The Community Experience

#076 The uncharted waters of online communities have claimed many a landlubber. But, with the right step-by-step plan, we can weather any storm. In this episode, Warren Carlyle shares the 7 C's of building a fanatical community. He is a strategist who has helped thousands of individuals build highly engaged followings. Warren is also the man behind OctoNation, a massive community that inspires wonder of the ocean by educating the world about octopuses! So how do you find your sea legs and start growing a community around your passion, even if you're not an expert? Warren shares his treasure map with us today. He and host Jillian discuss everything from finding a perfect audience to community monetization. This chat covers content creation, time management, team building, and much more. So join us to stop treading water and start creating and managing a profitable membership today! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx076.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#075 How many new members do you need each month to build a thriving community business? The number is smaller than you think. But are you focused on the right metrics to take full advantage of a slow growth strategy? In this episode, Lisa Barroca of Cultivate joins us to share her best-performing tactics for sustainable membership scaling. Lisa is all about looking past vanity numbers and zeroing in on the practices that make a difference. So what are the pros and cons of slow growth? How do you determine your community health status and take action in the right direction? What does your member lifecycle look like, and how do you optimize it for maximum impact? We tackle all this today with Lisa. She and our host Jillian also discuss choosing the best community platform, building a user experience in the shadow of Facebook, and the vital importance of onboarding and introduction spaces! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx075.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#074 We'd all like to create bustling communities that seduce members into multiple daily logins. But isn't that just taking a page out of the social media addiction book? In this episode, we take a step back and reconsider the essentials of running a thriving digital space. Joining our endeavor is Noele Flowers, an expert strategic community consultant. So how do you optimize a community for the metrics that impact your bottom line? With no get-rich-quick schemes to abuse, how do you identify and focus on the programs that will transform your business? This is what we tackle in today's conversation with Noele. We also explore community consulting as a career option and learn how she leverages her influential newsletter to serve her audience. Don't even think about missing this chat because Noele's next-level knowledge is vital for anyone looking to earn a living in community! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx074.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#073 Ever had a joke fall flat online? Robbed of many of the senses we rely on for communication, saying what we mean through text alone is tricky. But how do we cultivate trust as community leaders? How do we create a digital environment where assuming best intent is our member's default reaction? With Ingrid Christensen joining us in this episode, we discuss the powerful tools community managers can leverage to prevent many a misguided internet argument. Ingrid is an entrepreneur, a business leader, and the author of The Language of Trust. She is also the President and Founder of INGCO International, a company that provides translation services in over 200 languages. So how do we take on the responsibility of building trust and start using community-focused techniques to craft better experiences for our members? Listen in to get Ingrid's expert insights! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx073.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#072 At SPI, we are betting big on community-powered courses with our new All-Access Pass. But there's someone on our team for whom the sheer thought of community management on top of course creation is the stuff of nightmares. In this episode, we tackle her concerns head-on! In her role as Senior Solutions Manager, Mindy Peters is the glue that holds our operation together. She also runs MindySolves.com, where her first online course launch has brought her community hesitancy into sharp focus. Mindy has witnessed the power of group learning first-hand at SPI. She wants to provide her students with the same level of support, but is that too much work for a solopreneur to take on? Is there a way to run a course community without waving goodbye to her free time? Listen in on this fun conversation between Mindy and our host Jillian to discover the tactics that can change the game for overwhelmed entrepreneurs! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx072.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#071 Should finishing schools for digital etiquette be a thing? Your answer might be a resounding yes if you've been running communities for any length of time. But, for now, what are the best strategies to manage your member's worst impulses and curb bad behavior online? In this episode, we talk shop with SPI Director of Operations and HR sensation Sara Jane Hess. We cover everything from managing community volunteers and contractors to writing terms of service that can protect you in court. So when is the right time to bring in contractors or new employees, and how much should you pay them? Where can you find professional legal support for community managers? How do you set expectations and enforce membership guidelines effectively? These are just a few of the questions we tackle today. This conversation is jam-packed with actionable tips, so listen in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx071.