Have you ever found yourself staring at your computer, coffee in hand, thinking, “Is this really it? Is this what I’m going to do for the next decade or two?” If you’re nodding right now, you are absolutely in the right place.
Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to my heart and, honestly, could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for: a community-based business. What the heck is it? Why does it matter? And why, if you’re over 40, is it the smartest, and dare I say, most fun way to build (and live) the next chapter of your life?
So, buckle up, because we’re about to blow the dust off the old business playbook and talk about building something meaningful, profitable, and, most importantly, gives you more freedom so you can actually enjoy your life now, not when you’re 70.
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Full Transcript
Hey there, and welcome back to The Misty Kortes Show, your go-to spot for ditching burnout, reclaiming your freedom, and building a business that actually feels good.
Quick question to kick us off: Have you ever found yourself staring at your computer, coffee in hand, thinking, “Is this really it? Is this what I’m going to do for the next decade or two?” If you’re nodding right now, you are absolutely in the right place.
Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to my heart and, honestly, could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for: a community-based business. What the heck is it? Why does it matter? And why, if you’re over 40, is it the smartest, and dare I say, most fun way to build (and live) the next chapter of your life?
So, buckle up, because we’re about to blow the dust off the old business playbook and talk about building something meaningful, profitable, and, most importantly, gives you more freedom so you can actually enjoy your life now, not when you’re 70.
Personal Story
Before we dive in, I’d like to pull back the curtain a little bit and share what’s been happening behind the scenes. If you’ve been following me on social media, you probably know that I recently closed my marketing agency. What I haven’t really talked about—until now—is the mistake I made right after.
So here’s what happened: I decided to stop bringing in new clients at the beginning of the year. I still work with a handful of my long-time, absolutely amazing clients (they’re basically family at this point), and honestly, they’ve been such a blessing. They give me the space to earn an income while I figure out what’s next—my “income while I build my outcome,” as I like to say.
But here’s where I tripped up: When I decided to build a community, I basically took everything I’d built from my agency days and dumped it into this new community. I thought, “Oh, I’ll just help entrepreneurs in a different way.” But after a couple of months, I realized—hold up—I was just recreating the same thing I’d already burned out on.
Different packaging, same hustle. Same feeling of being “on” all the time, just with a new label.
So, I hit pause. I took some time off—went on my first cruise ever, which, by the way, I highly recommend. There’s nothing like being out at sea with no Wi-Fi to force you to actually think. And what I realized, somewhere between the snorkling and the ocean breeze, was this: I didn’t want to just build another business. I wanted something new. Something that felt easy, fun, and genuinely rewarding.
It took me a few months (and a lot of journaling), but I finally figured it out. I wanted to help aspiring entrepreneurs—especially those of us who are a little more seasoned in life—build something meaningful, without all the old-school hustle and burnout.
Why am I sharing this? Because today’s topic, why you should build a community-based business if you’re over 40, is all about building something that gives you more freedom, more connection, and more joy right now. Not someday. Not when you’re 70 and finally allowed to enjoy life. I had to learn the hard way that just because you’re good at something, doesn’t mean you have to keep doing it the same way forever. You get to reinvent. You get to build a business around what lights you up now, not just what paid the bills before.
And that’s what community-based business is really about. It’s about creating something that fits who you are today, gives you freedom to live your life, and lets you actually enjoy the ride.
Alright, enough about my cruise adventures and business pivots—let’s get into the juicy stuff you came here for. I wanted to share that story because, honestly, I know so many of you are standing at that same crossroads: craving something new, something more meaningful, but not totally sure what that looks like or where to even start.
So let’s talk about it.
What the heck IS a community-based business, anyway?
And why should you, especially if you’re over 40, even care?
Let’s break it down. Because here’s the thing: this isn’t just some trendy buzzword. We are right on the edge of a massive shift in how people create income, impact, and—yes—actual freedom in their lives. And the folks who “get” community? They’re about to be way ahead of the game.
So, what is a community-based business?
Simply put, it’s a business built around people first. Not products. Not fancy ad strategies. And definitely not those complicated, headache-inducing funnels everyone’s always talking about.
It’s about taking what you already know—your skills, your passions, your life experience, or even your interests—and building a space where people can come together to learn, grow, and connect around a shared goal, interest, or transformation.
You make your income by genuinely serving and supporting those people in a way that’s real and authentic.
It’s powerful. It’s scalable. And, best of all? It’s about real connection with real humans.
And don’t worry—I’ll share some real-life examples of community-based businesses in just a bit, so you can see exactly what this looks like in action.
