As a community builder, the best thing you can do to improve your community-building skills is to join an engaged community and become active there.
Sometimes they cost money but I promise you - it will be the best professional development investment you can make.
Why? Because it gives you a gym for developing your community-building muscle.
It is an opportunity to observe. You can see what other members respond to and what they don’t. As a member, you can take notes on what part of the community experience worked for you and what didn’t.
Being active improves your ability to empathize. You start to understand the motivations of an active member. Being in their shoes will give you ideas on how you can incentivize more members to become activated.
Become a superuser. Don’t just stop at being an active member but help members of the community help each other. This skill will directly transfer when you’re building your own community.
Where do you find such communities?
Well, the Tribe Campfire is a good place to start! Lurk around in this community, think of ways to become active here, and become a superuser. Specifically, the "Get Inspired" Space is great for improving your community management skills. 😉