Community At Heart

You’re skilled. Experienced. Getting real results for your clients. And yet… you’re still charging the same rates you set when you were just trying to get someone—anyone—to say yes.Sound familiar?In this episode, we’re having the honest conversation so many service providers avoid: you’re probably undercharging—and fear is the reason why. From worrying about losing clients to questioning your own worth, we’re unpacking why pricing stagnates even as your skills, confidence, and results skyrocket.More importantly, we’re talking about how to raise your rates without blowing up your client roster, your reputation, or your nervous system.Because raising your rates isn’t about being greedy—it’s about building a business that doesn’t require burnout to survive. In This Episode:Why most service providers never update their rates (even when they should)The three biggest fears keeping you underpaid—and how to move past themHow to price based on value, not hoursA simple framework to determine what you should be chargingExactly how to raise your rates with current clients—without awkwardness or panicWhat actually happens when you charge more (spoiler: it’s usually better clients) Key Quotes: “You’re not undercharging because you’re not good enough—you’re undercharging because you’re scared.” “Your rates should evolve as you evolve.” “Raising your rates isn’t about making more money. It’s about sustainability.” Action Steps:Look at your current rates and ask: are these based on who I was—or who I am now?Calculate your pricing using value, market standards, and sustainability (not vibes).Set a realistic timeline to raise your rates and communicate it clearly.Update your website, proposals, and offers—and hold the line. About coCreator Society If pricing conversations make your stomach flip and you’re tired of second-guessing every number in isolation, coCreator Society is where you belong. It’s a space for creative entrepreneurs to talk openly about money, value, and building businesses that actually support real life.Inside, we workshop rates, unpack pricing strategy, and normalize charging what you’re worth—without shame, hustle, or burnout.👉 Learn more and join us at cocreatorsociety.com (Link’s in the show notes.)You deserve to be paid what you’re worth. And your business deserves better than fear-based pricing.

You've set goals before. New planner, fresh vision board, this is the year.And by February? Those goals are collecting dust in a notebook you stopped opening.It's not because you're lazy. It's not because you lack discipline.It's because you're doing it alone.Last year I set a goal that I tried to quit on multiple times. It felt too big, too overwhelming, too unclear. But someone in my planning group wouldn't let me drop it. And that one goal? It led directly to creating the coCreator Society.Without that accountability, without someone saying "no, you said this matters," I would have abandoned it completely. And I would have missed everything that came from it.In this episode, we're talking about why your goals keep failing, why community changes everything, and how to actually set goals that stick in 2025. From "should" goals to the power of declaring what you're working toward, we're unpacking what makes the difference between goals you abandon and goals that change your business.If you're tired of setting goals in January and forgetting them by March, this episode is your invitation to do it differently.In This Episode:Why most goals fail (and it's not what you think)The "should" goal trap and how to escape itThe real story behind creating the coCreator Society—and how accountability made it happenWhy community changes everything when it comes to goal planningThe difference between strategically pivoting and quietly abandoningHow to use goals as filters for decision-makingFive steps to setting goals that actually stickWhy sharing your goals out loud mattersKey Quotes: "Your goals didn't fail because you failed. They failed because they were set up to fail from the start.""If I'd been planning alone, I would have dropped that goal the first time it felt unclear. And I would have missed the whole thing.""They hold space for the goal even when you're still figuring out what it means. They keep asking. They don't let you quietly abandon it."Action Steps:Start with what you actually want—not what sounds impressive or what everyone else is doingUse your goals as filters: Does this move me toward what I said matters?Get people in your corner who will hold you accountable without judgmentShare your goals out loud—there's power in declaring what you're working towardJoin us for the Goal Planning Retreat on December 9thAbout coCreator SocietyIf you're tired of setting goals alone and want people in your corner who will help you actually achieve what matters, come join us inside the coCreator Society.We talk about strategy over FOMO. Building businesses that work for us, not following everyone else's playbook.Monthly coaching, hot seats, workshops, and genuine support from people who understand that there's more than one way to do this.Next Tuesday, December 9th: Goal Planning Retreat inside the Society—building out quarterly roadmaps, event calendars, and the whole system together.👉 Head to cocreatorsociety.comThe goals that change your business don't happen alone. They happen when you have people who won't let you quit.

