Episode 480: Creating community in business

Creating Community in Business

This episode of the Heart-Centred Business Podcast has been hotly requested! Today I’m sharing my take on creating community in your business. This all came up thanks to some buzz around the Heart-Centred, Soul-Driven Entrepreneurs Facebook community reopening. With all these questions flying around about growing groups, building connection, and what’s really worth your time, let’s dive deep into the real deal of building community as a business owner.

Let’s dive in!

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Should You Start a Free Facebook Group as a New Business Owner?

Right out of the gate, I want to say it: if you’re in the early stages of growing your business, I don’t recommend starting a free Facebook group as part of your strategy. I’ve said this in a lot of places, but here’s the gist:

First, Facebook groups aren’t scalable. If you post something amazing inside your group, only the people in there see it. There’s no button where you can boost that post to new audiences. Your reach is capped.

Second, the old “groups get more reach than pages” story is kind of outdated. That used to be true—now, the algorithm means you’re more likely to have your followers actually see your posts from a Facebook page (especially if you’re creating great resonant content that really ignites your action-takers).

And third, running a group is a lot more work than you might think. Facilitating the group, getting members to engage, managing all the behind-the-scenes stuff—it all takes a ton of energy and time.

I like to think of it like this: having a Facebook group is like hosting a big networking event where you don’t get a turn at the microphone. When you have a page, you’re the speaker. You have the mic, you lead the conversation. People come for you. When you host a group, people are there for each other. It’s a whole different dynamic.

The return on investment—time, energy, audience growth—is usually much better with your own platform, like a Facebook page or Instagram profile. Stick with those at the start so you can learn how to step up, have the microphone, and show your expertise.

How to Get Community Benefits (Without Starting Your Own Group)

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to host a group to get all those juicy community benefits. If you’re just starting out, would I recommend you host a big networking event as your first move? Nope! But should you show up to other people’s networking events? Absolutely.

Same thing online—join other people’s Facebook groups and communities. You get all the networking and connection, without having to do the behind-the-scenes hosting work, manage the rules, or moderate the group. You get to swoop in, connect, learn, and promote, without any of the responsibilities.

I talk about this all the time, and it’s a big part of my programs—especially the Take Off program. Being active in existing communities is a fantastic early-stage business strategy.

Why Are We So Drawn to Creating Community in Business?

Let’s get honest: business can be lonely, especially as a solo entrepreneur. We crave community because it feels so good! Community-driven business is about connection, conversation, and being responsive to the people you serve. It’s easy to see why creating a Facebook group feels like the “obvious” way—groups are labeled as “community” right on the box! You get to set the tone, act as a leader, and build that beautiful dynamic all in one place.

But… there are so many other ways to create community. Your podcast listeners? That’s a community. Followers on your Facebook page or Instagram? Also a community. Even without a formal group, you can lead, set the tone, and create structure—encouraging connection, trust, and support in whatever channel you’re using.

Think of fans, event attendees, or workshop participants. When I run webinars, the comments are wild—people meet, swap stories, and connect with each other in real time. The more I encourage that sharing and support, the more it feels like a real community… even without a group.

Different Kinds of Communities and Why It Matters

Not all communities are the same! There’s a big difference between free and paid communities. In a free group (like a Facebook group, podcast audience, or your social media followers), it’s much easier to enforce your boundaries. If someone acts up, you can just delete their comment or kick them out—no drama, no refund conversations, just quick boundaries.

Paid communities (like a course, membership, or paid podcast) often have trickier boundaries. Because folks have invested money, it can be harder to stick to your rules—you might feel more obligated, or end up spending way more time explaining yourself.

It’s also important to think about whether your community is public or private. Mailing list communities feel very one-to-one and private, whereas social media is much more public. The work you do—especially if it’s sensitive or vulnerable—might work better in a more closed space, where people can feel safe connecting with just you.

Every format has its own energy. Open vs. closed, on-stage leader vs. peer-to-peer, free vs. paid—it’s all about matching your business needs and your clients’ needs with the right space.

What Reopening the HCSDE Group Taught Me (And How My Boundaries Have Changed)

After taking a six-month hiatus, I recently reopened the Heart-Centred, Soul-Driven Entrepreneurs Facebook group, but things are very different now. I spend 90% of my energy and focus on my Facebook page, not the group. My group boundaries are much tighter, and my team has very clear instructions: if someone breaks the rules, their post is deleted. If it happens again, they’re removed. I don’t owe anyone a lengthy explanation for why they can’t read the rules—I keep it simple and clear.

In the past, we’d send long messages explaining why certain things weren’t allowed (like GoFundMe links or charity fundraisers). Now, we just delete those posts and refer to the rules. If you post again, you’re out. Simple as that.

This might sound strict, but for a group of over 33,000 people, it’s necessary. The group is a free resource and a huge opportunity for self-promotion, market research, and connection. I want to keep it valuable for the people who genuinely follow the guidelines and invest energy into the space. If someone uses the group only for self-promotion, or if they’re rude to my team, they’re out. No drawn-out messages. No more mama-bear interventions. The rules are there to keep things fair and useful for everyone.

If that means we end up with a smaller, more engaged group, I’m okay with that. Quality over quantity, every time.

Why I Focus Most of My Energy on My Facebook Page

Most of my focus is now on my Facebook page, not the group. Why? Because that’s where I hold the microphone. If my content does really well there, I can boost it with ads or get it in front of more of my audience. Facebook groups just aren’t built for that kind of reach or growth anymore.

So if you want the juiciest stuff from me, make sure you’re following me on my Facebook page—that’s where you’ll see the most action, ideas, and value – facebook.com/tashcorbincoaching.

How to Create Community Without Running a Group

Let’s think outside the box. Instead of defaulting to “I should start a Facebook group,” how could you nurture a sense of community right where you are? Encourage connections in your comment sections, host online events, run workshops or webinars, and invite people to connect, share, and support each other. When I host a webinar, I always encourage attendees to share about their business and drop their social links so others can follow them. People love it! They get to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs learning consent-based marketing, and that shared value creates trust.

Your audience can still feel like a community—even when they’re not in a group—simply because you create that vibe. And don’t underestimate the value of being an active leader in someone else’s group! There are folks in the Heart-Centred group whose posts get more reach than mine because they’re active, engaged, and lead with genuine curiosity and generosity. You don’t have to host the group to experience the benefits.

A Little Story: My Approach at Networking Events

Here’s a quick example. I still love going to live networking events. But I never walk in thinking, “How can I get clients today?” Instead, I ask myself, “How many people can I help get what they want from this event?”

If someone tells me they want to meet business owners who need websites, I’ll connect them if I meet someone looking for web design help. I introduce people, swap business cards, and focus on helping others achieve their goals. That approach always leads to genuine connections, new Instagram followers, and messages about how my introductions turned into business for someone.

I don’t expect those connections to become clients, but sometimes they do. Sometimes I buy from them or they buy from me. Sometimes, we just become great peers who support each other.

It’s the same approach I use online. I join groups and show up to help, connect, and serve—without expectation. That’s my sweet spot!

Community Isn’t Just About a Group—It’s a Mindset

I’m not here to say you should never start a Facebook group. But I do want you to get creative about how you build that community feeling in your business. Think about which format matches your energy, your boundaries, and your goals—and don’t be afraid to bust out of the “it must be a Facebook group” mindset. Sometimes your business strategy is more powerful, sustainable, and effective when you keep it simple and scalable.

If you’re not already following me on Facebook, I recommend coming over to my page – facebook.com/tashcorbincoaching. That’s where you’ll find the best resources and juiciest tips!

Until next time, I cannot WAIT to see you SHINE.