Community Creators with Shana Lynn

Hosted by Shana Lynn Bresnahan

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About the show

Entrepreneurs and online business owners can no longer grow with great marketing alone. If you want to scale your course, membership, or coaching program, I’ll teach you how to maximize your profit and multiply your impact by creating a thriving online community. Be sure to connect with me on IG: http://instagram.com/shanaspeaks I’ve spent over a decade working with top brands and entrepreneurs to cultivate thriving online communities and empowered community teams that increase their reach, retention, and revenue. This podcast is a space for community creators like you and me to share our insights, best practices, and what’s working now in the community space. You’ll discover proven strategies, actionable tactics, and innovative ideas that you and your team can use to reduce refunds and increase retention. You won’t want to miss an episode! Subscribe now and let’s get started! Show notes & more: https://ShanaLynn.com

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60 recent

10 min

Why Some Membership Cancellations are Good

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Cancellations can be hard to see, especially when you’ve worked so hard to keep your members engaged and retained. But what if not every cancellation is actually a loss? In this episode, we look at a different way to think about cancellations - one that recognizes that some members leave because they’ve achieved what they came to your program to accomplish. Instead of seeing these members as churn, you can see them as graduates. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why not every cancellation should be treated as a bad cancellation How to recognize the difference between a cancellation and a graduation Why your cancellation process should give different members different experiences How cancellation surveys and member progress can help you identify graduates Why tracking your graduation rate can give you a better picture of your retention A cancellation doesn't always mean you failed to retain someone. Sometimes, it means you helped someone get exactly what they came for. The goal isn't to keep people forever. The goal is to help them get results. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain : https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple , or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

11 min

How to Handle a Failed Membership Launch

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members A failed launch can feel discouraging, especially when you put your time, energy, and expectations into creating something new. But one disappointing launch does not mean your business or membership has failed. In this episode, we look at what to do when your launch numbers don't match what you expected. You'll learn how to look at your numbers, give your launch enough time, communicate with your audience more than once, and use feedback to understand what needs to change. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to compare your email open and click-through rates with your usual numbers How repeated emails can help people who are interested but simply haven't taken action yet Why your audience is distracted by much more than competing products How to create urgency and give people a reason to take action early What to do when people unsubscribe during a launch How to ask people who didn't buy why they decided not to join If your launch didn't go the way you hoped, don't rush to label it a failure. Take a breath, look at the numbers, keep showing up, and find out what your audience is telling you. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain : https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple , or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

4 min

Stop Trying to Automate Everything in Your Membership

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Automation can make an online business more efficient, but too much automation can also make members feel disconnected. In this episode, Shana talks about finding the right balance between efficiency and genuine human connection. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why automation can sometimes come at the expense of human connection How to create meaningful personal touchpoints without doing them for every member Why connecting members with your team can strengthen their sense of belonging How personalized phone calls, voice messages, video messages, and handwritten notes can make an experience more memorable Why unscalable actions can have a bigger impact than automated interactions Automation can help you save time, but it shouldn't replace the human connection that makes your members feel like they matter. As you build a more efficient business, look for opportunities to add personal and unexpected touchpoints along the way. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain : https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple , or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

5 min

The Biggest Mistake Businesses Make When Tracking Metrics

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Tracking your membership metrics is important, but there’s a common mistake that can leave you spending too much time worrying about numbers that may not actually apply to your business. In this highlight episode, Shana and her friend Melinda Cohen talk about retention rates and why there isn’t one magic number that every membership or program should be trying to reach. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why you shouldn’t rely on industry benchmarks to decide whether your retention rate is “good” Why your audience, program structure, and members’ circumstances can all affect retention and completion rates How tracking your own numbers can help you understand what’s really happening in your membership What a growth ceiling is and how retention can affect your ability to grow The two ways you can break through a growth ceiling: bringing in more people or losing fewer members Your retention rate doesn’t have to look like someone else’s. What matters is knowing your own numbers well enough to understand where you are, where you’re getting stuck, and what needs to change. You don’t have to fix everything at once. Focus on the biggest opportunity, make an improvement, and keep measuring. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain : https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple , or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

12 min

How to Keep Members Motivated

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Engagement isn’t the goal - progress is. In this episode, Shana shares the Progress Wheel, a simple framework for helping members not only take action when they first join a program or community, but continue making progress long after they get started. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why progress matters more than engagement when it comes to keeping members involved The five parts of the Progress Wheel Why having a clear purpose helps people understand what they are working toward How to give members a clear path without overwhelming them with the entire journey Why focusing on the best next step can help members take action Is your purpose clear? Do your members know their next step? Are they taking action? Can they see their progress? And are you giving that progress the attention it deserves? When people can see that they’re moving forward and when that progress is recognized and connected back to the bigger purpose, it becomes much easier to keep the momentum going. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain : https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple , or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

