Keys to Success for Realm Connect & The City

The 3 C’s to Success Commitment Communication Content Several years ago we surveyed our clients and asked what made them successful or not successful on The City, and we found a common theme.

Commitment Commitment from everyone in leadership

Begin with Commitment -Simon Sinek “People don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it.” -Simon Sinek What’s your “Why”? (actually ask the crowd) This is always my first question when I start working with churches.

Begin with Commitment Involve many forms of leadership in decision & implementation Senior Leadership is key 2rc.tv/whatisthecity Intro to The City video (Sr Pastor)

Choose the right Core Team Consider People with… Executive Authority Communications Oversight Small Groups Administration/Oversight Assimilation Oversight Volunteer Recruitment Technical Experience Project Management Skills

Core Team Responsibilities Commitment to your Launch Plan Meet regularly Create a clear timeline Equip ministry leaders to equip others Execute!

Core Team Responsibilities Commitment to Ongoing Implementation Stay Consistent

The Dip by Seth Godin The dip is the journey between starting and mastery It’s the middle of the marathon If you can’t make it through The Dip, don’t start. If you can’t embrace that simple rule, you’ll be a lot choosier about which journeys to start.

Mission Statement Key Questions to Consider Why did our church decide to purchase Realm Connect or The City? How can it help us accomplish our mission? Definition: a formal summary of the aims & values of an organization, project, etc. What’s your church’s mission statement or tag line? To lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ Vision: to be the church. Connect. Go. Grow.

Mission Statement Internal Mission Statement (for staff) External Mission Statement (elevator pitch) Goals: Short & Easy Motivate Express Commitment End goal is to create a mission statement for staff/leadership and a tagline that everyone can remember. It should be something quick that tells people what RC/The City is and why they should get on board.

Mission Statement Examples Staff Mission Statement: We’re enabling a place for clear, consistent communication & connection.

Mission Statement Examples Taglines: Get connected…stay informed! (Church name), 24/7. Everything (church name). Every Day. Ask for a church name example & insert.

Mission Statement Examples Announcement: Realm/The City is our very own online community. It’s a great way to build community, engage in service, & grow in your faith. Realm/The City connects us to better love & care for one another. (Connect. Care. Love.) Ask for other examples from people that have already launched RC/The City.

Make it a Part of Your Culture All leadership needs to be committed to learning and then using Realm Connect or The City Lead by example! Show users how you envision the tool to be used Example: graceinracine.com/thecity Last point under commitment. This will show everyone that engagement on The City is just part of what it means to be involved. Show Video on Website

Communication Communication Strategy

New Communication Strategy What can now be funneled through Realm/The City? New focus for: Website Social Media Sunday Morning Announcements What are all the ways you currently communicate? Email lists should become groups Article about how announcements can interrupt the flow and heart of worship. Limit announcements to only what is important for MOST people. Now you can do that since you have RC/The City for everything else.

Developing a Communication Strategy Realm/The City is THE way you communicate to groups, not A way Engaging vs Informing Target your Communication Who, Where, How, When *primary internal communication tool This will make things easier on your staff It will also be easier on your church body to know they can rely on RC/The City for both communication & community

Communicate about How You’re Going to Communicate Set Expectations Promotional Strategy Handouts, Swag Video & Announcements 2rc.tv/whatisthecity Last point under Communication Walking billboards 2rc.tv/whatisthecity (3rd video (1:58)

Content The heart and soul of The City is the content that is posted!

Content Posted content needs to be of value Pay attention to what people are engaging with If no one is responding, maybe it’s because they aren’t interested in that content Maybe it’s who’s posting that engages people more

Content Examples Posts: Discussions, Training/Tips, Prayer Requests Events: Weekly Meetings, Potluck Signup, Church Events that need Registrations Photos: Pictures from Group Events, Anything that encourages community!

Content Pre-Launch Plan out content to post as part of launch You’ll want plenty of content to engage new users (you only have a few seconds) Never invite people into any group without posting content first Show your users what they can expect on The City

Closing Leadership needs to understand these concepts Average user will just follow your example Closing

Keys to Success Realm/The City is now part of your culture Live out your mission statement Pulpit reinforcement Consistency is key

Keys to Success The 3 C’s: Worth Revisiting Commitment Communication Content Regularly! Make The City part of your staff meetings. Measure successes and failures against the 3 C’s to help guide towards the why behind them, which will help you come up with a solution. 5 Why’s

Ultimate Goal is Adoption “About 70% of a community will not adopt new innovations unless they hear clear reasons why, from trusted individuals within the community.” http://bit.ly/CityAdopt

Ultimate Goal is Adoption “For most people, the opinions and personal experiences of their friends are most important for adoption of a new innovation than any external source.” http://bit.ly/CityAdopt Create a culture where technology adoption is encouraged

Resources Simon Sinek TED Talk: Start with Why The Dip by Seth Godin http://bit.ly/CityAdopt Content Creation Guide