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Community Creators with Shana Lynn

Community Creators with Shana Lynn

Hosted by Shana Lynn Bresnahan

Episodes

0

Language

EN

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

Listen to episodes

60 recent
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 MembersWhat 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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

4 min

How I Consistently Create Content as a Busy Mom and Business Owner

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersDo you ever feel like content creation is taking over your schedule? Between social media, emails, YouTube, and membership content, it can seem impossible to keep up with everything that needs to be created.In this episode, Shana shares her personal content creation process and how she manages to consistently produce content while working only about 20 hours a week, homeschooling her children, and running a business.In this episode, you’ll learn:How batching content can help you save time and stay consistentThe step-by-step process Shana uses to create YouTube videos, emails, and social media contentWhy scripting content may help you communicate more clearly and efficientlyThe role of editing and content systems in creating a sustainable workflowWhy consistency matters more than perfection when building an audienceCreating content doesn't have to consume all of your time. The key is building a process that works for your schedule, your strengths, and your business. Start simple, focus on consistency, and look for opportunities to repurpose what you're already creating. 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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

8 min

How to Be Your Best Community Member

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersBuilding a thriving community takes more than having the right strategy, engagement plan, or content calendar. At its core, a strong community is shaped by the behavior, values, and leadership that are modeled from the beginning.In this episode, Shana sits down with Lauren Golden, founder of the Free Mama Movement, to discuss how she built a highly engaged community that has become much more than a place to sell offers. Lauren shares how she created a movement around a shared mission, cultivated a strong culture, and intentionally showed up as the kind of community member she wanted everyone else to become.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why community building starts with modeling the behavior you want to seeHow a clear mission and shared identity create stronger member connectionsWhy protecting your community culture is essential for long-term growthHow strong communities eventually begin to support and protect themselvesWhy community leadership cannot be fully outsourcedHow consistency builds trust, connection, and member loyalty over timeIf you're looking to build a community that feels connected, supportive, and self-sustaining, this conversation offers practical lessons from someone who has done it successfully for years.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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

16 min

How to Decide What to Do First

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersAs business owners, it's easy to keep adding more. More projects, more deliverables, more tasks, and more ideas. But more doesn't always mean better.In this episode, Shana walks through a simple but powerful framework called the Action Priority Matrix. This practical tool helps you evaluate the projects, activities, and deliverables already happening in your business so you can identify what's worth keeping, what needs improvement, and what may be draining your time and energy without producing meaningful results.In this episode, you’ll learn:What the Action Priority Matrix is and how it can help simplify decision-makingWhy evaluating current projects is more effective than guessing about future onesHow to measure effort and impact using real data instead of assumptionsThe difference between high-impact and low-impact activitiesHow regular evaluation can help reduce overwhelm and improve team performanceSuccess doesn't come from doing more things. It comes from focusing on the right things. By regularly evaluating the effort and impact of your projects, you can create a more efficient business, deliver a better experience for your members, and free up time and energy for the work that truly matters.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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

6 min

A Systems-Based Approach to Increasing Retention

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersMany business owners spend significant time creating marketing funnels and customer acquisition strategies but give far less attention to what happens after someone joins. In this episode, Shana shares why a systems-based approach to retention is essential for helping members and clients succeed and how simple systems can reduce churn while creating a more meaningful experience.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why retention deserves as much attention as marketing and customer acquisitionHow member journey mapping can improve the client experience from onboarding to renewalHow to use the Stoplight Strategy to identify green, yellow, and red clients or membersWhy community, connection, and personal engagement play a key role in long-term retentionSimple steps you can take today to build a retention-focused system in your businessRetention is about more than keeping members, it's about helping them succeed. By combining simple systems with meaningful human connection, you can create a better experience, reduce churn, and support long-term growth for both your clients and your 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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

