Community Creators with Shana Lynn

Shana Lynn Bresnahan
  • 5.0 (29)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

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/shanaspeaks I’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

  1. 3d ago

    How Stopping Helps You Move Forward

    https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Ep 72: The Balancing Act: Parenting and Entrepreneurship with Dayna Abraham: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/the-balancing-act-parenting-and-entrepreneurship-with-dayna-abraham What if the real reason you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or constantly pulled back into work… is because you haven’t allowed yourself to stop? We dive into a powerful conversation about overworking, identity, and the hidden fears that keep us stuck in cycles of constant doing. Inspired by insights from Dayna Abraham, we unpack how creating intentional constraints, setting boundaries, and building systems can actually give you more freedom—not less. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “stopping” is often the missing step in breaking cycles of overworkHow being too close to your problems keeps you stuck—and how to create space for clarityHow to identify the fear that’s keeping you overworking (and how to release it)A practical framework for structuring your day using time blocks and intentional constraintsHow to transition between work mode and home life with intention If you’ve ever struggled to disconnect from work, felt anxious when you finally slow down, or questioned what to do next after a big accomplishment, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and move forward with clarity. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple, or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

  2. Sep 1

    You Must Know These Numbers to Scale Your Business

    https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Most business owners focus heavily on marketing and sales, but sustainable growth comes from something else: keeping customers engaged and coming back. In this episode, Shana breaks down the key membership metrics every business owner should understand, including how to calculate retention, churn, customer acquisition costs, and lifetime value. Whether you run a membership, sell courses, or offer services, these numbers can help you make smarter decisions and build a more sustainable business. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why retention is one of the most important growth metrics in any businessHow to calculate your retention rate using a simple formulaThe difference between retention and churn, and why both matterWhy increasing customer acquisition alone won't solve growth challengesHow to calculate your Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)What Lifetime Value (LTV) means and how to determine itHow retention impacts the average length of time customers stay with you The businesses that grow sustainably aren't just focused on getting new customers. They're focused on keeping them. Understanding your retention rate, churn, customer acquisition cost, and lifetime value gives you the information you need to make better decisions and build a healthier, more profitable business. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple, or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

  3. Aug 25

    What to Do Before an Event to Get Members to Show Up and Connect

    https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Creating an unforgettable event experience starts long before attendees walk through the door. In this episode, Shana sits down with event experience expert Phil Mershon to discuss how intentional pre-event engagement can increase attendance, foster meaningful connections, and build excitement before the event even begins. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why attendee connection begins long before the event startsHow pre-event engagement can improve attendance and participationThe ideal timeline for building excitement and community before an eventHow to use email communication to keep attendees informed and engagedSimple ways to encourage networking and relationship-building before the eventHow pre-event conversations lead to stronger in-person experiences The most successful events don't begin on opening day. They begin the moment someone says "yes" to attending. By creating opportunities for attendees to connect, engage, and build relationships before the event, you can increase participation, reduce uncertainty, and foster a sense of belonging that carries through the entire experience. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple, or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

  4. Aug 18

    How to Keep Your Team From Burning Out During a Launch

    https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Launches can be exciting, but they can also be one of the most demanding seasons for your team. Long hours, tight deadlines, and constant decision-making can leave even the most dedicated team members feeling drained. In this episode, Shana shares four practical ways to support your team during a launch so they can perform at their best without burning out. Drawing from years of experience leading and supporting multi-million-dollar launches, she explains how thoughtful leadership can make a significant difference in both team morale and launch results. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why fast communication is critical during a launch and how to avoid costly mistakes caused by information gapsHow daily team huddles and dedicated communication channels can improve collaboration and speed up decision-makingThe importance of empowering team members to make decisions without constantly seeking approvalHow to create clarity around roles, responsibilities, and key outcomes before launch dayWhy last-minute changes can create a ripple effect across your entire teamA simple framework for evaluating new ideas and determining whether they're worth implementing during a launch A successful launch isn't just about strategy, marketing, or sales. It's also about taking care of the people who make it happen. When you prioritize communication, trust your team, make thoughtful decisions, and provide meaningful support, you'll create a stronger team and better results. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple, or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivate Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

