Cupertino, CA (PRWEB) June 7, 2009 -- Building an online community with active, participating members is a challenge. Over half of businesses that attempt it fail to get over a thousand members. That’s why Angela Connor wrote the guide to building relationships and connecting with customers online. The book ‘18 Rules of Community Engagement,’ the book outlines the principles Connor used to take the online news community for the top-rated TV station in North Carolina from 0 to 11,000 members in just eighteen months.

A study of more than 100 businesses with online communities found that 35% had less than 100 members and less than 25% had more than 1,000 members. Recently, Sam’s Club announced a new community for small businesses owners. They had an existing network of thousands to draw on. Most businesses don’t have that luxury.

Building community can be daunting whether it’s on an existing social network or a branded community for business. The principles taught in this book can be applied to building an online community on social media sites, on a branded community site, or on a blog.

The key is to interact – to be social – in a way that builds value. “In the age of instant communications, where we are constantly connected and faced with infinite choices, consumers want and expect more. We are now living in the conversation age, where one-way communication is no longer acceptable or desired. People want to engage and discuss, react and interact,” notes Connor.

The key aspects of building an online community are:

1. Give people something to talk about.
2. Engage with people.
3. Provide useful information.

The book gives examples of tactics to use to connect with people and help them connect with others. An online community thrives when a community manager facilitates interaction. This guide tells exactly how.

There are answers to common questions such as: What’s the best way to deal with troublemakers who harm communities? What’s the best way to encourage participation when stats say most participants are lurkers who don’t contribute? How much time is required each day to grow an online community? What’s the best way to help community members feel appreciated and welcomed so they not only stay, but help drive the community?

Learn this and more from someone who has achieved what most businesses have not. Build a strong online community and bring greater visibility and new customers.

Key stats:

• Title: 18 Rules of Community Engagement
• Subtitle: A Guide for Building Relationships and Connecting With Customers Online
• Authors: Angela Connor
• Date of Publication: May, 2009
• Price: Paperback $19.95, eBook $14.95
• ISBN: Paperback: 978-1-60005-142-5 (1-60005-142-1)
• ISBN: eBook: 978-1-60005-143-2 (1-60005-143-X)
• Library of Congress Control Number: 2009923129
• Forward by HARO’s Peter Shankman

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