A Community Manager's Evolution

In the ever-evolving world of technology, adaptability is key. As a newcomer to both my company and the tech industry, having only been with Pinata for about 5 months at the time, I found myself journeying into uncharted waters when Steve, our Head of Community, embarked on his paternity leave adventure. And let me tell you, it wasn't a gentle paddle; it was more like whitewater rafting!

During this whirlwind experience, I picked up a few nuggets of wisdom that I believe can resonate with fellow community managers in the web3 space. I won't pretend to have all the answers, but I did learn some key lessons along the way. These insights could be helpful whether you're taking on a new stage in your project, navigating a career transition, or simply working towards professional growth.

Gaming Streams and Tech Dreams

Since I was a child, I've always admired my dad, who has been deeply involved in the IT industry since the 90s. This early introduction to computers not only sparked my interest in technology but also paved the way for my love of PC gaming. To say that I was thrilled to join Pinata would be an understatement. It was like finding a home where I could nurture my passion for tech while creating impactful changes.

When Steve, freshly promoted to the Head of Community, brought me into the team, it was a union of two distinct styles. Steve's analytical, developer-focused approach perfectly complemented my ambition to implement creative and engaging community projects. Together, we set out on a mission to make our community vibrant, dynamic, and most importantly, fun!

While the absence of Steve was felt like a jolt, it was also an opportunity for me to demonstrate my adaptability. Suddenly, I was the Swiss Army knife of the community team. Meetings, support messages, technical bugs—you name it. I was juggling an array of responsibilities that often had me working beyond the traditional 9 to 5. To keep my sanity meter in check, I pressed pause on my Twitch streaming, a hobby where I connected with viewers, made friends, and shared my lifelong passion for gaming. Stepping away from it wasn't easy, but it was a necessary sacrifice for the time being.

Embracing the Chaos

In the midst of this chaos, I discovered new skills, like video editing, and tackled them with excitement. I also kick-started an old community initiative and lined up two more, one of which involves integrating my Twitch passion into Pinata with web3 gaming streams. Facing these challenges head-on, I pushed forward and embraced the learning curve. Talk about leveling up!

For community professionals in the web3 space and beyond, stepping into new roles or taking on additional responsibilities can feel like navigating uncharted territory—thrilling yet somewhat overwhelming. Here are some of the lessons I learned and how I think they can potentially help you on your own journey.

Pinpoint the tasks that are crucial to your role and which ones can be temporarily set aside.

Prioritizing tasks in your role is a bit like rearranging your closet - decide what's essential, what can wait, and what needs to go. In my journey, this meant putting my hobbies like gaming and streaming on the back burner. Even some community-led initiatives had to take a breather. It was a balancing act, but it helped me zero in on the most critical tasks without feeling inundated or on the verge of burnout.

Don't hesitate to lean on your colleagues for help or advice.

Seeking help or advice from colleagues is not a sign of weakness, but a strategy for success. I found allies in Marjorie from the Design team and Elise from HR, who offered so much guidance and support. Even venting to Kelly, a recent addition to our Community team, provided relief and perspective. Their wisdom was like a roadmap, helping me navigate my new responsibilities more effectively and strengthening my professional relationships.

Embrace the hurdles that come with your new role as opportunities for growth.

Approach the challenges of your new role like a marathon, not a sprint. Initially, I fumbled with technical processes, like deciphering different kinds of code and debugging for users. In addition, I found myself learning video editing and managing mass user communication on the fly. But by prioritizing our users first and continually refining my skills, I turned these hurdles into opportunities for growth. With this mindset, I believe anyone can set themselves up for success, no matter the industry.

Feeling Grateful

I'm genuinely grateful for the opportunity to prove myself as a capable and dedicated Community Manager, and I'd like to extend my thanks to everyone at Pinata for their support and understanding while I managed our community solo. A special nod goes to Steve, who prepared me as much as he could before his brief departure.

As Steve returns to his role, I'm confident that this experience of rapid growth has equipped me to contribute even more to the Pinata team and our thriving community. As I look to the future, I'm excited for more challenges and adaptability.

Wherever you are in your journey, remember that adaptability and prioritization are the keys to staying afloat in uncharted waters. Don't shy away from seeking help or advice. It's not a weakness, it’s a strength. View the hurdles in your new role not as obstacles, but as stepping stones for personal and professional growth. Embrace the opportunities, take the challenges head-on, and remember to give yourself the time and grace to learn.

Here's to more challenges, more adaptability, and an exciting journey ahead. Trust me, this is just the beginning, and it's going to be one heck of a ride!