In this episode of "It's the Bottom Line That Matters," hosts Jennifer Glass, Daniel McCraine and Patricia Reszetylo for a deep dive into the world of online communities and group building. The conversation covers everything from the initial purpose and strategy behind launching a group on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn, to the practicalities of growing, managing, and—most intriguingly—monetizing that community. Daniel shares his recent experience of acquiring a sizable online group, while Patricia and Jennifer offer actionable insights on using group entry questions, leveraging lead magnets, and organizing communications to engage members effectively.

Listeners will walk away with valuable lessons on treating groups as extensions of their business or marketing efforts, including tips on collecting valuable member data, maintaining a strong brand presence, and using groups for challenges or special events. The discussion emphasizes that while building a thriving community takes time and intention, with the right strategies—and some patience—groups can become both highly engaged and financially rewarding. Whether you’re just starting a small niche group or managing a massive online community, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical ideas to help you make your group a success.

Keywords: social media groups, Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, online communities, group monetization, growing online groups, business coach, buying a group, group membership, audience building, community engagement, group moderation, standout membership, email list collection, browser plugins for groups, lead magnets, downloadable checklists, business challenges, group engagement strategies, group management tools, group marketing, identifying group audience, group mission statement, newsletter content, authority in online groups, building group value, group cover image, pop-up groups, challenge groups, content posting strategies

Here are 3 key takeaways you can apply today:
Define Purpose & Audience First
Before launching a group, clarify who you want to attract and what problems you’ll help them solve. Treat your group like a business: your values, messaging, and even visuals should reflect your mission from day one.
Drive True Engagement Before Monetizing
Monetization options are plentiful (premium memberships, exclusive content, pop-up challenge groups, lead magnets, and more), but engagement and value must come first. Tools like intake questions and lead magnets can help segment your audience and build true connection.
Think Beyond the Platform & Future-Proof Your Community
Collecting emails (with permission!) enables you to maintain access to your audience—even if platform policies change. Plus, regular content, challenges, and direct outreach make your group feel like a real community (or even your own newsletter).
Building a group takes time. Start with a single member—yourself—and grow from there. Be patient, intentional, and always focused on delivering value.
Curious for more insights? Check out the full episode of “It’s the Bottom Line That Matters”!
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