Episode #3

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Griggs. He is one of the most inspring introverts I have met so far. He runs a Facebook group for CNC woodworking even though he is a huge introvert. In this episode, we talk about how he grew his Facebook group to over 21,000 people. We also talk about a variety of topics including CNC woodworking, strategies for making real connections within your community, and how to truly own your super power.

How to connect with Bill:

Facebook:

Website:

Facebook Group:

“"Failure is just a teaching tool. It teaches you a way not to do something." - Bill Griggs

Introduction:

In the latest episode of ourImage podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Bill Griggs, a pioneer in CNC woodworking and a master at community building.Bill has turned his passion for CNC—Computer Numeric Control—woodworking into not just a thriving business but a vibrant community of over 10,000 CNC woodworkers and professionals who share a deep love for craftsmanship.

bill6

1. Foster Genuine Engagement:

Engagement is the lifeblood of any community. Bill’s success came from creating an interactive environment where every member felt they could share and learn. “It’s really fun having a community about whatever it is that was your hot button,” Bill reflected, showing how shared interests can be the foundation for active participation.

Actionable Tip:

Implement regular interactive sessions such as live discussions, community challenges, or themed events that encourage members to contribute and interact. Make it a point to respond to comments and posts, which shows that you value their input and fosters a welcoming environment.

2. Share Expert Knowledge:

As a seasoned CNC woodworker, Bill leveraged his deep understanding of the craft by sharing it with others, which not only added value but also helped fund his expansion into related areas. “I was teaching other woodworkers how I was doing it,” he mentions, highlighting the benefits of sharing expertise.

Actionable Tip:

Organize regular knowledge-sharing sessions like workshops or webinars that cater to the interests of the community. Create resources such as eBooks, video tutorials, or regular blog posts that members can refer to, enhancing the educational value of the community.

3. Create Personalized Experiences:

Personalization can make members feel special and seen. Bill’s practice of personally greeting each new member fostered a sense of belonging and loyalty. “Every single one of them heard from me,” he said, demonstrating the impact of personal engagement.

Actionable Tip:

Develop a welcome package for new members, perhaps including personalized emails, a video greeting, or a digital handbook about navigating the community. Celebrate member milestones or achievements publicly within the community to build a culture of appreciation and recognition.

4. Set Clear, Achievable Goals:

Clear goals guide a community’s growth and provide a sense of direction. Bill’s methodical approach to business—planning and executing in reverse from the desired outcome—can be applied to community building. "The trick is to work it backwards," he advises, showing how goals can simplify the path forward.

Actionable Tip:

Define specific, measurable goals for the community, such as increasing engagement rates, doubling the number of active threads in a forum, or expanding the community size by a certain percentage within a year. Use these targets to motivate your community and measure progress.

5. Learn from Failures and Adapt:

Every community encounters challenges, but these can be springboards for growth. Bill views failures as lessons that provide invaluable insights. “Failure is just a teaching tool. It teaches you a way not to do something,” he points out, advocating for resilience and adaptability.

Actionable Tip:

Encourage a culture where feedback is welcomed and acted upon. Conduct regular surveys to gather members' opinions on what’s working and what isn’t. Host reflection sessions where you discuss what could be improved, and involve the community in finding solutions.

Final Thoughts:

Cultivating a thriving community requires intentionality, strategy, and the willingness to engage deeply with members. By applying these detailed strategies, you can build a network that not only supports your business or interest but also becomes a meaningful gathering space for like-minded individuals. Remember, the strength of a community lies in the connections and the value it provides to its members, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Show Notes

Below is the show notes from this episode...

Chapter Summary

0:00:00 Introduction to the Invisible Marketer Podcast

0:00:31 Diving into CNC Woodworking with Bill Griggs

0:01:55 Turning Passion into Business

0:03:49 Fostering a Supportive Woodworking Community

0:04:24 Inspiring and Empowering Others

0:04:38 Overcoming Introversion in Business

0:05:54 Starting a Podcast Journey

0:07:24 Helping Others and Building Trust

0:08:28 Embracing Strengths in Marketing

0:09:31 The Mission of Invisible Marketing

0:15:00 Encouraging Local Business Growth

0:19:01 Strategies for Building a Million-Dollar Business

0:20:12 Invitation to Join the Community

0:20:22 Discussing Entrepreneurial Misconceptions

0:24:52 Celebrating Success and Milestones

0:26:13 Adapting Business During the Pandemic

0:26:55 Fulfilling Childhood Dreams at the Space Station

0:30:09 Planning Community Retreat Ideas

0:33:21 Perseverance and Learning from Setbacks

0:36:13 Embracing Simplicity in Business

0:36:47 Encouraging Action and Taking the First Step

Long Summary

In this episode of the Invisible Marketer Podcast, host Koena interviews Bill Griggs, who shares his inspiring journey of growing a Facebook group for CNC woodworking to over 21,000 members. Bill discusses the strategies he used to overcome obstacles and grow the group, highlighting the unique aspects of CNC woodworking. He also talks about converting his passion into a successful business, teaching others about woodworking, and creating a supportive community for woodworkers. Bill shares personal stories of milestones, experiences with failure, and the importance of perseverance in entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into the power of visualization, the impact of setbacks, and the value of learning from challenges. Bill also shares insights on finding success, supporting others, and embracing one's superpower. The episode concludes with a discussion on space exploration, collaborations within the community, and taking the first step towards one's goals. Bill encourages listeners to believe in themselves and take action towards their dreams.