SMMW, Old Friends, and Why You Shouldn’t Hustle Alone 💬
Published 22 days ago • 3 min read
“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” - Brian Solis
Hey There,
I just got back from Social Media Marketing World 2025—an incredible event put on by my friend Michael Stelzner. If you’ve never been, it’s one of the premier gatherings for digital marketers and creators.
Yes, the content was amazing (it always is). Brilliant minds sharing strategies, trends, and tactics that are truly next-level. But as great as the sessions were, the real magic happened in the hallways.
I had the chance to catch up with my longtime friend Cliff Ravenscraft—someone I’ve known and admired for years. We shared stories, ideas, and a few laughs. I hung out with Leslie Samuel and Pat Flynn. I also met several new people who are doing some really inspiring things in the world of online business.
And it reminded me of something really important:
As solo entrepreneurs, we might work alone—but we’re not meant to be alone.
It’s easy to sit behind a screen and try to build your business in isolation. But the truth is, that’s where burnout and stagnation live. The spark—the energy—the momentum—comes from conversations, connection, and community.
That’s one of the reasons I recently started a free VIP forum for podcast listeners, course members, and newsletter subscribers like you.
It’s small right now. Super small, actually. But that’s by design.
I’m building a place where you can ask questions without fear, connect with other entrepreneurs, and be part of a space that’s safe, helpful, and fun. No spam. No noise. Just good people trying to build great things.
It’s a slow burn, and I’m okay with that. I’m more interested in getting the right people in there than growing fast.
If you’ve been feeling a little disconnected or like you’re building your business in a vacuum, maybe this is your invitation to step into something new.
👉 Come say hi in the VIP Forum—it’s free and open now:
Here’s to building your business—and doing it together.
Mark
P.S. If you’re a solo entrepreneur or side hustler like me, find some way to connect with others on this journey. It doesn’t have to be my forum (though you’re absolutely welcome)—but don’t do this completely alone. We all need a tribe.
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