The Importance of a Community for Your Online School or Membership

This vlog will help you improve your communities, or if you don't have one, help you set it up. Read on...

Communities play a vital role in any course or membership site. Have you noticed the recent trend of platforms integrating communities directly into their interfaces? One of the latest examples is YouTube, which is still in the beta stage and not yet available to everyone.

Why Are Communities Becoming Increasingly Important?

Communities serve several essential functions: they engage users, provide valuable information, and facilitate networking opportunities.

Building a strong community, such as Zenler, can have a significant positive impact on your business. In our upcoming workshop, we will explore the benefits of cultivating a thriving community over three to four live sessions.

Part 1: The Power of Community in Online Learning

In today's digital age, building a thriving online community is essential for course creators and membership site owners. A strong community can significantly enhance the learning experience, boost engagement, and ultimately drive sales and growth. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how communities can transform your online education business, drawing insights from a recent live workshop on the "Enhanced Learning Experience."

The Power of Community in the Online Learning

Why Communities Matter

Communities play a crucial role in the success of online courses and memberships. As Kevin, one of the workshop hosts, pointed out: "As course creators, this is really important. When we take people through a process on their own, it often feels like there is a disconnect because there’s the student and the teacher, which establishes a clear status difference. However, when you have a community, people are going through things together, often at slightly different levels—not in terms of student-to-teacher dynamics, but rather as peers. This makes the experience much more exciting and enjoyable."

This sentiment was echoed by workshop participants, with one attendee, Nicola, commenting, "Support from other students makes me feel less intimidated by the teacher."

Key Benefits of Community Engagement

Enhanced Comprehension and Retention
- Activates prior knowledge
- Aids in making connections between concepts
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Encourages exposure to different viewpoints
- Promotes alternative approaches to challenges
Positive Learning Environment
- Increases engagement, motivation, and satisfaction
- Prepares learners for real-world scenarios
Cognitive and Emotional Development
- Supports cognitive processes
- Fosters emotional intelligence

Real-World Impact

The workshop hosts shared examples from their own experiences with the Zenler community. David, one of the presenters, noted: "I actually heard this from Harry the other day when he ran the video workshop. He said, 'I can't believe how motivated and energetic your community is.' He was inspired. He has his own groups and found inspiration in the Zenler community. And that just goes to show how great you all are."

This demonstrates how a well-managed community can become a powerful asset, inspiring both members and outsiders alike.

Building a Supportive Community Environment

Fostering Peer Support

One of the most valuable aspects of a community is the peer support it facilitates. As Kevin explained: "The more experienced members help the new members by showing them around. We get similar questions week in and week out from new people, and we often don’t even need to answer them anymore because our community does it for us. They’re really great like that."

This peer-to-peer assistance not only lightens the load on course creators but also creates a more engaging and supportive learning environment.

Encouraging Diverse Perspectives

A thriving community brings together individuals from various backgrounds, each with unique experiences and insights. This diversity can lead to rich discussions and innovative problem-solving. As David pointed out: "We've got a diverse group of people in our Facebook group, for instance, who come from all over the world, bringing completely different perspectives and experiences. They share those within the community, and it can only be a good thing, can't it? Because it opens you up."

Facilitating Real-World Connections

Communities can bridge the gap between online learning and real-world application. Workshop participant Caroline shared her perspective: "I think community groups are great for sharing knowledge. As a business owner, there isn't always time to provide feedback to customers or students. Having a community really helps customers and students share knowledge and answer questions within an effective timeframe."

This real-world connection can significantly enhance the value of your courses or memberships, making them more practical and applicable for learners. In the next section, we'll explore the tools and platforms available for building your community, as well as best practices for engagement and growth.

Utilizing Tools and Platforms for Community Building

In today's digital landscape, numerous tools and platforms are available to help course creators and membership site owners build thriving communities. Let's explore some of the most popular options:

Discord

Discord is a versatile communication platform that offers text, voice, and video chat capabilities. It is particularly effective for fostering vibrant communities around shared interests. Some key features include:

Customizable channels for different topics
Voice chat rooms for live discussions
Screen sharing capabilities
Integration with various bots and apps

Slack

While primarily designed for professional team collaboration, Slack can also be an excellent tool for building learning communities. Its key features include:

Organized conversations through channels and threads
Direct messaging for one-on-one interactions
File sharing and search functionality
Integration with numerous third-party apps

Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups remain one of the most popular options for community building due to their ease of use and widespread adoption. Benefits include:

Familiarity for most users
Built-in engagement tools like polls and events
Easy content sharing and discovery
A mobile app for on-the-go participation

Zenler Community

The upcoming Zenler Community feature promises to be a game-changer for course creators and membership site owners. While details are still under wraps, David hinted at some exciting developments: "You are going to be shocked and amazed. We cannot wait for this to come out. It's coming very soon. Instead of the single-line community you currently have, it will be more like threaded discussions. You can assign unlimited communities to any of the courses or even have them as public within the platform. This is going to change massively, and we’re going to allow you to set it up for both public access and private groups for your courses as well."

This integrated solution will combine course creation with community engagement, allowing educators to connect with students and foster collaborative learning seamlessly within the Zenler platform.

Best Practices for Community Engagement

To make the most of your community, consider implementing these best practices:

1. Set Clear Goals and Guidelines

Define the objectives of your community to keep members focused and motivated. As Kevin pointed out: "It's really important to set out what those goals are for your community because if you don't tell people, they'll just go off and do their own thing and say, 'Well, you never said there were any guidelines, so we just did what we wanted.'"

2. Foster Trust and Transparency

Encourage open communication and provide regular updates to create a sense of security within your community. Solicit feedback and act on it to demonstrate that members’ opinions matter.

