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https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Automation can make an online business more efficient, but too much automation can also make members feel disconnected. In this episode, Shana talks about finding the right balance between efficiency and genuine human connection. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why automation can sometimes come at the expense of human connectionHow to create meaningful personal touchpoints without doing them for every memberWhy connecting members with your team can strengthen their sense of belongingHow personalized phone calls, voice messages, video messages, and handwritten notes can make an experience more memorableWhy unscalable actions can have a bigger impact than automated interactions Automation can help you save time, but it shouldn't replace the human connection that makes your members feel like they matter. As you build a more efficient business, look for opportunities to add personal and unexpected touchpoints along the way. 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

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Tracking your membership metrics is important, but there’s a common mistake that can leave you spending too much time worrying about numbers that may not actually apply to your business. In this highlight episode, Shana and her friend Melinda Cohen talk about retention rates and why there isn’t one magic number that every membership or program should be trying to reach. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why you shouldn’t rely on industry benchmarks to decide whether your retention rate is “good”Why your audience, program structure, and members’ circumstances can all affect retention and completion ratesHow tracking your own numbers can help you understand what’s really happening in your membershipWhat a growth ceiling is and how retention can affect your ability to growThe two ways you can break through a growth ceiling: bringing in more people or losing fewer members Your retention rate doesn’t have to look like someone else’s. What matters is knowing your own numbers well enough to understand where you are, where you’re getting stuck, and what needs to change.  You don’t have to fix everything at once. Focus on the biggest opportunity, make an improvement, and keep measuring. 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

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Engagement isn’t the goal - progress is. In this episode, Shana shares the Progress Wheel, a simple framework for helping members not only take action when they first join a program or community, but continue making progress long after they get started. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why progress matters more than engagement when it comes to keeping members involvedThe five parts of the Progress WheelWhy having a clear purpose helps people understand what they are working towardHow to give members a clear path without overwhelming them with the entire journeyWhy focusing on the best next step can help members take action Is your purpose clear? Do your members know their next step? Are they taking action? Can they see their progress? And are you giving that progress the attention it deserves? When people can see that they’re moving forward and when that progress is recognized and connected back to the bigger purpose, it becomes much easier to keep the momentum going. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Many business owners spend significant time creating marketing funnels and customer acquisition strategies but give far less attention to what happens after someone joins.  In this episode, Shana shares why a systems-based approach to retention is essential for helping members and clients succeed and how simple systems can reduce churn while creating a more meaningful experience. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why retention deserves as much attention as marketing and customer acquisitionHow member journey mapping can improve the client experience from onboarding to renewalHow to use the Stoplight Strategy to identify green, yellow, and red clients or membersWhy community, connection, and personal engagement play a key role in long-term retentionSimple steps you can take today to build a retention-focused system in your business Retention is about more than keeping members, it's about helping them succeed. By combining simple systems with meaningful human connection, you can create a better experience, reduce churn, and support long-term growth for both your clients and your 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/ 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

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Change inside a membership or coaching program is inevitable but how you handle it determines whether your community embraces it or pushes back.  We dive into why change often creates friction and how to proactively lead your members through transitions in a way that builds trust and buy-in instead of resistance. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why change can trigger resistance even when it’s ultimately beneficialThe biggest mistake community leaders make when rolling out changesHow poor communication leads to long-term dissatisfaction among membersHow to gauge the right timeline for communicating different types of changesA breakdown of the ADKAR change management model and how it applies to memberships If you’re planning a change in your program, big or small, don’t wait until the last minute to communicate it. A thoughtful rollout can be the difference between confusion and confidence in your community. Take the time to guide your members through the transition, and you’ll not only avoid unnecessary friction, you’ll strengthen their trust in your leadership. 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

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Ep 80: Behind-the-scenes with 8-figure Membership Owner, Corinne Crabtree of No BS Women https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/behind-the-scenes-with-8-figure-membership-owner-corinne-crabtree-of-no-bs What if more revenue didn’t mean more customers but better serving the ones you already have? In this episode, Shana sits down with Corrine Crabtree to talk about expansion revenue and how adding the right offers can grow your business without starting from scratch. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why expansion revenue is one of the simplest ways to grow your business without increasing your marketing spendHow to introduce additional offers without taking away from your core programHow to create offers that support different needs within your communityWhy your main offer should feel complete and how that actually increases trust and retention At the end of the day, it’s not about stacking offers just to make more money, it’s about serving your people better. When your core offer delivers real results and your additional programs genuinely support different needs, growth becomes a natural byproduct. Focus on value, trust your audience, and give them the opportunity to go deeper when they’re ready. 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

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Are failed payments quietly draining your membership revenue without you even realizing it?  In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked issues that can seriously impact your business and how your pricing strategy might be playing a bigger role than you think. From monthly vs. annual plans to attracting the right members, we’re breaking down what’s really going on behind the scenes and what you can do to fix it. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why failed payments are the “hidden kiss of death” for membership businesses and how they quietly drain your recurring revenueHow to create a simple but consistent failed payment follow-up strategy that keeps members from slipping awayWhy annual plans can increase cash flow but also create renewal and cash management challengesHow strong retention can make monthly pricing more profitable than annual plansHow pricing impacts not just revenue, but the quality and mindset of the people joining your program If you’re seeing failed payments, cancellations, or attracting the wrong members, your pricing strategy might be the missing piece. Take a closer look at your retention, your follow-up systems, and the level of commitment your offers require - small shifts here can make a big difference in both your revenue and the quality of your community. 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