Hey everyone,
You’re getting this email because you signed up to be kept in the loop about my upcoming book, The Business of Belonging.
The list got too long for me to keep in gmail, so I’m switching over to Substack (as one does these days). I’ll use this to keep you all updated on the book publishing process and any thoughts and observations that are top of mind for me in the world of community and business.
So, the first bit of news is that the publisher sent me the final version of the book cover!
We went through a lot of different designs and versions to arrive at this cover. At first I didn’t love it. Then, my wife and I had a baby and the publisher needed an answer so in between poops and naps, I just said “ship it.” It was nice to see such a positive response to the cover on Twitter, I guess we made the right choice.
The publisher also sent me the proofs of the actual content which was really cool to see it looking like a *real* book. I have to go through and edit those proofs now. So… much… editing…
A lot of you have been asking about how you can help. You’ve already helped by showing up and expressing interest in the book. Your energy and support has been incredible and keeps me going on the hard days of the process. And I’ll keep you all updated as we get closer to the release date (preorder in Jan, launch in March).
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It’s interesting how things tend to work out when they’re meant to. I’ve wanted to write a book for many years. I wrote two drafts of a book over the past three years and just didn’t do anything with them. I was finally able to write this book because an editor read my article with First Round and reached out to me.
Now I think there couldn’t have been a better time to publish this book. The world of community-driven business has turned a big corner this year. Now, it’s hard to find a brand or startup that *isn’t* investing in community in some way; a stark contrast to the last 10 years where getting a company to put real resources behind their community programs was like pulling teeth.
As we move into 2021, I’m more bullish than ever that community is the future of business. Being “community first”, a value I’m starting to see more companies news, results in a business that’s more scalable and more meaningful. And as brutal as 2020 was, I think it showed companies the true value of community, and what they lose out on when they *can’t* bring their people together.
I’m really excited for what’s ahead. And I can’t wait to share this book with the world, as it’s truly a collection of everything I’ve learned in 10 years of learning from incredible community leaders and building community.
I’d love to hear from all of you. As we move into the new year, what are your predictions about the future of community-driven business? Hit reply and let me know.
Wishing you all a very warm holiday season for those of you celebrating, and a happy new year.
2021 baby, let’s do this!
-David
cool. we should do like a #bookclub or reading group.