3. Utilize Diverse Communication Channels

Employ a mix of online and offline communication methods to effectively reach different audience segments. This might include:

Social media interactions
Email newsletters
In-person meetups or events (when possible)
Live webinars or Q&A sessions

4. Encourage Inclusive Participation

Ensure that all voices are heard within your community, not just the loudest or most frequent contributors. Kevin emphasized the importance of this: "You often get the louder voices in a community that tend to bellow above the quieter ones, and it's hard to manage that at times to get the balance right. But you can't allow people to feel unheard. Everyone's voice should be equal within a community, regardless of whether they are new or not."

5. Create Opportunities for Feedback

Regularly solicit input from your community members through surveys, polls, and open discussions. This not only helps you improve your offerings but also makes members feel valued and invested in the community's success.

6. Recognize and Reward Contributions

Acknowledge and celebrate members who actively contribute to the community. This can be done through:

Verbal recognition during live events
Badges or special designations within the community platform
Featuring member success stories or contributions
Offering exclusive perks or opportunities to top contributors

7. Provide Educational Resources

Empower your community members with the knowledge and tools they need to engage meaningfully in discussions and initiatives. This might include:

Creating a community onboarding guide
Offering tutorials on how to use community features
Sharing relevant articles, videos, or other learning materials

8. Facilitate Familiar Settings

Organize events or create spaces within your community that feel comfortable and familiar to members. This can help lower barriers to participation and encourage more open communication.

9. Be Flexible and Adaptive

While it's important to have a clear vision for your community, be ready to adjust your strategies based on member feedback and changing needs. However, as Kevin cautioned: "Remember, it's your community. As much as member feedback is encouraged and can be useful and positive, you will encounter people with every opinion across the spectrum. You can't keep everybody happy. So, you have to remember it's your group—your community. Feedback and engagement matter, but they should align with the goals and objectives of your business and the overarching aim of the community."

10. Promote Peer Interaction

By implementing these best practices, you can create a thriving community that enhances the learning experience for your course participants or membership site members. Remember, building a strong community takes time and effort, but the rewards in terms of engagement, retention, and overall satisfaction can be tremendous.

Implementing Community Engagement Strategies

Now that we've explored the importance of communities and best practices for engagement, let's dive into some practical strategies you can implement to foster a thriving community around your courses or memberships.

1. Set Clear Goals and Guidelines

One of the most crucial steps in building a successful community is establishing clear objectives and guidelines. As Kevin emphasized: "It's really important to set out what those goals are for your community because if you don't tell people, they'll just go off and do their own thing and say, 'You never said there were any guidelines, so we've just done what we wanted.'"

Define the purpose of your community and communicate it clearly to your members. This could include:

Facilitating peer-to-peer learning
Providing a support network for course participants
Encouraging collaboration on projects
Sharing industry insights and updates

By setting clear expectations, you'll help guide discussions and activities within the community toward your desired outcomes.

2. Foster Trust and Transparency

Building trust is essential for creating a safe and engaging environment for your community members. Be open about your processes, decision-making, and any changes that might affect the community. Regularly update your members on new developments and encourage them to provide feedback. As David pointed out, "We try to move forward with what you guys want. We're watching what you do. We're monitoring the community, and if it starts to get negative, we will post and say that it’s not acceptable."

This level of transparency and responsiveness helps members feel valued and invested in the community's success.

3. Utilize Diverse Communication Channels

To effectively reach and engage different segments of your audience, employ a mix of communication methods:

Social media interactions
Email newsletters
Live webinars or Q&A sessions
In-person meetups or events (when possible)

By diversifying your communication channels, you can cater to different preferences and increase overall engagement.

4. Encourage Inclusive Participation

Ensure that all voices within your community are heard, not just the loudest or most frequent contributors. Kevin highlighted the importance of this: "You often get the louder voices in a community that tend to bellow above the quieter ones, and it's hard to manage that at times to get the balance right. But you can't allow people to feel unheard. Everyone's voice should be equal within a community, irrespective of whether they're new or not."

Consider implementing strategies such as:

Rotating featured members or contributions
Creating dedicated spaces for newcomers to introduce themselves
Actively soliciting input from quieter members

5. Create Opportunities for Feedback

Regularly seek input from your community members through surveys, polls, and open discussions. This not only helps you improve your offerings but also makes members feel valued and invested in the community's success. As Kevin noted, "Feedback is just... I can't tell you how important it is, because we can happily go off thinking everything's fine and dandy in our own little bubble world, as a lot of us are doing this on our own."

6. Recognize and Reward Contributions

Acknowledge and celebrate members who actively contribute to the community. This can be done through:

Verbal recognition during live events
Badges or special designations within the community platform
Featuring member success stories or contributions
Offering exclusive perks or opportunities to top contributors

David shared an example of this practice: "We've got Erin in there. We've got Amit, Kyla, and Phoenix. These are people who answer questions in the group all the time."

7. Provide Educational Resources

Empower your community members with the knowledge and tools they need to engage meaningfully in discussions and initiatives. This might include:

Creating a community onboarding guide
Offering tutorials on how to use community features
Sharing relevant articles, videos, or other learning materials

8. Facilitate Familiar Settings

Organize events or create spaces within your community that feel comfortable and familiar to members. This can help lower barriers to participation and encourage more open communication. Kevin suggested: "You could break down bigger communities into smaller cohorts to take people through things. Even just as a look, I'm running a special collaboration event here: the first 20 people to click on the link get to come in, and we get to chew the fat over different topics."

9. Be Flexible and Adaptive

While it's important to have a clear vision for your community, be ready to adjust your strategies based on member feedback and changing needs. However, as Kevin cautioned: "Remember, it's your community. As much as member feedback is encouraged and can be useful and positive, you will encounter people with every opinion across the spectrum, and you can't keep everybody happy. So you have to remember it's your group—your community. Therefore, feedback and engagement matter, but they should align with the goals and objectives of your business and the overarching aim of the community."