It's Thanksgiving. Your inbox is quiet. You're with your people, eating the food, playing the games.But tomorrow? Tomorrow your inbox becomes a war zone.Every business you've ever interacted with will email you. Multiple times. "24 Hours Only!" "Last Chance!" "This Will Never Happen Again!"Countdown timers. Fake scarcity. Manufactured urgency.And somewhere in the back of your mind, you're thinking: "Should I be doing something for Black Friday? Am I leaving money on the table?"Here's the truth: Black Friday isn't right for every business. And "everyone else is doing it" is not a strategy.In this episode, we're unpacking why I'm sitting out Black Friday, how to decide if it's right for your business, and why choosing your own promotional timing might be the smartest move you make. From fake urgency tactics to attracting the wrong clients, we're getting real about what Black Friday actually costs service-based entrepreneurs.If you've ever felt pressure to run a sale just because everyone else is, this episode is your permission slip to make a different choice.In This Episode:Why Black Friday has become unbearable (and why the noise matters)The fake urgency problem: countdown timers and manufactured scarcityWho actually shows up on Black Friday—and are they your ideal clients?Why discounting your expertise trains people your work isn't worth full priceThe framework for deciding if Black Friday is right for YOUR businessHow to choose your own promotional timing (and why February works for me)Why "I should probably do something" is FOMO, not strategyPermission to sit it out—or run a sale strategicallyKey Quotes:"When everyone is screaming at the same volume, nobody's actually being heard.""Are you doing this because everyone else is, or because you have an actual strategy?""You can choose your own time. A time that means something to you or your business. A time when there's way less noise and you can actually be heard."Action Steps:Ask yourself: Am I doing this because everyone else is, or because I have a real strategy?If you're running a Black Friday sale, answer these 5 questions: Do you have a scalable product? What's your actual goal? Can you handle the energy? Can you deliver the results? What's your post-sale plan?Consider choosing your own promotional timing instead of competing in the Black Friday chaosAbout coCreator SocietyIf you're tired of feeling like you have to do what everyone else is doing, if you want to build a business on your own terms with people who actually get it, come join us inside the coCreator Society.We talk about strategy over FOMO. Building businesses that work for us, not following everyone else's playbook just because that's what you're supposed to do.Monthly coaching, hot seats, workshops, and genuine support from people who understand that there's more than one way to do this.👉 Head to cocreatorsociety.comHappy Thanksgiving! Whether you're running a Black Friday sale or sitting it out, make sure it's your choice—not pressure.

You've been planning for weeks. The tablescape, the menu, the whole production. But somewhere in the back of your mind, there's this nagging voice: "Should I really unplug next week? What if clients need me? What if I miss something important?"Sound familiar?Here's the truth: if the thought of being offline for four days makes your stomach drop, that's not dedication. That's a sign something's broken.In this episode, we're talking about why rest isn't something you earn after you hit some revenue goal—it's what makes sustainable growth possible in the first place. From the pressure of Black Friday to the guilt of setting boundaries, we're unpacking why stepping away might be the smartest business move you make all season.If you've ever caught yourself working on Thanksgiving morning or checking email while your family's eating pie, this episode is your permission slip to actually be present.In This Episode:Why constant availability isn't professionalism—it's burnout with better brandingHow to set boundaries with clients without guilt or long explanationsWhat actually counts as a business emergency (spoiler: almost nothing)Why your best ideas show up in the shower, not at your desk forcing productivityThe Black Friday trap and why you don't have to participate in the noiseHow to tell if you have a business or just a job with no days offWhy community makes it possible to step away without everything falling apartKey Quotes:"When your business can't function without you checking in every hour, you don't have freedom. You have a job with no days off.""What if being present is more valuable than being productive?""Your worth is not your productivity."Action Steps:Send your clients a simple boundary-setting message this week (template included in the episode!)Write down what actually counts as an emergency in your businessAsk yourself: Do I actually want to work next week, or am I just doing it because I feel like I should?About coCreator SocietyIf you're realizing you can't take time off because everything depends on you being available, that's your sign. You don't need another course—you need community.Inside coCreator Society, we hold space for each other so you can actually step away when it matters. Monthly coaching, hot seats, workshops, and genuine support from people who get what you're building.👉 Stop building alone at cocreatorsociety.comComing Next Week: Why I'm not doing a Black Friday sale and why skipping it might be your most strategic move this season.

You’re talented. Strategic. Capable. You’ve done the work, built the thing, and yet… it still feels like you’re running uphill in a windstorm with a laptop strapped to your back. Sound familiar?In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the real reason your business feels harder than it should—because you’ve been building it alone. From decision fatigue to creative burnout, we’re unpacking the invisible costs of the solo grind and how collaboration, not hustle, is the key to real, sustainable growth.If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Maybe I’m just not cut out for this,” this episode is your permission slip to stop doing it all yourself—and start building smarter.In This Episode:Why the solo grind isn’t a badge of honor (and what it’s really costing you)The five hidden costs of building alone—from time loss to creative drainHow collaboration fuels clarity, confidence, and momentumReal stories of entrepreneurs who doubled their revenue by partnering upA reality check on why burnout isn’t your fault—it’s your business modelKey Quotes:“You’re not failing—the model is failing you.” “Building alone doesn’t make you stronger. It makes you stuck.” “The businesses that thrive aren’t built solo. They’re built together.”Action Steps:List three areas of your business where you’re currently the bottleneck.Identify one task, tool, or process you could collaborate on instead of DIY-ing.Reach out to one person this week—partner, peer, or friend—and ask, “Want to build smarter together?”About coCreator SocietyIf you’re done Googling your way through business and ready to grow with real people who get it, come join us inside coCreator Society—where strategists, designers, and service providers build better together. This season, we’re hosting a live sprint to help you trade burnout for belonging and collaboration that actually moves your business forward.👉 Learn more and join the waitlist at cocreatorsociety.com

