For me, the idea of helping a company and a community interface more effectively and efficiently was a huge draw. I really enjoyed the idea of communicating with the masses to let them know that their voice was being heard, and making sure that it was. Others enjoy the marketing aspects of being a Community Manager, as the job does require a fair bit of skills in this respect, as well as networking, advertising, communications, and more.

One of the reasons that I didn’t stay a Community Manager was because my marketing skills were still very basic, and I didn’t always enjoy that facet of the job. I have always valued transparency, but sometimes transparency can give “the masses” the wrong idea about certain things going on in a company, and the last thing you want to do as a Community Manager is give out information that would go against the goals of the company employing you.

What draws people to community management positions? Is it the balance between networking, communications and marketing? Is it the thrill of helping promote a product, service or company? If the failures and issues of the company you are working for can be a burden to a Community Manager, do the successes then reflect positively as well?

Even though, I no longer work for PicApp, each time they enact one of the suggestions that the community gave them, I still feel a bit of pride. I know that they are listening to their community, and that makes me very happy.

What made you interested in becoming a Community Manager and if you aren’t one already, then is there anything about the career opportunity that interests you?