Businesses should run their show like a cult of fanatical followers

Ah, tribes. You know you're part of one when you're bonded with a group of people over a shared interest or goal and you've got a leader to guide you on your journey. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to be part of a community where you can talk about your love for a certain brand of shampoo without being judged? I mean, that's a pretty niche interest, but hey, there's a tribe for everyone out there.

But seriously, tribes are more than just groups of people who bond over obscure hobbies. They're actually supercharged communities that can be incredibly beneficial for businesses, especially those just starting out. All you need is the means to communicate and a shared interest, and boom! You've got yourself a tribe. And the best part? You can be a leader or a follower. As a leader, you get to connect your customers (and potential customers) with each other and center it all around your product. As a follower, you get to learn from the thought leaders and accumulate valuable knowledge and expertise.

But before you go rushing to create a tribe around your business, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, don't exploit people's need for connection. No one likes feeling like they're being used for their money, and if you try to surprise them with actions that conflict with their understanding of belonging and connection, you'll lose their trust faster than you can say "discount code." Instead, let people find your service and leave traces with valuable content. And if you do happen to have a problem with your product, a tribe can help spread the word and fix things up in no time.

So, if you're not already part of a tribe, go out there and find one that speaks to you. Or better yet, start your own and become the leader of the pack. Just don't forget to be respectful and not exploit anyone's need for connection. Happy tribe-ing!