Your offers sound good—but they’re not selling. Here’s why.You know your client’s problem. You’ve done the work. You’ve mapped the pain points. But somehow, when it comes time to sell your offer, people hesitate. They say, “Let me think about it…” and vanish into inbox purgatory. Sound familiar?In this episode, I’m sharing the 3-part framework that transformed my own flopped launches into fully booked offers—the Problem, Promise, and Process method. It’s the simple, no-fluff way to turn “sounds great” into “where do I sign?”If you’ve ever struggled to explain what you do, or wondered why no one’s biting on an offer that should be selling, this episode will clear the fog.In This Episode:→ The 3 Ps of a profitable offer (and why missing one tanks your sales)→ How to write a problem statement that makes clients say, “That’s me!”→ Why your promise needs to be specific, tangible, and believable→ The simple process formula that builds trust without giving it all away→ Common offer mistakes (and how to fix them before your next launch)Key Quotes:“People don’t buy solutions to vague problems—they buy solutions to the thing that’s keeping them up at night.”“Your offer doesn’t need to be complicated to be valuable. It just needs to be clear.”“If you can explain your offer in three sentences, you’ve nailed it.”Action Steps:Write down your offer’s Problem, Promise, and Process in one short paragraph.Read it aloud—does it sound human and clear?Test it on a friend outside your industry. If they get it, you’re golden.About coCreator Society If you want to build (or rebuild) your offer with feedback, accountability, and support, join us inside coCreator Society. This November, we’re running a sprint to help service providers, strategists, and creatives build offers that actually sell—using this exact framework. 👉 Learn more at cocreatorsociety.comFREE RESOURCESFREE Masterclass: Booked Out Blueprint: Finding the Right Offer to Market Masterclass: https://cocreatorsociety.myflodesk.com/booked-out-blueprintFREE Notion Template - How To Organize Your Brad Assets: https://rachelbusinesscoach.com/how-to-organize-your-brand-assets-free-notion-community-brand-image-template/ FREE Notion Template - Your Guide to Building a Seamless Resource Hub: https://rachelbusinesscoach.com/your-guide-to-building-a-seamless-community-resource-hub/ LET'S CONNECT• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocreatorsociety/ https://www.instagram.com/yourcommunitystrategist/ • Podcast: https://rachelbusinesscoach.com/blog/ • In Good Company (Weekly Newsletter): https://cocreatorsociety.substack.com/ • Website: cocreatorsociety.com • Let's Work Together: https://rachelbusinesscoach.com/services MY MUST HAVE PROGRAM• Start your Circle journey today with a 14-Day Free Trial: https://try.circle.so/rachel • Love my emails? Steal my secret weapon—Flodesk! https://partners.flodesk.com/rachel Disclosure: The links above may contain affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Your service packages aren't selling—but it's probably not what you think.This week, I'm sharing the story of an incredibly talented OBM who had beautiful, professional-looking packages that nobody was buying. Not because she wasn't good at what she did. Not because her pricing was off. But because she was solving Problem A when her clients desperately needed help with Problem Z.If you've ever had people say "that sounds great!" and then disappear... or if you're spending half your discovery calls explaining what you do... or if clients sign up then ghost after a month—this episode is for you.In This Episode:Why building offers based on your skills (instead of their problems) keeps you stuckThe 4 red flags that your offer isn't landingHow to discover what problems your ideal clients are ACTUALLY struggling withThe reframe that doubled one strategist's booking rateWhy you should price for value, not timeA practical 3-step plan you can do this weekKey Quotes"Nobody wakes up thinking, 'You know what I need today? A brand messaging framework.' They wake up thinking, 'I have no idea how to explain what I do without completely confusing people.'""People don't hire you to deliver services. They hire you to solve problems.""When you're solving the right problem—one that's painful, urgent, expensive if left unfixed—people don't haggle.""You're not charging for your time. You're charging for the value of the problem being solved."Action StepsHave 3 conversations this week with people who fit your ideal client profileAsk: "What's the biggest challenge you're dealing with right now?" and write down their exact wordsReview past clients who got the best results—what problem were they trying to solve?Compare what you learned to your current offer—does it match? About coCreator SocietyIf you want to work through this with other entrepreneurs who are figuring it out too, join us in coCreator Society. We're kicking off a sprint in November where we're doing exactly this work together—identifying the real problems your clients are facing, repositioning your offers, and making sure your messaging actually lands.Learn more: cocreatorsociety.comYour offer isn't broken, friends. It's just waiting to solve the right problem.TIMESTAMPS00:00 The Dilemma of Course Completion Rates01:45 Understanding the Overwhelm of Content04:11 The Importance of Implementation Over Information09:23 Strategies for Effective Course Design15:49 Building Supportive Learning Environments

