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You Deserve to Be the Boss of Your Online Business
Stepping into the role of "boss" in your own online business can feel overwhelming. You might wonder, "Am I cut out for this?" or "Do I have what it takes to lead?" If these thoughts have crossed your mind, know you’re not alone.
Why Imposter Syndrome Happens to Online Entrepreneurs
The nature of online business puts you in control, but it also often means you’re working in isolation. Without a traditional team or office environment, self-doubt can creep in more easily. Many online entrepreneurs feel this weight. But here's the thing: feeling unworthy doesn't mean you are undeserving. It’s usually a sign that you care about the success of your business and those you serve.
How to Start Owning Your Role as a Boss
Acknowledge Your Expertise: You started your online business for a reason. Whether you offer a product or a service, you solve a problem. Remind yourself of the knowledge and skills you have—and that others look to you for.
Celebrate Wins: It’s easy to focus on what you haven’t accomplished yet, but it’s vital to acknowledge the milestones you have reached. Whether it’s launching a website, getting your first customer, or even just showing up consistently, celebrate each step. Each win reinforces that you are capable of leading.
Be Kind to Yourself: The path of entrepreneurship is full of challenges, but self-criticism shouldn’t be one of them. Mistakes happen, and that’s okay. The key is to learn from them and continue to push forward.
Connect with Other Entrepreneurs: Sometimes, you need a community that understands what you're going through. Reach out to other business owners, either through mastermind groups or online forums. Knowing others face similar struggles can make you feel less alone in the journey.
Turn Self-Doubt into Leadership
Being "the boss" isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about leading your business and team (even if that’s just you!) with purpose. When doubts arise, remember that the most successful leaders don’t start out feeling invincible. They started by acting, even when they felt unsure.
So here’s the truth: You already have everything you need to lead. The fact that you’re asking these questions and showing up means you’re well on your way to becoming the boss your business needs. Trust yourself, keep learning, and take ownership of your role—you’ve earned it.
Key Takeaways
Feeling unworthy as an online business boss is normal but not a reflection of your capabilities.
Celebrate small wins to build your confidence and reinforce your leadership.
Build a community with other entrepreneurs for support and shared experiences.
Trust yourself and step into your role by embracing the learning process.
Are Communities the New Business Model Trend?
Over the past few years, we've seen a shift in how businesses operate online. Instead of relying solely on selling products or services, many companies and entrepreneurs are building communities around their brands. The idea isn’t just about selling anymore—it's about creating a space where people belong, connect, and share common goals. But why are communities becoming such a powerful business model?
The Rise of the Online Community
For years, businesses treated their audience as passive recipients—sending out marketing messages and hoping for engagement. But today, people crave more than just content—they want to connect. They want to feel part of something bigger. That's where communities come in. They foster two-way relationships, allowing brands to build stronger loyalty and deeper trust with their audience.
Businesses like Patreon, Mighty Networks, and even Facebook Groups have tapped into this trend, offering platforms that prioritize connection, collaboration, and shared experiences. These platforms have proven that communities aren’t just an add-on; they can be at the core of a successful business.
Why Communities Are Becoming the "New Product"
People Want to Belong: One of the most powerful drivers for humans is the need to belong. When you create a community around your brand, you're offering more than a product or service—you're giving people a chance to connect with like-minded individuals. It’s this sense of belonging that can transform casual followers into die-hard fans.
Built-in Trust: Communities naturally build trust. In a world where traditional advertising is losing its effectiveness, word-of-mouth and peer recommendations reign supreme. A community provides a space where these organic endorsements can happen regularly.
Recurring Revenue Opportunities: Many businesses are discovering that communities offer sustainable, recurring revenue models. Platforms like Substack or membership sites allow creators and businesses to charge for premium content, access to private groups, or exclusive perks. And as long as the community thrives, members are often happy to continue paying.
Direct Access to Customers: Communities provide businesses with a direct line to their customers, offering real-time feedback and insights. This feedback loop is invaluable—businesses can adjust their offerings based on what their most engaged members want, making their products or services more relevant and targeted.
Brand Loyalty on Steroids: When customers feel they’re part of something bigger than just a transaction, they become incredibly loyal. Communities foster a sense of ownership—members feel like they're part of the brand’s story, not just consumers. This leads to higher retention rates and stronger brand advocacy.
How Businesses Are Capitalizing on the Community Trend
Some businesses are already making waves with the community-driven model. Here are a few examples:
Peloton: Peloton is much more than a fitness company. Its real value lies in the community it has built around its product. With live classes, leaderboards, and a global community of riders, it offers more than just a bike—it offers a sense of belonging and competition.
Circle: Circle is a platform that enables creators to build their communities without needing to rely on social media platforms. It’s all about nurturing direct connections between members and content creators, giving the business full control over the community experience.
Notion: The productivity tool Notion has grown rapidly, largely because of its user-generated content and community-driven approach. Notion users share templates, and tips, and even collaborate on creating new ways to use the tool. This sense of collaboration strengthens Notion’s customer loyalty and spreads word-of-mouth faster than any ad campaign could.
The Key to Building a Thriving Community
So, how can you capitalize on this trend for your business? It all starts with understanding your audience’s needs and desires. Here are a few tips for getting started:
Define Your Community's Purpose: Why are people coming together? Is it to learn, network, share experiences, or simply belong? Your community’s purpose will drive how you build and nurture it.
Provide Value Consistently: Community members stay engaged when they see continuous value. Offer exclusive content, personalized support, and spaces for members to connect.
Foster Engagement: A thriving community is built on interaction. Ask questions, create challenges, and encourage members to share their insights. The more people engage, the stronger the community bond becomes.