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#070 Churn is one of the biggest issues we hear about from other community builders. Many of us have even come to accept it as part of the cost of doing business. But what are the simple tools and strategies that can increase engagement and retention in powerful ways? This is part of what we explore today in this interview with Casey Hill. He is the Head of Growth at Bonjoro, where they help brands create personalized videos for their leads and customers to help them stand out, build trust, and make more sales. So how do you leverage quick, personal videos within your community? How do you avoid "churn cliffs" and create a welcoming experience? When are the specific times when reaching out to individual members makes all the difference? Listen in to find out because this a game-changing chat! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx070.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're taking a break from recording for the end of the year (week two of two), so here's another one of Jillian's favorites from 2022! Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!#063 What is the best way to guide online discourse toward compassion and inclusivity? Research shows that it does not matter what you say or how you say it. When discussions go awry, what matters is that you say something. Today's guest, Dr. Evelyn R. Carter, runs cutting-edge studies on detecting and discussing racial bias. She is a social psychologist and president of Paradigm, a platform for building diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizations. In this episode, Dr. Carter shares the steps for planting the seeds of empathy in others and the gold standard approach for changing undesirable behavior within a community. She and Jillian, our host, chat about using research to inform and shape company policy, how stereotype threat theory affects us, self-regulating your bias, and leading with firm kindness. This is a fun and enlightening conversation that reveals the science-backed tools we can use at work and in our personal lives to reshape the culture around us. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx063.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're taking a break from recording for the end of the year, so here's one of Jillian's favorites from 2022! Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!#043 Connecting people is valuable. So why are community builders burning out and not making enough money to get by? Today's guest, Tatiana Figueiredo, teaches people how to scale communities into profitable, sustainable businesses while avoiding burnout and sleazy sales tactics. This conversation was a blast and we covered a lot of ground. You'll learn about the three levels of connection you need in a community and how to balance them out. We put our psychoanalyst hats on and talk about childhood experiences and how they might lead to an interest in bringing people together. We also dissect the freemium model for communities and why, most of the time, it fails. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx043.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#069 What would it take for you to double your revenue next year? When asked this question, many of us default to the standard hustle culture fare. But is "grinding" really the most effective way to grow a community business? In this episode, we explore the alternatives with Terry Rice. He is a business development consultant, an Entrepreneur magazine staff writer, and host of the Launch Your Business podcast. On the show today, Terry shares his tactics for earning more and saving time while running a thriving community. We talk about transitioning from traditional jobs to freelancing, consulting, and all the way to creating a business. Terry and co-hosts Jillian and Matt go all out with strategies for pricing, networking, and building expertise. We also look at the evolution of online communities and uncover the best ways to meet the increasing demand for high-quality and meaningful online connections. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx069.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#068 Here at SPI, we're going all in on community as a business model. Now, we're taking our commitment to a new level! Our brand new All-Access Pass, a community-powered education experience, is the ultimate way to learn from every single one of our courses at your own pace while connecting with fellow entrepreneurs on the same path. All for an insane bargain! But what exactly are community-powered courses, and how do they work? In this episode, Jordan Godbey of GrowthCommunity.co gives us the low-down on leveraging connection for better student outcomes. Jordan is a Circle Expert and a digital membership wiz. He helps his clients create community-powered learning experiences that change lives and generate millions in revenue. Today, Jordan and our host Jillian dive into the pros and cons of CPCs, the value of accountability for skill acquisition, pricing, monthly versus annual subscriptions, and much more! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx068.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#067 Brand deals are a great way to enhance your membership and generate more revenue, but there's a catch. You see, the key to successful sponsorships is that they're win-win-win relationships. Our guest today, Justin Moore, explains that and shares his blueprint for attracting lucrative partnerships that benefit you, your members, and the brands you partner with. Justin is the founder of Creator Wizard. Having run an influencer marketing agency, he now has access to insider knowledge about why big brands choose to work with some creators and pass on others. So how do you get sponsors even if you don't have a massive community? What are the steps to crafting an irresistible pitch that gets companies excited to work with you? How do you incorporate brand collaborations into your community without sleazy marketing tactics? Join us for this epic conversation with Justin to find out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx067.