

Community Creators with Shana Lynn
Shana Lynn Bresnahan
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/shanaspeaksI’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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 4, 2025 • 8min
Why Gamification Fails and What Membership Owners Should Do Instead
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedhttps://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/gamification-the-missing-piece-of-your-business - Ep 65: Gamification: The Missing Piece of Your Businesshttps://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/the-key-to-unlocking-member-progress - Ep 59: The Progress Wheel™| Keeping Up the Momentum Watch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedHave you ever introduced gamification to your membership program, only to find it didn’t deliver the lasting results you hoped for or worse, saw engagement drop off after the initial excitement? The truth is, while gamification can create a short-term boost in participation, if it’s not aligned with what truly motivates your members, it might end up doing more harm than good. In this episode, Shana will unpack the reasons why gamification often falls short in driving long-term engagement and retaining memberships. More importantly, she’ll share actionable strategies to help you tap into your members' deeper motivations, ensuring they stay engaged and keep coming back. Let’s explore how gamification could be holding your membership back—and how to turn things around for lasting success.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)What is Gamification according to Shana? (00:46) The reason why gamification doesn't work (01:03)How can we help our members make progress if gamification doesn't motivate them? (04:34)Episode wrap-up (07:36)Additional Resources:The Membership Retention Roadmap: https://www.retainguide.com/Watch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedLearn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Feb 25, 2025 • 8min
Be Impossible to Misunderstand with Steve D. Sims [Highlight]
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedFull episode: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/how-to-leverage-culture-mystery-to-get-more-sales-with-steve-d-simsSummary:Being authentic is a key to building a strong personal brand. Shana recently interviewed Steve D. Sims, who shared his insights on how to become 'impossible to misunderstand.' In this highlight episode, you'll discover how to infuse your brand with your unique personality and make a lasting impression.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)According to Steve, you need to know two things before getting up on stage (02:58)In Steve's opinion, there are three kinds of people (04:19)Episode wrap-up (07:06)Additional Resources:https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedLearn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Feb 18, 2025 • 7min
Why Industry Benchmarks Don’t Matter for Your Membership
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Membershttps://www.memberltv.com/ - Free Retention & LTV CalculatorWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedHave you ever wondered if your membership metrics are on par with industry benchmarks? Whether it’s retention rates, community engagement, or content consumption, these comparisons can sometimes do more harm than good. In this video, Shana breaks down why industry benchmarks might not be as helpful as you think, why tracking your own data is essential for sustainable growth, and how to focus on the metrics that truly matter for your membership success. Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Three reasons why benchmarks are misleading (01:08)Here's why you should track your own data (03:17)You can shift your focus by following these steps (05:03)Episode wrap-up (06:36)Additional Resources:The Membership Retention Roadmap: https://www.retainguide.com/Get Instant Access to the Membership Retention & Lifetime Value Calculator: https://www.memberltv.com/Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Feb 11, 2025 • 8min
How to Create Connection Among Event Attendees with Phil Mershon [Highlight]
Full episode: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/designing-unforgettable-live-event-experiences-with-phil-mershonSummary:Feeling connected and known is a crucial element to any successful event, whether it's online or in person. To help you create an unforgettable experience for your attendees, we've pulled out a highlight from Shana's recent interview with Phil Mershon, an expert in event experiences. Phil shares valuable insights on how to foster genuine connections and make your attendees feel truly valued.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)According to Phil, what other factors help to build connection, community, and culture? (00:29)Episode wrap-up (07:29)Additional Resources:Phil’s website: https://www.philmershon.com/Phil’s FREE article on community building: https://www.philmershon.com/bonusUnforgettable Book: https://www.philmershon.com/unforgettable-book/Phil’s Social Media Account: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phil.mershonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/phil_mershon/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philmershon/X (formerly Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/phil_mershon/Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Feb 4, 2025 • 16min
How to Scale Intimacy & Personalization in a Membership
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Membershttps://connectionideas.com/ - Get 77+ Ways to Create More Connection in Your CommunityWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedScaling intimacy and personalization in your membership might seem impossible, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Shana will break down the common misconceptions about why scaling feels so out of reach, the three biggest mistakes people make when trying to scale, and a fresh approach that ensures you maintain an incredible, personalized experience your members will love and keep coming back for. Get ready to rethink what’s possible for your membership!Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)According to Shana, there are three things that can go wrong when scaling (04:12)How can we scale while keeping intimacy and personalization? (07:03)The three main areas we'll work on refining or redesigning as we scale (08:30)Episode wrap-up (15:30)Additional Resources:The Membership Retention Roadmap: https://www.retainguide.com/Ways to Create More Connection in Your Community: https://connectionideas.com/Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Jan 28, 2025 • 6min
