I’ve been edging closer and closer to Heather’s Level 7 leaderboard unlock, and it’s been taking me forever. So today’s the day. I’m making my move. 😂 But while I was plotting my rise to Level 7, I caught myself thinking about the way we talk about engagement in our own communities. The fact that I’ve kept coming back here because there’s something I want to reach means Heather has given me a reason to participate beyond “please engage with my posts.” That’s a pretty good lesson for us community builders. A level unlock can give someone a reason to come back. But the points alone aren’t the whole experience. The fun is having something worth showing up for, people worth talking to along the way, and a little anticipation about what comes next. So now I’m curious: What gives members a reason to come back and participate in your community? Is it a goal, a ritual, a relationship, an unlock… or something else? And Heather, if you see me commenting all over the place today, give a girl a hand!! Go ahead and start liking anything and everything!! I have a Level 7 to catch. 👀