The Community Experience

SPI Media

What makes a community flourish? How do we build vibrant, supportive online communities? Can brands and organizations facilitate authentic connection through community?

If you’ve ever found yourself asking these questions, you’re in the right place. The Community Experience was designed to explore all things community and to help community facilitators design online communities that thrive, whether yours is a niche community based on fandom, or tied to a personal brand or business. Each week, join host Jillian Benbow to learn practical strategies and insights from people on the cutting edge of community building, as well as a peek behind the curtain into the inner workings of our own branded online community, SPI Pro.

We believe that community-driven content and commerce is changing the landscape of work and life. Through unbridled curiosity, we believe we can help the world increase the impact potential of online communities. Join us for the ride and embrace the experience! New episodes drop every Tuesday, wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Our Editor's Take

The Community Experience is a podcast for new, experienced, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Each episode focuses on elements related to entrepreneurship, like coworking and customer relationships. The goal is to ensure that each is fair and interdependent. Every week, host Jillian Benbow has conversations with business community experts. Notable guests include strategic community consultant Noele Flowers and author Ingrid Christensen. Each guest brings a unique perspective to community-related topics.

A podcast episode about racial bias includes an interview with social psychologist Dr. Evelyn R. Carter. The guest says to be in a community is to question oneself about beliefs and preferences. Jillian asks Evelyn how to stay aware and avoid making assumptions. Evelyn shares a compelling anecdote about seeking out unfamiliar experiences. People with privilege may view themselves as the "default.” Removing this presumption can help them gain perspective.

Another great conversation is with community director Reina Pomeroy. Jillian asks her how to prevent exclusive groups from forming. Reina shares her expertise on the podcast. A strong community strategy creates a supportive space where all feel safe expressing themselves. She warns against preferential treatment and lack of transparency.

These more significant concepts are helpful. Little demonstrations of human connection also have a meaningful impact. Tim Salau is the executive chairman, CEO, and cofounder of Guide Group. Jillian opens her conversation with him on the podcast by complimenting his smile. He says this is a great place to start. Tim uplifts the simple act of trying to improve someone's day with a smile as a small way to share humanity. These can occur in person or over a call.

The Community Experience creators decided to end the podcast in 2023. They believe in the episodes' evergreen value, so the episode feed is active.

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BusinessBusiness

Play Trailer

Welcome to the Community Experience!

Welcome to the Community Experience!

Belonging. It’s right in the middle of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, just after physical safety. As a social species, community is essential to our wellbeing. There’s still a huge need for real, meaningful community, and we want to help you learn how to find it and how to build it. That’s why we created the Community Experience podcast, hosted by two seasoned community experts: Jillian, the outdoorsy one with the digital community background, and Tony, the karaoke nerd who got his chops running unconferences and building Manhattan’s first coworking space. Together, they bring over 24 years of combined experience to the community space.Tune in each week as Tony and Jillian distill the ingredients in the secret sauce that makes communities thrive, featuring interviews with remarkable leaders and deep-dive roundtable discussions on major topics. Whether you’re an organizer a community leader looking to be a part of the conversation or a creator looking to launch something new, this show tackles what actually matters to you.Tune into new episodes every Tuesday, and head over to SmartPassiveIncome.com/listen to learn more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episodes

Warren Carlyle’s Thriving OctoNation and the 7 C’s

Warren Carlyle’s Thriving OctoNation and the 7 C’s

#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.

Slow, Intentional Community-Building with Lisa Barroca of Cultivate

Slow, Intentional Community-Building with Lisa Barroca of Cultivate

#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.

Noele Flowers and the Evolution of Community

Noele Flowers and the Evolution of Community

#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.

Foundations of Trust With Author Ingrid Christensen

Foundations of Trust With Author Ingrid Christensen

#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.

Failure to Launch, Pushing past Blocks with Mindy Peters

Failure to Launch, Pushing past Blocks with Mindy Peters

#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.

HR for Communities with Sara Jane Hess, SPHR

HR for Communities with Sara Jane Hess, SPHR

#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.

Casey Hill and the Simple Way to Make a Big Impact

Casey Hill and the Simple Way to Make a Big Impact

#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.

[Winter Break Bonus] Looking Past the Default With Dr. Evelyn R. Carter

[Winter Break Bonus] Looking Past the Default With Dr. Evelyn R. Carter

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.

[Winter Break Bonus] The Freemium Model Doesn't Work in Community with Tatiana Figueiredo

[Winter Break Bonus] The Freemium Model Doesn't Work in Community with Tatiana Figueiredo

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.

How Terry Rice Doubled His Revenue during the Pandemic

How Terry Rice Doubled His Revenue during the Pandemic

#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.

Community-Powered Courses (CPCs) with Jordan Godbey

Community-Powered Courses (CPCs) with Jordan Godbey

#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.

Brand Partnership Wizardry with Justin Moore

#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.

The 7 Steps Tatiana Figueiredo Used to Make $100K Revenue in 12 Months

The 7 Steps Tatiana Figueiredo Used to Make $100K Revenue in 12 Months

#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.

How Butter’s Anamaria Dorgo Leads Collaborative Communities

How Butter’s Anamaria Dorgo Leads Collaborative Communities

#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.

Hot Takes on the State of Community with Matt Gartland of Team SPI

Hot Takes on the State of Community with Matt Gartland of Team SPI

#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.

Looking Past the Default With Dr. Evelyn R. Carter

Looking Past the Default With Dr. Evelyn R. Carter

#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.

Communicating Community Value with Erica Kuhl and Brian Oblinger of In Before The Lock

Communicating Community Value with Erica Kuhl and Brian Oblinger of In Before The Lock

#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.

Co-creating Leaders in Your Community with Reina Pomeroy of Good Inside

Co-creating Leaders in Your Community with Reina Pomeroy of Good Inside

#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.

Harness the Power of Community: Free Live Seminar Tuesday 10/25!

Harness the Power of Community: Free Live Seminar Tuesday 10/25!

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.

Leveraging Newsletters with Dylan Redekop of Growth Currency

Leveraging Newsletters with Dylan Redekop of Growth Currency

#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.