Is your community losing members before they even get started? In this episode of Community @ Heart, I share the jaw-dropping onboarding story from John Deere that completely changed how I think about first impressions in community building.

🎯 The reality check: Most new members are mentally checking out within their first 72 hours—not because your content isn't good, but because their first experience feels like wandering into a crowded party where nobody knows their name.

You'll discover:

▸ Why the "welcome email + hope for the best" approach is silently killing your retention

▸ The John Deere onboarding masterclass that costs almost nothing but creates lifelong loyalty

▸ How to design intentional "belonging moments" that make new members think "I matter here"

▸ Simple tweaks that transform confusion into connection (no fancy tech required)

▸ The difference between generic welcomes and personalized experiences that stick

Whether you're a course creator, membership leader, or summit host—this episode reveals why your best content means nothing if people feel invisible on day one.

🎁 NEW FREE RESOURCE: The New Member Journey Mini-Course with Notion and Google Doc Templates

Discover why new members secretly plan their exit in their first 72 hours (and exactly how to stop them).

What you get:

• ✅ 3 Strategic Mini-Videos - Step-by-step walkthroughs from a community strategist who's transformed onboarding for hundreds of creators
• ✅ Complete Onboarding Audit Template (Notion + Google Docs) - Map your current member journey and spot exactly where people get lost
• ✅ "John Deere Moments" Framework - Create those belonging experiences that turn members into raving fans
• ✅ Quick-Win Implementation Guide - Changes you can make this week (no tech skills required)

Perfect for course creators, summit hosts, and membership leaders who are tired of watching engaged people disappear after joining.

Transform your onboarding in under 30 minutes. Get Instant Access here: https://rachelbusinesscoach.com/the-7-day-onboarding-audit

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get started with a 14-Day FREE trial of Circle
• Kick start your community by joining The Strategic Community Co-Op
• Quick Wins for Circle Communities is our new YouTube series delivering actionable tips in bite-sized videos.
• Discover bite-sized, big-hearted community strategies every week on Community @ Heart—your go-to YouTube playlist for building connection that actually sticks.
• Love my emails? Steal my secret weapon—Flodesk! Try it for free today.
• Your community deserves the best—so do you! Get The Scoop, my weekly newsletter packed with insights and strategies. Sign up today!

MORE FROM ME

• Follow me on Instagram @rachelstarr
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Listen to Your Community Strategist on Apple Podcasts

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more community builders who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to Your Community Strategist! See you next week for the final episode in our challenge series!

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:27 The John Deere First Day Experience

05:18 Applying the John Deere Experience to Your Community

09:40 Creating an Intentional Onboarding Process

12:04 Conclusion and Call to Action