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#066 How do you create a digital experience worthy of a high subscription cost? Who are the people most likely to sign up, and how do you find them? What are the common mistakes you should avoid in your first year? In this episode, Tatiana Figueiredo returns to the show to answer these questions. She shares her blueprint for running thriving communities and generating $100K in revenue within the first year. Tatiana has made it her business to teach people how to create engaging and profitable memberships while avoiding burnout. If you haven't already, be sure to also listen in on our previous chat with her in episode 43! Today, we do a deep dive into the incredible 7-step method Tatiana uses to go from idea to income-generating community. She and our host Jillian discuss interviewing your target audience, paid beta launches, leveraging community-adjacent content, and much more. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx066.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#065 The responsibility of building and managing online communities can be overwhelming. Many of us feel the need to control every aspect of the experience. But the reality is that micromanaging stops us from empowering our members to have a positive role in shaping the space. Today we talk about harnessing the power of collaboration and co-creation with Anamaria Dorgo. She is the Head of Community at Butter. In this episode, Anamaria shares her tips for facilitation, setting expectations, and why readiness to be surprised is essential when working with others. We dive into how members can inform and improve community and product strategy. SPI CEO Matt Gartland is co-hosting this episode with Jillian for an extra dose of fun and actionable insights. To top it off, you can get Butter Pro free for 14 days plus 30% off your subscription for three months at SmartPassiveIncome.com/butter. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx065.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#064 Entrepreneurs are scrambling to jump on the community-powered course bandwagon that's taking digital learning by storm. But what are CPCs, exactly? Are they the right fit for you? And how do you create experiences that actually enhance student outcomes? SPI CEO Matt Garland joins our host Jillian to answer all of that. Today, we go all in on how community is reshaping educational content. We dive into the benefits but also steer course creators away from trendy methods that don't make sense for most brands. You'll also get a sneak peek at SPI's All Access Pass. This brand-new community-powered education experience is the ultimate way to take on all of our courses at your own pace and connect with fellow entrepreneurs. Listen in on this episode to get a look at the inner workings of our business and learn how to implement the latest tactics for maximum success. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx064.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#063 What is the best way to guide online discourse toward compassion and inclusivity? Research shows that it does not matter what you say or how you say it. When discussions go awry, what matters is that you say something. Today's guest, Dr. Evelyn R. Carter, runs cutting-edge studies on detecting and discussing racial bias. She is a social psychologist and president of Paradigm, a platform for building diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizations. In this episode, Dr. Carter shares the steps for planting the seeds of empathy in others and the gold standard approach for changing undesirable behavior within a community. She and Jillian, our host, chat about using research to inform and shape company policy, how stereotype threat theory affects us, self-regulating your bias, and leading with firm kindness. This is a fun and enlightening conversation that reveals the science-backed tools we can use at work and in our personal lives to reshape the culture around us. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx063.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#062 Does the work you put into community actually have an impact on your business? How do you connect the dots between what you do and the bottom line? How do you tell a compelling story that illustrates the value you provide? We tackle all that and more with our special guests, Erica Kuhl and Brian Oblinger of the In Before The Lock podcast. If you're familiar with Salesforce's Trailblazers, that's Erica's baby. Brian's background is equally impressive, with leadership roles in community starting in the early '90s. This episode is jam-packed with strategies for community builders and managers at any level. We discuss the value of business acumen and why starting a membership without a budget is ideal. Erica and Brian also share tips for building strong relationships online and caution us against some of the top mistakes big brands make. You're not going to want to miss this one! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx062.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#061 Running a thriving online community is no picnic. We often talk about tools and platforms that can help, but what if the answer is empowering your members to manage themselves? Today's guest, Reina Pomeroy, runs the Good Inside parenting community for Dr. Becky. She has been active at the intersection of marketing, brand, and community for many years and is here to let us in on some of her top strategies. In this episode, we talk all about leadership programs and sharing moderation privileges with VIPs in your community. By leveraging existing dynamics within your membership, you can shine a light on top contributors and phase out time-consuming tasks. Reina and our host Jillian also dive into digital etiquette, oversharing, and boundaries. They explore and zero in on essential tips for community builders at every level. So how does a leadership program actually work? Listen in on today's chat to find out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx061.