This is the fourth (and final!) part of a series on rocking your audience at whatever stage you’re at. As we go through each stage, I’d love to discuss it like crazy and do some q&a before moving on to the next one. So got comments? Leave ‘em. I’ll be adding everyone who participates to the Twitter list so that we can keep up with each other.

Eventually, you’re going to get to the point where the demands on your time are extravagant. You will have to make decisions about how you can feasibly interact with the people who make up your audience. We’ve talked about this. You know it’s coming. (Hooray…happy dance!)

At this point, some of the people in your audience have a new need. The need to spend time with you. Wow. That sounds all self-important, doesn’t it? I’ll give you a chance to shake it off.

Paying for access: Why it’s not as snobbity as it sounds

We’ve talked about how you’ve got the corner on you. There is nothing like you available anywhere else. You are just as awesome as Oprah. Or Brad Pitt. Or anyone. You’ve got a unique rockstar-ness about you that has always been there…it’s just that other people are now discovering it. And I bet there are (or will be) people in your audience who would love the chance to hang out with you on a regular basis. And not just because you’re so awesome. But because you’ve got something going on, and you’ve got the ability to fuel their future growth.

Before I stomp on too many toes here (sorry toes!), I’m not suggesting that you stop talking to people who aren’t paying you. It’s just that you have the option of offering a clear way for people to get in your front row — by paying for it. It becomes a very effective red velvet rope.

So…what does that look like, exactly?

That is completely up to you. Everything’s so experimental online…we’re taking things that once were only available face-to-face and turning them into a plate of you-can-have-it-anywhere online delight. Everything old is new again! Seriously!

To get your idea fires stoked, here are some examples of how people have done this (and are doing this) successfully.

• Havi’s Kitchen Table: I’ve never been a part of Havi’s sandwich-eating bunch (there must be sandwiches, right?), but a few of my clients and friends have, and they tell me it is completely awesome. Apparently they all sit around eating sandwiches and work on their stucknesses. Delight!
• Naomi’s Speakeasy: I have been a card-carrying member of the Speakeasy, and I got so much out of it. It’s not so much about access to Naomi as it is about access to some of the best teleclasses I’ve ever been a part of. The Q&A alone is hot.
• Jen’s Comfort Cafe: I haven’t joined Jen’s cafe (yet), but doesn’t it feel like you’re settling into a hot bath just reading about it? Ahhh. Nice.

I’ve been personally tapping my toes waiting for people outside that sphere to start offering personal, get-on-my-front-row paid access options, but I haven’t seen a whole lot of it yet. Maybe because while it completely rocks, it can also scare the crap out you. (Oh my GOSH…these people are paying for awesome! Pressure!!!) What do you think?

P.S. This is the last of the peanut series. (Boo!) But I’ve been working up a new series that is getting me in-my-bones excited. Coming reeeeeal soon. Whee!