6 Reasons to Start a Community-Based Business (Especially If You’re 40+)
Alright, let’s get into the real heart of this episode—the “why” behind community-based business, especially if you’re in that season of life where you’ve spent years building a career, raising a family, or being everyone else’s rock. And now you’re thinking, “Wait a minute… when is it my turn to do something for me?” Well, friend, buckle up, because this is where things get really interesting.
Honestly, I could probably rattle off 60 reasons why this is the best business model out there, but let’s keep it tight and talk about the six that matter most.
1. It’s the Easiest Business Model to Start
Starting a community-based business is way simpler than most people think. The biggest mistake I see? Folks get totally tangled up in the details. They obsess over how to monetize, try to cram their community full of training videos, or think they need a fancy website before they even invite their first member. Spoiler alert: you don’t need any of that to get started.
Here’s what you actually need:
- Identify Your PICM (Perfect Ideal Community Member):
Think about who you want to serve. Who do you get excited to help? What problem do you want to solve, or what passion do you want to share? This is your profitable niche—your “people.”
- Validate Your Idea:
Don’t overthink this! You can talk to a few people who fit your PICM. Ask them what they need, what they’re struggling with, or what kind of community they wish existed. If you get a few enthusiastic “yes, I need that!” responses, you’re onto something. Then look for books, podcasts, blogs, or courses on your idea. This is what I call the “people pay for this” test. If books are being sold, podcasts are being recorded, or courses are being created around your idea—that’s a GOOD thing. It proves that people want what you’re offering!
- Name Your Community:
Keep it simple and clear. Pro tip: Pick a name that instantly tells people what you’re about. If someone sees your community name, they should know right away if it’s for them. (Think “The Weekend BBQ Gang” or “Book Lovers Lounge—no need to get cute or clever.)
- Sign up for Skool:
This is my favorite platform for hosting communities. In the show notes, I’ll provide my affiliate link where you get a 2-week free trial, and after that, it’s just $99 a month. No tech headaches, no complicated setup—just a clean, easy space for your people to gather.
- Start Inviting!
Look, if you’ve been on this earth for 40+ years, you’ve already made connections, built relationships, and crossed paths with people who get you. Those folks? They’re your first members. They don’t care if your community isn’t perfect or polished. What they want is to hang out with you and share in the things you’re passionate about. So don’t wait for everything to be flawless—just invite a few people to join you and watch the magic begin. Every thriving community started with a small group of people who simply showed up because they believed in the same thing.
That’s it! 5 steps to launch!
If you want help with any of this, I’ve got you! Inside my free community, The Community Launchpad, I walk you through every step—finding your niche, naming your group, setting up your Skool community, and more. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
I’ve packed The Community Launchpad with tools, super helpful resources, and (my favorite part), I even offer free 1:1 coaching to help you get unstuck, brainstorm ideas, or just cheer you on as you take those first steps. Whether you need clarity, confidence, or just a little nudge, I’m right there with you.
The key point here is that you don’t need a mountain of content or a library of training videos to get started. All you really need is a clear idea, a welcoming space, and a willingness to invite others in. Monetizing? That can come later, once you’ve built something people actually want to be part of.
Ok, let me give you a taste of what’s possible with a few real-life communities that are absolutely crushing it right now—and none of these were started by celebrities or “marketing gurus.” These are regular people who leaned into what they love or what they’ve lived through, and just started showing up.
1. That Pickleball School
This one is such a fun example. That Pickleball School was started by a couple of pickleball fans who noticed there wasn’t a good place for beginners to learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed. They built an online community where newbies could ask questions, get tips, and connect with others at their level.
Today, they’ve grown to over 700 paying members, each investing $39 a month for access to lessons, challenges, and group support. That adds up to more than $340,000 a year—just from helping people learn and enjoy the fastest-growing sport in America!
And get this: neither founder was a pro athlete or a social media star. They were just passionate about pickleball and wanted to help others fall in love with it, too.
2. Houseplant Enthusiasts
If you think you need to be an expert to start a community, think again. The Houseplant Enthusiasts community was started by someone who simply loved collecting and caring for houseplants. They created a free online space for plant lovers to swap tips, share plant wins and fails, and geek out over rare plants
Now, this group has exploded to over 8,700 members! The founder monetizes the community through live workshops, affiliate partnerships with plant brands, and curated product recommendations—no pushy sales tactics, just sharing what they genuinely love. It’s proof you can turn a hobby into a thriving, supportive, and profitable community.
3. Fertility Girl Gang
This one pulls at my heartstrings. Fertility Girl Gang was started by a woman who shared her own fertility journey on TikTok. One video went viral, and suddenly, hundreds of women reached out, craving a safe space to talk about their own experiences.
