This is a weekly-ish newsletter focused on helping those stuck in corporate take back control of their time, money and most importantly, their future.
A lot has happened this week so let’s get to it!
The Drive to Five (hundred members) Update
2 Net New members this week. My instinct is to only post when I have better news but I am the one that started sharing. Not that this is bad news but not the overall growth I am looking for. It will keep me focuses.
I also spent a great deal of time talking to members and potential members to understand needs and where I the Escapee Collective can offer the most value. What I’m leaning:
My sweet spot is escapees that are going all in to break free from corporate. They have the greatest sense of urgency and willingness to take action. This could be folks still in corporate or just escaped.
Folks in corporate are in the learning and awareness phase. They follow my TikTok content, listen to the podcast and follow my newsletters.
The established escapees are an interesting group. They have had success and are looking to grow their solo businesses. It is more about building relationships (collaboration & partnership opportunities) plus more advanced skills.
This is probably more information than you need but it can give you something to think about as your solo businesses evolve.
Escapee Accelerator Program
My research also indicated an opportunity to offer a program to help escapees reduce their learning curve. I am testing a 1:1 program where I guide escapees through a 6 week intensive program to earn that first dollar outside of corporate. This includes how to set up your business, refresh your LinkedIn, create your first offer, how to connect with your network, etc.. I think this will become a small group offering after the test period. If anyone is interested you can reply to this email or find more info here: Escapee Accelerator Program. I am initially looking for 5 escapees.
The Small Business Hotline is now live
This may seem like I am chasing a shiny object but it actually fits into my overall ecosystem approach. My initial vision for the Collective was to connect the experience of escapees with business owners that need help. That is exactly what I am doing with the SBH. This is a true win-win-win. It is a revenue source for me, a revenue source for our Collective members, and much needed help for business owners.
This was originally a Q2 launch but there the opportunity with small business owners is there now so I moved up the launch. You can check it out here but note it is still in the Done is Better Than Perfect stage: The Small Business Hotline
Additional Escapee Resources
I featured Taylor Crane’s Fractional Job Board last week and it was a big hit. I will continue to share on a weekly basis.
The Fractional Job Board
The Escapee Podcast: I had author Steve Jaffe on the show this week to discuss his book: The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery. If you have been through a recent layoff or concerned about a layoff, check out this episode. We also touch on his escapee journey. Link to his episode: Laid Off 4 Times: What the Job Hunt Won't Teach You About Getting Back Up" (ft. Steve Jaffe)
I also wrote about The Real Difference Between Corporate and Going Solo on LinkedIn
That’s it for this week
Let me know what you think. I read all replies personally.
Live Life First
Brett 🐬✌️