, developed over time WITH the help of my amazing Leadership Team, revolves around four strategies:
1) SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO SHARE YOUR PASSION & VISION.
Having a team generates and maintains energy and fosters feeling of support and creativity, which attracts those seeking the same.
2) CREATE POINTS OF CONNECTION so your community can thrive DAILY. We created online activities (Facebook threads, Twitter Chats, PassTheCasts) and opportunities where PeriGirls can contribute, get involved, and feel included/appreciated.
3) FOCUS ON CELEBRATING & EDIFYING those in your community.
We have a “No Mean Girls” policy and concentrate on lifting others up and inspiring the best in each other.
4) CONSISTENCY
We always make sure to show up as well as follow up. People don’t necessarily need us everyday, but when they do, they know where to find support and ways to get involved. Because we have been consistent these past 3 years, we have formed a foundation of trust and integrity.
@MrASingh:
Q: Thanks for throwing Periscope a birthday party in London! Why is it important to you to connect with your community IRL, and what are your tips for someone who wants to organize a meet-up?
A: It was my pleasure to host the Periscope third birthday meet-up in London, and it was fantastic to see live streamers attend who’ve been scoping from 3 weeks to 3 years. Personally I think it’s really important to meet your community in real life for a number of reasons, mainly it’s an amazing way to solidify that connection you’ve built through your live streams. It’s also a great way to show your appreciation to those that have supported you and connect with fellow live steamers you’ve been inspired by. Your community will respect the time you take to have a conversation with them.
Tips for organizing a meet-up:
- Do your research by asking your audience during a live stream their preferred dates and times for a meet-up, make them feel involved in the planning
- Reach out to experienced Periscopers and ask them to help and/or share the news
- Websites like Eventbrite are a brilliant way to plan, organize, and promote your event
- Choose a venue that’s open, bright and has AC! (It’ll start getting quite warm)
- Let conversations flow naturally, remember that many of the people who are attending will be first timers and nervous
- Have fun!