10. Promote Peer Interaction

Encourage members to connect with one another through small group discussions, collaborative projects, or mentorship programs. This helps strengthen community bonds and creates a more dynamic learning environment. Kevin explained how this works in practice: "We do this all the time through the workshops that we run. You may not know it, but you'll often come into a workshop and see people like Pauline and others who have been around Zenler for quite some time, alongside a whole heap of new people."

Conclusion

Building a strong community around your courses or memberships can significantly enhance the learning experience for your participants, boost engagement, and ultimately drive growth for your business. By implementing these strategies and best practices, you can create a thriving community that not only supports your educational goals but also becomes a valuable asset in its own right.

Remember that building a successful community takes time, effort, and consistent nurturing. Be patient, stay committed to your community's goals, and always be open to learning and adapting as you go. With dedication and the right approach, you can create a community that enhances your courses or memberships and becomes a powerful force for learning, collaboration, and growth in your niche.

As you move forward with your community-building efforts, keep in mind the words of Ana Edna GO, who aptly summarized the power of community: "The spirit of the community is definitely a huge differentiator." By fostering a positive, engaging, and supportive community, you'll set yourself apart from the competition and create lasting value for your members and your business.

Part 2: The Power of Engagement and Retention

In today's digital landscape, building a thriving online community is essential for course creators and membership site owners looking to boost engagement, retention, and ultimately, sales. The Increased Engagement and Retention episode of the Zenler Community Workshop series delved deeply into strategies for leveraging communities to drive growth. Let's explore the key insights shared by David Zenler and Kevin, along with valuable contributions from workshop participants.

The Power of Engagement and Retention in Community

At the core of any successful online learning platform lies the ability to keep students engaged and coming back for more. David Zenler emphasized this point early in the workshop: "Engagement refers to the level of active participation, interest, and interaction students have with the course content, instructors, and peers in an online learning environment. It encompasses cognitive, behavioural, and emotional involvement in the learning process."

Kevin expanded on this, highlighting the importance of retention: "Retention refers to the ability to keep students involved and actively participating. How many people have loads and loads of students going through their courses, yet their completion rate is quite low?"

These two factors—engagement and retention—are critical for the success of online learning programs. They contribute to student satisfaction, achievement of learning outcomes, and overall program effectiveness.

The Role of Community in Fostering Accountability

One of the key benefits of building a strong community around your courses or membership site is the sense of accountability it creates. Workshop participants shared their experiences:

Christel: "Accountability in a group where I got the training for free. I feel like I'm kind of 'obliged' to react."
Nikki: "I like accountability where I have to carry out some kind of task and then get judged on my performance. The pressure of being judged makes me take action. Weight Watchers classes spring to mind!"
Geraldine Wilkins: "My live stream bimonthly show fosters encouragement and accountability."

These examples demonstrate how community interactions can motivate members to stay on track with their learning goals. Kevin noted that this sense of accountability doesn't have to feel forced: "Using words like 'obliged' or 'you feel compelled,' or any of those types of things to do anything—you shouldn't really feel that strongly. That's quite a strong emotion."

Instead, the goal is to create an environment where members naturally want to participate and support each other's progress.

Social Learning Theory and Community-Based Engagement

David Zenler explained how social learning theory supports community-based engagement: "Social learning theory is learning from other people. So we have it in the group all the time. It's when we come up with the default answers at Zenler. It used to be Kevin posting there, doing it his way, or I do it my way, and that's our learning. But when you get into the community or the social learning theory of it, what you get is this different side of things. You get someone who's doing it slightly differently."

This diversity of perspectives and approaches within a community can enrich the learning experience for all members. It allows for the cross-pollination of ideas and techniques, leading to more innovative and effective learning outcomes.

The FOMO Effect and Active Participation

Kevin introduced the concept of the "FOMO effect" (Fear of Missing Out) and how it can drive community engagement: "We used to have milestone trophies, digital trophies that were given out, and they used to be published in the community group. People would collect those little trophy stickers. They meant nothing ultimately—they were just digital stickers—but the people who didn't get them really, really wanted them."

This gamification approach taps into people's natural desire for recognition and achievement. By creating a sense of friendly competition and celebrating milestones, course creators can encourage more active participation within their communities.

Strategies for Boosting Engagement Through Community

Building a thriving community is not just about creating a space for members to interact; it's about actively fostering engagement and participation. David Zenler and Kevin shared several key strategies for boosting engagement:

Regular Community Events

Hosting regular events within your community can significantly increase participation and create a sense of anticipation among members. These events can take various forms:

Discussion forums on specific topics
Mutual meetups (virtual or in-person)
Q&A sessions with experts or community leaders
Challenges that encourage members to take action and share results

David emphasized the importance of scheduling these events in advance: "Make sure that you are scheduling these events so that people can see them in your community. Okay? Or you're outreaching and following that up with an email when it gets nearer the time."

User-Generated Content

Encouraging members to contribute their own content can significantly boost engagement. This approach not only provides fresh perspectives but also makes members feel valued and heard. David shared an example: "I actually shared a post that was created by one of our members. It was on a private feed, and she put it there, but it was really relevant to our group. So I posted it in our community."

Gamification and Recognition

Implementing gamification elements and recognizing member contributions can create a powerful incentive for participation. Kevin shared a personal experience: "We used to have milestone trophies, digital trophies that were awarded and published in the community group. People collected those little trophy stickers. They meant nothing ultimately—they were just digital stickers—but those who didn't receive them really wanted them." David added that Zenler plans to incorporate more gamification features into their platform in future updates.

Peer-to-Peer Support

Fostering a culture of mutual assistance within your community can lead to increased engagement and a stronger sense of belonging. David shared an example of how he facilitates connections between members: "Jackie Footman, who specializes in EFT and is highly regarded in the field, trains many people to teach using EFT. In the past, I've introduced individuals practicing EFT to one another, and they've really come back to thank me for it."