Don’t Make It All About You: While the community may center around your brand, it should not feel like just another sales channel. Let members contribute and lead discussions. Make it a collaborative space where everyone feels valued.
Conclusion: The Future Is Community-Driven
Communities are no longer just side projects—they’re becoming the backbone of many successful online business models. As consumers increasingly look for connection and collaboration, businesses that prioritize building communities will likely find themselves leading the pack. Whether you’re a solopreneur or running a growing company, creating a space where people can connect and grow together is a trend worth jumping on.
Key Takeaways
Online communities are becoming a powerful business model because they foster belonging, trust, and loyalty.
They offer businesses opportunities for recurring revenue, direct customer feedback, and long-term brand advocacy.
Success in building communities depends on defining a purpose, providing consistent value, and encouraging engagement.
Are Income Claims Illegal? If So, Why Do the Gurus Keep Making Them?
You’ve probably seen them: flashy screenshots of six-figure months, promises of quick success, and testimonials that make everything sound too good to be true. For online “gurus,” these income claims are almost a staple of their marketing strategies. But here's the question: If income claims are illegal or deceptive, why do they keep doing it?
The Truth About Income Claims
In many countries, including the U.S., income claims without proper disclaimers can be illegal or considered misleading. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) specifically cracks down on false advertising that guarantees financial results, especially if those claims mislead consumers into buying a product or program.
Here’s what makes them problematic:
No guaranteed outcomes: Income results depend on countless factors (work ethic, market conditions, personal skills, etc.). Suggesting everyone will achieve the same result is unrealistic.
Selective success stories: These claims often highlight only a few rare success cases while ignoring the many who don't see similar results.
Lack of transparency: Income claims rarely explain the resources or circumstances behind them, leading to misinformed decisions.
So Why Do Gurus Keep Making Income Claims?
It Sells: Let’s be honest—big numbers grab attention. Gurus know that many people are drawn to the idea of fast money and financial freedom. By flaunting high earnings, they tap into people’s emotions, making their products or courses seem like a fast track to success.
Hard to Enforce: While the FTC does go after repeat offenders, enforcement is challenging. Many gurus operate on the edge of the law by including fine-print disclaimers, even though the flashy headlines tell a different story. Others operate globally, where local laws may not be as strict.
Social Proof: Posting income screenshots or success stories creates a sense of legitimacy. In an industry where results often take time and effort, “quick wins” can feel more compelling than promises of long-term strategies.
Follower Culture: With social media’s influence, gurus build trust and loyalty by consistently showcasing their lifestyles—luxury cars, vacations, etc. Followers may assume their success is replicable without fully understanding what went into achieving those results.
How to Avoid the Trap
If you're an online entrepreneur or consumer, here's how to stay smart when income claims come your way:
Look for the disclaimers: Legitimate business owners will always explain that results vary. Check the fine print for any language about effort or personal responsibility.
Ask for transparency: If someone claims huge earnings, ask for context. What was their starting point? How long did it take? Did they have pre-existing advantages?
Trust your gut: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Business success—online or offline—requires time, effort, and often a good amount of trial and error.
Key Takeaways
Income claims are often misleading and can be illegal if not properly disclosed.
Gurus continue using them because they grab attention, create social proof, and are difficult to regulate.
Be cautious and always investigate beyond the surface of any bold financial promises.
It feels like everyone has a newsletter these days—from niche creators to Fortune 500 companies. With platforms like Substack and Revue making it easier than ever to launch, newsletters have exploded in popularity. But does that mean the newsletter business is becoming saturated?
Let’s be real: Newsletters are having a moment. More than 4 billion people globally use email, and brands are jumping in to build direct, loyal audiences through this medium. The success stories are everywhere—creators like Morning Brew, The Hustle, and Not Boring have shown that newsletters can turn into multi-million-dollar businesses.
But with more creators entering the space, many are asking: Is there still room for growth?
Saturation vs. Opportunity
Here’s the thing—yes, the number of newsletters has skyrocketed, but saturation doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no room left for you. It just means you need to be more strategic about your approach.
Why Saturation Isn’t the End
Niche is King: The more specific your niche, the better. While general news or tech newsletters may feel crowded, there are endless opportunities for hyper-focused newsletters. Whether it’s deep dives into sustainability, career advice for remote workers, or a newsletter for plant-based chefs, a targeted niche can still thrive.
Quality Over Quantity: Readers are tired of shallow, generic content. The newsletters that survive this boom will be the ones offering real value—whether through actionable insights, well-researched content, or unique perspectives. If you can consistently deliver quality, you’ll stand out even in a crowded market.
Engaged Communities: Successful newsletters build engaged communities, not just a list of subscribers. Interactivity—through feedback loops, Q&As, or community forums—creates stronger relationships and higher engagement rates. It’s not just about the size of your list, but how connected you are to your readers.
The Real Challenge: Attention Span
While there’s still plenty of space for growth, the real challenge isn’t the number of newsletters—it’s that your audience’s attention is limited. Everyone’s inbox is crowded, and open rates can be a constant struggle.
To thrive, your newsletter needs to:
Stand out in the inbox with compelling subject lines and a unique voice.
Deliver real value for every single issue, ensuring subscribers are excited to open it.
Respect your audience’s time by offering short, digestible content that they can skim or dive into as needed.
Far from being saturated, the newsletter business is evolving. Paid subscriptions, membership models, and community-driven content are the next steps for newsletter creators who want to turn this medium into a sustainable business.
Key Takeaways
The newsletter business is booming, but there’s still room for growth, especially in niche areas.
Quality content, a focused audience, and engaged communities are your keys to standing out.
Success in the crowded inbox means delivering consistent value and making your newsletter a must-read for your subscribers.
Hope you enjoyed this week’s newsletter.