Why Will They Be Willing to Help You
Online participation is used to describe the interaction between users and online communities on the web. The aim of an online community is to encourage members to contribute to the community in some way. Some common online communities are wikis, blogs and social platforms where people actively voice their opinion and give feedback. Online participation is currently a heavily researched field constantly under the microscope, while experts try to assess why people become part of such communities and what they gain from it.
For a business, an online community would translate into idea management software, such as WE THINQ. The innovative software has enabled businesses to reach out to the bright minds all over the world and invite them to contribute their ideas to drive a project. But the question still remains – why would people in some far off corner of the world take out the time to contribute ideas to benefit your business? We’ve come up with a few reasons for this. Let’s take a look:
Online Conversation Builds Social Capital
“Social Capital” refers to the collective benefits and value derived from the connection and cooperation between individuals and groups. It is fostered by healthy relationships and interpersonal trust. Lower level of social capital in a business is a result of lack of communication and interaction, which makes the business less resilient and less capable of responding to developing economic, social and environmental challenges.
Businesses succeed when the people related to them trust each other and work in harmony towards a common goal of business growth. This trust develops from interaction, cooperation and, most of all, conversation. When people build and support relationships through online interaction, they begin to understand and trust each other. As the strength of online interactions grows, a business develops the trust and relationship it needs to succeed, among employees, customers, partners, vendors and other members.
Online Conversations Offer Compelling Benefits
Let’s face it – the world is a selfish place and selfless acts of contributions are uncommon. People would rarely do something for your business unless they gain something in return.
In the case of idea management software, being part of an online community such as WE THINQ gives the members a chance to access a vast pool of invaluable knowledge from experts all around the world. One of the many ‘benefits’ gained from participation and contribution of ideas. And for people who want to soak up every bit of knowledge they come across, online participation and access innovative ideas and expert opinion is benefit enough.
Online Conversations Offer a Sense of Belonging
This is perhaps the most significant reason why people are willing to participate in online conversation. Every individual has an innate desire to be part of a social group where his presence, ideas, and opinion are valued. Idea management software gives people a platform where they can communicate and collaborate with like-minded people, contribute to a common cause (business growth) that they believe in, and witness the cause take shape as a result of their contributions.
