Yes, we are still feeding stray cats and dogs. Getting them off the streets, into loving homes and taking them to the vet. Your support helps us to help more animals. You can pick any amount between $5 and $500. Plus, you’ll get some gifts based on your donation. So you are helping the cats, dogs, and yourself!

Enjoy the Episode

Would you like to be a guest?

If you want to talk about building an online or offline community let’s chat. If you want to just push your product/service – let’s not chat.

Celebrating 30 years of Sobriety

Is simply a result of not doing the same thing over one day at a time for 30 years in a wrong. What was that one thing? Not picking up the first drink. Ironically, it is the first drink that gets you drunk.

If you need help reach out. There are so many resources all over the world.

Don’t forget to listen to some of the other episodes about building community online and offline here

Enjoy the episode.

Support the Podcast

From Airwaves to Auditoriums: Gary Frey’s Journey from Podcasting to Live Events

🎧 The Podcast Revolution with Gary Frey
Join us in this captivating episode of “Do Not Listen to this Podcast,” where Gary Frey guides us through his evolution from hosting a digital podcast to orchestrating vibrant live events. Seamlessly, Gary shares the strategies he used to cultivate a strong podcast community and how he successfully brought that community to life in the real world.

🌟 The Art of Community Building
Delving deeper, Gary’s approach to community engagement is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to connect more deeply with their audience. He dives into the subtleties of forming genuine bonds with listeners and converting them into an engaged community. Significantly, his perspectives are especially beneficial for podcasters, event planners, and digital marketers.

🚀 Live Events: The Transformative Step
Next, hear Gary recount the thrilling and challenging process of transitioning his podcast community into a live event. This part of the episode is packed with actionable advice on event planning, captivating an audience, and crafting memorable experiences.

💡 Valuable Lessons for Content Creators
Furthermore, Gary’s story is not just about his successes; it’s filled with practical wisdom for anyone aspiring to make a similar transition. Importantly, he emphasizes the value of starting small and growing organically, highlighting the excitement and fulfillment of bringing a vision to fruition.

Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen:

• First, uncover methods to build a community that extends beyond the digital space.
• Then, learn effective techniques for engaging with audiences in a more personal and impactful way.
• Also, gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in organizing live events.
• And finally, be inspired by Gary’s creative fusion of digital content with live, in-person experiences.

Final Thoughts

Conclusively, Gary Frey is more than a typical podcast guest. This episode is an insightful narrative about creating meaningful connections and experiences. His journey from podcasting to live events provides a practical and inspiring guide for content creators, offering a unique blend of humor, real-world wisdom, and invaluable advice.

🎙️ Unveiling the Art of Building a Business Community with Greg

The Core Concept: Building a Community Within a Business

• In this insightful episode, Greg takes center stage to share his rich experiences in cultivating a thriving community within the business environment. His unique approach sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of corporate success.

Greg’s Approach: Internal and External Community Building

• Greg emphasizes the dual nature of community building. He discusses the importance of nurturing an internal community among employees, fostering a culture of personal connections, shared values, and understanding individual career journeys. Similarly, he underlines the significance of building an external community, engaging customers, and creating brand advocates.

Real-World Challenges and Strategies

• Greg candidly addresses the challenges of building a community in a business context, especially highlighting the fact that external community building is often met with indifference. His practical strategies and personal anecdotes offer a roadmap for overcoming these hurdles.

The Human Element in Business

• A key takeaway from Greg’s discussion is the emphasis on the human element in business. He advocates for one-on-one interactions where the focus is on the individual rather than just the business aspect. This, according to Greg, is crucial in developing a genuine and effective community.

Greg’s Final Thoughts: Patience and Persistence

• Greg concludes with a powerful message: building a community within a business is a time-intensive and listening-driven endeavor. He stresses that such a community doesn’t emerge overnight but requires consistent effort and genuine engagement.

This episode with Greg is a must-listen for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the dynamics of community building within a corporate structure. His insights provide valuable lessons on creating a cohesive, supportive, and engaged business community.

