Communities aren’t funnels: try the Orbit Model instead

The funnel is widely accepted in sales and marketing circles but works poorly for developer relations. Communities are built over time with many intermediate goals and long feedback loops. The Orbit Model is an alternative to the funnel that accounts for the multitude of ways developers drive adoption for the platforms they love. Come learn how to define the levels of your orbit and identify the highest potential developers at each level.

Transcript

1. @dzello · #DevRelCon Communities aren't funnels: Try the Orbit Model instead @dzello · #DevRelCon Josh Dzielak · DevRelCon London - December 11, 2019
2. @dzello · #DevRelCon I’m Josh Developer Advocate Advocate Co-founder & CTO at Orbit He/him Always on brand
3. @dzello · #DevRelCon The Orbit Model is a tool for building enthusiastic communities
4. @dzello · #DevRelCon Elias St. Elmo Lewis created the marketing funnel in 1898 “that’s my real name!”
5. @dzello · #DevRelCon Software is adopted, not sold. Welcome to the Year 2020
6. @dzello · #DevRelCon Adoption is a new science. • happens slowly over time • use long before you buy • discovery is word-of-mouth • community is the engine
7. @dzello · #DevRelCon Applied to adoption, the funnel is a downward spiral. The following examples will be awkward. ‍ ‍
8. @dzello · #DevRelCon “How many leads came from our last meetup?” The answer is 42.
9. @dzello · #DevRelCon “Can you share that developer’s email with the sales team?” Sorry, my laptop keeps dropping the wifi.
10. @dzello · #DevRelCon The Orbit Model Introducing ‍ ‍
11. @dzello · #DevRelCon The Orbit Model helps you: Explain what it is you do as a DevRel Identify key developers to work with Measure and communicate your impact
12. @dzello · #DevRelCon The fundamental equation: Gravity = Love x Reach
13. @dzello · #DevRelCon Well-connected Respected by peers Passion for teaching Love Expert knowledge High satisfaction Part of the tribe Reach
14. @dzello · #DevRelCon Ambassadors
15. @dzello · #DevRelCon Fans
16. @dzello · #DevRelCon Users
17. @dzello · #DevRelCon Observers
18. @dzello · #DevRelCon Answers to the quiz later • Software is adopted, not sold • If you do DevRel, you do adoption • Funnel : Conversion :: Orbit : Adoption • Orbit Model is incrementally adoptable
19. @dzello · #DevRelCon Thank you! github.com/orbit-love/orbit-model