Embracing the Power of Community: "If You Want to Go Far, Go Together"
"If you want to go far, go together."
This timeless African proverb reminds us of the incredible power of community. Yet, in the whirlwind of our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook this fundamental truth.
The Essential Nature of Community
Humans are innately wired for connection. We thrive when we’re part of a community because we have a greater chance of success and survival together than we do alone. We crave connection, belonging, and the opportunity to engage with each other—beyond just interacting with a product.
When we connect, we learn, grow, and expand our thinking together. Community acts like a rising tide that lifts all boats.
The Isolation Challenge
Unfortunately, many people experience the opposite of community—isolation. Research indicates that loneliness is alarmingly common, with 40% of people reporting a lack of meaningful social relationships. The consequences? Severe health and well-being issues, including an increased risk of diseases and mental health problems. Loneliness has even been likened to smoking 15 cigarettes a day!
Feeling alone can make challenges seem more daunting than they actually are. As product creators, we have the opportunity to foster a sense of community in our courses. This creates a supportive tribe united by a shared goal or interest.
The Role of Community in Your Experience Product
Community isn’t just an add-on; it’s Core Experience 8 in the Experience Escalation Model. It can significantly enhance your product by:
Celebrating Wins: Fostering a culture that celebrates achievements rather than fostering envy or comparison.
Providing Support: Offering support during tough times without enabling struggles.
Valuing Every Voice: Ensuring all voices are heard, regardless of age, background, or beliefs.
Encouraging Positivity: Promoting a mentality of action, iteration, and positivity.
Creating a Vibrant Community Culture
You’re uniquely positioned to create a thriving community because your customers have chosen to be part of your product. They resonate with your mission and see value in what you offer. The group of customers you attract likely share many commonalities, making it easier to build a united and supportive community.
Community Building Tips:
Model the Behavior: Your actions as a Community Leader set the tone. Demonstrate the attitudes and behaviors you want to cultivate.
Encourage Positive Attitudes: Recognize and reward behaviors that contribute to success.
Create a Shared Language: Develop a unique language or terminology to help your customers feel like insiders.
Integrate Conversations: Weave conversations and interactions throughout your product delivery.
Understanding Your Instinctual Stack
Your instinctual stack—the combination of your biological drives—shapes how you perceive and respond to community dynamics. The Enneagram identifies three key instincts:
Self-Preservation: Focused on safety, security, and comfort.
Sexual: Centers on intimacy, excitement, and deep connections.
Social: Emphasizes relationships, group participation, and social responsibility.
Understanding your dominant and less-developed instincts helps you create a community that respects diverse needs and motivations.
Exercise: Identifying Your Instinctual Stack
Identify Your Dominant Drive: Choose the instinct you prioritize the most and label it as 1.
Determine Your Middle Layer: Identify the instinct that is less developed and label it as 2.
Find Your Least Developed Drive: Identify the instinct you rely on the least and label it as 3.
Creating a Culture of Inclusion
Culture starts with you. Your personal example as a Community Leader sets the standard. Embrace diverse voices and perspectives, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Action Steps for Cultivating Community:
Awards and Recognition: Implement awards and recognition programs to celebrate contributions and achievements.
Contests and Leaderboards: Use these tools to engage and motivate your community.
By integrating these practices, you enhance the overall experience and foster a supportive, engaged community.
Our Awards and Contests: Celebrating Every Step of the Journey
Welcome to a vibrant celebration of achievement and community spirit! Here’s a peek into how we honor and encourage our tribe with our special awards and contests:
1. Tribe Superhero Award
Purpose: To spotlight those with an incredible social instinct who share and support our community.
How It Works: We crank up the fun with “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge and dance our hearts out. In person, we add a touch of magic by draping a superhero cape over their shoulders, celebrating them as the Tribe Superhero they truly are. For our virtual friends, we send their capes in the mail so they can enjoy their superhero moment during our Awards Ceremony.
2. Action Superhero Award
Purpose: To honor students who leap out of their comfort zones and take massive action.
How It Works: We play “S&M” by Rihanna, add some lively dancing, and present each recipient with a whip—a playful nod to their courageous actions (which has led to some amusing stories, like Meridith Hankenson Alexander’s first date adventure!).
