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61 Start & Grow A Membership: 10 Lessons Learnt

Published on: 17th April, 2023

Memberships are a great way to create recurring revenue but of course, you can only do that if people become members.

And the thing that gave me the confidence to go for it was by speaking to people. 


I formed the idea and floated it with existing clients.  They gave me useful feedback, but it was their thumbs up that made me realise I was onto something people would want to be a part of.


So, in this episode, I share 10 lessons learnt from running and growing mine!


The main technology I use:


Thinkific (they have a free account)

This is my end-to-end solution for managing payments, enrolments and hosting the session recordings and resources.


ConvertKit (they have a free account)

This is my email marketing platform that I connect to Thinkific. It helps me support members during onboarding, and is what I use to send updates.


Zoom (for video calls)

I use this for my mastermind, 1:1 mentoring and tuition.  Facilities like break out rooms allows for high-quality online teaching and learning.


Here's a quick summary of them:


1. Be prepared for members to use your membership as they wish

2. Be open to it evolving over time 

3. If it makes sense, screen people before they join 

4. Be clear of the fundamental values and principles of your membership and safeguard them

5. Be clear on what your membership offers and guide people

6. Accept that you can't accommodate everyone

7. Invest in the right support and technology beforehand

8. Plan beforehand and maintain it 

9. Encourage people to stay in your membershipfor as long as makes sense for them

10. Promote it in a sustainable way


Enjoy :-)


- Sumantha

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👋🏽 Hello! I'm Sumantha McMahon and I've supported over 100 tutors and education business owners.

As a teacher 'dropout' turned professional tutor, combined with my 20+ years as a business owner, I'm in it with you!

My training leans on tried-and-tested methods that are completely tailored to our niche.

There's no generic business advice here!


Work with me to breathe life into YOUR definition of success:


#1 Bespoke 1:1 Mentoring

Goal-driven wrap-around support, with 1:1 strategy calls, WhatsApp support and free access to The Tutors' Mastermind.


#2 The Tutors' Mastermind

The leading membership for edupreneurs that combines tailored training (live and recorded), a community of like-minded business owners and exclusive discounts to resources in The Training Jukebox.


#3 The Group Class Course

Get lifetime access to this self-paced course designed to help you launch, grow and refine your group classes. Includes teaching ideas too.


This podcast is recorded using Riverside. Sign up for your account here (free plan available)

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Sometimes, I share links to resources and apps that I recommend. They are all based on my experience - if I don't love them, I don't recommend them. In some cases, I earn a small commission for my recommendation, at no cost to you.

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About the Podcast

Upgrade Your Education Business
Actionable strategies for tutors and education business owners to attract students, grow sustainably and build a business that works for you.
Upgrade Your Education Business is the go-to podcast for private tutors and education business owners who want to grow a sustainable, joyful business without following formulas or burning out.

Hosted by experienced business mentor Sumantha McMahon, each episode is packed with practical marketing and sales strategies, mindset insights, and real talk about the highs and lows of running your own tutoring business.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine and simplify what you’ve built, you’ll find inspiration and actionable advice that helps you attract students, boost your visibility, and create a business that works for your version of success.

🎧 New episodes every week, including short mindset boosters and deeper strategy sessions.

About your host

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Sumantha McMahon

With over 20 years of experience and having mentored 100+ tutors, Sumantha shares practical, non-formulaic strategies to help you attract students, grow sustainably, and build a tutoring business that aligns with your version of success. Expect grounded advice on marketing, sales, mindset and productivity, without the overwhelm.