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Business of Community Summit is a one-day virtual summit focused exclusively on the business thinking, decisions, and strategies needed to reach the economic potential of community for your business. You'll walk away with a clear roadmap for launching your own community this year! Visit SmartPassiveIncome.com/BCS to register for free.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#060 Newsletters are having a moment right now. In fact, people are going wild over the weekly tips, tools, and advice we deliver through Unstuck. But does publishing a newsletter make sense for community builders? Can you use it to grow your membership and drive engagement? Can you do it in a way that's quick and effective? We ask Dylan Redekop of Growth Currency to share his expertise with us. His incredible weekly emails teach his subscribers how to start newsletters, get people to sign up, and earn an income. Dylan talks about all of that today. For busy community managers, we uncover the easiest way to source content and reap the benefits of a weekly newsletter. We also chat about finding the voice that connects with your members, leveraging multiple platforms, attracting sponsors, and monetization opportunities. Listen in on this wide-ranging discussion to find out about the possibilities! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx060.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#059 What happens if you stop participating in your community for a few days? Do your members step up in your absence? This is the ultimate way to test the environment you're creating. If no one misses you, that's the sign of a job well done! Although, you might need a good, ugly cry to get over it. Today's guest, Mathilde Leo, is the Head of Community at Circle. She has made it her mission to equip creators with the most effective tactics for building thriving private groups. Mathilde and our host Jillian dive straight into crafting unique strategies tailored to your ideal members. They discuss metrics, events, managing time zones, and setting boundaries. This is also a great conversation for the community-curious out there. If you haven't started yet, listen in to learn more about the easiest ways to add a profitable membership element to your business. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx059.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#058 Are you bad at your job? Many community managers struggle to measure the true impact of their work. But that's changing! New tools and resources designed with online memberships in mind are finally coming out. Common Room is a community intelligence platform that helps you measure and deliver next-level experiences for your members. Rebecca Marshburn, Head of Community at Common Room, joins us today to share a behind-the-scenes look at the company and the game-changing tools they've developed. We dive into analytics, the best ways to measure membership success, and the value of using the right tools for the job. Rebecca gives us an inside look at Uncommon, a newsletter that has evolved into a private space where community builders come together to share their expertise. We also look at how SPI Pro has grown and changed and the elements that have made it successful. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx058.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#057 Is no one drinking anymore? Mocktails are on the rise, and sobriety is quickly becoming more mainstream. Even major corporations are jumping at the chance to offer high-margin no- and low-alcohol beverages. Imagine that! But is a sober dance party any fun? And what's there to do in an online membership for people looking to change their relationship with drinking? In this episode, we discuss sober and sober curious communities with Molly Ruggere of Counterculture Club, Sam Diminich of Your Farms Your Table, and Robbie Shaw of the Champagne Problems Podcast and Eventide Recovery. For many people, the pandemic shed light on unhealthy drinking habits. With much of the in-person substance abuse support moving online, global digital communities now exist to aid in the journey to recovery. This is a fun and enlightening conversation that illustrates the power of online communities in bringing people together and forming life-changing bonds. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx057.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#056 What are the kinds of behaviors that drive engagement in your community? How do you guide each member through the activities that keep them coming back? Analytic tools are the answer to questions like these, but the metrics you get with most platforms are not that great. Our guest today is one of the true OGs of digital communities. Richard Millington is the massively influential author of Buzzing Communities and the founder of FeverBee, where they take the guesswork out of community management and use a data-driven approach to deliver next-level experiences. So why do people join your community, and why do some leave? How do you increase participation? What is the return on investment of your membership? We get into all of that with Richard today. We also discuss paid versus free communities, member surveys, guidelines, and leadership. So listen in on this chat to learn about the game-changing tactics used at companies like Apple and Facebook that you can apply to your membership at any level. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx056.