How to turn a course into a transformational community
Aug 30, 2024
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Discover how to successfully convert online courses into thriving communities. Explore the innovative accelerator model that enhances engagement without live sessions. Learn about the importance of authentic connections using the Curated Connections tool. Delve into essential platforms like Circle and monday.com for effective community management. Hear about structured routines that include 'routine roulette' for vibrant interactions. Uncover strategies for selecting impactful topics and promoting member-led initiatives.
The SPI All Access Pass community thrives by offering flexible learning experiences, allowing members to engage with content at their convenience.
Implementing structured interactions like weekly check-ins and office hours promotes accountability, fosters camaraderie, and enhances overall community engagement.
Empowering members to lead workshops not only enriches the learning dynamic but also provides valuable promotional opportunities for their businesses.
Deep dives
Building a Thriving Community
The SPI All Access Pass has become a significant platform with approximately 1,200 members, showcasing the importance of providing an inclusive environment for both beginner and intermediate entrepreneurs. Unlike traditional learning formats that often require simultaneous attendance, this community focuses on flexibility, allowing members to engage with content at their convenience. The creation of 'accelerators' has effectively transformed the learning experience by permitting members to progress through curated courses while interacting with others facing similar challenges. A pivotal strategy is implementing a 'catch-up week' in these accelerators, accommodating life’s unforeseen circumstances, thereby encouraging continued participation.
Engagement Through Structured Interactions
The integration of structured interactions is key to maintaining engagement within the community. Members participate in weekly asynchronous check-ins that prompt them to reflect on their progress and share relevant experiences, fostering a sense of accountability and camaraderie. Additionally, the use of weekly office hours hosted by experienced members or external experts allows for real-time Q&A, which can deepen understanding and encourage community-building. This combination of scheduled interactions helps create a lively and interconnected community atmosphere.
Leveraging Members as Instructors
Encouraging members to lead workshops fosters a culture of shared learning and expertise within the community. By reaching out to members with specialized skills, the platform benefits from events that are both cost-effective and relatable, as they are conducted by peers who understand community members’ challenges firsthand. This not only empowers members to establish their authority but also provides them with promotional opportunities for their businesses. Engaging members in this way adds immense value and makes the learning process dynamic and practical.
Essence of Effective Onboarding
A well-structured onboarding process is essential for new community members to understand how to navigate and benefit from their membership. By implementing a guided onboarding experience similar to a course format, members can seamlessly adapt without feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of resources available. Continuous feedback through surveys immediately after onboarding can further enhance the experience and pinpoint areas needing improvement. Proactive onboarding alleviates potential confusion and equips members with the knowledge to maximize the benefits of the community.
Community Growth and Retention Strategies
Retention is a critical concern for community managers, particularly in ensuring that members remain engaged after completing specific programs or accelerators. To tackle this, tailored follow-up events and surveys are utilized to identify ongoing interests and encourage continued participation in future programs. These strategies ensure that members feel connected and valued, prompting them to stay for more than just a single offering. By regularly assessing member needs and interests, a community can evolve to maintain relevance and support, ultimately enhancing retention.
Ashley has managed to turn on-demand courses into a community experience that supports 1200+ paying members of Smart Passive Income’s All-access Pass community started by Pat Flynn.
She has created an innovative "accelerator" model that allows her to deliver the benefits of a cohort-based course without the hassle of doing live lessons.
We spent 75 mins exploring her community management workflow in this interview.