Your service packages aren't selling—but it's probably not what you think.This week, I'm sharing the story of an incredibly talented OBM who had beautiful, professional-looking packages that nobody was buying. Not because she wasn't good at what she did. Not because her pricing was off. But because she was solving Problem A when her clients desperately needed help with Problem Z.If you've ever had people say "that sounds great!" and then disappear... or if you're spending half your discovery calls explaining what you do... or if clients sign up then ghost after a month—this episode is for you. In This Episode:Why building offers based on your skills (instead of their problems) keeps you stuckThe 4 red flags that your offer isn't landingHow to discover what problems your ideal clients are ACTUALLY struggling withThe reframe that doubled one strategist's booking rateWhy you should price for value, not timeA practical 3-step plan you can do this week The bottom line: Your offer isn't broken. It's just solving the wrong problem. And when you fix that? Everything clicks into place.Key Quotes"Nobody wakes up thinking, 'You know what I need today? A brand messaging framework.' They wake up thinking, 'I have no idea how to explain what I do without completely confusing people.'""People don't hire you to deliver services. They hire you to solve problems.""When you're solving the right problem—one that's painful, urgent, expensive if left unfixed—people don't haggle.""You're not charging for your time. You're charging for the value of the problem being solved."Action StepsHave 3 conversations this week with people who fit your ideal client profileAsk: "What's the biggest challenge you're dealing with right now?" and write down their exact wordsReview past clients who got the best results—what problem were they trying to solve?Compare what you learned to your current offer—does it match?Resources & LinksJoin coCreator Society: cocreatorsociety.comIn Good Company (Weekly Newsletter): https://cocreatorsociety.substack.com/ About coCreator SocietyIf you want to work through this with other entrepreneurs who are figuring it out too, join us in coCreator Society. We're kicking off a sprint in November where we're doing exactly this work together—identifying the real problems your clients are facing, repositioning your offers, and making sure your messaging actually lands.Learn more: cocreatorsociety.com Your offer isn't broken, friends. It's just waiting to solve the right problem. Timestamps00:00 Introduction: The Real Problem with Service Packages01:31 Meet Rachel Starr: Your Community Strategist02:31 Common Mistakes in Service Offerings04:46 Identifying the Right Problem to Solve07:00 Repositioning Your Offer for Success11:21 Practical Steps to Realign Your Offer12:56 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Is your course secretly setting your students up to fail? In this episode of Your Community Strategist, I unpack why most courses are still designed for 2020—and how that’s leaving 85% of your students feeling overwhelmed, guilty, and disconnected. 🎯 The reality check: binge-worthy content might work for Netflix, but it’s silently killing your course completion rates. What your students really need is a shift from content delivery to community-integrated learning. You’ll discover: ▸ Why course completion rates are stuck at 15% (and how to flip that number on its head) ▸ The five elements of community-integrated learning that transform content into actual results ▸ Why transformation doesn’t happen in isolation—and how to design for connection from day one ▸ Simple ways to build accountability, support, and celebration into your course (without burning out) ▸ How shorter, more focused lessons paired with community application can skyrocket engagement Whether you’re a course creator, membership leader, or summit host—this episode shows you how to create experiences your students actually finish (and rave about). Because in 2025, it’s not about polished modules, it’s about building courses that truly change lives.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:coCreator Growth Summit WaitlistGet started with a 14-Day FREE trial of CircleKick start your community by joining The Strategic Community Co-OpQuick Wins for Circle Communities is our new YouTube series delivering actionable tips in bite-sized videos. Discover bite-sized, big-hearted community strategies every week on Community @ Heart—your go-to YouTube playlist for building connection that actually sticks.Love my emails? Steal my secret weapon—Flodesk! Try it for free today.Your community deserves the best—so do you! Get The Scoop, my weekly newsletter packed with insights and strategies. Sign up today! MORE FROM MEFollow me on Instagram Connect with me on LinkedInListen to Your Community Strategist on Apple Podcasts SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you found value in this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more community builders who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to Your Community Strategist! See you next week for the final episode in our challenge...