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#055 How do you provide your online community with value? You get paid to do it, so you might think you have to be at the center of every activity. But what would happen if you got out of the way and allowed your members to collaborate and build something from scratch? Geraldine Wharry is a fashion futurist who runs The Trend Atelier community. In this episode, we find out all about Geraldine's work and the collaborative project that has propelled her membership to the next level. She and Jillian discuss beta launches, events, pricing models, analytic tools, member surveys, and online communities with a mission. In keeping with the theme of futurism, this chat is a deep dive into a novel approach that points at how communities could evolve in the coming years. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx055.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do you do if you want to provide your audience members with the value of community, but they're not all at the same level in their journey? We needed to come up with a solution for this at SPI, and by gosh, we've done it! Jillian is joined by two special guests today to talk about the launch of our brand new Learner Community. Matt Gartland is the CEO of SPI Media, and Mindy Peters is our Senior Solutions Manager. Together they'll give you an inside look at how we're now providing beginner entrepreneurs with the same level of support our SPI Pro members enjoy. This episode is a deep dive into the SPI community strategy. We talk about why we decided to create separate communities instead of having multiple tiers inside a single membership. We share what we've learned about migrating platforms, payment solutions, and enrollment options. Jillian, Matt, and Mindy also go through the tools and integrations we use to ensure our members have a fantastic experience. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx054.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#053 Sometimes tough love is the best kind of love, and it might be just what you need if your community is struggling right now. It's not unusual to see activity slowing down during summer, but what are the hard questions you should ask yourself if your members don't see the value in coming back? A lone rider for this episode, Jillian shares the steps you need to take if your online community is slowly becoming a ghost town. Now that things are opening back up in real life, memberships are dwindling, and the virtual tumbleweeds are rolling. So what should you do? Give up! Just kidding, but we do discuss the other opportunities available if you don't enjoy running your community anymore. Jillian also goes into the one-size-fits-most strategy you could use to get your community back on track and the exact recommendations she'd make as an outside consultant. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx053.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're taking a break this week (week two of two), so we decided to pull up one of our favorites from the back catalog. This is episode 016 with Kelly Roberts of Badass Lady Gang and you won't want to miss it! Here are the show notes:Have you ever wanted to join a club but never felt like you fit in? Like, there's an in-crowd, outfits, and a lingo you don't know? Maybe the members of the group even exhibit an intimidating level of physical fitness? That sort of thing could make a person feel unwelcome—but what if you took that feeling and used it as an opportunity to create something new and different? And along the way, you found that there were lots of other people just like you? That is exactly what Kelly Roberts did with the Badass Lady Gang, a running community for ladies who don't identify as runners. Kelly has intentionally designed her community as, well, a community first and a workout second—one that's confronting the constricting stereotypes of what a "runner" should be. Come for Tony's yoga studio story, and stay for the badass-ness that is Kelly and her awesome community.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're taking a little summer break for the next two weeks, so this week we're running Jillian's appearance on session 495 The Smart Passive Income Podcast with Pat Flynn! Here are Pat's show notes for the episode:The future of business is about community and connection. And, it's more than just creating Facebook or LinkedIn groups—now your entire business can be run like a membership site. That's exactly what we're going to be talking about today with Jillian Benbow, the manager of our membership community, SPI Pro. Jillian and I cover what it takes to create a thriving community where members feel welcomed and excited to engage and grow together. She's a pro at fostering connection and managing all the different facets of running a community of diverse people with all kinds of businesses and goals. We talk meetups, networking, AMAs, gamification, and much more—it's a wealth of information on how to manage a community, so don't miss it. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session495.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#052 What is your biggest risk as a community builder? You might not have given this much thought, but how people treat each other on your membership site might become your number one liability. So how do you write the terms of service and guidelines that protect you in court and create a safe space for your members? Today's episode is all about the legalities you need to consider in your business and community. To help you get started, we're interviewing Wesley Henderson of DraftedLegal.com and Henderson & Henderson in Charleston, South Carolina. We get into everything from how to set up a new business to moderating your community. Wesley even shares his fantastic cheat sheet for handling the poor behavior often disguised as “freedom of speech” online. Also, if you need an easy way to handle all the legal stuff without hiring a lawyer, our listeners get 25% off at Drafted Legal with the code SPI25. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx052.