2024 Rewind: Top 5s for the year

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!

2024’s Top 5 Blogs by Deb

1. Are you building an audience or a community? — https://deb-schell.medium.com/are-you-building-an-audience-or-a-community-b2d727362047​
2. Community building is easy when you know your ideal member — https://medium.com/p/5e22bdbb0a84​
3. A quick guide to Mighty Networks Spaces — https://medium.com/p/89ad9bfb1178​
4. Community architecture: Building an effective structure for your online community that your members (and you) value — https://medium.com/p/49e121ad2853​
5. Improv can bring confidence and creativity into your life — https://medium.com/p/9fb845d45641​

2024’s Top 5 Podcast Episodes — The Community Strategy Podcast

1. Transforming Audiences into Allies — https://www.buzzsprout.com/1400857/episodes/13992146​
2. Awakening to Consciousness — https://www.buzzsprout.com/1400857/episodes/11927710​
3. Thriving with Too Many Ideas — https://www.buzzsprout.com/1400857/episodes/14836729​
4. Redefining Failure and Success in Community Building — https://www.buzzsprout.com/1400857/episodes/15589880​
5. Weaving Stories to Strengthen Communities — https://www.buzzsprout.com/1400857/episodes/15704147

2024’s Top 5 Community-Building Resources

1. The 2024 Online Community Onboarding Playbook- $27 New Lower Price: $15 — https://find-calm-here.kit.com/products/onboardingbundle​
2. The 2024 Tech Tools Checklist for Community Builders — $7, now $5 — https://find-calm-here.kit.com/products/the-2024-tech-tools-checklist​
3. The 2024 Mighty Networks Best Practices Guide (Beginners) $15, now $5 — https://find-calm-here.kit.com/products/the-2024-mighty-networks-best-practices-g​
4. Recording of Inbox Magic, Crafting emails that build community $7, now $5 — https://find-calm-here.kit.com/products/recording-of-inbox-magic-crafting-emails-​
5. A Guidebook for creating a monthly content calendar $7, now $5 — https://find-calm-here.kit.com/products/ebook-a-guide-to-creating-a-monthly-conte​

2024’s Top 5 Interviews with Deb

1. ​Community Builder Deb Schell on Hustling Sideways
2. Calm Community building for Online Creators​
3. Mastering the Art of Online Communities
4. ​From Zero to Community: Building a Successful Business Community​
5. ​Charting Your Course: From Corporate to Community with Deb Schell​

2024’s Top 5 Creator to Community Builder Amazon Reviews

1. “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.
2. “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.
3. “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.
4. “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.
5. “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. I’ll be doing some vision boarding over the holiday and have hopes for more clarity soon!

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.