Meridith's Story: “I’m thrilled to be an Action Hero! Though explaining the whip to my date and family was a bit tricky, it’s all in good fun and a testament to embracing action!”
3. Sales Superhero Award
Purpose: To recognize those who’ve made significant income leaps and embraced financial success.
How It Works: We celebrate with “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled and adorn our Sales Superheroes with coveted Money Bling. This award not only symbolizes financial success but also boosts confidence—some even sport their bling on sales calls!
4. Fail Forward Award
Purpose: To celebrate the courage to embrace and learn from failure.
How It Works: We dance to “All Star” by Smash Mouth and crown our winners with playful monkey ears. This award encourages embracing mistakes as stepping stones to success and helps normalize the learning process.
Contests: Igniting Action and Fun
1. EPM Launch Contests
Purpose: To encourage engagement and participation during our big annual launch.
How It Works: Participants in our 5-Day Profitable Product Idea Challenge who post their homework and submit their takeaways are entered into a drawing for a spot in EPM. We also offer daily prizes and run a Fast Action Webinar Bonus with a “Golden Ticket” to VIP access and a chocolate bar surprise!
Fun Twist: Our chocolate bars contain Grand Prize Golden Tickets for a small group VIP day with me—a rare and highly coveted experience!
2. EPM Program Contests
Jump Contest: Complete MVP Track Content and jump to the top with a Live Your Message t-shirt.
Chatterbox Contest: Engage in 30 Conversations about your MVP and earn an “Always Be Chatterboxing” tee.
Experience Escalation Contest: Submit ideas for implementing Core Experiences in your product for a framed copy of The Experience Formula.
Leaderboards: A Community Celebration
Purpose: To celebrate top achievers and foster motivation through social proof.
How It Works: We post weekly Leaderboards showcasing top point earners and those who’ve made the biggest leaps. These Leaderboards not only celebrate individual progress but also foster a supportive and competitive spirit within the community.
Embrace the Fun and Engage!
These awards, contests, and Leaderboards add excitement and motivation to our community, celebrating every milestone along the journey. Remember, presence is more important than perfection—your intention and enthusiasm make all the difference!
Feel free to use contests and recognition to drive engagement and celebrate your community's wins, big and small. Let’s continue to make every step of the journey rewarding and fun! 🎉🚀
Creating a Thriving Community Culture:
Welcome to Momentum Business-Building Program!
At Momentum, we take pride in our premium experience and make it memorable with a touch of fun and personalization. Here’s how we do it:
1. Personalized Gifts & Celebrations:
Welcome Boxes: Every new student receives a roll of Mentos—symbolizing their place in the Momentum Community.
Achievement Pins: Students get pins marking their progress and milestones. Each Level up is celebrated with a special Level Up ceremony.
2. Exclusive Re-Enrollment Benefits:
Special Discount: Offered during the fourth Quarterly Accelerator.
Recognition Ceremony: I dress up as an astronaut to symbolize breaking free from limitations and reaching new heights. Top performers earn their Rocket Pin and other special pins for significant milestones.
3. Unique Star Naming Gift:
Star in the Sky: Re-enrolling Mentos receive a star named in their honor through the International Star Name Registry—a symbol of limitless potential.
4. Shared Language & Imagery:
Crafting a Common Language: We use terms like “Paper Plane Version” and concepts from the 10 Core Experiences to build a shared vocabulary.
Hashtags & Symbols: Our community engages with hashtags like #MVPMindset and #MissionAccomplished, creating a sense of belonging and achievement.
5. Fostering Engagement:
Share Exercises: Integrated into core content to prompt interaction from Day 1.
Automated Welcome Messages: Features like Xperiencify’s Warm Welcome notify existing members of new arrivals, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
6. Accountability Groups & Contests:
Structured Groups: Placed based on assessments and stages to ensure meaningful connections.
Engagement Contests: Motivates groups to achieve goals with rewards like coaching calls or special workshops.
7. Immersive Retreats:
Virtual & In-Person Events: Quarterly Accelerators provide deep connections and are highly valued, often leading to long-term re-enrollment.
By implementing these engaging strategies, you’ll create a vibrant and interactive community around your product. Let’s make your community a place where every member feels connected, celebrated, and motivated!