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#051 Do you ever think about how childhood impacts your interests as an adult? Many community builders grew up feeling like outsiders, but seeing the world through a different lens can often lead to a passion for bringing people together. Our guest today, Elisabeth Tuttass, is half Korean and half German. She moved to the US as a teenager, not speaking any English. Like Jillian, she credits her childhood for her interest in diversity, inclusion, and building communities. Elisabeth is now the Head of Community at Grid110, a startup accelerator and nonprofit that supports underrepresented entrepreneurs. This is a fascinating interview. We get into everything from using feedback loops that guide community strategy to understanding engagement styles and connecting with your members on their terms. Elisabeth and Jillian also discuss Zoom alternatives, making online meetings more engaging, and transitioning from in-person communities to fully remote. Listen in for a great new perspective on community! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx051.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#050 Today's episode is a behind-the-scenes look at a massive online community success story. We're very excited to have Willa Tellekson-Flash joining us to discuss Public.com. Willa is the Director of Community at Public, an investing platform valued at $1.2 billion with a community of over one million members. She even made the Forbes 30 Under 30 in Marketing list as a result of her amazing work! We talk all about creating safe spaces that encourage conversation around touchy subjects, outlining effective community guidelines, and empowering a small team to enforce the rules and manage a diverse user base. Willa and Jillian also discuss attracting and onboarding new members the smart way and working closely with other departments to shape company strategy. We know you'll enjoy this one, so listen in for some great tips and tactics you can apply to any growing community. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx050.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#049 Are you creating with authenticity? Many of us lose track of what lights us up when we focus on engaging with and providing value for others. But work without a personal touch is often seen as bland and has less impact. So how do you explore your creativity and learn to connect with your audience more effectively? Your local community might have an answer: art parks. Our guest today is Alex Bryant, the Executive Director of the Ix Art Park Foundation in Charlottesville. The Foundation manages a free mural and sculpture park and several community-driven series including weekly markets supporting entrepreneurs and creative empowerment programs. In this episode, we look at creativity as a tool that can enhance our lives and help us expand our reach digitally and locally. Alex and Jillian discuss forming online communities around local institutions, bringing different people together, healing division with art, and providing safe creative outlets for your community members. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx049.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#048 Here's an understatement: There's a lot going on in the world right now. In this episode, we allow ourselves to take it all in and come out on the other end surprisingly full of hope. So, how do we navigate challenging times as community leaders? We have tips aplenty! Our guest today is Tim Salau. Tim is the co-founder of Guide, a SaaS learning and talent development platform. He is also a keynote speaker shaping the discussion on the future of work and leadership. We start the interview with some fantastic examples of brands doing community the right way. Tim and Jillian go into a deep dive on the support community style and debate whether there's value in every brand having a social media presence. Tim is a pragmatic optimist whose audience members are digital nomads, so we get some excellent advice for community leaders on how to think globally and act locally. Despite tackling a few heavy topics today, this chat was a blast! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx048.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#047 “Disruptive” companies are “growth hacking” their way to “changing the world” left and right. Their offices have the free kombucha to prove it! But is that what employees actually want? If you were to ask them, you might hear more about, you know, childcare. In this episode, we talk about workplace communities with keynote speaker and best-selling author Adam “Smiley” Poswolsky. We tackle the future of work, corporate culture, and why belonging is the secret to engaging your community members. Our chat starts with the “quarter-life crisis” and breakthrough that lead to Smiley's search for meaningful work. We then talk about human connection, loneliness, giving people permission to be playful, and how friendship can save lives. Also, Jillian makes a surprising confession today. It turns out she's been spreading her message of kindness through vandalism! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx047.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#046 We've seen many people quit their jobs and start new careers recently. But, when it's teachers looking for opportunities outside the classroom, there's a stigma attached to it. This means that support and resources are in short supply and many people end up staying in jobs that affect their health. Today's guest, Daphne Gomez, left the classroom to work for an Edtech company. She talked to a lot of struggling teachers as part of her new role, and she just knew she had to create a safe space for them. In this episode, we get an inside look at how the Teacher Career Coach community works and how it's changing lives. We also learn how Daphne's course and podcast fit into the business. You'll be happy to find out about the Teacher Career Coach Jobs Board. It's how we found our newest community manager at SPI! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx046.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#045 “Our fears imagine our enemies. Most of the time our enemies are not our enemies, and we create ill will when oftentimes there's goodwill.” Today, on one of our most quotable episodes, we explore the dark side of community. Things get scary as we discuss cults, tribalism, and division. Dr. McMillan, a national leader in the theory of sense of community, gives us the tools we can use in our personal relationships, communities, and society at large to heal division and find ways to work together. We start with the experience of living in a commune and dive deep into the science to learn about mirror neurons and digital communities from a clinical perspective. We also talk about celebrating differences, valuing opposition, and the dangers of shutting down debate. Dr. McMillan describes himself as grumpy, but we have a lot of fun in this episode. Have you accidentally started a cult? Listen in to find out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx045.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#044 “Hustle! Crush it!” We've all heard the productivity propaganda. But what if you're a new parent and you're still being told that you can have everything without giving anything up? That's all that today's guest, Sarah K Peck, heard as a new mom working at a tech startup. Wanting to document her real experience and meet people going through the same thing, Sarah did a series of interviews. The resulting podcast raised $30,000 before it even launched and, by accident, a business was born. In this episode we tackle the future of work, rejecting hustle culture, and being a woman in business. We also go deep on community. We discuss everything from onboarding and setting expectations to pricing and the three things you need to do to run fantastic online events. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx044See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#043 Connecting people is valuable. So why are community builders burning out and not making enough money to get by? Today's guest, Tatiana Figueiredo, teaches people how to scale communities into profitable, sustainable businesses while avoiding burnout and sleazy sales tactics. This conversation was a blast and we covered a lot of ground. You'll learn about the three levels of connection you need in a community and how to balance them out. We put our psychoanalyst hats on and talk about childhood experiences and how they might lead to an interest in bringing people together. We also dissect the freemium model for communities and why, most of the time, it fails. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx043.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#042 If you've attended any virtual events you've definitely seen it… Hosts ask harmless questions and immediately find themselves face to face with a yawning chasm of awkward silence and not much else. So, how do you go from “crickets” to online events that are as powerful as anything you'd attend in person? Jan Keck, our guest today, is a virtual events facilitator and just the right person to talk to us about creating deeper connections online. You'll learn how to build trust through micro-engagements that allow virtual event attendees to safely open up. Jan's tips will turn Zoom into an opportunity instead of an obstacle that leaves you feeling drained at the end of the day. You'll also find out more about Jan's fabled “ice-melters” that create magical moments online. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx042.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#041 Rach Idowu is a young woman living in London who was diagnosed with ADHD later in life than we often expect. And she's made it her mission to raise awareness of neurodivergence and help other adults understand if their struggles with attention may be the result of undiagnosed ADHD. So, if you're a community builder, why should you care? Because, well, people are different, and they have different needs when it comes to learning and interacting. It's crucial for us to understand where our members are coming from, what they struggle with, and what makes it easier for them to participate in our communities. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx041.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#040 Is there anything Kyle Hagge hasn't done? (Okay, there's at least one thing, as you'll learn in today's lightning round.) Kyle is an action-oriented community leader. He talks the talk, and he's walked the walk for organizations like Marquette University, the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, AmeriCorps, Ballot Ready, College Possible, and Morning Brew. He's a treasure trove of knowledge on topics as varied as the importance of local activism, relationship building as a precursor to learning, the power of cohort-based programming, and the utility of discomfort in facilitating human bonding. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx040.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#039 You may recognize today's guest—the one and only Pat Flynn. He's our first repeat guest, in fact, and he's here to talk about overcaffeination, maple syrup, and how many copies of the LEGO DeLorean he just bought. Oh, and some exciting things coming in the world of SPI Pro. Including a price increase. We're all about transparency here, and SPI Pro is still a screaming deal, even once prices go up on May 17. Jill and Pat talk about why we decided to increase prices, why Pro is still very much worth it, and why you need to align the price of your community (and anything you're selling) with its true value. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx039.