What kind of community do you manage/facilitate as a Community Manager?
I’m the Community Manager for http://www.coches.com A website dedicated to the sale of new cars, used cars and vehicles from KM 0 (semi new).

Is this community independent (on it’s own) or subsidized by a brand/company/organization?
We don’t own a private community platform. We participate in Social Media.

How many members does your community count?
At the moment we have 350 followers on Twitter and more than 1.100 on Facebook.

What is the ratio between active (the creators) and passive (the lurkers) members?
We have not measured it, but probably 10% to 90% active and passive.

What is the main goal of the community?
Sales of cars and above all, news about the automotive world.

How did the community start?
We do not have our own community, the actions in Social Media started when I was hired, three months ago.

When do you consider the community you’re responsible for successful?
For us quality is more important than the number of users, so we measure the level of success on the participation of our users.

Does the rest of the organization feel the same way about that?
Company managers believe in Social Media, but with other employees, I sometimes have to act as an evangelist.

How would you describe the culture/atmosphere of the community?
It’s a group of motorsport fans, with great knowledge on the subject. We also have people who belong to the motor industry and people interested in social media.

Which techniques do you use to create a ‘feeling of community’ between the members
We are still developing several tools at the technical level, though I do not believe in karma-like system. It’s important to generate discussion and receive feedback.

Do you organize off line community meetings?
Yes, we are preparing events and lotteries with our users.
 
What works really well in your community? (group dynamics wise)
We really try to provide relevant and interesting information. On Twitter we do this in a more serious way while on Facebook we share information more informally. We also like to generate debate, which is where most people participate.

What would you like to see different or improve about your community?
We do not have many complaints from our users. I would like to grow organically and have more interaction on the part of many users.

To what department does the community belong?
Although the Community Manager has some independence in our company, due to some peculiarities of our organization, I’m framed in the technical equipment department.
 
What does the future of the community look like?
I would like the community to be more known among the general public, and continue to attract both members who love cars and members that are less fanatical but can also contribute in an interesting way.

How do you give shape to your role as a Community Manager?
I have total authority of the editorial line that we follow on Twitter or Facebook. My long experience in social networking and customer service hand me the tools and knowledge I need as a Community Manager.
 
What are your experiences with the role?
When I started working at soitu.es, I wasn’t aware that my job was called ‘Community Manager’. Later I worked at Territorio Creativo, a Social Media agency reference, and currently I work at coches.com

Which are your responsibilities as a CM?
I’m responsible for managing the presence of the company on social networks. This means managing multiple accounts in social networks, monitor, receive feedback and establish good relations with bloggers. I am part of the team that designed the Social Media strategy. Also among my responsibilities is to evangelize the importance of Social Media Peer company employees.

What do you like the best about being a CM?
I love Internet, I love social networking and I am enthusiastic about new technologies. This work allows me to do everything that I like and always be aware of the latest news and trends in the network.
 
What is the hardest aspect about being a CM?
The incomprehension of people towards your work. The lack of professionalism. The fact that for most companies it isn’t clear what the work of a Community Manager means and the lack, still, of good tools to manage the day-to-day.
 
Do you have colleagues that help you managing the community?
Sometimes I get help from some colleagues within the company.
 
How do you see the role of CM in the future?
I do not think that it will be much different from where it is now heading. You may have more features and manage a teamwork that includes customer service, on-line reputation, crisis management etc.
 
What are your personal ambitions considering the role of CM?
Filling a position that is well regarded by businesses, a good salary and the challenge of improving my work day after day.

Ricardo Mena was born in Madrid in 1974. He holds a Diploma in Library and Information Science. Almost his entire professional life has been spent working in the area of Internet and is currently for Coches.com as Community Manager.
Among his hobbies, a passion for reading and the editing of comics and books.