How can I bring more value to my customers? This question sparked an exciting idea: creating an online community for freelance workers and small business owners. In this post, I share the vision, the brainstorming chaos, and the first steps in making this big project a reality.
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How can I better support my customers? This is a question I’ve been asking myself lately. Building a great website is one thing – I absolutely love helping my clients bring their vision to life online. But I started wondering: What else can I do to have a bigger, more lasting impact on their business and their lives?
then i thought networking. Building my own network has been a game changer over the past year (you can check it out at My last article covered how I grew my freelance business 15x by 2024). It helps me grow, connect, and thrive—not just in business, but personally as well. I realized: What if I could help my customers experience the same thing?
that’s an idea online community was born. It can be a space:
- Build a network of like-minded people.
- Access useful resources and tools.
- Share challenges, ideas, and triumphs with others who “get it.”
This is a huge project – exciting, but also a little overwhelming! There are many steps to take, and they will certainly take time. But I’m excited to get started, I want Share the entire journey Work with you to face challenges, visions, triumphs, and even obstacles along the way.
how it started
In order to get this project off the ground, I started from where I usually do: Random brainstorming sessions. Whether walking, waiting in line at the supermarket, or driving, I kept speaking my thoughts out loud and recording them with a voice recorder. Shengbao (Not sponsored to say this, but seriously, it’s a lifesaver for capturing all those scattered thoughts).
These brainstorming sessions helped me come up with hundreds of ideas—how to build a community, what it could offer, what steps needed to be taken, and more. It’s chaotic, but exciting. When all these thoughts are flying around, I need a way organize everything.
that’s mine Milo board Comes in (screenshot placeholder below!). Now, it’s the hub of all my ideas—a place where I can map out my vision, jot down steps, and keep everything in one place to revisit as the project unfolds.
first step
With so many ideas, I knew I needed to narrow it down. My first step? Define value. What will this community actually offer? What makes it meaningful to my customers? See below to learn more!
Next, I came up with a (Placeholder!) Name: A balanced business community. It’s not the final version, but it’s enough to start getting feedback. I also decided to contact my previous clients to test the idea. Their input will help shape this community and ensure it truly meets their needs.
Join the journey
This is just the beginning of a long and exciting project that I hope you’ll follow along with. If you’re curious about how it all unfolded, or just want to see how a great idea is formed –Join my newsletter. You’ll get behind-the-scenes updates, insights, and maybe even some helpful ideas for your own business journey.
If you want, you can help me shape this with your feedback and ideas! 🚀
Here are my first structured notes on what I might offer and to whom
target audience
- Small business owner: Entrepreneurs who run a small business or have a side hustle.
- Freelance worker: Independent workers looking for network, support and resources.
- Early stage startups: An individual or team that addresses the challenges of starting and growing a business.
Key Benefits of Membership
- Grow your business: Gain actionable insights, shared expertise, and customized business growth strategies.
- Save time and effort: Simplify your challenges with curated resources, tools, and practical guidance.
- Build a support network: Connect with like-minded individuals, learners, and potential collaborators to build meaningful business relationships.
- Enjoy the journey: Get the tools and inspiration to make your entrepreneurial journey more fulfilling, enjoyable, and sustainable.
What does the community offer?
1. Resources
- Productivity and Time Management: Tips, tools and strategies for staying organized and productive.
- Optimize your website: A guide to using your website as a growth engine.
- Goal setting and achievement: Resources for defining, tracking, and achieving business goals.
- Marketing and Business Strategy: Actionable content for engaging customers and growing your brand.
- Work-life balance: Resources to enjoy work and life while staying productive.
2. Thriving communities
- Group chat: Dedicated channels organized by areas of interest or expertise.
- Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with helpful contacts and business friends.
- Supportive collaboration: A space to seek assistance, share advice and learn from others.
3. Regular and custom resources
- Self-Reflection Tools: Use surveys to identify challenges and match resources to pain points.
- Inspiration and motivation: Success stories that inspire creativity and celebrate progress.
4. Expert-led content
- Expert lectures and Q&A sessions: Learn from experts in marketing, productivity and other related fields.
- Knowledge sharing channels: A dedicated space for sharing expertise or seeking advice on a specific topic.
5. Self-development and planning
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Daily practice:
- Meditate morning and evening.
- 2-minute journal prompts to start your day.
- End the day with an evening of reflection.
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Weekly exercises:
- Weekly reflection and planning sessions.
6. Community interaction
- Regular meetings: Discuss specialized topics in a casual chat or phone call.
- Joint working meeting: Work deeply with others and take responsibility.
- Accountability partners: Pair with an individual to stay focused and deliver on your commitments.