The Importance of Personalization and Segmentation

As communities grow, it becomes increasingly important to create targeted experiences for different segments of your audience. Kevin explained, "We've taken you from the Facebook community, although this is being streamed there. You've come into a little Zoom live session where we have your own small community running through this workshop. So we've taken you from a large community, i.e., the Zenler Facebook group, into a smaller community where there are twenty-something of you here at the moment." This approach allows for more focused discussions and can help members feel more connected to others with similar interests or goals.

Active Participation from Community Leaders

Both David and Kevin stressed the importance of community leaders being actively involved in their communities. Kevin explained, "If you're an absent community leader, what will happen is someone will take that title and run with it. So if you build a community with 100 people in it, and you don't post anything, you don't do anything, and you're not seen in that community, what happens is somebody else will step into that breach." By consistently showing up and contributing valuable content, community leaders can:

Reinforce their position as the authority in the community
Set the tone for interactions and discussions
Encourage others to participate more actively

David added, "We should be trying to push you guys to be better, and we should be trying to help hold you accountable for your own work. But we want you to talk about it. We want you to write about what you have done, what you have achieved, and what your big win is."

Practical Tips for Implementing Community Engagement Strategies

Throughout the workshop, David and Kevin provided several practical tips for course creators and membership site owners looking to boost engagement:

Use visual content: Create eye-catching graphics using tools like Canva to promote events, share milestones, or highlight member achievements.
Leverage social proof: Share testimonials and success stories from community members to inspire and motivate others.
Create a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Offer exclusive content or opportunities to those who participate in live events or complete certain actions within the community.
Use polls and surveys: Regularly ask for feedback and opinions from your community to guide your content creation and improve your offerings.
Celebrate milestones: Recognize both individual and community achievements to foster a sense of progress and accomplishment.
Encourage cross-promotion: Facilitate connections between members who might benefit from collaborating or learning from each other.
Utilize AI tools: Experiment with AI-powered tools like ChatGPT to generate engaging prompts or content ideas for your community.

Onboarding and Welcoming New Members

One of the most critical aspects of building a thriving community is the onboarding process for new members. David Zenler and Kevin shared their insights on how to effectively integrate newcomers:

Weekly Welcome Posts

Kevin explained Zenler's approach: "We have a weekly post that comes up that welcomes them and tags them. It not only makes them feel included and noticed, but it also allows the rest of the community to know we’ve got new people coming in." This simple practice serves multiple purposes:

It makes new members feel acknowledged and valued.
It alerts existing members to the community's growth.
It encourages existing members to reach out and welcome newcomers.

Personalized Onboarding

For paid members, Zenler takes onboarding a step further. Kevin shared: "We do in-office hours to onboard people because we make sure that throughout the course of the month, we show them around. We highlight all of the aspects that we've got as educators for Zenler that they can access." This personalized approach helps new members:

Understand the full range of resources available to them.
Feel supported in their learning journey.
Build a connection with the community leaders.

The Importance of a Warm Welcome

David emphasized the significance of a proper welcome: "Don't let them come into a community and be ignored. It probably won't go too well." This sentiment underscores the need for course creators and membership site owners to prioritize the new member experience.

Creating Continuous Value for Your Community

To keep members engaged and returning, it’s crucial to provide ongoing value. The workshop highlighted several strategies to achieve this:

Regular Content Creation

David and Kevin emphasized the importance of consistently creating and sharing valuable content within your community. This can include:

Educational posts
Polls and surveys to gather member feedback
Highlighting member successes and case studies
Featuring community members on live streams or podcasts

Personalization and Segmentation

As communities grow, it becomes increasingly important to create targeted experiences for different segments of your audience. Kevin explained: "We've taken you from the Facebook community, although this is being streamed in there. And you've come into a little Zoom live where we've got you. Your own little community running through this workshop. So we've taken you from a large community, i.e. the Zenler Facebook group, you've come into a smaller community where there's 20 something of you in here at the moment." This approach allows for more focused discussions and can help members feel more connected to others with similar interests or goals.

Leveraging User-Generated Content

David shared an example of how Zenler incorporates user-generated content: "I actually shared a post that was done, and it was really good. It was by one of our members, but it was on a private feed. She posted it, and it was really relevant to our group, so I shared it there." By showcasing member contributions, you can:

Increase engagement
Provide diverse perspectives
Make members feel valued and heard

The Importance of Active Community Leadership

Both David and Kevin emphasized the critical role that community leaders play in fostering engagement and retention. Kevin explained: "If you're an absent community leader, what will happen is someone will take that title and run with it. So if you build a community with 100 people in it, and you don't post anything, you don't do anything, and you're not seen in that community, what happens is somebody else will step into that role." To maintain your position as the community leader and guide the community's direction, it's essential to:

Regularly post valuable content
Engage with member comments and questions
Host live events or Q&A sessions
Lead by example in terms of community participation

David added: "We should be trying to push you guys to be better, and we should be trying to help hold you accountable for your own work. But we want you to talk about it. We want you to write. What have you done? What have you achieved? What is your big win?"

Practical Tips for Implementing Community Engagement Strategies

Throughout the workshop, David and Kevin provided several actionable tips for course creators and membership site owners looking to boost engagement:

Use visual content: Create eye-catching graphics using tools like Canva to promote events, share milestones, or highlight member achievements.
Leverage social proof: Share testimonials and success stories from community members to inspire and motivate others.
Create a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Offer exclusive content or opportunities to those who participate in live events or complete certain actions within the community.
Use polls and surveys: Regularly ask for feedback and opinions from your community to guide your content creation and improve your offerings.
Celebrate milestones: Recognize both individual and community achievements to foster a sense of progress and accomplishment.
Encourage cross-promotion: Facilitate connections between members who might benefit from collaborating or learning from each other.
Utilize AI tools: Experiment with AI-powered tools like ChatGPT to generate engaging prompts or content ideas for your community.