Support the podcast. Help us to feed stray cats and dogs.

• Background: Roger has been hosting the podcast for over five years, with a focus on feeding stray cats and dogs as part of the show’s mission.

Guest: Tamica Sears

• Background: Tamica is an HR professional with over 20 years of experience, focusing on leadership development and coaching for the past eight years. She is recognized for her integrity, often facing difficult situations in HR where she had to walk away due to conflicting values with leaders.

Content Overview:

• Community Building in HR: Tamica discusses her efforts in building a local HR community in Arizona, particularly in Tucson. She is collaborating with Disrupt HR to create events aimed at HR innovation, moving beyond the traditional compliance-focused role of HR.
• Challenges and Wins: The podcast covers the challenges of competing with established HR communities like SHRM and the struggles in sales and sponsorship. Tamica highlights the importance of a balanced team where members complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Personal Motivation: Tamica shares her passion for her work in HR and the joy it brings her, alongside her love for her new puppy. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance and adaptability in pursuing such community-driven initiatives.

Guide with Timestamps:

1. Introduction and Backgrounds (00:03 – 01:37)
2. Building HR Community and Disrupt HR Events (01:57 – 03:49)
3. Challenges in HR and Competing Communities (04:00 – 06:30)
4. Successes and Future Plans (06:46 – 09:22)
5. Sales Struggles and Event Sponsorship (09:26 – 11:41)
6. Handling Criticism and Trolls (11:44 – 13:27)
7. Tamica’s Personal Motivation and New Puppy (13:27 – 15:53)
8. Advice for Building Communities (15:53 – 18:28)
9. Conclusion and Future Events (18:32 – 19:48)

Standout Quotes from Tamica:

1. “You can’t move a mountain on your own, but you have to move your mountain with like-minded people.” – Reflecting on the importance of teamwork in community building.
2. “Don’t complain if you’re not willing to make a change.” – Emphasizing the importance of taking action rather than just voicing problems.
3. “I cannot continue to complain about the state of HR… and not do anything about it.” – Highlighting her proactive approach to making changes in the HR field.
4. “You thought you could do it because you can.” – Encouraging perseverance despite challenges.
5. “Don’t fall in love with your original idea.” – Advising flexibility and adaptability in pursuing projects or initiatives.

These quotes and insights from Tamica demonstrate her dedication to innovation in HR and her practical approach to challenges and community building.

Help us to feed stray cats and dogs

From then to when it turned into a project, during Covid, that supports feeding stray cats and dogs has been a fun ride. I’m excited about the new series focusing on building community on social media.

I’m proud to say that because of your donations and support we’ve been able to feed thousands of stray cats and dogs. And at any given time are sponsoring over 20 that have found forever homes.

Support us here

Celebrating 5 Years of Do Not Listen to This Podcast

I’m not going to lie, I started this podcast as a joke and to help a client. It did not have a plan, but one organically evolved. And of course, the focus of the show is constantly changing.

During Covid when we started to feed the stray cats and dogs the show itself found a purpose that was bigger than just doing a podcast.

I think that’s something important to consider if you are thinking of doing one. What is the thing that is bigger than you and the show.

Thank you to all the guests and listeners.

Time Stamp Guide

• 00:04 – 00:17: Introduction of Mercy and the topic of cats.
• 00:25 – 01:08: Mercy talks about starting with LinkedIn and her novice experience.
• 01:09 – 02:08: Transition from LinkedIn to podcasting and the focus on insurance.
• 02:20 – 03:42: Mercy describes building her community, which is small but specialized in cyber insurance.
• 03:42 – 05:26: Expansion of Mercy’s following internationally and discussions on ageism.
• 05:36 – 07:56: The interplay between cyber insurance and traditional insurance policies.
• 08:00 – 09:06: Key questions to ask insurance agents.
• 09:20 – 11:49: Mercy shares her experiences and insights from building a community.
• 12:58 – 14:35: Final thoughts and a humorous exchange about Roger’s absence from LinkedIn.

