In this episode, I dive into what it really means to be a productive membership owner with special guest Louise Miller.

We explore why traditional approaches to productivity might be missing the mark and how to create more space and intention in your day-to-day operations.

This conversation is packed with practical insights for redefining productivity, regaining focus, and helping both yourself and your members achieve more—without the overwhelm or burnout.

1. What does productivity actually mean for membership owners, and why might traditional definitions be holding us back?
2. How can you shift your mindset and daily habits to focus on what’s truly important—instead of just getting more “stuff” done?
3. What practical steps can you take to create more space, clarity, and effective action in your business, even amidst daily chaos and unexpected challenges?
4. How can you support your own members’ productivity and implementation, reducing churn and helping them achieve the transformation they joined your community for?

I really appreciate you choosing us and for supporting the podcast.

What's your next step?

If you haven't launched your membership yet, I've made my signature Membership Roadmap Course completely FREE, walking you through exactly how to get set up for success!

Already have a membership and looking to grow and scale? Join me inside Membership Academy where I'll help you take your membership to the next level.

And if you found this episode valuable, I'd be eternally grateful if you would leave an honest review and rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience, and I read each and every one!

"I had to redefine productivity for myself before I started doing the work that I do, because the definition I've been carrying around with me, which I think is probably what a lot of other people carry around with them, actually made me ill."

"Was it taking a moment to just stop and get a bit of perspective? And that's where I think productivity starts in understanding that when you're in. I call this a kind of frantic and frazzled overwhelm loop of maybe sitting down at your desk going, oh, my God, I've got all this to do, man, your brain immediately starts going into overdrive."

"I was putting my own business development at the end of the week and I was doing it on Fridays, thinking, oh, Friday, a nice day to do my business development, by which time I was knackered and. Or mopping up stuff that I hadn't managed to get done during the week, which meant the signal I was sending to my brain was that my stuff, not a priority."

"And what I see quite a lot is memberships are really good with the inspiration and the information, but can fall down a little bit when it comes to the implementation piece."

In this episode, I get on my soapbox about one of the most persistent myths in the membership world: the idea that scarcity marketing and closed-door enrollment are absolutely necessary to grow a successful membership.

I break down why this notion is misleading, how it can harm your business in the long run, and why good marketing should never rely on manipulative gimmicks.

I share real-world examples, challenge some of the loudest voices in the space, and lay out the facts so you can make the best decision for your membership business.

1. Do you really need scarcity or closed-door enrollment to sell and grow a membership?
2. What are the long-term consequences of relying on scarcity tactics for membership sales?
3. When (if ever) does a closed-door model actually make strategic sense for a membership business?
4. How can you create genuine urgency and attract committed members without resorting to manipulative marketing gimmicks?

I really appreciate you choosing us and for supporting the podcast.

What's your next step?

If you haven't launched your membership yet, I've made my signature Membership Roadmap Course completely FREE, walking you through exactly how to get set up for success!

Already have a membership and looking to grow and scale? Join me inside Membership Academy where I'll help you take your membership to the next level.

And if you found this episode valuable, I'd be eternally grateful if you would leave an honest review and rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience, and I read each and every one!

"A handful of tacky Internet marketers have been pushing this narrative that you need scarcity to sell a membership and that the closed door model is the one true way."

"Closed door can and does work for numerous memberships, and for many of those memberships it's absolutely the right model, based on their audience needs, based on their business structure, based on the topic they're teaching, and so on."

"The overwhelming majority of successful memberships are open door and they always have been. 12,000 members in membership academy, 60,000 in SBL. Same sort of numbers with Drumeo memberships, like Digital Marketer memberships like Masterclass. These are always open doors. We get sales. We don't have to close the doors to give people a reason to join because our memberships are good enough to give people the reason to join in and of themselves."

"If any part of your marketing relies on being sneaky, relies on not being found out, then you're doing it wrong. If you're misleading your audience into thinking something is scarce and trying to use that scarcity to pressure them into a buying decision that they're not ready for, but then even worse, it turns out that it's all a ruse, it's all bs, then you absolutely suck on every level imaginable."

