EP161 | Get Off On The Right Foot To Avoid That Membership Burnout

“Starting a membership can feel like a race to add value, but overloading it leads straight to burnout. This week, we’re unpacking how underpromising and delivering surprises can keep both you and your members delighted and stress-free.”

Hello, fabulous listeners! You’ll never guess who was silently sitting in on today’s episode – a tiny, adorable 4-pound chihuahua quivering with anticipation! As always, thank you for tuning into another episode of “Memberships Launches Community.”

In today’s episode, we dove into a topic that’s near and dear to the hearts of many membership creators: how to avoid that dreaded membership burnout. You know the feeling – you’re excited, you want to throw in every single feature and bonus imaginable, and then suddenly you’re swamped. Well, today, I shared some personal insights and strategies to help keep that excitement alive without getting overwhelmed.

First up, let’s tackle the idea of under-promising. I’ve chatted with countless creators who feel the need to stack their membership offers sky-high to entice members. But here’s a little secret: you don’t need to over promise. Write down your deliverables, analyze the time it takes to create them, and if it seems like too much, it probably is. Instead, turn those extras into delightful surprise bonuses! I do this with my members all the time, offering unexpected workshops that add value without the pressure of constant monthly deliverables.

Next, let’s talk about creating content you actually love. For me, slideshows are the bane of my existence. I loathe them, but I’ve found a way to make them a bit more tolerable by simplifying and spreading them out. Know your strengths and lean into them. If you’re dreading a particular type of content, your members will feel that too. Stick to what you enjoy and let your passion shine through.

Ah, and then there’s the treasure trove of content you already have. I highly recommend creating an inventory sheet. Compile all your assets – videos, guides, workshops – and categorize them. You might be surprised at how much content you can repurpose for your membership. It’s a lifesaver if you hit a busy season or need a break.

Brainstorming is another game-changer. I’ve been running memberships for a while and planning a fourth one (yes, I’m hooked!). When you brainstorm, grab a pen and paper, and let your ideas flow. Don’t just sit blankly at your computer; get creative and analog. Trust me, you’ll surprise yourself with the great ideas that pop up!

And finally, bulk creating content. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of having months of content ready to go. A few years back, I spent a day recording eight podcast episodes, and the relief was palpable. Set a day aside, minimize distractions, and let your creative juices flow.

So, here’s a quick recap: under-promise to over-deliver, create content you love, leverage existing content, brainstorm effectively, and bulk create. These steps will not only make your membership manageable but also keep you energized and excited.

If you’re looking for more on avoiding burnout, join my upcoming workshop, “Burnout Free Content Creation.” You can grab your spot at engagegroups.com/bfcc. Whether you can join live or grab the recording later, you’ll get loads of tips and a couple of handy spreadsheets to keep your content machine running smoothly.

Thank you all for listening! As always, stay creative and take care. Until next time!

Engage with joy, Sandra De Freitas