Show Highlights:

• Mercy started from a novice point with LinkedIn and then built a focused community around cyber insurance.
• She emphasizes the importance of posting relevant content and connecting with ancillary industries.
• Mercy also touches on ageism in the industry and how it affects the careers of women.

Good Quotes from the Episode

1. “I was totally a novice at this and… I started to play with it and my profile was bad… but I knew I could post some insurance stuff that somebody might listen to.” (01:09)
2. “Nobody’s going to follow an insurance agent… Few people want to follow an insurance agent except other insurance agents.” (02:20)
3. “People want to help especially on LinkedIn. They recognize that if they help you, it’s helping themselves and that’s important.” (11:49)
4. “You have to have a general liability policy… Some sort of general liability and probably some kind of a property policy and a business auto policy if you’ve got an automobile owned by the business.” (10:06)
5. “You can be insurance poor… So you have to have somebody too that recognizes that and says look here’s the risks. What are the risks you’re going to take on yourself?” (10:41)

Building a Niche Community: Mercy’s Take on Cyber Insurance”

Description: Dive into the specialized world of cyber insurance with Mercy, an industry maven who started as a LinkedIn novice and became a community leader. In this enlightening episode, our host Roger Wilkerson and guest Mercy discuss the intricacies of creating and nurturing a focused community within the complex cyber insurance space.

Discover how Mercy leverages social media to connect with industry professionals and enthusiasts alike, breaking through barriers like ageism and industry jargon. Whether you’re an insurance rookie or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with valuable insights on making your mark and protecting your digital assets in today’s interconnected world. Join us for a conversation that demystifies cyber insurance and provides actionable tips for your social media journey.

Highlights

In today’s audio adventure, we’re cracking the code on why the size of your squad can make or break your social media success. Whether you’re a content creator, a social butterfly, or just curious about digital dynamics, this is one conversation you can’t afford to scroll past!

What’s Buzzing in this Episode:

• Roger’s golden rules from the improv stage and how they’re shaping the social space.
• A candid look at why your core community fans are your real rockstars.
• The sweet spot between a crowd and a clique: find your perfect community size.
• Heartfelt thanks and a sneak peek at who gets the mic next on our show.

💬 Quotes to Whet Your Audio Appetite:

• “Community size matters… you’re looking for people that are supportive.”
• “Engagers are the lifeblood of creation… why create if there’s no one to appreciate?”
• “Seek a community that’s just the right mix – not too critical, not overly positive.”

Embracing Diversity:

• We’re spinning the wheel of diversity with insights on building a vibrant, varied listener base that brings more to the table than just applause.

As a token of our appreciation, this episode is wrapped with Roger’s gratitude for our listeners and a fun peek into the criteria for future guests.

Guide for this episode

• 00:00 – Introduction and gratitude for listener support.
• 00:30 – Mention of community size as a recurring topic.
• 01:00 – The role of community in motivating social media engagement.
• 01:12 – The importance of engagers in social media.
• 01:30 – Roger’s rules from his improv acting classes and the impact of class size on expression.
• 02:18 – Ideal group size dynamics.
• 02:59 – Qualities of a supportive community.
• 03:30 – Building a foundational community for larger success.
• 04:00 – Thanks to listeners and guests, and criteria for being a guest.
• 04:30 – Conditions for guests on the podcast.
• 05:00 – The importance of a diverse community.
• 05:30 – Encouragement of diversity within the community.
• 06:00 – Concluding remarks and anticipation for the holiday season and the year 2024.

Episode Notes

The podcast episode titled “Size Matters” from the series “Do Not Listen to this Podcast” hosted by Roger, delves into the importance of community size, particularly in the context of social media engagement and content creation. Roger shares his experiences from teaching improv acting classes, specifically how the size of a class affects individual expression and group dynamics. He discovered that a class size of about 16 to 20 people was ideal, as larger groups tended to become cliquey and less conducive to open communication.

