I adore pets and non-pets; basically, I'm crazy about animals, especially cats and dogs

I started out in a completely different field with a corporate job, but took a sabbatical when my child was born. That’s when I ventured into community management. It felt like the right way to give back to society, as I had received so much support from communities during my postpartum days. Once I got into it, I realized this was my true calling. Since then, I’ve built, managed, and strategized multiple communities—not just in India, but globally too. I even had the honor of working directly with Meta on their Facebook Accelerator program.

As I mentioned earlier, I was in a completely different field, working with Excel sheets and PPTs in a Business Intelligence role at a European company before my sabbatical. When the shift in my career happened, it was a bit challenging, but once I stepped into the world of community building, I knew right away this was my true calling.

Being on the ground, actively managing and engaging with multiple communities, and truly listening to their members has been instrumental in shaping me as a community professional. What truly added depth to my journey was earning the Meta Certified Community Manager certification. This foundational certification, awarded by Meta, recognizes proficiency in community-building strategies and the essential skills needed to lead and engage online communities. It provided me with a structured understanding of best practices, content strategies, and community moderation, further enhancing my ability to foster meaningful connections within communities.

Meta platforms are very user friendly, with Facebook being my first community platform and also the favourite.

One strategy I’d suggest to increase member engagement is by building real, authentic connections. When members genuinely feel connected to the community and its purpose, they’re more likely to engage. This can be done by creating spaces for meaningful conversations, encouraging people to share their stories, and celebrating their contributions. When members feel valued and heard, it naturally leads to deeper engagement and long-lasting relationships. It’s all about creating that sense of belonging!

Any community that supports its members and where members find value is on the right path. Personally, parenting communities work for me, and professionally, being a part of a network of community builders has been invaluable.

If you're just starting out in community management, my biggest recommendation would be to follow your passion and stay persistent. Passion fuels your commitment to understanding and helping your community, while persistence helps you navigate the ups and downs that come with the role. Building a thriving community takes time, so don’t get discouraged by early setbacks. Keep learning, experimenting, and engaging with your members. Over time, you’ll gain insights that make your community stronger and more engaged. It’s all about consistency and staying connected with your community's needs.