Implementing Community Engagement Strategies

Throughout the workshop, David Zenler and Kevin provided several practical examples and tips for course creators and membership site owners looking to boost engagement. Let's explore some of these key strategies:

Leveraging Social Media Platforms

While the workshop focused primarily on Facebook groups, many of these strategies can be applied to other social media platforms or community spaces. Some key tactics include:

Scheduled Posts: Plan and schedule posts in advance to maintain a consistent presence. David demonstrated how Zenler uses countdown posts for upcoming events: "We do countdowns coming up to live events, and we've got this Black Friday event coming up, and we have a countdown on here now."
Polls and Surveys: Use polls to gather valuable data about your audience's needs and preferences. David shared an example: "We've got a poll running where we've asked our audience what their biggest challenges are. What are they having problems with? We get data from this, and we know what workshops to run, what people are going to be interested in, and what we can sell them further on."
User-Generated Content: Share and highlight content created by community members. David explained: "We've also shared someone else's post. This is one of our users, and she did a really good post, so we decided to share it. Think about sharing other members of the community."
Event Promotion: Use your community space to promote upcoming events and workshops. David emphasized the importance of scheduling these well in advance: "Make sure that you are scheduling these events so that people can see them in your community. Okay? Or you're outreaching and following that up with an email as the date approaches."

Creating Engaging Visual Content

The workshop provided attendees with a free Canva template to create engaging visual content for their communities. Some ideas shared included:

Course cards for promoting upcoming workshops
Testimonial request graphics
Milestone celebration images
Welcome posts for new members
Countdown timers for events

David stressed the importance of visual appeal: "Change them up a bit. Make them colourful like this, and you'll get that engagement coming through."

Gamification and Recognition

Both David and Kevin highlighted the power of gamification in driving engagement. Kevin shared a personal example: "We used to have milestone trophies—digital trophies that were given out and published in the community group. People collected those little trophy stickers. They meant nothing ultimately—they were just digital stickers—but the people who didn’t get them really, really wanted them." David added that Zenler is planning to incorporate more gamification features into their platform in future updates.

Leveraging AI Tools for Content Creation

The workshop demonstrated how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to generate engaging prompts and content for community posts. David walked attendees through the process of using a prompt to create a personalized testimonial-style post. This approach can be particularly useful for:

Generating ideas for posts
Creating varied content quickly
Personalizing messages for different segments of your audience

Balancing Engagement and Value

Kevin emphasized the importance of providing consistent value to your community: "Don't just post for the sake of posting. Post something with a plan. Make sure that it's useful and helpful to people. Don't just post stuff because you think, 'Oh, I haven't posted for 2 months; I better just go on and say, Hi everyone!' David added that it's crucial to find a balance between posts that provide value and those that encourage engagement: "It can be value where someone's just taking something away, but they're not actually engaging with the post. So you've got to get that balance of engagement as well as giving them value."

Key Takeaways for Implementing Community Engagement Strategies

Consistency is Key: Regular, planned posting is essential for maintaining an active and engaged community.
Provide Ongoing Value: Ensure that your posts and community activities offer genuine value to your members.
Encourage Interaction: Use a variety of post types (polls, questions, challenges) to encourage member participation.
Recognize and Reward: Implement gamification elements and publicly recognize member contributions to foster a sense of achievement and belonging.
Leverage User-Generated Content: Highlight and share content created by your community members to increase engagement and provide diverse perspectives.
Use Visual Content: Incorporate eye-catching graphics and images to make your posts more appealing and shareable.
Personalize and Segment: Create targeted experiences for different segments of your audience to increase relevance and engagement.
Be an Active Leader: Maintain a strong presence in your community to guide discussions and set the tone for interactions.
Utilize Technology: Leverage AI tools and scheduling features to streamline your community management process.
Monitor and Adapt: Regularly review engagement metrics and member feedback to refine your community strategies over time.

By implementing these strategies and consistently working to improve your community engagement, you can create a thriving, supportive environment that not only retains existing members but also attracts new ones. Remember, building a strong community takes time and effort, but the rewards in terms of increased sales, customer loyalty, and overall business growth can be substantial. As David Zenler concluded, "This is not brain surgery, guys. This is, we say, the same thing with social channels—any social channels. Consistency is key for results. It can take a while; it can take a long time to grow your audience, but once you've got them, you're just adding to them, and that's a good thing."

Part 3: The Core Principle of Professional Networking in Online Communities

Kevin, the co-host, dove straight into the heart of the matter by posing a thought-provoking question to the attendees:

"What is the core principle—the one core principle—behind professional networking? And I want a one-word answer."

The chat exploded with responses:

Ana Edna GO: "Value"
Sofia: "connection"
Steve Gillis: "learning"
Christel: "Inspiration"
Pauline Baxter: "connections"
Tracy: "connection"

After allowing participants to share their thoughts, Kevin revealed the key principle:

'The one core principle behind business networking is... relationships.

It's about building a relationship between you and the other person.

"This insight set the tone for the rest of the workshop, emphasizing that successful networking in an online community goes beyond mere connections – it's about fostering meaningful relationships.

What is a Membership Community?

A membership community is a group of individuals who share common interests, goals, or professions and interact regularly through a dedicated online platform. These communities often provide exclusive content, networking opportunities, and collaborative spaces for their members.

In the context of online learning and professional development, a membership community can be a powerful tool for knowledge sharing and career advancement.

Breaking Down Geographical Barriers with Online Communities

One of the most significant advantages of online communities is their ability to transcend geographical limitations.

David highlighted this point:

"We're worldwide. We cover everywhere. And you guys that are running your own communities have probably got people from all over the world. So it breaks down geographical barriers which is really powerful."

This global reach opens up unprecedented opportunities for learning, collaboration, and business growth.

Participants can connect with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the table.

