Building Communities with Deb Schell

Building a community is challenging. It’s not easy, and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. But here’s the thing: communities have the power to change lives. This episode of Welcome to Eloma features host Kiley Peters in conversation with Deb Schell, a seasoned community strategist and co-founder of Community Consultants Collective.

Delving into her rich experience in this space, having launched more than 60 online community projects, Deb highlights the essence of fostering intentional and authentic connections within a community. She emphasizes creating an environment of psychological safety where members feel a genuine sense of belonging. It’s not just about bringing people together; it’s about nurturing a space where everyone feels valued and heard.

There are watch-outs. Deb points out common pitfalls in community building, such as rushing into launching without a deep understanding of the target audience or the unique value the community offers. She underlines the critical role of listening to community members, actively seeking their feedback, and using it to enhance engagement and meet their needs effectively.

Deb’s greatest insight? Trust. Trust that things will work out, even when entrepreneurship gets tough. Deb encourages entrepreneurs to embrace resilience, trusting the process even through challenging times and leveraging their unique strengths.

For anyone intrigued by the idea of building and growing a community, this episode offers actionable insights. Listeners may also want to check out the Community Strategy Podcast, where Deb has interviewed over 100 business and community leaders to learn firsthand what strategies work for online community builders.