6 min

How Stopping Helps You Move Forward

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Ep 72: The Balancing Act: Parenting and Entrepreneurship with Dayna Abraham: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/the-balancing-act-parenting-and-entrepreneurship-with-dayna-abraham What if the real reason you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or constantly pulled back into work… is because you haven’t allowed yourself to stop? We dive into a powerful conversation about overworking, identity, and the hidden fears that keep us stuck in cycles of constant doing. Inspired by insights from Dayna Abraham, we unpack how creating intentional constraints, setting boundaries, and building systems can actually give you more freedom—not less. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “stopping” is often the missing step in breaking cycles of overwork How being too close to your problems keeps you stuck—and how to create space for clarity How to identify the fear that’s keeping you overworking (and how to release it) A practical framework for structuring your day using time blocks and intentional constraints How to transition between work mode and home life with intention If you’ve ever struggled to disconnect from work, felt anxious when you finally slow down, or questioned what to do next after a big accomplishment, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and move forward with clarity. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain : https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple , or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

10 min

You Must Know These Numbers to Scale Your Business

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Most business owners focus heavily on marketing and sales, but sustainable growth comes from something else: keeping customers engaged and coming back. In this episode, Shana breaks down the key membership metrics every business owner should understand, including how to calculate retention, churn, customer acquisition costs, and lifetime value. Whether you run a membership, sell courses, or offer services, these numbers can help you make smarter decisions and build a more sustainable business. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why retention is one of the most important growth metrics in any business How to calculate your retention rate using a simple formula The difference between retention and churn, and why both matter Why increasing customer acquisition alone won't solve growth challenges How to calculate your Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) What Lifetime Value (LTV) means and how to determine it How retention impacts the average length of time customers stay with you The businesses that grow sustainably aren't just focused on getting new customers. They're focused on keeping them. Understanding your retention rate, churn, customer acquisition cost, and lifetime value gives you the information you need to make better decisions and build a healthier, more profitable business. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain : https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple , or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

8 min

What to Do Before an Event to Get Members to Show Up and Connect

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Creating an unforgettable event experience starts long before attendees walk through the door. In this episode, Shana sits down with event experience expert Phil Mershon to discuss how intentional pre-event engagement can increase attendance, foster meaningful connections, and build excitement before the event even begins. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why attendee connection begins long before the event starts How pre-event engagement can improve attendance and participation The ideal timeline for building excitement and community before an event How to use email communication to keep attendees informed and engaged Simple ways to encourage networking and relationship-building before the event How pre-event conversations lead to stronger in-person experiences The most successful events don't begin on opening day. They begin the moment someone says "yes" to attending. By creating opportunities for attendees to connect, engage, and build relationships before the event, you can increase participation, reduce uncertainty, and foster a sense of belonging that carries through the entire experience. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain : https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple , or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

16 min

How to Keep Your Team From Burning Out During a Launch

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Launches can be exciting, but they can also be one of the most demanding seasons for your team. Long hours, tight deadlines, and constant decision-making can leave even the most dedicated team members feeling drained. In this episode, Shana shares four practical ways to support your team during a launch so they can perform at their best without burning out. Drawing from years of experience leading and supporting multi-million-dollar launches, she explains how thoughtful leadership can make a significant difference in both team morale and launch results. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why fast communication is critical during a launch and how to avoid costly mistakes caused by information gaps How daily team huddles and dedicated communication channels can improve collaboration and speed up decision-making The importance of empowering team members to make decisions without constantly seeking approval How to create clarity around roles, responsibilities, and key outcomes before launch day Why last-minute changes can create a ripple effect across your entire team A simple framework for evaluating new ideas and determining whether they're worth implementing during a launch A successful launch isn't just about strategy, marketing, or sales. It's also about taking care of the people who make it happen. When you prioritize communication, trust your team, make thoughtful decisions, and provide meaningful support, you'll create a stronger team and better results. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain : https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple , or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivate Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

8 min

How Shock, Awe, and Mystery Create Must Attend Events

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members What if the secret to creating a memorable event isn't giving people more information but giving them less? In this episode, the late Steve D. Sims, entrepreneur, author, and creator of the renowned Sims Speak Easy events, shares how he built a highly sought-after experience around mystery, curiosity, and unexpected learning opportunities. Instead of relying on traditional value-stacking and overpromising, Steve reveals why surprise, discomfort, and unconventional thinking create lasting impact. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why mystery can be a powerful tool for building anticipation and engagement. How Steve turned unconventional event venues into a defining part of his brand. The difference between creating memorable experiences and simply stacking value. Why surprising attendees often leads to deeper learning and stronger retention. The role of curiosity in creating innovative events and experiences. How memorable moments become powerful brand stories that attendees share long after the event ends. The importance of creating emotional triggers that people remember and talk about. People don't always remember every lesson they learn, but they remember how an experience made them feel. By embracing curiosity, creating unexpected moments, and challenging conventional approaches, you can build experiences that leave a lasting impression and inspire meaningful change. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain : https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple , or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivate Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated