Community Building Barriers: Part 2 of 4

So you're overwhelmed by the complexity of building a Next Generation Community and wondering, "Where should I start?" We have two ideas: 1) Forget gap analysis; 2) Map your community's assets.

Don't get me wrong; gap analyses are wonderful for community builders who are:

A. Protestant – "Show me where I can work really hard and achieve only modest results!"

B. Catholic – "I feel so guilty about my gaps!"

C. Sado-masochist – "Gaps feel good."

Gap analysis – by its very nature – keeps you focused on WHERE YOU STINK. That's why consultants love them. The more you stink, the more you'll pay a consultant to help you get better. Gap analyses are also a rip-off because they lead to "analysis paralysis;" gaps are hard to climb out of and don't lend themselves to "quick fixes." Ever met a consultant who said their solution to your gap would take only 2 weeks? So forget the gap; draw an asset map. (That was supposed to rhyme...)

What is an asset map? It's a list, diagram, chart, or visual that shows where the GOOD NEWS is inside the community. For example, New Orleans is building a brand new, completely digital video recording studio on one of its university campuses. That's GREAT news that Hollywood – and all of her creative talent - needs to know about. We structure our asset maps for clients around the seven community indicators that attract young talent: Earning; Learning; After Hours; Around Town; Vitality; Social Capital; and Cost of Lifestyle. Within these indexes, EVERY community has some shred of good news...that's the Asset that you put on your map.

Asset maps are a great for community builders because:

A. Assets give you tangible things to talk about – your good news – RIGHT NOW.

B. Assets energize communities.

C. Asset maps strategically show the areas ripest for further growth and development.

D. Assets typically show measurable growth more quickly, because you're starting from a solid base of proven performance.

E. There's a one to one correlation between your growth in assets and your increase in other areas, even those not listed as assets.

This is part 2 of a 4-part series on Community Building Barriers. To view the other articles, click on the links below:

Part 1: My Board Doesn't Get It

Part 3: Working with Community Heavyweights

Part 4: How Do I Involve Young Talent?

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