The Importance of Cultural Awareness in Online Communities

As communities become more diverse, understanding and respecting cultural differences becomes increasingly important.

Kevin shared an insightful anecdote about a videographer he met who, due to his cultural background, used different names in personal and professional settings.

This story underscored the importance of approaching cultural differences with curiosity and respect:

"I found that he was so pleased that I asked, I tell you. I spent about two hours with him as he explained all of the names and how everything operates, and I thought, mate, this is great. I've learned something really valuable because I had no idea."

Overcoming Shyness and Hesitation in Online Communities

Building a thriving community isn’t just about bringing people together; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable participating. The workshop addressed the challenge of engaging introverted or hesitant members.

Sofia shared in the chat:

"introverted here. took me 3 years to start to come to the lives..."

This honest admission resonated with many participants and sparked a discussion on creating safe spaces within communities.

Tracy emphasized:

"I think it's so important to hold a safe place for people on calls and online"

Kevin added valuable insights on this topic:

"I think it’s a big issue that can easily go wrong if you’re not careful. In the early stages of relationship building, you don’t know people, their circumstances, or why they might be quiet in a community."

He suggested reaching out to quieter members individually, offering support and understanding. This personalized approach can help build trust and encourage participation over time.

The Role of Community in Business Growth

As the workshop progressed, it became clear that a well-managed online community can be a powerful asset for business growth.

Steve Gillis shared an exciting perspective on leveraging communities:

"I see so many communities within communities. Many of us think of free communities, but you can also run paid ones. The way I’m approaching it now is through my lead magnets. I’ll direct people to my free community and then say, 'By the way, if you want access to my workshops and more, you can get it for a monthly fee."

This insight opened up discussions on monetization strategies and the potential for creating tiered community structures to cater to different member needs and engagement levels.

Zenler: A Platform with Built-In Community Features

For those wondering how to create an online community without the hassle of integrating multiple tools, Zenler offers a solution.

David hinted at upcoming developments:

'We’ve mentioned before that we will soon be launching new communities within Zenler. It’s going to be similar to a Facebook or Mighty Networks experience, and it’s going to be absolutely amazing."

With Zenler, which has a built-in free community, course creators and community managers can seamlessly integrate their learning content with community features, providing a comprehensive experience for their members.

As the workshop came to a close, participants were buzzing with ideas and insights. The foundation had been laid for understanding the power of professional networks within online communities and the potential of platforms like Zenler to facilitate these connections.

The stage was set for diving deeper into practical strategies for fostering collaboration and engagement in the upcoming segments.

Now, we'll explore tools, platforms, and actionable steps for building and nurturing your online community!

Strategies for Fostering Engagement and Collaboration in Your Online Community

Building on the foundation already laid, this section delves deeper into practical strategies for fostering engagement and collaboration within your online community.

For those wondering, 'How do I create an online community?' these insights from David and Kevin's workshop provide valuable guidance on building and nurturing a thriving digital space.

Icebreakers and Introductions: Key to Building a Membership Community

One of the key challenges in any online community is helping members get to know one another. Kevin emphasized the importance of icebreakers and introductions, especially for new members:

"If you’re thinking about building a community but aren’t quite sure what to do or how to progress, a helpful approach is to introduce an icebreaker every couple of weeks and provide an example."

This approach can be particularly effective in breaking down initial barriers and encouraging participation from more reserved members.

Some ideas for icebreakers in your membership community include:

Introductory posts for new members
Regular polls and opinion surveys
"Share your workspace" challenges
"Two truths and a lie" games

Theme Discussions and Events: Keeping Your Online Community Engaged

To keep the community engaged and foster meaningful conversations, Kevin suggested creating engaging topics that spark discussion and collaboration:

"If you're feeling brave, you could discuss current events in your industry. Consider examining myths or misconceptions that people believe and dispelling those falsehoods."

This strategy can be particularly effective in:

Encouraging knowledge sharing
Challenging misconceptions in your field
Keeping members up-to-date with industry trends

Kevin humorously added, "If I want to get people talking, all I have to do is go into one of my groups where everyone is learning marketing and say, 'Pop-ups are brilliant,' and then walk out. They’ll go on for days."

Skill Sharing Initiatives: Leveraging Collective Knowledge in Your Online Community

One of the most valuable aspects of a membership community is the collective knowledge and experience of its members.

David and Kevin highlighted the importance of encouraging members to share their expertise:

"We see this a lot in Zenler, where people have found workarounds for various challenges they’re trying to overcome. They might say, 'This is what I did. This is how I got around it. Here’s a way you can use this element of Zenler to achieve the same thing you’re looking to do."

To foster this kind of skill sharing in your online community:

Create dedicated threads or channels for tips and tricks
Highlight member contributions in newsletters or featured posts
Organize skill-sharing workshops or webinars led by community members

Collaborative Challenges and Competitions: Fostering Teamwork in Your Online Community

Kevin introduced the idea of collaborative challenges or competitions to foster teamwork and networking:

"You can create mini challenges, like a 'post a selfie day' in the office. For example, you could say, 'As soon as you see this post, take a selfie exactly where you are, stick it up, and no photoshopping or any of that nonsense. It’s just for fun, right?"

These activities can serve multiple purposes in your membership community:

Increasing engagement and participation
Helping members connect on a more personal level
Providing valuable insights for community managers

David added an important point about using these activities for community feedback:

"Sometimes we need to gauge whether we’re still on the right track because things change. It’s also a way for us to determine what to do next and how to implement it."

Overcoming Challenges in Online Community Management

Addressing Shyness and Hesitation in Your Membership Community

One of the most significant challenges in managing an online community is encouraging participation from more introverted or hesitant members.

Kevin shared some valuable insights on this topic:

"I think it's a huge challenge that you can easily get wrong if you're not careful. In the early days of relationship building, you don’t know people, their circumstances, or why they might be quiet in a community."

