Product communities help organizations identify and translate their unique value into differentiated, market-friendly, grounded in shared values, and actionable.

by: James Young

A new approach to distinguishing your association

Product communities help organizations identify and translate their unique value into differentiated, market-friendly, grounded in shared values, and actionable. 

We work with you to:

  • understand your market and its needs 
  • identify and address external forces
  • strengthen or transform your purpose (mission)
  • determine shared values
  • develop strategies for key programs
  • craft a budgeted program roadmap for your aspirational goals. 
Continue the conversation.

All product communities share the following features:

  • Facilitative co-creation • Successful product communities derive from open and inclusive dialogue guided by a facilitator. Our approach is tailored to your particular conditions and challenges. We do this by focusing on creating products that are relevant to your membership.
  • Evidence-driven • To make sense of your external environment, internal operating context, and to anchor the product community in evidence, we use tools such as: a maturity model, business model canvas, customer journeys, implementation readiness, alignment assessment, environmental scan, stakeholder analysis.
  • Differentiation • A product community is an outcome of a differentiated identity. Identity is driven by a clear value proposition (a promise of value to one’s members). It unites mission, vision, and values and anchors the organization in powerful metaphors, memorable stories, and sustained member engagement.

About the Author

James Young is founder and chief learning officer of the Product Community®. Jim is an engaging trainer and leading thinker in the worlds of associations, learning communities, and product development. Prior to starting the Product Community®, Jim served as Chief Learning Officer at both the American College of Chest Physicians and the Society of College and University Planning.