Michael Hahn
mbhahn.com
Twitter
@mbhahn
Who has been an inspiration for you as a community manager?
Too many people have been an inspiration to me. I would be here all day. But to name a few who recently inspire me, I would suggest the following people. Tim Mcdonald from mycmgr, Jenn Pedde from theCmgr. David Dewald The Historian, Sue John from Sue on the Web, Jim from Get Response.
What is the most important part of being a community manager?
I think the most important part of being a community manager is developing listening skills. It is important to listen to your community and show empathy.
If you could attend one conference to learn about community management, what would it be and why?
I would love to attend #cmgrUN in NYC next year. It offers an intimate place to actually talk and learn.
What is your favorite book that has helped you become a better community manager?
If i had to read any books i would recommend the Community Management for Dummies by Deb NG or Sarah Robinson’s Fierce Loyalty book. I do not own either but they are on my list.
What do you like best about being a community manager?
I like the relationships I forged with the people in the community. I have visited several friends all over the United States from the community I owned and operated.
What skill should every community manager have?
Listening Skills are a must in the field of Community Management.
Tell us about a success story you’ve had as a community manager.
I started a PC Game Tournament website on Tripod. Tripod was a free hosting site equivalent to Geocities or Angelfire. I quickly grew out of it and ended up with a Half million registered teams and players with in a few years. I hosted live and online events will hundreds of people at a time. No one has come close to the success i had with little to no tools that are available today. I had to use my skills in conversation to maintain order while conducting a highly volatile environment of gaming. You can read more of my successes on my website.
What advice would you give someone wanting to become a community manager?
You should find a community you enjoy if your not part of any and offer to volunteer. You will meet people and it might open the doors necessary to get a job in the field.
Tell us about a job that helped prepare you to become a community manager and why.
I am not sure I should be saying this. I had a different order of getting work. I went to chef school while working in a restaurant. I started my community from the customer service skills that I learned from being an amazing cook. I learned the skills and ingredients needed to succeed and make people happy. While I had a huge and thriving community, I was able to transition smoothly to a 911 EMS/Fire Dispatcher and handle life threatening situations. I still continue to prepare as a community manager. You never stop learning or you will 10 steps behind when you realize it.

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Sherrie Rohde
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