He suggested reaching out to quieter members individually:

"In smaller communities, I’ve definitely reached out one-on-one to people who are attending but not necessarily interacting, just to check in and see if they’re okay. I try to put a virtual arm around them by asking, 'Is there anything we can do to help you? Is there anything you’re feeling uncomfortable with?"

This personalized approach can help build trust and encourage participation over time in your online community.

Managing Time Zones and Cultural Differences in a Global Online Community

As communities become more global, managing time zones and cultural differences becomes increasingly important.

David highlighted this challenge:

"We have our Australian members saying that our meeting times are too late in the day, and we need to adjust them to be more accessible for them. At the same time, we’re also trying to reach the US market. Managing different time zones can be quite challenging."

Some strategies to address these challenges in your online community include:

Rotating event times to accommodate different time zones
Providing recordings and summaries for those who can't attend live
Being mindful of cultural differences in communication styles and expectations

Kevin added an important point about cultural awareness:

"It really interests me when people use certain words that I often don’t understand, so I ask them about it because I’m genuinely curious to learn more."

This curiosity and respect for cultural differences can go a long way in creating a welcoming and inclusive online community environment.

Leveraging Technology for Community Building: Zenler's Free Community Feature

The workshop also touched on the importance of choosing the right tools and platforms for your online community.

David hinted at upcoming developments in Zenler:

"We’ve mentioned before that we will soon be launching new communities within Zenler. It’s going to be similar to a Facebook or Mighty Networks experience, and it’s going to be absolutely amazing."

This integrated approach can be particularly beneficial for those looking to create a membership community within their existing course platform.

As the workshop concluded, it became clear that building a thriving online community requires a combination of strategic planning, genuine engagement, and the right technological tools. By implementing these strategies and remaining responsive to member needs, course creators and community managers can foster vibrant spaces for networking, collaboration, and shared learning.

Advanced Strategies for Community Growth and Engagement

Building on the foundations already laid, this section delves into advanced strategies for fostering community growth, enhancing engagement, and maximizing the value of your online community. For those wondering, "How do I create an online community?" these insights from David and Kevin's workshop offer valuable guidance on building and nurturing a thriving digital space.

Leveraging User-Generated Content in Your Online Community

One of the most powerful ways to foster engagement and create a sense of ownership within your online community is to encourage and showcase user-generated content.

David highlighted this approach:

"We see this a lot in Zenler, where people have found workarounds for various challenges they’re trying to overcome. They often say, 'This is what I did. This is how I got around it. Here’s a way you can use this element of Zenler to achieve the same goals you're looking for."

To implement this strategy effectively in your online community:

Create dedicated spaces for members to share their tips, tricks, and solutions
Highlight exceptional contributions in newsletters or featured posts
Encourage members to create tutorials or guides for fellow community members

This approach not only increases engagement but also helps build a knowledge base that adds value to your community over time.

Implementing Tiered Community Structures: What is a Membership Community?

Steve Gillis, a workshop participant, shared an insightful perspective on leveraging communities for business growth:

"I see many communities within communities. While a lot of us think of free communities, you can also run paid ones. Currently, I’m using my lead magnets to drive people to my free community, and then I say, 'By the way, if you want access to my workshops and more, you can get it for a monthly fee."

This tiered approach can be highly effective for:

Nurturing leads and building trust through a free community
Offering premium content and experiences in a paid membership community
Creating multiple revenue streams from your community efforts

David added that the upcoming Zenler community features would support this model, allowing course creators to seamlessly integrate paid communities with their courses and content.

Fostering Cross-Cultural Understanding in Your Online Community

As communities become more global, understanding and respecting cultural differences becomes increasingly important.

Kevin shared a powerful anecdote about a videographer he met who used different names in personal and professional settings due to his cultural background:

"I find that interesting. He was so pleased that I asked, I tell you. I spent about two hours with him as he talked me through all of the names and how everything operates, and I thought, 'Mate, that is so great. I've learned something really valuable here because I had no idea."

To foster cross-cultural understanding in your online community:

Encourage members to share aspects of their cultural background
Host cultural exchange events or discussions
Be mindful of language use and provide translations when possible
Celebrate diversity and use it as a learning opportunity for all members

Leveraging AI for Community Management

David revealed an innovative approach to content repurposing and community engagement:

"We're taking what you've discussed in the chat and during the live session. When you come on live and talk, we integrate this using AI. We utilize the chat and the transcript, compiling them to create a blog that features you."

This strategy serves multiple purposes:

It creates valuable content for the broader community and potential new members
It gives participants a sense of contribution and recognition
It provides a way to repurpose live events into long-lasting content

Consider implementing similar AI-driven strategies in your online community to maximize the value of every interaction and event.

Strategic Use of Polls and Feedback in Your Online Community

David emphasized the importance of using polls and feedback mechanisms not just for engagement, but as a strategic tool for community direction:

"Sometimes we need to gauge whether we’re still on the right track because things change. It also helps us determine what to do next and how to implement it."

To implement this effectively in your online community:

Regularly poll your community on their needs and interests
Use feedback to inform your content creation and community event planning
Share the results with your community to show that their input is valued and acted upon

Cultivating Community Champions

Throughout the workshop, it became clear that certain community members naturally emerge as leaders and advocates. David mentioned:

"We have Phoenix, Chaela, Amit, and other instructors and course creators. These individuals help others every day in our community."

To cultivate community champions in your online community:

Recognize and reward helpful members
Create special roles or badges for consistent contributors
Provide opportunities for these members to lead discussions or host events
Consider creating a mentorship program within your community

Balancing Structure and Organic Growth in Your Online Community

While having a structured approach to community management is important, Kevin emphasized the importance of allowing for organic interactions:

"If you set clear boundaries and learn to embrace them, it can be a significant benefit for you as the organizer and host of the community."

