In-person networking builds businesses. Let’s use it to build our Substacks.
A small, virtual networking group for independent writers who want to grow their publications, support one another’s work, share opportunities, and build genuine relationships along the way. This is free!
The idea
A couple years ago, I was introduced to in-person business networking, and it became a huge unlock for the launch of my first small business.
We met every week. We learned what everyone was building, referred clients to one another, created awareness for each other’s businesses, and became real friends along the way.
I kept thinking about how well that model could translate online, and specifically to Substack.
The most successful writers and creators already grow through relationships. They make friends, share each other’s work, collaborate, and introduce one another to new audiences.
I want to see what happens if we build a newsletter networking community on purpose.
The idea
A couple years ago, I was introduced to in-person business networking, and it became a huge unlock for the launch of my first small business.
We met every week. We learned what everyone was building, referred clients to one another, created awareness for each other’s businesses, and became real friends along the way.
I kept thinking about how well that model could translate online, and specifically to Substack.
The most successful writers and creators already grow through relationships. They make friends, share each other’s work, collaborate, and introduce one another to new audiences.
I want to see what happens if we build a newsletter networking community on purpose.
Who this is for
My experience with in-person networking is that it works best when business owners from different industries come together. For this group, I think it will help if we are all in somewhat similar lanes. That might include professional development, entrepreneurship, marketing, freelancing, business ownership, portfolio careers, coaching, or building a business around your expertise.
We do not all need to write about the same thing. We just need to have something in common. We want to grow online, grow publications, and build something meaningful around our work, and our audiences might enjoy similar things.
For now, invitations are going out to writers with anywhere from 0 to 5,000 subscribers.
Who this is for
My experience with in-person networking is that it works best when business owners from different industries come together. For this group, I think it will help if we are all in somewhat similar lanes. That might include professional development, entrepreneurship, marketing, freelancing, business ownership, portfolio careers, coaching, or building a business around your expertise.
We do not all need to write about the same thing. We just need to have something in common. We want to grow online, grow publications, and build something meaningful around our work, and our audiences might enjoy similar things.
For now, invitations are going out to writers with anywhere from 0 to 5,000 subscribers.
How it works
We’ll start with one virtual call to get to know each other and a WhatsApp group to stay connected between meetings.
During our first call, everyone will have a chance to share:
- What they write about
- What they are building online and offline
- Their goals for their Substack publication
- What kind of support would be helpful from the group
From there, we’ll begin with a biweekly meeting cadence and consider opening it up to weekly calls once we gauge engagement.
In-person networking groups usually give one person a turn each week to share their stories, talk about their business, and tell the group what they’re working toward. We will begin that rotation on our second meeting.
We will also use part of our time to share useful strategies, resources, podcasts, ideas, and anything else that could help our publications grow.
How it works
We’ll start with one virtual call to get to know each other and a WhatsApp group to stay connected between meetings.
During our first call, everyone will have a chance to share:
- What they write about
- What they are building online and offline
- Their goals for their Substack publication
- What kind of support would be helpful from the group
From there, we’ll begin with a biweekly meeting cadence and consider opening it up to weekly calls once we gauge engagement.
In-person networking groups usually give one person a turn each week to share their stories, talk about their business, and tell the group what they’re working toward. We will begin that rotation on our second meeting.
We will also use part of our time to share useful strategies, resources, podcasts, ideas, and anything else that could help our publications grow.
What this is not
Not a course. Not a class. Not a paid anything.
In-person networking groups usually have membership dues, but this one is brand new, a bit of an experiment, and totally free.
I believe it could help each of us grow our Substacks while also creating a genuinely special community of like-minded people with shared goals.
A quick note about me
I’m Hannah, a creative entrepreneur and corporate 9-to-5 escapee. Offline, I run two small businesses: a service business and a small technology firm where we build custom apps, websites, platforms, dashboards, and other tools.
I’m not a coach, a guru, or a teacher. I’ve just experienced how powerful the right professional network can be, and I want to see if we can recreate some of that magic here.
What this is not
Not a course. Not a class. Not a paid anything.
In-person networking groups usually have membership dues, but this one is brand new, a bit of an experiment, and totally free.
I believe it could help each of us grow our Substacks while also creating a genuinely special community of like-minded people with shared goals.
A quick note about me
I’m Hannah, a creative entrepreneur and corporate 9-to-5 escapee. Offline, I run two small businesses: a service business and a small technology firm where we build custom apps, websites, platforms, dashboards, and other tools.
I’m not a coach, a guru, or a teacher. I’ve just experienced how powerful the right professional network can be, and I want to see if we can recreate some of that magic here.
FAQ
(Literally no one has asked, but just in case.)
What am I actually going to get out of this?
When you publish a new post or share a Note, you can drop it in our WhatsApp group and people can pop over and give it some love. We can trade what’s actually working (and what isn’t) for growth, monetization, cross-promotion, and everything in between.
If you don’t have friends who are writing on Substack, you don’t really have anybody to talk to about this stuff. This gives you those people.
What if my publication is brand new?
Perfect. For now, invitations are going out to writers with anywhere from zero to 5,000 subscribers. Brand new is a great time to plug into a group like this.
How much time is this going to take?
About an hour every other week for the calls, plus whenever you want to pop into the WhatsApp group.
What if I can’t make a meeting?
Life happens. The WhatsApp group is where a lot of the day-to-day connection lives anyway, so you won’t feel out of the loop.
Will it always be free?
For now, yes. If it grows into something bigger down the road, we can figure that out together. This first cohort is free. No catch.
What if it turns out this isn’t for me?
Then you leave. No hurt feelings. I’d rather have six people who genuinely love it than fifteen who feel obligated to stay.
Let's start small.
I'm looking for six or more people to start. If it sounds like your thing, drop your info below and I'll be in touch.
And yes, you can absolutely invite your Substack bestie or someone you think would be a great fit for this group.