In this episode, I dive into the ever-evolving world of podcasting with special guest Colin Gray, founder of The Podcast Host and Alitu.

Together, we unpack the new rules of the podcasting landscape in 2024, explore how independent creators can still stand out in a space now dominated by big names and AI-generated content, and discuss strategies for using podcasts to grow and deepen your membership business.

Whether you're running a podcast or thinking of starting one, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real talk on what really works right now.

1. Is it too late for independent creators to succeed in podcasting amid increased competition and the rise of celebrity-led and AI-generated shows?
2. What are the most effective ways to increase discoverability and grow a podcast audience in today’s saturated market?
3. How has podcasting changed in recent years, and what new strategies should membership site owners consider for using podcasts as a marketing tool?
4. In a world of rapidly improving AI content, what makes a human-led podcast stand out and build a loyal, engaged community?

I really appreciate you choosing us and for supporting the podcast.

What's your next step?

If you haven't launched your membership yet, I've made my signature Membership Roadmap Course completely FREE, walking you through exactly how to get set up for success!

Already have a membership and looking to grow and scale? Join me inside Membership Academy where I'll help you take your membership to the next level.

And if you found this episode valuable, I'd be eternally grateful if you would leave an honest review and rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience, and I read each and every one!

"It feels like all of the general purpose, general conversation, broad appeal shows, they're now all just run by celebrities because they've all jumped into it, because it's proven that it can make them money, it's become popular."

"You can make a living out of 100 listeners, 200 listeners, because you can build such trust and such credibility that you can sell a really high ticket, consulting package membership, whatever that might be."

"Because they've got to know you, they go and listen to the show. And they're so much more likely to become fans that then pass it on to their friends and pass it around their communities. And those elements just scale so much more in a podcast than they do in any other medium because people spend so much time with you."

"If you want to use clips, generally you want to commit to actually like making sure you've got a decent enough webcam and just get one like nice light that you'll place behind your webcam and that makes all the difference. It can, that can turn you from like a really crappy looking video into something that's like quite passable and quite decent."

In this episode, I dive into my top five priorities that will fuel your membership success in 2026.

I share the key actions and mindset shifts that every membership owner, whether just starting out or looking to scale, should be focusing on to ensure lasting growth.

From getting a grip on your numbers to embracing a results-driven approach, experimenting more, and building the right support network, I break down practical, proven advice to set you up for an amazing year with your membership business.

1. Why is understanding your numbers and KPIs so essential for sustainable membership growth, and how do you get started?
2. How has the value of content changed, and why should you stop positioning your membership as just a library of resources?
3. In what ways can diversifying your offerings safeguard your membership business and better serve your audience's evolving needs?
4. Why is experimentation, as well as surrounding yourself with the right support network, key to overcoming industry changes and staying ahead in 2026?

I really appreciate you choosing us and for supporting the podcast.

What's your next step?

If you haven't launched your membership yet, I've made my signature Membership Roadmap Course completely FREE, walking you through exactly how to get set up for success!

Already have a membership and looking to grow and scale? Join me inside Membership Academy where I'll help you take your membership to the next level.

And if you found this episode valuable, I'd be eternally grateful if you would leave an honest review and rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience, and I read each and every one!

Key Quotes & Takeaways:

"You can work hard all year bringing in 120 new people over the year, and you'll end the year with pretty much no increase in your member base. Because that 8% churn rate that maybe you don't realize is 8% will mean that you are just hemorrhaging as many members as you're attracting."

"People want certainty. People like being sold proven formulas. That's why a lot of dodgy Internet marketers do so well, because they stand up there and say, you know what, I've got this proven formula. You just do this, then this, then this and this and you're guaranteed results. And yeah, that guarantees not worth the paper it's printed on."

"We bring you that community, we bring you that accountability, that place that you can go to that is safe for you to vent about that problem member and get a little bit of advice for you to admit, you know what, I'm stuck. I've tried all these things and they have not worked."

