Creating a community that is a relationship of equals

Today, I am interviewing Nikki Gundy, an accountability coach and the founder of a fitness community on Instagram. Nikki describes herself as her community’s cheerleader, conscience, coach, and positivity ambassador.

Nikki’s positivity is what shines through and makes people want to be part of her community. It’s like attending an exercise class, where the instructor's energy and attitude are what keep her coming back.

She built her fitness community on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nikkigundy/ almost eight years ago, at a time when fitness communities were just emerging and when she was struggling after having her second baby.

Nikki says that being in a community with these women changed her life, and it was a partnership of equals where everyone was trying to support each other.

Her community grew because she was authentic and genuine in telling her story of trying to get fit and lose baby weight. Nikki says that her community is the foundation of everything she has, and it's not about the number of likes or followers, but the daily partnership where she and her community members witness each other's lives and find purpose and meaning in supporting each other.

We both agree a community should be a place where people can participate in whatever way they want, without feeling guilty for not engaging in a certain way and discuss the value of having "loyal listeners" in their community who may not necessarily engage in conversation, but still find value in being part of the community.

Nikki mentions that she started out on Instagram without a plan or strategy, and while she did have opportunities for some great brand partnerships, it didn't feel right for her to just interact with her audience in that way.

Instead, she listened to her audience and figured out what they wanted from her, and what was missing in their lives. She used this information to create a business plan that was aligned with her values and the needs of her community.

Nikki emphasises that creating a community of equals, where people feel comfortable sharing their struggles and triumphs, is crucial. She also stresses the importance of being genuine and authentic with community members.

The power of creating a personal touch in online communities, and the value of creating a stable, dependable, and evolving community that feels like home to its members.

We also discuss the concept of giving away free content in a community,

and how Nikki started her Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/nikkigundyinnermagic

and her advice for those struggling with Facebook posts.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/growinganengagedonlinecommunity

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoemckeowncommunity/

Here is the link to my ’10 steps to Facebook group success’

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