Ep. 190- DAVE GERHARDT: Founder Exit 5 [The #1 community for B2B marketers!] How to build a THRIVING online COMMUNITY! 👨‍💻
Sep 20, 2024
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Dave Gerhardt, founder of Exit 5 and a veteran in community building, shares insights on fostering online communities for B2B marketers. He discusses the power of social media in cultivating influence and the strategies behind Exit 5's growth. Dave also delves into the pros and cons of membership fees, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement. Additionally, he reflects on reclaiming privacy in the digital age and balancing work with personal life after relocating to Vermont, providing a refreshing perspective on entrepreneurship.
Building a thriving online community relies on fostering meaningful interactions and shared focus that enhances engagement among members.
Striking a balance between professional pursuits and personal life is vital for sustainable growth, preventing burnout, and maintaining fulfilling relationships.
Deep dives
Building a Strong Community
Creating a successful marketing community requires more than just a platform; it hinges on fostering meaningful interactions among members. The transition from a personal brand to Exit 5 highlighted the importance of having a shared focus among members, which leads to more productive discussions. Initially, the community grew organically from a Patreon launch, but regular engagement through helpful content turned it into a vibrant hub. By encouraging connections among members, the community became self-sustaining, with discussions sparking naturally and promoting a collaborative environment.
Social Media Followers as Valuable Assets
The notion that social media followers are merely a vanity metric is challenged by emphasizing their potential to drive real engagement and opportunities. A robust following on platforms like LinkedIn can directly contribute to events such as webinars, providing a faster, cost-efficient way to reach engaged audiences. This perspective reframes followers as a launch pad for business growth rather than just numbers. Having a focused audience ensures that engagement yields value, supporting both community initiatives and marketing efforts.
The Dynamics of Paid Communities
Charging for community membership can enhance the quality of discourse and engagement, filtering out spam and unproductive contributions. The investment made by members often translates to a greater appreciation for the community and its resources, justifying the fee through access to valuable insights. While financial commitments may deter some users, it often leads to a stronger, more dedicated member base that invests in their professional development. The focus shifts from mere participation to meaningful contributions, which ultimately enriches the community experience.
Work-Life Balance and Community Impact
Striking a balance between professional ambitions and personal life is crucial for sustainable business growth and personal well-being. Establishing boundaries allows for both family engagement and business success, preventing the burnout that often accompanies entrepreneurial pursuits. By prioritizing family and self-care, it's possible to create a thriving business without sacrificing personal relationships. This approach serves as a model for others in the industry, highlighting that success need not come at the expense of a fulfilling personal life.
In this episode, host Jay Schwedelson interviews Dave Gerhardt, founder of exitfive, about how to build thriving online communities and manage the balance between entrepreneurship and personal life.
Dave Gerhardt is the founder of exitfive, a community of 4,000 paying B2B marketers. Previously, he served as the Chief Brand Officer at Drift, helping drive the company to a $1 billion valuation, and as CMO at Privy, leading them to a $100 million acquisition. Dave is known for his expertise in B2B marketing and community building, with a substantial following on LinkedIn and a popular podcast.
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