5 Lessons Learned From Selling My Podcasting Membership in 2024

Moving on is bitter then sweet.

As we step into 2025, I find myself reflecting on a big milestone in my creator journey. I haven't shared much about this publicly until now. So consider this a behind-the-scenes look into my creative business - Part I.

Last year, I decided to sell WOC Podcasters, a key part of my creator business I nurtured and built over a remarkable five-year period.

This community wasn’t just a passion project but part of my identity as a podcaster and community builder.

Offering support to Women of Color across the audio industry brought me so much joy and fulfillment until it didn't.

Let me explain.

When I learned we were expecting our first child in 2021, the entire landscape of my creative business shifted.

As my energy levels dipped during pregnancy, along came the natural changes in my priorities.

Engagement is the cornerstone of any membership-based business model.

Despite my efforts and outsourcing attempts, I realized I couldn’t maintain the same enthusiasm, innovative ideas, and time commitment my members were used to and deserved.

As a stay-at-home mom opting out of daycare, I was time-starved. At the end of a long day, the last thing I wanted to do was show up for others, let alone myself.

Another con of hosting an evergreen membership was that members could join anytime. This flexibility can be good, but it grew into a thorn in my side.

Although I had a core group of engaged regulars who would attend almost every hosted event, for the most part, people came and went.

My membership was flexible to a fault.

Despite hosting monthly accountability calls, I felt I couldn't help members achieve their long-term goals no matter how many touch-points I offered.

To fill this gap, I launched a one-on-one podcast coaching program, which allowed me to work closely with individuals.

I loved helping my coaching clients create podcast marketing plans that led to massive audience growth. Seeing their confidence soar, connecting them to my extensive network when possible, and even pushing them to pursue new opportunities outside their comfort zone meant the world to me.

In a final attempt, I planned to bring my community together by hosting an in-person retreat. Despite 100+ people on the waitlist, we barely made any sales.

I lost a lot of money and, with that, my will to continue going.

By 2022, I launched a new project called Grants For Creators, which took off in a big way. I could set my own hours and work independently.

You can learn more here.

Overall, curating grants felt easy. Running a podcasting membership felt hard.

As I faced the daunting thought of closing the membership—an idea that filled me with sadness and guilt—I reached out to a few trusted creative friends, sharing my dilemma.

They encouraged me to share my feelings with my community and explore the possibility of someone else taking it on.

While I felt vulnerable, I knew it was the right path deep down.

With a shaky hand and tears in my eyes, I drafted a post to my community sharing my thoughts. The result?

A successful sale and a wealth of lessons learned along the way.

Here are my top five insights from selling my membership.

1. Your Projects Can Be Assets

Your creations/products/services can have significant value and can be sold to someone who will take them to new heights.

Whether your project generates income or sparks ideas, there’s potential for someone else to take it further. Digital assets include Facebook groups, newsletters, social profiles, websites, podcasts, and more.

2. Monitor Your Feelings

Stay attuned to your emotions. This is your superpower as an entrepreneur.

If you start feeling trapped, resentful, or burned out, take a step back.

Ask yourself if you can sustain this work in the long term, no matter how much money you make.

Especially when a project brings in a considerable amount of money, it’s easy to stick with it as you gradually lose sight of your passion.

Then, at some point, your business becomes unrecognizable, no different from going to a job you hate for the paycheck and perks.

3. Be Prepared for Change

When selling something you've poured your heart into, understand that changes will happen. New ownership may lead to a new direction, branding, or mission. Be ready to embrace that uncertainty.

4. Let Go Completely

Before selling my membership, my husband sat me down and told me that for this to work, I needed to let go of all attachments.

Feeling possessive about our creations is natural, but letting go takes work.

Before signing the dotted line, I had to let go completely and be ready to move forward.

5. Build Future Assets

As you continue growing your business, think about creating sellable assets (even if you don’t intend to exit at some point).

Everything you produce—from your email list to your content—is valuable.

Consider exit strategies before shutting down anything; you might be holding onto something someone else would love to take over.

Looking back at this past year, I see a journey of growth and self-discovery.

It's partly bitter with a sweet finish.

Selling my membership gave me the time and space to be a present mom and reconnect with my passion for writing in new and exciting ways.

For example, I published my first podcasting book in December, Grow Your Show With Better Content.

I anticipate even more changes in the new year, which I’ll detail in my next newsletter. If you enjoyed reading this post, make sure you’re subscribed for future updates.

I hope sharing my experience helps you think outside the box and consider new possibilities.

If you're feeling uncertain about what’s next, remember—you have options — way more than you might think.

Wishing you a fruitful year filled with creativity and lots of adventure!

Danielle Corbett | thoughtcard.com