Is your community losing members before they even get started? In this episode of Community @ Heart, I share the jaw-dropping onboarding story from John Deere that completely changed how I think about first impressions in community building. 🎯 The reality check: Most new members are mentally checking out within their first 72 hours—not because your content isn't good, but because their first experience feels like wandering into a crowded party where nobody knows their name. You'll discover: ▸ Why the "welcome email + hope for the best" approach is silently killing your retention ▸ The John Deere onboarding masterclass that costs almost nothing but creates lifelong loyalty▸ How to design intentional "belonging moments" that make new members think "I matter here" ▸ Simple tweaks that transform confusion into connection (no fancy tech required) ▸ The difference between generic welcomes and personalized experiences that stick Whether you're a course creator, membership leader, or summit host—this episode reveals why your best content means nothing if people feel invisible on day one. 🎁 NEW FREE RESOURCE: The New Member Journey Mini-Course with Notion and Google Doc TemplatesDiscover why new members secretly plan their exit in their first 72 hours (and exactly how to stop them).What you get: ✅ 3 Strategic Mini-Videos - Step-by-step walkthroughs from a community strategist who's transformed onboarding for hundreds of creators ✅ Complete Onboarding Audit Template (Notion + Google Docs) - Map your current member journey and spot exactly where people get lost ✅ "John Deere Moments" Framework - Create those belonging experiences that turn members into raving fans ✅ Quick-Win Implementation Guide - Changes you can make this week (no tech skills required) Perfect for course creators, summit hosts, and membership leaders who are tired of watching engaged people disappear after joining.Transform your onboarding in under 30 minutes. Get Instant Access here: https://rachelbusinesscoach.com/the-7-day-onboarding-audit RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Get started with a 14-Day FREE trial of CircleKick start your community by joining The Strategic Community Co-OpQuick Wins for Circle Communities is our new YouTube series delivering actionable tips in bite-sized videos. Discover bite-sized, big-hearted community strategies every week on Community @ Heart—your go-to YouTube playlist for building connection that actually sticks.Love my emails? Steal my secret weapon—Flodesk! Try it for free today.Your community deserves the best—so do you! Get The Scoop, my weekly newsletter packed with insights and strategies. a...

Let’s be real—Pinterest might still have a reputation for wedding inspo and midlife kitchen renos, but if that’s all you think it’s good for, you’re missing out on a seriously powerful marketing machine. To help us dust off the glitter glue and turn Pinterest into a traffic-driving, lead-generating engine, I’m joined by Megan Williamson, founder of Pin Potential Inc. and Pinterest’s unofficial (but very official) queen bee. With over a decade of hands-on experience and a seal of approval from Pinterest itself, Megan has helped thousands of business owners go from pinning recipes to pinning down real revenue. Today, we’re diving into the truth about Pinterest as a long-game strategy, why it outperforms social for discoverability, and how you can start getting results with the content you already have. If you’re a course creator, podcaster, or community builder who’s tired of shouting into the Instagram void—this one’s for you. 🎯 HERE ARE 3 JUICY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:1️⃣ Repurpose With Purpose – Learn Megan’s easy system for turning your top-performing content into Pinterest traffic magnets (spoiler: you already have everything you need).2️⃣ The Pinterest Snowball Effect – Discover how to start small, gain momentum, and create evergreen content that keeps working for you long after you post it.3️⃣ Don’t Just Pin It—Convert It – Find out why your high-traffic pins might be flopping when it comes to opt-ins, and what to do differently to actually convert cold Pinterest traffic into warm leads. So if you're ready to turn those pins into profits and finally make Pinterest part of your marketing strategy without needing to post every day, grab your coffee and hit play. This episode might just change the way you do content forever. CONNECT WITH MEAGAN:Meagan Williamson is a trusted Pinterest expert and educator recognized by Pinterest for her innovative strategies. With a passion for growth marketing, Meagan empowers entrepreneurs and businesses to leverage Pinterest as a powerful discovery platform to attract, engage, and convert their ideal audience. Through her proven frameworks and data-driven approach, she simplifies Pinterest marketing, making it accessible and effective for businesses of all sizes. Meagan has helped countless clients achieve measurable results, from driving website traffic to scaling online sales. Known for her expertise, clarity, and actionable insights, she’s a go-to resource for anyone looking to unlock Pinterest’s full potential for business growth WebsitePin Potential CourseThreadsInstagram RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Get started with a 14-Day FREE trial of CircleKick start your community by joining The Strategic Community Co-OpQuick Wins for Circle Communities is our new YouTube series delivering actionable tips in bite-sized videos. Discover bite-sized, big-hearted community strategies every week on a...

Let's be real—hosting a summit is a ton of work, but the real magic (and money) happens after it's over. Yet this is exactly when most hosts drop the ball, feeling relieved it's done instead of capitalizing on all the momentum they've built.To help us unlock the post-summit goldmine, I'm joined by Julie C. Butler, known as the Summit Queen. Julie is a virtual summit coach who specializes in helping coaches confidently host their first summit to expand their email list, increase visibility, and boost revenue. With over 15 years of business experience and having grown her own list by 1,500+ people through summits, she knows exactly how to turn summit attendees into loyal customers.Today, we're diving into what happens after your summit ends, the innovative approaches to speaker networking, and how to stand out in an increasingly crowded summit space. HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:1️⃣ Nurture Your New Audience - Learn why 42% of Julie's income comes directly from summit attendees and how to properly nurture these warm leads after your event ends.2️⃣ Build Meaningful Connections - Discover how to create valuable relationships with speakers through pre-recordings and dedicated networking opportunities that lead to future collaborations.3️⃣ Focus on Quality Over Quantity - Understand why having 500 of the right attendees is more valuable than 2,000 random ones, and how to attract your ideal audience through strategic speaker selection.So, if you've been thinking about hosting a summit or want to get more from the ones you already run, grab your notebook—this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately. CONNECT WITH JULIE:Julie C Butler, Owner of Julie C Butler and Host of The Business Brilliance Growth Podcast, is a Virtual Summit Coach and an Amazon best-selling author with over 15 years of experience in business. She helps coaches on the other side of 40 confidently host their first virtual summit—so they can blow up their email list, 10x their visibility, grow their authority, and make more money. She’s here to guide you every step of the way, making sure you share your expertise with the world, create lasting impact, and accelerate your business success—without the overwhelm!  WebsiteInstagramFacebook FREE WEBINAR: How I Grew My List by 1450+ in 30 Days: The Power of Virtual Summits: https://juliecbutler.com/1450   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Get started with a 14-Day FREE trial of CircleKick start your community by joining The Strategic Community Co-OpQuick Wins for Circle Communities is our new YouTube series delivering actionable tips in bite-sized videos. Discover bite-sized, big-hearted community strategies every week on