To strike this balance in your online community:

Set clear community guidelines and expectations
Allow for member-initiated discussions and events
Be flexible and open to new ideas that emerge from the community
Regularly reassess and adjust your community structure based on member interactions

Leveraging Zenler's Free Community Feature

For those wondering how to create an online community without the hassle of integrating multiple tools, Zenler offers a solution.

David hinted at upcoming developments:

We’ve mentioned before that we will soon be launching new communities within Zenler. They will provide an experience similar to Facebook or Mighty Networks, and it’s going to be absolutely amazing."

With Zenler, which includes a built-in free community, course creators and community managers can seamlessly integrate their learning content with community features, providing a comprehensive experience for their members.

This integrated approach is particularly beneficial for those looking to create a membership community within their existing course platform.

As the workshop concluded, it became evident that building a thriving online community requires a combination of strategic planning, genuine engagement, and adaptability. By implementing these advanced strategies and remaining responsive to member needs, course creators and community managers can foster vibrant spaces for networking, collaboration, and shared learning, delivering lasting value to all participants.

Measuring Success and Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability in Your Online Community

As we conclude our comprehensive exploration of creating an online community for networking and collaboration, it's essential to discuss how to measure the success of your efforts and ensure the long-term sustainability of your community.

We will focus on key metrics, strategies for continuous improvement, and methods to keep your membership community vibrant and engaged over time.

Key Metrics for Online Community Success

To gauge the effectiveness of your community-building efforts, consider tracking the following metrics:

Engagement Rate: This includes metrics such as:
- Number of active members
- Frequency of posts and comments
- Response times to questions or discussions
Member Growth: Track both new member acquisition and retention rates.
Content Performance: Analyse which types of content generate the most engagement and discussion.
Member Satisfaction: Regularly survey your community to assess overall satisfaction and gather feedback.
Networking Outcomes: Track successful collaborations, partnerships, or job opportunities that arise from community connections.

David highlighted the importance of using polls and feedback mechanisms strategically:

"Sometimes, we need to assess whether we're still on the right track because things change. This also helps us determine what to do next and how to implement it."

Strategies for Continuous Improvement in Your Membership Community

Regular Member Surveys
Conduct periodic surveys to gather feedback on community features, content, and overall experience. Use this information to make data-driven decisions about community improvements.
A/B Testing
Experiment with different types of content, event formats, or community features to see what resonates best with your members.
Adaptive Content Strategy
Based on engagement metrics, continuously refine your content strategy to focus on topics and formats that generate the most interest and participation.
Encourage Member-Led Initiatives
Empower active members to lead discussions, host events, or create content. This not only increases engagement but also brings fresh perspectives to the community.
Regular Technology Audits
Periodically review your community platform and tools to ensure they're meeting your needs and providing a seamless experience for members.

Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability of Your Online Community

Cultivate Community Leaders
Identify and nurture members who consistently contribute value to the community. Consider creating a formal mentorship or leadership program.
Diversify Engagement Opportunities
Offer a variety of ways for members to participate, catering to different preferences and comfort levels. This could include:
- Live events and webinars
- Asynchronous discussions
- One-on-one networking opportunities
- Collaborative projects
Maintain a Healthy Community Culture
Consistently enforce community guidelines and foster a positive, supportive atmosphere. Address conflicts or negative behaviour promptly and fairly.
Evolve with Your Members' Needs
As your community grows and evolves, be prepared to adapt your offerings and structure to meet changing needs and expectations.
Sustainable Monetization Strategies
If applicable, explore ethical ways to monetize your community that add value for members.

Steve Gillis shared an insightful perspective on this:

"I see many communities within communities. While many of us think of free communities, you can also run paid ones. Currently, I'm using my lead magnets to drive people to my free community, and then I say, 'By the way, if you want access to my workshops and more, you can get it for a monthly fee."

Leveraging Technology for Community Growth: Zenler's Free Community Feature

As communities evolve, so does the technology that supports them. David hinted at upcoming developments in the Zenler platform:

"We've mentioned before that we will soon have new communities launching within Zenler. They will offer an experience similar to Facebook and Mighty Networks, and it’s going to be absolutely amazing."

With Zenler, which has a free community built in, course creators and community managers can seamlessly integrate their learning content with community features, providing a comprehensive experience for their members.

This integrated approach can be particularly beneficial for those wondering how to create an online community within their existing course platform.

The Power of Repurposing Community Content

One innovative strategy for maintaining engagement and providing value is to repurpose community content.

David revealed an approach they use:

"We're transforming what you've discussed in the chat and during the live sessions. When you come on live and share your thoughts, we integrate this using AI. We utilize the chat and the transcript, compiling them to create a blog that features you."

This strategy serves multiple purposes:

It creates valuable content for the broader community and potential new members
It gives participants a sense of contribution and recognition
It provides a way to repurpose live events into long-lasting content

Consider implementing similar strategies in your online community to maximize the value of every interaction and event.

Conclusion: Building a Thriving Membership Community

Building and maintaining a thriving online community for networking and collaboration is an ongoing process that requires dedication, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to providing value to your members. By consistently measuring your success, seeking feedback, and evolving with your community's needs, you can create a vibrant space that fosters meaningful connections and drives professional growth for all participants.

Remember Kevin’s words, which emphasize the core principle of networking:

"The one core principle behind business networking is relationship. It’s about building a connection between you and the other person."

By focusing on building genuine relationships and providing opportunities for your members to do the same, you'll create a membership community that not only survives but thrives in the long term.

As you implement these strategies, always keep in mind the unique needs and characteristics of your specific community. What works for one group may not work for another, so be prepared to experiment, learn, and adapt along the way. With persistence and a commitment to your members' success, you can build an online community that becomes an invaluable resource for networking, collaboration, and professional growth.

How Zenler Transformed Tracy Woods' Business: A Deep Dive into Success with an Online Platform