Over the past year, so much has happened that I’ve decided to do a “2024 Rewind” featuring the most popular posts, podcast episodes, and digital tools that have helped online community builders just like you!
Community architecture: Building an effective structure for your online community that your members (and you) value – https://medium.com/p/49e121ad2853
“Creator to Community Builder breaks down what can feel like the daunting task of building a community and makes it accessible. Highly recommended for creatives!”– Pamela Slim.
“Creator to Community Builder” is a book that introduces you to the intricacies of that world. In 12 succinct chapters she not only lays out a recipe to follow when building your community concept and launching a community, but she does so with humanity and care, sharing her journey into the world of community building.” – Todd Nilson.
“Deb infuses her book with personal stories and takes stock of what’s driven her to work in the community for many years. It’s a lovely overview, collection of stories, and a guide that will point the reader to some clear next steps on their journey.”– Jane Stecyk.
“What sets “Creator to Community Builder” apart is its emphasis on maintaining calm and focus amidst the challenges inherent in community development. Schell guides readers through a meticulous process of assessment, goal setting, and roadmap creation, ensuring a solid foundation for their community initiatives. By prioritizing human connection over technological solutions, Schell reminds developers that successful communities ultimately foster genuine relationships and connections.” – Ben Brody.
“Deb does a great job of creating a personable but useful book about how to build and maintain a successful community.Simple actionable steps a the end of each chapter help to keep the reader focused on the next steps.Great book.” – Azul Terronez.
Thank you for your support this year!
Here are a few messages I’ve received from clients this year:
“Working with Deb Schell has been one of the most transformative experiences of my journey with AfriMind. From the very beginning, Deb has been more than just a guide—she’s been a pillar of support and a true friend. Her expertise in community-building is unmatched, but it’s her empathy, encouragement, and genuine investment in my success that have truly made a difference. Deb has a way of simplifying the overwhelming, helping me see possibilities I hadn’t considered, and offering advice that always seems to be exactly what I need to hear.” – Delsa Marasha – AfriMind
“Deb was such a good listener and was able to quickly connect the dots about a community she knew very little about. Building a new Mighty Network, even after running my own since 2018, was daunting, in part because of how fast things change at Mighty. I wanted someone with eyes and brain on it who had much more experience with the new features, who could tell me if what we had built made sense, or if there were suggested changes to make it better. I found Deb online and after a complimentary conversation, immediately reserved time with her to help us. It was 100% what I was hoping for. Deb was a great listener, she connected dots, made suggestions, and cheered us on. I couldn’t have hoped for more.” – Anastacia Brice.
“Deb communicated well and was punctual, responsive, and easy to work with. She provides a lot of value for what she charges. After meeting with 2 other consultants, Deb’s approach won me over instead. We needed work completed in 30 days for a program we were launching and Deb got us just to where we needed to be to support the programming in time. She was incredibly responsive and made the collaboration process smooth. Her ease to work truly stood out.” – Doris Dupuy.
“I’m so glad I found Deb. She was able to quickly transform my Mighty Networks community platform. Would recommend her to anyone who already has an MN or is just getting started.” – Jill Collins.
“It was a godsend to work with Deb! I needed strategic advice on how to set up my Law of Attraction for Business™ School that’s housed on Mighty Networks. Deb helped me think through the setup and long-term growth potential. Instead of pulling my hair out and trying to figure out how to do it on my own, she helped me get it all done in a few hours. I will be accessing her services again to keep my community growth aligned. VERY HELPFUL – thanks Deb!” – Amanda Barrientez.
“I’ve been running a local business and also building two communities (free, and a paid one you help me launch). I’m extremely proud of you and I want you to succeed. I want to say you’re amazing and I can’t wait for all your successes on your terms and definition. I’m here for you.” Loycent owner of Neir’s Tavern.
These comments help me remember the amazing leaders who are building inspiring communities. Even though my business is now a “side hustle” I’m unsure of how Find Calm Here will move forward at this moment.
Thank you again for your encouragement and support in the community industry as we move into a new year, let’s keep growing!!
Best,
Deb Schell
Author, Online Community Consultant, and Strategist.
Chris Fitz is the Founder and Artistic Director of River Crossing Playback Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. With experience in improvisational arts since 2003, Chris and his ensemble use Playback Theatre to build community by dramatically portraying real-life stories.
He is also a trained mediator and former Executive Director of the Center for Community Peacemaking, specializing in Restorative Justice—community-based practices that address harm and promote healing in schools, communities, and the legal system.
Chris sees Playback Theatre as a tool for personal and social healing, emphasizing the power of storytelling to foster connection, belonging, and understanding. Through performances like ”Healing York,” his troupe has addressed issues like racial harm, showing how storytelling can help heal communities.
Chris believes in the importance of repeated dialogue and rituals to foster belonging, whether in-person or online, and offers advice to community builders on engaging participants without relying too heavily on presentations.
His focus remains on creating safe spaces for people to connect, share their stories, and address community challenges through both art and conversation.
If you have an online community, or just want to grow an online business, communicating directly to your audience allows you to build relationships with them one email at a time!
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The Community Strategy Podcast offers interviews with online community leaders who share their community-building journey. Our podcast covers community concepts, community building, community strategy, community structure, community membership, and community management. Visit our Website Find Calm Here to learn more about working with Deb
