Hi friend,
Here's an 8-step process of how I built a one-person business from scratch:
1/ Vision
Here's what I really wanted to change in my life:
- own my time
- have a purpose
- enjoy the work I do
- become financially independent
You can't start unless you know your 'why' and where you want to be.
2/ Writing
I wrote a lot on Medium. It helped me:
- build an audience
- improve credibility
- get better at writing
I also started writing frequently on Twitter and LinkedIn for the same.
3/ My First Freebie
Was a side hustle ebook. 2000+ people downloaded it.
But the real stuff happened when I created a free Side Hustler Checklist.
- 9654 downloads and $1441.48 in donations
- massively increased my email list
- everyone gave me good feedback
4/ Taught for free
In Nov 2021, I ran a free 3-week program.
I didn't have anything planned.
I just wanted to teach.
So I tweeted if people are interested to be consistent at writing, and I got
- 200 responses
- 72 applications
I selected 40 people from 20 countries.
5/ Created a CBC
That program is now called Summit 21.
It's a cohort-based program that takes place 4x a year.
We've sold out 8 out of 9 times.
- Take feedback and improve
- Collect testimonials
- Create a structure
- Sell it
(The last cohort of 2023 starts on Oct 9 btw)
6/ Created my first product
This was a Medium Guide that I created in Feb 2022.
Why? Because there was a demand for it.
People kept asking me how to grow on Medium.
In July, I launched my LinkedIn Playbook.
Again, productised a solution to questions I was asked frequently.
7/ The Final Product (for now)
Launched a LinkedIn video course in February, to give a more detailed insight on how to grow on LinkedIn.
The mantra has been simple - create a solution to people's problems.
8/ How I sell
I don't do hardcore sales or even write sales emails "to increase conversions" lol.
I subtly mention this in my
- articles - where relevant
- newsletters - at the bottom
- LinkedIn - featured section, banner
I hope reading about my process in exact chronology was helpful and serves you.
My last advice for you is - Have a bias of action so you act quickly on your ideas, but don't be in a rush for the outcomes.
Be in it for the long game.
Summary:
- Have a vision
- Write online
- Build a freebie
- Do things for free
- Then see if people want to pay for it
- Build a product
- Productise more solutions
- Plug in where relevant
That's a wrap!
Love,
N
Before you leave, here's how I can help you ace your goals:
- ​LinkedIn Ultimate Content Mastery: I teach you how to create compelling stories that attract opportunities 💰
- ​Summit 21: Join my flagship cohort-based course, Summit 21. This will be the fourth and last cohort of 2023.
Work With Me
If you're a brand or a business looking to grow, I get 3 million+ views every month on my content. Click here if you want me to help you shine bright in front of my audience :)
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