I’ve noticed a lot of new faces here reading Community Matters—welcome! 👋 I’m so glad you’re here, and a big thank you to everyone who’s shared comments and ideas on what you’d like to learn!
First impressions in a community don’t just matter—they shape everything that follows.
Those initial moments after someone joins determine whether they feel a true sense of belonging—or quietly fade into the background. If you've ever wondered why some communities naturally take off while others struggle with engagement, this is a big piece of the puzzle.
Onboarding can feel complicated, but it’s really just about making someone feel at home. You want to think about how you can quickly help members start to feel like “insiders”.
In addition to writing Community Matters every Monday, I also lead a community of curious, kindhearted leaders called The Hive.
This month in The Hive, we’re diving deep into the art of welcoming members well:
✨ The HELLO Framework Workshop → Learn the five essential elements that turn new members into engaged insiders.
📖 Book Chat: Unreasonable Hospitality → What if an extraordinary welcome was the secret to a thriving community? (No reading required—I also share a podcast and notes so we can jump right into the main ideas!)
☕ Coffee Chat & Community Strategy Session → A space to ask questions, get feedback, and share ideas with fellow community leaders.
📅 Quarterly Community Strategy Planning → Map out a plan that supports both your members and your own sustainability as a community leader.
If you've been curious about The Hive, now’s a great time to check it out. We’re offering a 14-day free trial through Friday, February 28th, so you can experience these sessions and meet a few of our amazing members firsthand. If it feels like the right fit, it’s $79/month after that—but you’re welcome to explore first and see what resonates.
So, I’m curious—how do you want new members to feel when they join your space? What’s working well for you, and where do you feel stuck? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Here’s to building communities where people feel at home from day one,