Embracing Transformation: My Journey Through The Membership Experience
Excitement and disbelief washed over me yesterday as I discovered that my case study for The Membership Experience (previously known as the TRIBE course) made it into the top 5 of Stu McLaren’s membership site contest! I’m thrilled to share my journey over the past six months and how The Membership Experience has empowered my husband and me to redesign a business we adore. After all, work should be enjoyable, right?
Meet Anna Runyan
I’m Anna Runyan from sunny San Diego. Together with my husband, we run Classy Career Girl International, a business dedicated to supporting women in their career transitions. Our mission is to help women find fulfilling careers or launch businesses they love. After more than a decade in this field, we are also proud parents of three beautiful daughters.
Reflecting on 2016: Challenges Before The Membership Experience
In 2016, I found myself yearning to make a more significant impact while grappling with burnout from individual coaching and constant travel for speaking engagements. I cherished the idea of having more freedom, especially after many struggles to start a family. With our newborn daughter in my life, I wanted to create a business that aligned with my passions and allowed me to enjoy those precious moments with her, rather than being tied to client calls.
Although I had started two membership sites, I felt overworked and overwhelmed as I struggled to maintain a plateau of merely 50 members per site, which wasn’t financially sustainable. The summer of 2016 was particularly draining, as I was frustrated by endless launches that never seemed to yield the results I desired.
Personal Struggles and Seeking Change
What I didn’t share initially is how challenging my personal life was leading up to joining The Membership Experience. During August 2016, I faced my third miscarriage—a heartbreaking experience that intensified my desire for a substantial change. A doctor’s inquiry into my stress levels struck a chord, and I understood that I couldn’t continue at such an exhausting pace.
While pursuing healing from my losses, I began re-evaluating my priorities, realizing that I could channel my grief into growing my business, enhancing our future for when our family expanded. Seeing Stu McLaren’s free Membership Workshop on Facebook was a pivotal moment for me; it represented the positive shift I desperately needed.
Discovering The Membership Experience
Despite knowing of The Membership Experience, I hesitated initially to commit. After investing in another program, I faced disappointment when it suddenly became unavailable. That day, The Membership Experience opened its doors to enrollment, and after watching the live stream with inspiring business owners, I felt an undeniable pull towards this course.
My Initial Hesitations
I worried about whether The Membership Experience would suit someone who wasn’t just starting out in the business world. My intention was only to delve into the later modules on retention and growth since I felt relatively knowledgeable. However, the investment felt daunting and stretched my comfort zone.
Ultimately, my goal became clear: if I could grow my membership by just 15 additional members a month, the investment would pay for itself. I took a leap of faith, and it paid off beyond my wildest dreams. Thanks to the course, my membership now surpasses 550 members, propelling me toward new heights in my business.
Transformative Experiences with The Membership Experience
The Membership Experience equipped me with actionable strategies to re-launch my membership sites with ease and enthusiasm rather than stress. I found Stu’s insights invaluable, especially regarding Facebook groups, product launches, and market research. Every segment of instruction energized me, encouraging me to implement changes that revitalized my membership community.
Even amidst personal challenges, The Membership Experience became a beacon of positivity, keeping me focused and motivated. As I developed my 90-day launch plan, I noticed a significant shift in my mindset and business operations. I began to feel fulfilled, joyfully contributing to my members’ growth and keeping them engaged.
Building Connections and Community
One of my favorite aspects of The Membership Experience was that it provided practical steps that were easily digestible. The support from the community was phenomenal. Through the dedicated Facebook group, I connected with like-minded women who also owned membership sites, fostering a supportive environment that spurred creativity and collaboration.
Continuing the Journey
In the aftermath of completing The Membership Experience, my membership sites have flourished beyond expectations. We went from 100 to nearly 650 members across both sites within two years. Our retention rates improved dramatically, allowing us to enjoy stability in our business, which has afforded us greater freedom and flexibility in our personal lives. I now embrace opportunities to bond with my family and invest my energy into meaningful initiatives.
A Grateful Heart for Our Journey
Moreover, my partnership with my husband has grown stronger. We have cultivated a marriage where we support each other’s visions without the cloud of financial stress looming over us. It has truly been a collective journey of growth, resilience, and profound joy.
Final Thoughts
As I continue to dive into The Membership Experience annually, I witness the power of consistent learning and evolution within my business. Thanks to Stu’s guidance, I’ve been able to revamp and re-launch our membership program, which has led us to even greater success this past year.
If you’re seeking similar transformations, I encourage you to explore The Membership Experience. The path may be filled with challenges, but every step taken is worth it for the dreams you’ll fulfill and the lives you’ll impact.
