Founding Member Vs. OG
As if the second decade of the new millennium hasn’t been wild enough, those of us along for this ride also have the distinction of living through what is possibly the loneliest time in human history.
People have spent years turning away from traditional gathering places into digital silos and while we’re more connected than ever, we are also - on the whole - far less emotionally fulfilled. The good news is that nobody is happy about it, and we’re poised to see a big effort to bring people back together.
I’m thrilled to feel like I’m on the front lines of this course correction, especially as I work with not one but three individual business owners who are building communities around their areas of expertise.
The "Founding Member" Distinction
One of the strategies I'm recommending to each of my clients is a "founding member" distinction for people who buy-in early. These trailblazers bring credibility, spark momentum, and add help lay the bricks to build the entire foundation. They deserve recognition. But here's the big caveat: If your community starts sounding like a nostalgic high school reunion, you might have just built a clique instead of a thriving, inclusive space.
The Pitfalls of the OG Mentality
Celebrating the originals can be a double-edged sword. While it's great to honor early believers, overdoing it can quickly turn your community into an exclusive VIP lounge. Constant reminders of who was there first can make newcomers feel like they're crashing a private party where the bouncers are all former first-timers.
Exclusivity Over Inclusivity: Sure, being an OG might feel like having a backstage pass, but it shouldn't come at the expense of making everyone else feel welcome.
Stifled Innovation: If your community's only conversations are about the "good old days," you're basically curating a museum rather than fostering a vibrant, evolving group.
Barrier to Entry: When every chat starts with, “Remember when we started this?” or worse, when subgroups are a feature and not a bug, new members might think they're joining an exclusive club rather than a community that values fresh ideas.
I've been in groups—especially during those vulnerable times like early motherhood—where the territory was clearly marked even though the entire premise was “support” and “connection.” Spoiler alert: that approach doesn’t exactly make people feel like they’ve just been handed a golden ticket.
Building a Truly Welcoming Community
So, how do you reward the pioneers without letting the title of “founding member” become a badge of eternal exclusivity? Here are a few playful yet practical strategies:
Celebrate Every Voice: Rather than constantly hammering home who’s been around the longest, spotlight the unique contributions of every member. Make newcomers feel like they’re stepping into the spotlight, not the shadows.
Encourage Cross-Generational Fun: Pair up your OGs with the newbies in mentorship programs, collaborative projects, or even just casual hangouts. This way, the wisdom of the past mingles seamlessly with the energy of the present.
Evolve the Narrative: Use the founding member status as an interesting chapter in your community’s story—not the entire book. Focus on the evolving vision and shared goals that bind everyone together.
Reframe Early Contributions: Position founding members as trailblazers who set the stage for innovation, rather than gatekeepers of tradition. After all, if they spent all their time bragging about being there from day one, they might just end up in a dusty hall of fame.
Conclusion
Building a community around expertise is no easy feat, especially when digital loneliness looms large. While it’s smart to recognize early adopters, remember: if you let the founding member title become the star of the show, you risk turning your group into an exclusive club where newcomers are always second fiddle.
Instead, celebrate the spirit of innovation and inclusivity. After all, the goal is to create a dynamic, evolving community where every member—whether they joined at the inception or just discovered the party—feels like the most valued guest in the room.