She decided to create a private community—no fancy website, no big launch, just a heartfelt invitation. Today, Fertility Girl Gang supports over 300 women, offering resources, expert Q&As, and a judgment-free zone for sharing the ups and downs of fertility. She keeps the community going through a small monthly membership fee and occasional live events.
And here’s the thing: she wasn’t a doctor, a therapist, or a social media influencer. She was just brave enough to go first and create the space she wished she’d had.
The point?
None of these founders started out as experts or had a massive following. They simply cared about their people, showed up consistently, and built something around their own interests, experiences, or challenges. If they can do it, so can you—no matter your background, passion, or where you are in life.
2. Predictable, Recurring Revenue
Now, let’s talk about money for a minute, because I know you’ve thought about it—especially as retirement keeps creeping closer and prices keep going up.
If you’re like most people in their 40s or 50s, you might be looking at your bank account and wondering, “Am I actually going to be okay when I finally clock out of my job for good?”
Here’s the thing: a community-based business can completely flip that script.
Imagine this—no more waiting for your boss to approve a 3% raise. No more dreading Monday mornings, fighting traffic, or dealing with coworkers you’d never hang out with in real life. No more feeling like your time and energy are building someone else’s dream while you’re stuck watching the clock.
With a community-based business, you can create predictable, recurring income that grows month after month.
Let’s break it down:
- Say you charge just $25 a month for your community. Get 100 members? That’s $2,500 a month—$30,000 a year.
- What if you grow to 300 members? Now you’re looking at $90,000 a year.
- I know people who are making more in a single month from their community than they used to make in an entire year at their “good” job!
It’s like the Netflix model, but you’re the one collecting the subscriptions. No more living paycheck to paycheck, waiting for someone else to decide your worth. Just show up, serve people you actually like, and watch your income build—without the soul-sucking commute or the office politics.
This is your chance to build real financial freedom, on your terms. And you don’t have to quit your job to start—you can build this on the side, at your own pace, and finally create the life (and income) you actually want.
3. Freedom Without the Hustle
This one’s my personal favorite. Most of us didn’t work this hard for this long just to be chained to a desk and laptop for another decade. A community-based business gives you freedom—real, actual, “I can take a Tuesday off if I want” freedom.
- Work from anywhere—your couch, a coffee shop, or a cruise ship (trust me, it’s possible).
- No office. No inventory. No massive overhead.
- You don’t need a fancy website, a big team, or to blow your savings on ads.
- And here’s the real kicker: it scales. What does that mean? You can serve 10 people or 1,000 without doubling your workload.
If you want a business that fits your life, instead of taking it over, this is it. More money, less stress, and way more time to actually enjoy your life now.
4. You Get to Make a Real Impact
Let’s be honest—of course, we all want to make money, but if you’re anything like me (and most of my listeners), you also want your work to actually mean something. You want to wake up and feel like what you do matters—not just to your boss or your company, but to real people.
Here’s the beauty of a community-based business: it’s not about cranking out content or checking boxes. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and safe—a place where they can show up as themselves and know they belong. You’re helping people learn new things, get through tough seasons, and connect with others who “get it.” Sometimes, you’re the reason someone finally feels like they’re not alone, or like they can actually move forward in life.
That kind of impact? You can’t measure it in performance reviews or quarterly reports. It’s the stuff that’s felt in the stories people share, the confidence they gain, and the ripple effect it has on everyone around them. If you’re craving purpose (not just another paycheck), this is your chance to finally make the kind of difference you’ve always wanted—on your own terms.
5. It’s the Most Aligned Business Model for the Future
Let’s zoom out for a second, because I want you to really hear this: The world of work is changing faster than most people realize. While everyone’s busy worrying about the next algorithm or the latest AI tool, here’s the truth—artificial intelligence isn’t just coming, it’s here, and it’s about to shake up everything we know about “job security.”
Here’s a stat that should make you sit up a little straighter: According to recent studies, over 85 million jobs worldwide are expected to be replaced by AI and automation in just the next two years. That’s not science fiction—that’s happening right now, and it’s not just factory workers or entry-level jobs. Even white-collar, “safe” careers are on the chopping block.
So, what does that mean for you? It means you have a choice: you can try to start over in a shrinking job market, or you can change lanes completely—by taking your life experience, your hard-won wisdom, and building a community around what you know and love.
Because here’s the thing: As the world gets noisier and more automated, what people are really craving isn’t more content or another faceless app. They want real, human connection. They want to feel like they belong somewhere. Community is the new currency, and if you can create a safe, supportive space for people to grow, learn, and connect, you’ll always have a business that works, no matter how much technology changes.
And let’s be honest: AI can do a lot of things, but it will never replace your story, your energy, or your leadership. If you’re over 40, you have decades of experience and insight that no robot can replicate. That’s your edge. That’s your superpower. And now is the perfect time to use it.