Roger emphasizes the value of having a supportive community that provides balanced feedback, neither overly critical nor excessively positive. This core community is vital as a foundation for building a larger fan base or customer base. He also expresses gratitude to his listeners and guests, and sets criteria for future guests on his show: either they have known him personally for over a year, or they come recommended by a previous guest.

🔗 Apply now to be a guest and take the stage in our exciting lineup. This is your opportunity to showcase your success, share your unique strategies, and inspire others with your story.

🤝 Join us as we explore the art of online community building. Each episode is a journey into the heart of engagement, featuring insights from top community leaders, influencers, and brand builders just like you.

✨ Share your triumphs, your challenges, and the lessons you’ve learned. As a guest on “Building Social Media Community,” you’ll help listeners navigate the bustling world of social media and leave a lasting impact.

📣 Don’t miss this chance to voice your journey and be heard by a dedicated audience eager to learn from the best.

Apply today at donotlistentothispodcast.com and let’s create community together!

#BeOurGuest #PodcastGuest #SocialMediaLeaders #CommunityBuilders #donotlistentothispodcast

Listen to the episodes

Potential Topics

Building a social media community can be a multifaceted endeavor, encompassing a range of topics. Here’s a list of potential topics we will be exploring.

1. Defining Your Audience: Understanding who your community is and what they need or desire.
2. Content Strategy: Creating a content calendar, types of content that engage your audience, and planning content releases.
3. Engagement Techniques: How to encourage interaction, such as through questions, polls, and challenges.
4. Platform Algorithms: Understanding how different social media platforms promote content and how to leverage them.
5. Analytics and Metrics: Measuring engagement, reach, and conversion to understand what works.
6. Community Building Events: Organizing live events, AMAs (Ask Me Anything), and webinars to foster community spirit.
7. User-Generated Content: Encouraging your community to create and share their own content.
8. Social Listening: Monitoring conversations about your brand or relevant topics to gain insights and engage.
9. Brand Voice and Personality: Developing a consistent voice that resonates with your community.
10. Moderation Policies: Establishing rules for community interactions to maintain a positive environment.
11. Crisis Management: Preparing for and managing negative feedback or public relations issues.
12. Collaborations and Partnerships: Working with influencers, brands, or community members to expand reach.
13. Community Feedback: Gathering and implementing feedback from your community to improve their experience.
14. Membership and Exclusivity: Creating a sense of belonging through closed groups or membership perks.
15. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Understanding the legalities of managing a community, such as privacy laws and ethical engagement practices.
16. Diversity and Inclusion: Ensuring your community is welcoming and accessible to diverse groups of people.
17. Sustainability: Keeping the community active and engaged over the long term.
18. Monetization Strategies: Exploring ways to monetize your community without compromising trust.
19. Cross-Promotion: Leveraging multiple platforms to grow your community.
20. Technology Tools: Utilizing software and tools for scheduling, analytics, and community management.

Episode Guide:

• 00:00 – Introduction to community building concepts
• 00:26 – Meet Glendalynn Dixon, our expert community builder
• 01:10 – The dance of accepting compliments and their impact
• 02:47 – The nuanced nature of community and the power of intention
• 04:35 – The unique dynamics and value of small group communities
• 07:28 – Embracing diversity of thought within tight-knit circles
• 08:59 – Evolution of Glendalynn’s community involvement
• 10:52 – Fostering self-sustaining communities
• 13:39 – Delving into the world of niche communities on Substack and personal sites
• 17:39 – Inside Glendalynn’s personal website community

Join us as we delve into these rich topics with Glendalynn, whose experience and insights offer a roadmap for building communities that resonate on a deeper level.

Connect with Glendalynn:

• [Substack] Reflections on Horror: https://glendalynndixon.substack.com/
• [Website] https://www.glendalynndixon.com/

Timestamps: Included in the guide above for your convenience.

About the episode

Hey there, Internet wanderers! You’ve stumbled upon something you probably weren’t looking for, but here you are. And since you’re here, we’ve got a little secret to share with you. It’s a podcast episode that we’ve been told not to market, but we’re rebels, so here goes nothing.