Is your community stuck on shuffle? You might be delivering all the right content, but if the rhythm is off, engagement falls flat. In this episode of Community at Heart, I share a fresh take on community design inspired by… a disastrous 5:30 AM workout playlist.🎶 Enter: The Playlist Principle — a simple framework to help you sync your community rhythms with the natural flow of your members’ lives.You’ll learn: ▸ How to use daily, weekly, and monthly rhythms to increase engagement ▸ What most community builders get wrong about consistency ▸ Why more programming = less participation ▸ The secret to creating momentum without burnout (spoiler: fewer Zoom calls, more alignment) Whether you're a course creator, membership leader, or summit host—this episode will help you build better beats so your community feels more like a vibe and less like a chore. 👟 BONUS: Learn how to run your own rhythm audit to fine-tune your programming without overwhelming yourself or your members. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Get started with a 14-Day FREE trial of CircleKick start your community by joining The Strategic Community Co-OpQuick Wins for Circle Communities is our new YouTube series delivering actionable tips in bite-sized videos. Discover bite-sized, big-hearted community strategies every week on Community @ Heart—your go-to YouTube playlist for building connection that actually sticks.Love my emails? Steal my secret weapon—Flodesk! Try it for free today.Your community deserves the best—so do you! Get The Scoop, my weekly newsletter packed with insights and strategies. Sign up today! MORE FROM MEFollow me on Instagram @rachelstarrConnect with me on LinkedInListen to Your Community Strategist on Apple Podcasts SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you found value in this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more community builders who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to Your Community Strategist! See you next week for the final episode in our challenge series! TIMESTAMPS00:00 Early Morning Workout Realization00:39 Introduction to Community at Heart01:20 The Playlist Principle03:58 Daily Beat: The Foundation05:26 Weekly Flow: Building Engagement07:09 Monthly Milestones: Creating...

Discover the "Popsicle Hotline" strategy that's revolutionizing how successful communities retain members! In this episode of Community at Heart, I reveals how creating memorable moments transforms ordinary memberships into unforgettable experiences.You'll learn:Why content alone isn't enough to keep members engagedThe psychology behind memorable moments (backed by research)3 simple, zero-cost strategies you can implement TODAYReal examples of how tiny gestures create massive impactThis isn't just theory—these are proven tactics from my experience building thriving communities where people don't just show up, they BELONG.✨ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The main podcast now features weekly interviews with community-building experts! Don't miss what's coming this month..."The Power of Moments" by Chip and Dan Heath RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Get started with a 14-Day FREE trial of CircleKick start your community by joining The Strategic Community Co-OpQuick Wins for Circle Communities is our new YouTube series delivering actionable tips in bite-sized videos. Discover bite-sized, big-hearted community strategies every week on Community @ Heart—your go-to YouTube playlist for building connection that actually sticks.Love my emails? Steal my secret weapon—Flodesk! Try it for free today.Your community deserves the best—so do you! Get The Scoop, my weekly newsletter packed with insights and strategies. Sign up today!MORE FROM MEFollow me on Instagram @rachelstarrConnect with me on LinkedInListen to Your Community Strategist on Apple PodcastsSUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you found value in this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more community builders who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to Your Community Strategist! See you next week for the final episode in our challenge series!TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction and Exciting Announcements02:00 The Power of Moments: Popsicle Hotline03:34 Creating Memorable Member Experiences05:34 Practical Tips for Member Engagement10:21 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Let's be real—if you're still the one creating all the content, answering all the questions, and trying to keep the energy up, it's no wonder you're exhausted. But here's the thing: your members want to contribute—they just don't know how. And that's where a solid contributor system comes in.To help us break this down, I'm joined by Candice Grobler, founder of Candid Collab. Candice is a powerhouse when it comes to building systems that let brands grow their communities without selling their souls to non-stop content creation. After realizing she wasn't meant to be anyone's employee (her words, not mine, but honestly, I love the energy), she built a business helping others create sustainable, thriving communities.Today, we're diving into why you need a contributor system, how it transforms your community, and what steps you can take today to make it happen. HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:1️⃣ Find Your Top Contributors - Learn how to identify the top 10% of engaged members who are already invested in your community and ready to step up.2️⃣ Match Contribution to Motivation - Discover how to research what drives your potential contributors and create systems that align with their goals.3️⃣ Start Small, Start Today - Get a simple five-step action plan you can implement immediately to begin building your contributor system without overwhelming yourself. So, if you're ready to stop doing everything yourself, grab your notebook—this one's for you. MEET OUR GUESTCandice Grobler, founded Candid Collab after deciding that her last manager was right to call her “unemployable”. After struggling to fit into an “employee” mould that never felt natural, she's excited to finally have real security knowing that she can provide for herself as a business owner, community mentor and now — speaker!Now she helps stretched brands build community systems around their products and services — so they can market their businesses without selling their souls. 😉And as a passion project, she mentors aspiring consultants who want to break free of the “employee” role. Learn more about Candice by checking out her website and following her on her socials:InstagramThreadsLinkedin So, your marketing is held together with duct tape and prayers? Friend, you need a system!Subscribe to the Candid Consult to learn how to get scrappy with what you've got and actually start growing your community. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Get started with a 14-Day FREE trial of CircleKick start your community by joining The Strategic Community Co-OpQuick Wins for Circle Communities is our new YouTube series delivering actionable tips in bite-sized videos. Discover bite-sized, big-hearted community strategies every week on a...