"But more importantly, you have the room to be in. You have the community that will give you that support network, that will give you the sounding board, that will cheer you on and pick you up, give you their experiences, give you the benefit of their knowledge, share what they're doing and work together to ensure that 2026 doesn't just see one or two of us growing our memberships. 2026 sees us all growing and thriving."

In this episode, I explore the importance of truly stepping away from your membership business over the holiday season.

I share personal stories and practical advice on setting boundaries and embracing rest, debunking the myth that constant hustle is required for success.

I also discuss how taking a real break not only protects your wellbeing, but can spark creativity and increase your effectiveness as a membership owner in the new year.

Tune in for actionable tips to help you (and your community) enjoy the festive period guilt-free.

• Why is it essential for membership owners to take genuine time off during the holidays, rather than just reducing work hours?
• What are the consequences of always being available and not properly disconnecting from your business?
• How can you plan and communicate your holiday break effectively to your team and members?
• What are the benefits—both personal and strategic—to stepping back from your membership, and how can it set you up for success in the new year?

I really appreciate you choosing us and for supporting the podcast.

What's your next step?

If you haven't launched your membership yet, I've made my signature Membership Roadmap Course completely FREE, walking you through exactly how to get set up for success!

Already have a membership and looking to grow and scale? Join me inside Membership Academy where I'll help you take your membership to the next level.

And if you found this episode valuable, I'd be eternally grateful if you would leave an honest review and rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience, and I read each and every one!

"If you burn yourself out because you're not able to pull yourself away from your business, you're going to take all of that exhaustion, all of that resentment, because that will build. You're going to take all of that into the new year and that will absolutely bleed into every aspect of what you do. Your members don't want a version of you that's running on fumes, that's not rested."

"When the brain is distracted by other things is when some of the best actual ideas and creativity comes up. When you take that time out, when you allow yourself to step back, you make space for those big ideas to show up."

"You'll find that any time going forward that you want to take a break away, it no longer feels like it's a risk. It no longer feels like something you should be guilty about. You start to see it as a normal, healthy part of running your membership, because it is. And you'll come back from that break fresher, motivated, with a clearer idea of how the next year is going to look than you would if you'd spent the holidays balancing your laptop on your knee when you should be having Christmas dinner and enjoying the break."

In this episode, I discuss the most critical mistake that I see far too many membership business owners making—neglecting their new member onboarding process.

I emphasize why onboarding isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a fundamental pillar for ensuring member retention and long-term business success.

Drawing on over a decade of experience, I break down actionable strategies to set new members up for a positive, engaging start.

Whether you’re brand new or running a well-established membership, these insights will help you avoid costly pitfalls and boost your retention rates.

• Why is the new member onboarding process so crucial for the success of a membership business?
• What typically goes wrong when onboarding is overlooked or poorly executed?
• What are the four essential steps that every onboarding strategy should include?
• How can membership owners improve their current onboarding experience to increase member retention and satisfaction?

I really appreciate you choosing us and for supporting the podcast.

What's your next step?

If you haven't launched your membership yet, I've made my signature Membership Roadmap Course completely FREE, walking you through exactly how to get set up for success!

Already have a membership and looking to grow and scale? Join me inside Membership Academy where I'll help you take your membership to the next level.

And if you found this episode valuable, I'd be eternally grateful if you would leave an honest review and rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience, and I read each and every one!

"And so now those first few minutes, those first hours of someone's memberships, instead of those being spent with them excitedly taking their first steps towards the success that they're seeking, they're instead going to have to spend a bunch of time figuring out where the heck everything is, how it all works, clicking around different links to see what they do, where they go, what's on offer."

"A warm welcome. The first page that someone sees after they've completed registration should feature a message from you, preferably video, giving them that warm welcome. Big, smiley, happy, confident, thanking them for joining, validating their buying decision and telling them what's next."

"Four to five simple actions that will get them started the right way. Give them a quick win, get them to introduce themselves into your community to sign up for their first live training call. Set them on the path towards whatever they joined your membership to accomplish."