The 3 C’s of Hiring Success with Paula Maidens [Highlight]
Full episode: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/how-to-hire-and-lead-a-high-performing-team-with-paula-maidensSummary:One of the biggest hurdles for growing businesses is building a strong and effective team. Many entrepreneurs struggle with hiring the right people, losing team members due to turnover, or facing difficulties in finding their first employees. To address these challenges, Shana interviewed Paula Maidens, an expert in the field of hiring and team building. In this highlight, Paula shares her three C's for a successful hiring process.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)When Paula diagnoses a hiring problem, what steps do she take? (00:54)Three 3 C’s of hiring success according to Paula (02:26)Episode wrap-up (05:47)Additional Resources:Paula’s website: https://www.paulamaidens.com/Paula’s social media accounts:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulamaidensconsulting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulamaidens/Listen & subscribe to the Big Dreams Great Teams™ podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/big-dreams-great-teams/id1592202886 Grab My Top Interview Questions https://paulamaidens.com/top-interview-questions/Know WHO to hire by learning your Leadership Style. Take the Leadership Quiz! https://paulamaidens.com/quiz/5 ways to supercharge your team to get your timeback and live the life of your dream: https://paulamaidens.com/supercharge/The “must have” guide for interviewing like a PRO so you always make epic hiring decisions: https://paulamaidens.com/top-interview-questions/Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Jan 21, 2025 • 13min
Fastest Way to Reduce Churn
retainguide.com Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedAs a membership owner, you understand that customer churn is one of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of scaling your business. Every month, losing valuable members can set you back and prevent your membership from reaching its full potential. But what if you could start turning things around right now? In this session, Shana is going to share the fastest and most effective strategies to reduce churn and start retaining your members long-term. If you're ready to see real, sustainable growth, this is the key to unlocking that next level.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Why Does Churn Matters? (00:28)Member Journey Map from Shana’s perspective (02:20)How do you improve your onboarding? (06:07)Three key beliefs we want members to adopt when joining our membership (06:53)Three places will you communicate your onboarding and help build these beliefs (09:22)Episode wrap-up (13:08)Additional Resources:The Membership Retention Roadmap: https://www.retainguide.com/Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Jan 14, 2025 • 4min
The Secret to a Successful Team Member Onboarding with Savannah Bananas Co-Founder, Emily Cole [Highlight]
Full Episode: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/foster-a-fans-first-team-culture-with-emily-cole-of-the-savannah-bananasShana loved her interview with Emily Cole, co-founder of the Savannah Bananas, because of their incredible team culture and brand experience. Emily shared valuable insights on onboarding new team members, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong team culture. She wants to highlight this in a brief episode, encouraging listeners to consider how they can apply these principles to their own businesses and communities.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Onboarding process into the Banana family (00:55)Episode wrap-up (04:14)Additional Resources:Emily’s websites:The Savannah Bananas: https://thesavannahbananas.com/Bananas Foster: https://bananasfoster.org/Banana Land at Sea: https://www.bananalandatsea.com/Emily’s Social Media Accounts:Instagram: Emily’s Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/EmCole3/The Savannah Bananas - https://www.instagram.com/thesavbananas/Bananas Foster - https://www.instagram.com/Bananasfosterinc/Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Jan 7, 2025 • 16min
Understanding the Growth Path of a Member
Many membership owners make a critical mistake: treating all members the same. Shana dives into the concept of a member growth path, explaining why understanding where members are in their journey is crucial for creating a thriving, long-term community.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)According to Shana, what is the growth path of a member? (00:38)Steps in the growth path of a member (02:30)Different ways that you can measure the growth path (10:14)Episode wrap-up (16:24)Additional Resources:Ep 17: Why Engagement Isn’t The Goal: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/why-engagement-isnt-the-goalStreamlined Story System: https://www.streamlinedstorysystem.com/Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Dec 31, 2024 • 47min
Wisdom from a Decade of Being Mom, Entrepreneur and Community Strategist with Amy Wine
Shana's passion for creating thriving communities is evident in her podcast interviews. In this episode, she shares personal insights on balancing entrepreneurship with a fulfilling life. Join her conversation with Amy Wine as they discuss healthy boundaries, time management, and the lessons learned from over a decade of entrepreneurship. Discover how to create a thriving business while maintaining a thriving life.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Why did Shana choose to specialize and move into community space? (01:37)What are the key elements that make a community effective and help retain customers over time? (06:13)What are the most common misconceptions that people have about building communities for customer retentions? (11:48)What is one of the hardest lessons that Shana had to learn in running her business? (13:26)Is there an aha moment Shana had working that fundamentally changed the way you approach community building? (20:56)Episode wrap-up (44:59)Additional Resources:Amy’s website: https://amywine.com/Amy’s Social Media Accounts:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amywinecoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amywineco/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amywineco/YouTube: https://amywine.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/amywinecoLearn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Community Creators by Shana Lynn: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcastFREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!