Ever wonder why some challenges get 327 sign-ups with a tiny email list and zero ad spend, while others struggle to fill seats? The secret isn't a massive audience or marketing genius—it's strategic promotion before your challenge and intentional follow-through after it ends.In this final episode of our gamification series, I'm revealing the complete framework for turning your challenge into a business-building powerhouse. From the perfect promotional timeline to the seven strategies that transform a one-time event into a lasting asset, I'll show you how to make your challenge work harder for you than you work for it. HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: 1️⃣ The 3-Element Promotional Framework – Learn the exact messaging strategy that maximizes sign-ups by focusing on specific outcomes, simplified processes, and unique advantages—plus the ideal timeline for building momentum without losing urgency.2️⃣ Engagement Maintenance Systems – Discover how to combat the 40-60% drop-off most challenges experience after Day 1 with strategic engagement boosters, personal touchpoints, and targeted interventions at common drop-off points.3️⃣ The 7-Step Legacy Plan – Transform your challenge from a temporary event into a permanent business asset with my systematic approach to collecting testimonials, repurposing content, analyzing data, and creating natural pathways to your paid offerings. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Get started with a 14-Day FREE trial of CircleKick start your community by joining The Strategic Community Co-OpQuick Wins for Circle Communities is our new YouTube series delivering actionable tips in bite-sized videos. Love my emails? Steal my secret weapon—Flodesk! Try it for free today.Your community deserves the best—so do you! Get The Scoop, my weekly newsletter packed with insights and strategies. Sign up today!Create a Community Driven Challenge that Converts! Join my Free 5-Day Challenge Creator Lab from April 18th - May 2nd. Save Your Spot Here! MORE FROM MEFollow me on Instagram @rachelstarrListen to Your Community Strategist on Apple PodcastsChallenge Creator Lab kicks off April 28th—and it's completely FREE! I'll walk you through creating your own community challenge from scratch, complete with all the gamification elements we discussed today.Let's transform your challenge from a series of tasks into an addictive adventure that creates lasting engagement. Step by step, together. 👉 Click the link in the show notes to join us — I can't wait to see what you create! SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you found value in this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more community builders who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to Your Community Strategist! See you next week for the final...

Ever wonder why some challenges get abandoned halfway through while others keep participants obsessively engaged until the very end? The secret isn't just great content—it's strategic gamification that transforms ordinary tasks into an irresistible experience.In this episode, I'm revealing the psychology behind what makes challenges addictive (in the best way possible!) and sharing the exact elements that doubled engagement rates in one of my recent challenges. From dopamine-triggering point systems to progress trackers that tap into our completion instinct, I'm breaking down the gamification strategies that keep your community coming back for more.If you've ever launched a challenge that fizzled out despite amazing content, this episode is your game-changer. I'll walk you through how to transform your next challenge from a series of tasks into an adventure your members can't wait to continue. HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:1️⃣ The Psychology of Addictive Experiences – Understand the four key psychological drivers (dopamine loops, completion instinct, social validation, and curiosity gaps) that make challenges irresistible and keep participants engaged from day one.2️⃣ Essential Gamification Elements Anyone Can Implement – Discover five powerful gamification tools you can start using immediately, from simple point systems to strategic surprise content, without complex tech setups or hours of manual tracking.3️⃣ Creating a Challenge Journey, Not Just Tasks – Learn how to design a cohesive experience with milestone moments that sustains excitement and delivers a satisfying finale that naturally bridges to your offer. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Get started with a 14-Day FREE trial of CircleKick start your community by joining The Strategic Community Co-OpQuick Wins for Circle Communities is our new YouTube series delivering actionable tips in bite-sized videos. Love my emails? Steal my secret weapon—Flodesk! Try it for free today.Your community deserves the best—so do you! Get The Scoop, my weekly newsletter packed with insights and strategies. Sign up today!Create a Community Driven Challenge that Converts! Join my Free 5-Day Challenge Creator Lab from April 18th - May 2nd. Save Your Spot Here! MORE FROM ME:Follow me on Instagram @rachelstarrListen to Your Community Strategist on Apple PodcastsChallenge Creator Lab kicks off April 28th—and it's completely FREE! I'll walk you through creating your own community challenge from scratch, complete with all the gamification elements we discussed today.Let's transform your challenge from a series of tasks into an addictive adventure that creates lasting engagement. Step by step, together. 👉 Click the link in the show notes to join us — I can't wait to see what you create! SUBSCRIBE &...