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#037 “When we talk about community and belonging, who are we talking about belonging with? What are we belonging to?” That's just one of the thought-provoking ideas posed today by Zahra Ebrahim, a Toronto-based public interest designer and strategist who's focused on deep, community-led approaches to policy, infrastructure, and service design. Together, Zahra, Jillian, and SPI's co-CEO Matt Gartland explore the differences and commonalities between digital communities and on-the-ground activism and community building. They discover some juicy points of intersection—including how to create communities that aren't static, and what it means to be "together." Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx037.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lead host Jillian Benbow recently chatted with Valerie Hamaker on her podcast, Generation Xhausted, and we wanted to share! In this chat, Valerie shares her experience in SPI Pro (the community Jillian runs) and support communities, and the two discuss the profound power of digital communities, finding wholeness and healing, and more.Find out more about Valerie and her work at ExhaustedGen.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#037 What does it mean to be an advocate? How can leaders set an example when it comes to mental health and self-care? How do we fairly distribute the gains and burdens of a rapidly evolving work culture? How much should we even be working?These are some of the massive questions Kat Gordon is taking on as the visionary behind The 3% Movement, an organization she founded after recognizing that only—yep—3% of creative directors were women, and very few were people of color.Kat has done and is doing some amazing things—and SPI's Director of Operations, Sara Jane Hess, joins Jillian today to soak up Kat's wisdom and share some of her own insights on building a better, more inclusive machine wherever you work.Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx037See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#036 In community building, it's easy to fall into the trap of building something for everyone. It's sometimes essential to create a community for a specific type of person going through a specific thing. As a young adult, Mary Horn lost her mother to ALS, and her grief led her to The Dinner Party, an organization that provides community and connection for younger people who often lack grief support options. As a staff member and eventually director of community experience, Mary has helped guide the development of a community—really a community of smaller communities—where people can find support and build relationships, where they can listen and be listened to, and feel less alone. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx036.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#035 For Carlos Zimbrón, founder of F***up Nights, getting up on stage and sharing the story of your biggest failure is something more people should be doing. Because the act of sharing our darkest moments with others can have surprising, even amazing effects. Today you'll learn the story of an organization built around a… unique event model, and how Carlos and the other founders went from attracting five people at their first event, to expanding to thirty-five locations within a year, to losing some of those locations as they tried to monetize. But as you'll also learn, peaks and valleys like that are baked into the ethos of F***up Nights. The through-line of this episode is that any community can benefit from creating space for its members to share their challenges and failures. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx035.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#034 There's just something about live music. Something that can't be replaced by any other experience. Sofar Sounds is a global network of chapters of small intimate gatherings, where people get together and listen to music. The plot twist is that they usually don't know who they're going to be listening to until it happens, and the venue is not your typical music venue. It could be a home, or a church basement, or a carpet store. Rafe Offer is the man behind Sofar, and he's here today to share the Sofar origin story, how to create a cohesive, intimate community experience in more than 300 chapters across the globe, and the time he gave someone hilariously unnecessary professional advice. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx034.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#033 Mac Reddin runs a company called Commsor, which builds software for community teams, and runs a community for community builders called the Community Club. They're showing community leaders how to “flip the script,” to build communities at the core of the business rather than in service of the business or the product. And their software helps put community data in one place so it's easier to work with. They're even using NFTs in ways that help people feel like more valued members of the community. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx033.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#032 Every community member is special, of course. But some are extra special. Today Tony is flying solo, and he's going to be talking about a very special type of member in every community: the super member, the one at the very center of your community culture. To explore that topic, he's bringing in a close friend and former member of the community he ran in NYC, New Work City: Whitney Hess. Whitney started out as a community experience designer, and has now become a renowned executive coach. Whitney shares a bit about her experience as a member of New Work City, and what made it possible for her to step into that space as a super member. You'll hear about how community leaders can operate in a “power-with” paradigm of community leadership and management and nurture their own super members. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/cx032.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.