11 min

Preparing Your Community for Change

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersChange inside a membership or coaching program is inevitable but how you handle it determines whether your community embraces it or pushes back. We dive into why change often creates friction and how to proactively lead your members through transitions in a way that builds trust and buy-in instead of resistance.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why change can trigger resistance even when it’s ultimately beneficialThe biggest mistake community leaders make when rolling out changesHow poor communication leads to long-term dissatisfaction among membersHow to gauge the right timeline for communicating different types of changesA breakdown of the ADKAR change management model and how it applies to membershipsIf you’re planning a change in your program, big or small, don’t wait until the last minute to communicate it. A thoughtful rollout can be the difference between confusion and confidence in your community. Take the time to guide your members through the transition, and you’ll not only avoid unnecessary friction, you’ll strengthen their trust in your leadership.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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

3 min

How To Think About Additional Expansion Offers

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 80: Behind-the-scenes with 8-figure Membership Owner, Corinne Crabtree of No BS Women https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/behind-the-scenes-with-8-figure-membership-owner-corinne-crabtree-of-no-bsWhat if more revenue didn’t mean more customers but better serving the ones you already have?In this episode, Shana sits down with Corrine Crabtree to talk about expansion revenue and how adding the right offers can grow your business without starting from scratch.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why expansion revenue is one of the simplest ways to grow your business without increasing your marketing spendHow to introduce additional offers without taking away from your core programHow to create offers that support different needs within your communityWhy your main offer should feel complete and how that actually increases trust and retentionAt the end of the day, it’s not about stacking offers just to make more money, it’s about serving your people better. When your core offer delivers real results and your additional programs genuinely support different needs, growth becomes a natural byproduct. Focus on value, trust your audience, and give them the opportunity to go deeper when they’re ready.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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

4 min

The Hidden Kiss of Death for Your Membership

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersAre failed payments quietly draining your membership revenue without you even realizing it? In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked issues that can seriously impact your business and how your pricing strategy might be playing a bigger role than you think. From monthly vs. annual plans to attracting the right members, we’re breaking down what’s really going on behind the scenes and what you can do to fix it.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why failed payments are the “hidden kiss of death” for membership businesses and how they quietly drain your recurring revenueHow to create a simple but consistent failed payment follow-up strategy that keeps members from slipping awayWhy annual plans can increase cash flow but also create renewal and cash management challengesHow strong retention can make monthly pricing more profitable than annual plansHow pricing impacts not just revenue, but the quality and mindset of the people joining your programIf you’re seeing failed payments, cancellations, or attracting the wrong members, your pricing strategy might be the missing piece. Take a closer look at your retention, your follow-up systems, and the level of commitment your offers require - small shifts here can make a big difference in both your revenue and the quality of your community.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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

11 min

7-Figure Direct Message Selling Strategy

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 93: Millionaire Sales Secrets and the Power of Personal Branding with Lauren Ticknerhttps://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/millionaire-sales-secrets-and-the-power-of-personal-branding-with-lauren-ticknerWhat if your next client is already watching your content but you’re just one message away from closing the deal?In this episode, we break down how Lauren Tickner turns everyday social media content into real conversations and real revenue through direct messages. If you’ve ever felt like your posts aren’t converting, or you don’t know how to move from “likes” to actual sales, this is where things start to click.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Lauren built authority that turns content into inbound leadsWhy most lead generation fails and the real reason people aren’t convertingHow to structure content so people want to message you firstA simple DM flow: from first message to qualified prospectHow to ask better open-ended questions that keep conversations aliveThe key checkpoints to qualify leads before making an offerHow to gauge buying intent without sounding pushy or scriptedIf you’ve been struggling to turn content into conversations or conversations into clients, this episode gives you a clear path to fix both. Start with authority, lead with value, and let the right people come to 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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

14 min

The Life Cycle of an Online Community

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersCommunity building can feel isolating, especially when things get messy. But what if those challenges are actually a sign that your community is growing exactly as it should?In this episode, we break down the Community Development Life Cycle - a powerful framework that explains the natural phases every community goes through. If you’ve ever felt like something is “wrong” inside your group, this conversation will help you reframe that thinking and lead with more clarity and confidence.In this episode, you’ll learn:The 4 phases of the community development cycleWhy a quiet or slow-starting community is completely normalHow to step into leadership and use conflict as a realignment opportunityPractical ways to identify which phase your community is currently inWhether you’re just starting out or managing a thriving membership, this episode will help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and how to lead your people through it.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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

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