Let me start by telling you what this book isn't.

This isn't a how-to book. It's not filled with data analysis or corporate strategies. You won't find instructions for launching political movements or five-year plans for community domination.

I wrote this book to help you break free from all the "shoulds" about community building and just get started.

It's about challenging you to do something real. To connect people, see how it works, figure out if it works for you, and then help you move forward from there.

Here's the thing about community: it all comes down to the smallest unit. One person. The connector.

And let's be honest, that's not how most "community building experts" talk about it. They want to sell you on grand visions and elaborate strategies.

But that's not how we actually work as people.

When you sign up for your local rec soccer league, you're not thinking "In five years, we're going to be regional champions." You just want to play soccer and meet other people who love the game.

That's it.

Sure, something amazing might grow from there, but it starts with something that simple.

In these pages you'll find a few case studies. A collection of essays designed to help you rethink what's possible when you're building temporary communities. What I call POP communities.

This is not the book you turn to, frantically flipping to find a solution to your super pressing community problem today.

This book is meant to be read in the quiet moments between problems, when you're reflecting, when you're learning.

It lives in that magical space between inspiration and action, ready to guide you whenever you need it.

Throughout the book, you'll find links to resources and ways to connect online. Yes, I know, meta, right?

It would be a massive missed opportunity not to build connections with you, the folks who care enough about community building to pick up this book.

That's why I published this online. That's why I want you to share it, modify it, make suggestions.

This isn't just a book. It's a living, breathing thing that will hopefully get better as we do our community work.

A quick note about finding and working with me.

To set expectations, I don't do much direct consulting anymore. I do a handful of speaking gigs a year, as well as some fractional work. 95 percent of the time my answer will be NO to whatever you are asking me.

But every once in a while, someone proposes something so incredible that I can't help but say yes.

While you can find me on LinkedIn, I'd much rather you reach out directly. Details are at the end of this book.

Success for me isn't about making more money. It's about unlocking community-building potential in more people.

For now, the community behind this book is your best bet to connect with me on all things community.