It’s not new. My mom used to reference it all the time growing up as she advised us about who we became friends with, “birds of a feather…”  It’s the same online only without geographic barriers, like-minded people gather together. 

If you have ever witnessed Harley Davidson riders or any motorcyclist, interact, you have seen the immediate connection. It is as if there is an unspoken club, they wave or nod when they meet on the road.  Not because they know each other. Not because they have ridden together or even met before.  It’s because on some level they understand one another.  The nod is as if to say, “hey, I get you, we’re the same” and the connection becomes stronger with direct interaction at rallies or on rides.  Bicyclists are the same way.

This is not a two-wheel phenomenon. Cancer fighters gather. Hunters gather. Moms gather. Knitters gather. Political party supporters gather. Car enthusiasts gather. Football fans gather…and find more reasons to gather with fantasy leagues!

Becoming part of a social network behind a brand, candidate, product, charitable cause, issue, hobby, alma mater or sports team provides the same kind of instant connection.  When developed, organized and nurtured effectively, a feeling of belonging and working together behind a common cause results.  The right combination of direction and freedom can produce a powerful action-oriented tool for all types of campaigns. 
 
After capturing followers, friends and email, what are you doing to ignite action?