Ready to transform your community with a challenge that actually drives engagement? In this tactical episode of Your Community Strategist, I'm breaking down the perfect anatomy of a successful community challenge.Discover why 5-7 days is the engagement sweet spot, the essential components every challenge day needs, and the critical "challenge arc" that keeps participants motivated from start to finish. I'll walk you through common design mistakes that tank completion rates and share practical mechanics to make participation effortless.Whether you're planning your first challenge or optimizing your tenth, you'll learn how to create clear instructions, manage timing expectations, provide motivating examples, and design engagement prompts that transform solo tasks into community experiences.Want hands-on guidance? Join my 5-Day Challenge Creator Lab starting April 28th, where we'll work together to design, promote, and launch your next community-building challenge.This episode is sponsored by The Strategic Community Co-Op, my monthly membership for course creators and community builders who want to create thriving engagement without the constant hustle.Stop guessing and start building challenges that actually work! 🚀Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Community Challenges and Gamification00:33 Sponsor Shoutout and Upcoming Events01:26 Understanding the Anatomy of a Successful Challenge03:05 Determining the Ideal Challenge Duration05:29 Designing the Challenge Arc08:56 Key Components of Each Challenge Day13:41 Practical Mechanics for Running a Challenge17:24 Common Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them20:10 Conclusion and Next Steps Resources & Links:Get started with a 14-Day FREE trial of CircleKick start your community by joining The Strategic Community Co-OpQuick Wins for Circle Communities is our new YouTube series delivering actionable tips in bite-sized videos. Love my emails? Steal my secret weapon—Flodesk! Try it for free today.Your community deserves the best—so do you! Get The Scoop, my weekly newsletter packed with insights and strategies. Sign up today!Create a Community Driven Challenge that Converts! Join my Free 5-Day Challenge Creator Lab from April 18th - May 2nd. Save Your Spot Here!

In this episode, I explore how simple challenges can transform community engagement and completely revitalize a quiet space. From breaking down the psychology behind effective gamification to sharing real-world success stories, I'll give you the tools to create challenges that captivate your community and turn passive members into active participants.Timestamps00:00 Introduction: Emma's Engagement Transformation01:22 Welcome to Your Community Strategist01:48 The Power of Community Challenges05:00 Understanding Gamification07:57 Why Challenges Work12:28 Designing the Perfect Challenge15:20 Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them17:18 Conclusion and Next StepsResources & Links:Get started with a 14-Day FREE trial of CircleKick start your community by joining The Strategic Community Co-OpQuick Wins for Circle Communities is our new YouTube series delivering actionable tips in bite-sized videos. Love my emails? Steal my secret weapon—Flodesk! Try it for free today.Your community deserves the best—so do you! Get The Scoop, my weekly newsletter packed with insights and strategies. Sign up today!

Ever opened an email notification while on vacation and felt that familiar pang of guilt? In this episode, I'm sharing the exact system I used to take a real vacation (as I'm enjoying Baltimore with my family right now!), and how you can do the same without your community falling apart.We'll explore why stepping away is not just possible but necessary, plus practical systems to keep things running smoothly in your absence. If the thought of not checking your community for days makes you break into a cold sweat, this episode is for you!Timestamps00:00 The Airport Epiphany00:27 The Importance of Real Vacations01:45 Introduction to Community Building04:07 Preparing for Time Off06:48 Practical Steps for a Smooth Vacation10:07 Setting Boundaries and Disconnecting12:49 Returning from Vacation14:01 Final Thoughts and ChallengeResources & Links:Get started with a 14-Day FREE trial of CircleGet Your 1st Month of The Strategic Community Co-Op for just $1Quick Wins for Circle Communities is our new YouTube series delivering actionable tips in bite-sized videos. Love my emails? Steal my secret weapon—Flodesk! Try it for free today.Your community deserves the best—so do you! Get The Scoop, my weekly newsletter packed with insights and strategies. Sign up today!