  5. Aug 11

    How Shock, Awe, and Mystery Create Must Attend Events

    https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members What if the secret to creating a memorable event isn't giving people more information but giving them less? In this episode, the late Steve D. Sims, entrepreneur, author, and creator of the renowned Sims Speak Easy events, shares how he built a highly sought-after experience around mystery, curiosity, and unexpected learning opportunities. Instead of relying on traditional value-stacking and overpromising, Steve reveals why surprise, discomfort, and unconventional thinking create lasting impact. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why mystery can be a powerful tool for building anticipation and engagement.How Steve turned unconventional event venues into a defining part of his brand.The difference between creating memorable experiences and simply stacking value.Why surprising attendees often leads to deeper learning and stronger retention.The role of curiosity in creating innovative events and experiences.How memorable moments become powerful brand stories that attendees share long after the event ends.The importance of creating emotional triggers that people remember and talk about. People don't always remember every lesson they learn, but they remember how an experience made them feel. By embracing curiosity, creating unexpected moments, and challenging conventional approaches, you can build experiences that leave a lasting impression and inspire meaningful change. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple, or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivate Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

  6. Aug 4

    How I Consistently Create Content as a Busy Mom and Business Owner

    https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Do you ever feel like content creation is taking over your schedule? Between social media, emails, YouTube, and membership content, it can seem impossible to keep up with everything that needs to be created. In this episode, Shana shares her personal content creation process and how she manages to consistently produce content while working only about 20 hours a week, homeschooling her children, and running a business. In this episode, you’ll learn: How batching content can help you save time and stay consistentThe step-by-step process Shana uses to create YouTube videos, emails, and social media contentWhy scripting content may help you communicate more clearly and efficientlyThe role of editing and content systems in creating a sustainable workflowWhy consistency matters more than perfection when building an audience Creating content doesn't have to consume all of your time. The key is building a process that works for your schedule, your strengths, and your business. Start simple, focus on consistency, and look for opportunities to repurpose what you're already creating.  Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple, or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivate Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

  7. Jul 28

    How to Be Your Best Community Member

    https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Building a thriving community takes more than having the right strategy, engagement plan, or content calendar. At its core, a strong community is shaped by the behavior, values, and leadership that are modeled from the beginning. In this episode, Shana sits down with Lauren Golden, founder of the Free Mama Movement, to discuss how she built a highly engaged community that has become much more than a place to sell offers. Lauren shares how she created a movement around a shared mission, cultivated a strong culture, and intentionally showed up as the kind of community member she wanted everyone else to become. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why community building starts with modeling the behavior you want to seeHow a clear mission and shared identity create stronger member connectionsWhy protecting your community culture is essential for long-term growthHow strong communities eventually begin to support and protect themselvesWhy community leadership cannot be fully outsourcedHow consistency builds trust, connection, and member loyalty over time If you're looking to build a community that feels connected, supportive, and self-sustaining, this conversation offers practical lessons from someone who has done it successfully for years. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple, or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivate Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

  8. Jul 21

    How to Decide What to Do First

    https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members As business owners, it's easy to keep adding more. More projects, more deliverables, more tasks, and more ideas. But more doesn't always mean better. In this episode, Shana walks through a simple but powerful framework called the Action Priority Matrix. This practical tool helps you evaluate the projects, activities, and deliverables already happening in your business so you can identify what's worth keeping, what needs improvement, and what may be draining your time and energy without producing meaningful results. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the Action Priority Matrix is and how it can help simplify decision-makingWhy evaluating current projects is more effective than guessing about future onesHow to measure effort and impact using real data instead of assumptionsThe difference between high-impact and low-impact activitiesHow regular evaluation can help reduce overwhelm and improve team performance Success doesn't come from doing more things. It comes from focusing on the right things. By regularly evaluating the effort and impact of your projects, you can create a more efficient business, deliver a better experience for your members, and free up time and energy for the work that truly matters. Additional Resources: Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.com Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple, or Spotify Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue! Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/ Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivate Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

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5
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29 Ratings

About

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/shanaspeaks I’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

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