In this episode, I tackle the rise of AI-generated "slop" and what it means for those of us running membership businesses.

I share practical strategies for standing out in an era where generic, low-effort content is flooding the internet.

I discuss why your real voice, perspective, and personal touch are more valuable than ever—and how to leverage these strengths both in your content marketing and inside your membership.

Join me for a conversation on keeping things authentic, building trust, and rising above the AI noise.

• How can membership owners differentiate themselves when AI-generated content is everywhere?
• What types of content and formats showcase your unique personality and expertise beyond what AI can replicate?
• Why is authenticity, storytelling, and vulnerability so crucial for building trust with your audience today?
• How should the value proposition of a membership evolve in a world where "more content" is no longer enough?

I really appreciate you choosing us and for supporting the podcast.

What's your next step?

If you haven't launched your membership yet, I've made my signature Membership Roadmap Course completely FREE, walking you through exactly how to get set up for success!

Already have a membership and looking to grow and scale? Join me inside Membership Academy where I'll help you take your membership to the next level.

And if you found this episode valuable, I'd be eternally grateful if you would leave an honest review and rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience, and I read each and every one!

"It doesn't matter how good your blog content is, because it's going to get buried. Your audience is going to have less and less trust because we don't always know. We can't tell whether we're reading something that is genuinely coming from the person whose name is is attached to it or Whether they've just cobbled it together in a few minutes from whatever chatgpt is spat out."

"AI can summarize things, it can paraphrase, it can mix different sources around. But AI doesn't have a perspective, it doesn't care. It doesn't get heated up about something, it doesn't stand for or against anything, it doesn't attempt to convince, it doesn't attempt to make a strong argument, it doesn't feel, obviously."

"We all know for so many years, social media has just become this curated highlight reel where everyone projects this version of themselves that they want other people to believe is reality. But actually more and more people want to see the real. They want to see the process, they want to see the messy version, they want to see the work, they want to see the real human, the stuff that AI will churn out. It's always going to be generic, it's always going to be a bit more polished, a bit more perfect, a bit middle of the road."

In this episode, I dive into the power of feedback loops and how they've been instrumental in driving membership growth for our community.

I share exclusive insights from my session at Retain Live 2025, breaking down how to effectively gather, analyze, and act on feedback at every stage of the member lifecycle.

You'll learn practical tactics for not only getting useful member input, but also using it to shape your offerings, refine your marketing, and boost retention.

If you're ready to make your members feel heard and create a more engaging and successful membership, this episode is for you.

• What exactly is a feedback loop, and why is it so vital for membership businesses?
• How can you effectively gather and use feedback from non-buyers, new members, existing members, and those leaving your community?
• What are the key stages in the member lifecycle where feedback loops should be implemented for maximum impact?
• How do you close the loop by showing members the tangible results and changes that result from their feedback?

I really appreciate you choosing us and for supporting the podcast.

What's your next step?

If you haven't launched your membership yet, I've made my signature Membership Roadmap Course completely FREE, walking you through exactly how to get set up for success!

Already have a membership and looking to grow and scale? Join me inside Membership Academy where I'll help you take your membership to the next level.

And if you found this episode valuable, I'd be eternally grateful if you would leave an honest review and rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience, and I read each and every one!

"You need to speak to your audience, to your members, to your buyers, your non buyers, your ex members. That feedback is critical for guiding the growth of your business. But it's not enough to just get that feedback. You need to know what feedback to ask for and what to do with it."

"And when they respond, listen, reply, have that conversation, but also take the responses and start creating content from it. Address the frequently asked questions, the frequent obstacles and objections that come up."

"If someone's leaving, we need to know why and this shouldn't be a passive thing. We need to survey our outgoing members. We need to ideally have something in place before the cancellation is final, where we ask them why they are no longer staying in the membership and then respond to that before the final decision is made, offer them some alternatives to cancelling, acknowledge any frustrations, show that we care and we want them to stay so it's not just a case of them clicking the button and they're gone."