As I work on building the business of Small Biz Survival and Tourism Currents, I’m learning and sharing what I learn at the Third Tribe Marketing site.
Besides the interviews and other resources, there is a forum full of some of the smartest people in marketing today: Chris Brogan, Brian Clark, Sonia Simone, and many more.
I was lucky enough to spend some time with Chris when he was in Oklahoma, and we brainstormed several ways to improve Tourism Currents. Now, if we could just do that every month or so, it would be wonderful. That’s why I joined Third Tribe. It’s a chance to hold those brainstorming conversations not just with Chris, but with a bunch of intelligent people.
If you are a blogger or social media person who wants to build a business, it’s a good deal. It’s not as much for small businesses looking to add social media.
Because I’m finding it exceptionally helpful to my business, I’m an affiliate. I believe in its worth that much. Right now, the cost to join is only $47 for a full month. To put that in perspective, you’d pay more than that for just one hour of my consulting time. And I’m far from the smartest person in the Third Tribe.
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Becky started Small Biz Survival in 2006 to share rural business and community building stories and ideas with other small town business people. She and her husband have a small cattle ranch and are lifelong entrepreneurs. Becky is an international speaker on small business and rural topics.
I’m came based on the title and was hoping for more specifics. Thats aid, I’m curious to hear your answers to my questions from an “insiders” perspective.
Help me out, sounds like you’re paying to get access to brainstorm with “smart” people?
Sounds like paying to “belong” or be with the “cool” kids.
Are there specific things you can point to that you have learned that have moved your business forward?
How much time do you spend there and how much access do you actually get from the “cool” kids? I imagine that most of the interaction is with the members?
Thanks in advance I appreciate your time!
Greg, I’m happy to give more specifics.
First of all, I am paying to brainstorm with smart people, to read the discussions, and to have the opportunity to study the interviews and resources. It’s similar to the reasons I pay to attend in-person events like SOBCon: the chance to interact, discuss and learn with a group of like-minded business people.
Here are two specific things I’m learning:
Right now, there are two discussions going about membership sites: including technology, methods, marketing, and course design. Participating in these threads is giving me some outside perspective on my own site. Excellent info for me.
Another thread I read today about tactical blogging has been a wonderful challenge to my thinking.
I spend about one half hour there per day, when I make time. (So, not every day.)
The main seminars are structured interviews of the leaders, the first three have centered around the expected topics: building a business around a blog with Brian Clark, Darren Rowse and Chris Brogan. Each of the seminars includes a transcript and a “next action” worksheet. I need to invest much more time in the seminars. These have the “meat” to them, and could be challenging and game-changing. To me, these seminars are worth 4 or 5 times as much as the forums.
Those leaders I mentioned are also active in the forums, along with a mix of other members: some are much more knowledgeable than me in areas, some are less so. Part of what I gain is helping others, part is in others helping me.
How much access do I have to Chris, Brian, Sonia and Darren? A decent amount. All are active in the forums, answering questions when asked, and dropping in on other topics to add their perspective. I feel like they are actively participating.
By the way, you sound like you don’t like the “cool” kids much. I’m curious why you care about the site, if that’s correct. I am friends with Chris. I’ve spoken with Brian a few times at events, and I think he would recognize my name. Darren once stole my camera. ;) (Actually, a friend asked Darren to keep an eye my camera, after I left it on a table at an event.) But I don’t think Darren would recognize my name. I don’t know Sonia at all, except through these forums. I’m not one of the “cool” kids. I’m a liquor store owner, from Alva, Oklahoma.
As long as I feel like I’m learning and benefiting, I’ll continue to be a member. If you think you can benefit and contribute to the group and get your money’s worth, I hope you will. If it doesn’t sound like a good fit for you, I hope you’ll pass on it.
Hey Becky, thanks for responding so quickly and substantively.
I’m struggling to get my [writing/business] voice back… I feel like I’ve lost my way in the last few years. During that time I’ve participated in a lot of membership sites, private forums and “products”… and all but one lacked substance, process and impact. It’s made me very cautious with my time and money.
I realize a lot of this is just my own situation/perspective. But they all had one thing in common – I felt like I wasted my time and money – which I guess has sensitized me to terms like “Third Tribe” and the like.
I’ve been to their sales page and understand their story behind the name “Third Tribe” – what I missed was the “structured interviews, transcript and a ‘next action'” if it was there I missed it.
Glad to hear you are getting value… I think I’ll wait as I am pondering a major business shift and for that reason I best stay away until I get that resolved.
I appreciate you allowing me to question you and dialogue on this as it’s been helpful. Thanks!
P.S. I might be coming through Oklahoma on a motorcycle tour, I’ll let you know. It’s been about 10 years since I’ve been to Oklahoma. I’ll make sure to miss August cause I think that’s your “really” hot period. Last time I was there, an electrical storm hit, no electricity in hotel and airport in Tulsa. Hot and sticky, no water to shower in AM, no food or restaurant, Yikes!
Greg, thanks for the follow up. And I hope you’ll keep us up to date as you decide on your direction.
I hope when you do come through Oklahoma, we are able to provide you with better memoties to take home!
The evening before I left a storm blew through knocked down those tall signs on the interstate and then the electrical storm.
Oklahoma reminded me a lot of home (our arid badlands as we call it), wide open areas, not quite as hot, lol… It was 99 degrees and I was golfing, gave me a new appreciation for air conditioning.
Take care of yourself!