What does it really take to build a thriving online community? (Hint: It’s not more content.)

In this episode of The Do The Thing Podcast, Stacey Lauren talks with Jane Stecyk, VP of Lifecycle Marketing at Mighty Networks, about the strategy behind successful communities—including the common pitfalls people make, and the magic that happens when you connect people through shared transitions.

We cover:✔️ Why successful communities are built around transitions, not niches✔️ How to turn quiet groups into buzzing ecosystems of support✔️ What “people magic” means—and how to engineer it with tech✔️ The 9-step framework Mighty Networks uses to power million-dollar communities✔️ How AI can enhance connection without replacing people

🎧 Listen in and discover how real communities are built—from the inside out.

Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Stacey on community building and activation03:18 – Jane’s role at Mighty Networks and how she defines “community”08:10 – Why content alone won’t build connection12:30 – What “people magic” is and how Mighty uses AI to spark it17:15 – The transition principle: how to design a community that works24:55 – The 9-step framework that powers Mighty’s million-dollar communities33:40 – How to craft your offer and create a “magical first experience”40:05 – Pricing psychology: why charging makes communities more valuable47:22 – Final thoughts on curiosity, weird niches, and the value of doing the thing

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ABHAokFbp2k

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jane-stecyk-how-to-build-a-million-dollar-community/id1618590178?i=1000708827264

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0fgwKFjYIfgvKSUHe8s68J