So, don’t wait for the pink slip or the next round of layoffs. Build something that can’t be automated: a community built on real relationships, real value, and real impact. The future belongs to those who are willing to connect, lead, and create spaces where people feel like they matter. And that, my friend, is something AI will never be able to do.
6. You Don’t Need to Be “The Expert”
I’ve got to be honest with you—one of the biggest things I had to let go of was this idea that I always had to be “the expert.” For years, I thought if I was going to start something new, I needed another certification, more proof, or to have all the answers before I could lead anyone. Sound familiar?
Here’s what I’ve learned: Yes, you absolutely can build a community around your expertise—and there’s nothing wrong with that! But you don’t have to. You don’t need to be a world-class authority or have decades of credentials behind your name.
Sometimes, all you need is an interest or a passion and a little courage.
Let me give you a few examples:
- Maybe you’re ready to leave your old corporate life behind and finally pick up a paintbrush. Guess what? You can build a community for people who want to learn to paint together, share their progress, and encourage each other—no art degree required.
- Maybe you’ve spent years as the “family chef” and you want to share your love of simple, home-cooked meals. You could start a community for busy parents or empty nesters who want to cook healthier, tastier meals without all the fuss.
- Or maybe you’re passionate about hiking and exploring local trails. You could create a group for folks in your area who want to get outside, move their bodies, and make new friends—no fitness instructor certification needed.
The truth is, you can build a community around pretty much anything: a hobby you love, a life experience you’ve had, or even something you’re just starting to explore. You don’t have to be the expert; you just have to be willing to show up, share your journey, and invite others to join you.
Practical Takeaway or Action Step:
Alright, so if you’re sitting there thinking, “Okay, Misty, this all sounds amazing, but how do I actually get started?”—I’ve got you covered.
Earlier, I walked you through the simple steps to kick off your own community:
- Identify your Perfect Ideal Community Member (PICM) and pick a profitable niche.
- Validate your idea by talking to real people who might want to join.
- Name your community—keep it simple and clear.
- Set up your space (I recommend Skool for a hassle-free start).
- Start inviting people you already know—remember, you’ve got decades of connections!
But let’s be honest—the biggest hangup I see (and maybe you’re feeling it, too) is this:
“What should my community even be about?”
If you’re stuck here, you’re not alone. Most people get tripped up on the idea stage and never move forward. So here’s your challenge for the week—no overwhelm, no perfection required:
Step 1: Think about the communities you wish existed. What did you need when you were starting out, facing a tough season, or chasing a new dream?
Step 2: Jot down your skills, passions, and life experiences. Where do those overlap with what people are looking for right now?
And if you want to make this even easier (because why not?), check out my brand new tool, Niche-Match AI. Just answer a few quick questions, and it’ll help you pinpoint the perfect community idea based on your unique skills, passions, and experience, so you can skip the overthinking and start building with confidence. I’ll drop the link in the show notes for you.
Or, if you want a little more hands-on help, just join The Community Launchpad. I’m there every day, ready to help you brainstorm, get unstuck, and cheer you on as you build your next chapter.
So, whether you want to brainstorm the old-fashioned way, let Niche-Match AI do the heavy lifting, or get support inside The Community Launchpad—the point is: just start.
Conclusion
Alright, friend—let’s wrap this episode up.
Here’s a truth: You don’t have to settle for a life that drains you. You don’t have to wait for the “right time” or for everything to be perfect. You’ve already lived a rich, full life filled with skills, stories, and experiences that people need—and that’s exactly what makes you the perfect person to build a community.
This moment right here? It’s your invitation to step into something new, something meaningful, and something that finally works for you. A community-based business isn’t just a way to make money—it’s a way to create freedom, connection, and impact on your own terms.
You’ve got what it takes. You’re more ready than you realize. So take that first step today. Show up, be yourself, and start building the life—and the business—you deserve.
Close
If today’s episode lit a fire under you, here’s what to do next:
- Join The Community Launchpad: https://www.skool.com/the-community-launchpad/about
This is where you’ll find support, resources, and a bunch of other amazing people building their own second-act businesses. - Try my Niche-Match AI: https://mistykortes.com/nichematch-ai/
Let this tool help you find your perfect community niche—no more overthinking or second-guessing. - Subscribe to The Misty Kortes Show so you never miss an episode packed with real talk and actionable tips.
- Share this episode with a friend who needs a little nudge to start their own journey.
Thank you for spending this time with me. Remember, you’re never too old and it’s never too late to create a life—and a business—you love. I’m cheering you on every step of the way. See you again on Thursday!