Let’s cut to the chase: You know how everyone is always saying “build a community”? Well, we sat down with Glendalynn Dixon, who’s basically the Gandalf of community building, to unravel what that really means. Spoiler alert: It’s not about herding cats or collecting an army of mindless followers. It’s deeper, messier, and more rewarding than that.

In this “Don’t Listen to This” exclusive, Glendalynn spills the beans on what makes a community tick. From cozy coffee chats in small groups where everyone actually knows your name, to the sprawling digital landscapes where your voice can be heard above the noise (if you know how to tune the dial just right).

Here’s a taste of what you probably shouldn’t know:

• The Art of Not Trying Too Hard: Apparently, if you’re sweating over the number of likes, you’re doing it all wrong. Glendalynn talks about the zen of community building, where less is more, and intention is king.
• The Myth of Big Numbers: Turns out, having a smaller, engaged tribe is like having a secret superpower. Big numbers might look good on paper, but they won’t bring you the joy of a tightly-knit group that actually gets your weird jokes.
• The Evolution of a Community Whisperer: Glendalynn shares her journey from being the life of the online party to becoming the one who leaves the door ajar for others to shine. It’s about legacy, folks.
• Niche is the New Black: We dive into the labyrinth of creating niche communities where you can be your oddball self and find others who are equally, delightfully odd.

Now, if you’re rebellious enough, you might want to ignore our advice and listen to the podcast anyway. It’s packed with timestamps, so you can skip to the good parts (although we’re not saying which parts those are).

And if you’re feeling particularly defiant, you might even want to follow Glendalynn on her Substack or visit her website. We’ve been advised not to include links (because that would be too helpful), but a little bird might drop them in your lap if you’re paying attention.

Remember, you didn’t hear this from us. And whatever you do, don’t share this post. It’s our little secret, capisce?

#CommunityBuilding #Networking #Engagement #Podcast

Podcast Guide with Timestamps:

• 00:04: Introduction to the podcast and guest, Kimberly, a notable community member.
• 00:37: Kimberly’s adoption of two cats and bonding with the kittens.
• 01:57: Kimberly discusses how she connected with the host and their common background in radio.
• 03:46: Importance of emotional connection in joining a community.
• 04:30: Advice on connecting with people on LinkedIn.
• 05:33: Turnoffs when building connections, like immediate sales pitches upon connecting.
• 06:50: Kimberly’s focus on the motives of people wanting to connect with her.
• 08:27: Differences in building a community for a client compared to personal connections.
• 11:03: Tips for building a community for a business or client.
• 13:27: Kimberly’s strategy for curating her network and providing recommendations.
• 15:00: Discussion on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and network curation.
• 16:22: Handling toxic customers or community members.
• 17:50: Closing remarks and thanks to the guest.

5 Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Emotional Connections: Kimberly emphasizes the significance of forming genuine, emotional connections when building or joining a community. She believes in the value of getting to know someone beyond their professional profile before establishing a connection.
2. Networking with Intention: She advises against hasty networking, suggesting that people should follow potential connections, understand what they’re about, and ensure there is a mutual benefit before reaching out.
3. Selective Networking: Kimberly is selective with her connections, focusing on the motives of people who wish to connect with her. She highlights the need for a strategic approach in building a professional network, prioritizing quality over quantity.
4. Managing a Network: When curating her network, Kimberly looks for recommendations and meaningful interactions. She illustrates the importance of knowing whom you would vouch for within your connections, rather than just collecting contacts.
5. Dealing with Toxicity: The podcast touches on the complexities of managing toxic individuals within a community or customer base. Kimberly and the host discuss the necessity of evaluating whether the emotional and business investment in maintaining certain relationships is worth the return.

These takeaways encapsulate the strategic and thoughtful approach Kimberly Manchester takes toward community building and professional networking, emphasizing quality, mutual benefit, and personal connection.