Solo Creator Summit

It's Never Been Easier to Be a Solo Creator

And this is great news for you!

The creator economy is more tech-enabled than ever. The explosion of software and no-code tools allows creators to run their entire business solo or work with a small number of freelancers to support the business.

The Solo Creator Summit is bringing together some of the brightest solo creators on the virtual stage to deliver tactics and strategies for launching and  scaling podcasts, newsletters, and digital products while growing an engaged audience.

Co-Founder

Zero In

The mission of Zero In is to help as many businesses and leaders build a brand customers love and a company people are passionate to work for.  

So where do you need to focus (or Zero In)?
Solve the problem of INDIFFERENCE!

Indifferent customers have no compelling reason to purchase your product or service rather than your competitors' product or service. 

Indifferent employees are complacent because they are not passionate about coming to work each day.

Utilize the resources, books, and courses from Zero In to increase your customer retention, improve your customer experience, and build a passionate culture of innovation giving your team the ability to find new and better ways to serve your customers.

"Customers DO NOT buy your product or service, they buy what it can DO FOR THEM"
Customer-centricity means knowing your customers and giving them what they crave.  This helps you to build trust and loyalty, but also a solid reputation.  Loyal customers become fans of your brand and refer other customers to you.

"If you don't find new and better ways to serve your customers, SOMEONE ELSE WILL!"
Being Innovative brings new ideas, which is crucial to a business being able to find new and better ways to add value for your customers.  With innovation comes creative new products and services, increases in efficiency and, as a result, improved profitability.

BE THE BRAND CUSTOMERS LOVE AND THE COMPANY PEOPLE ARE PASSIONATE TO WORK FOR

Founder and Chief Difference Maker

The Accidental Solopreneur

The Accidental Solopreneur is is getting rave reviews from solopreneurs around the globe.

Follow along in this parable as Alex Green goes through a bumpy journey of self reflection, making some major and well needed changes to his mindset and habits.

A burnt-out workaholic, Alex leaves the corporate world behind, eventually finding a roadmap for a fulfilling life as a solopreneur.

Use the tips, tactics, and learnings from Alex’s adventure to help give you a playbook for success in your own solopreneur journey.

Author

The Zero In Formula

Author of the Amazon best seller, The Zero In Formula.

This book is for organizations that want to build their foundation around being as customer-centric and innovative as possible.

Filled with strategies, tactics, and stories, The Zero In Formula is the definitive guide to building a disruptive and sustainable business through customer-centric innovation.

The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group

About the Commonwell
We are committed to profitable growth, team development, ingenuity, while having fun at work.  We offer a complete range of insurance products including residential, automobile, commercial, farm and watercraft. We encourage a work-life balance and we are serious about what we do!

About my Role
As Manager of the PMO, I lead a group project managers and business analysts to implement the project management office from the ground up.

About the PMO
Projects at the Commonwell are measured against timelines, budget, delivery of scope, but most importantly the realization of the intended benefits of each project.  Over 85% of projects at the Commonwell were consistantly green throughout 2018.

Manager, Project and Portfolio Management Office

As Manager of Application Services, I am responsible for planning, coordinating and managing the activities of the Application Services team within the Information Systems (IS) Department. This includes leadership and development of the IS team members, as well as providing direction and support for IS solutions to meet the present and future needs of the organization.

Manager of Application Services

Kawartha Lakes Food Source

Kawartha Lakes Food Source is a community effort to reduce hunger in the City of Kawartha Lakes by:

1. Maintaining a central warehouse to supply food to organizations that provide food to individuals in need,
2. Raising public awareness, and
3. Working in concert with other local not-for-profit organizations.

Board Of Directors

Operitel Corporation (An OpenText Company) 

ABout OpenText
OpenText, The Information Company™, a market leader in Enterprise Information Management software and solutions, enables intelligent and connected enterprises by managing, leveraging, securing and gaining insight into enterprise information, on-premises or in the cloud. 

About my Role
Directed a team of PS and R&D resources to develop and implement the LearnFlex LMS platform for over 40 clients.

Director of R&D and Professional Services

TELUS

Manager - Payment Solutions Development and Support

Emergis - A Telus Company

Manager

Emergis Inc

The Accidental Solopreneur - Author of The Happy Accidents Newsletter | Co-Founder of the Solo Creator Summit | I help new solopreneurs increase their luck surface area!

Happy accidents, chance encounters, and serendipitous moments have played a major role in the success of many famous individuals, companies and products. 

From scientists and inventors to artists and entrepreneurs, numerous people have experienced a Happy Accident moment that changed the trajectory of their lives forever.

 - The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming. 
 - The creation of the Post-it note by Spencer Silver, a scientist at 3M. 
 - The story of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founding Apple in Jobs' garage.

...and many more!

In fact, I believe ALL success can be traced back to a happy accident!

You don't have to be the smartest, the most gifted, or special person to find success.
You just need to be ready to recognize a Happy Accident moment when it comes along, and take action when it does!

Want to read about some of the most incredible Happy Accident stories, the people who acted upon them, and the lessons you can learn from their journey? Subscribe to the Happy Accidents newsletter!

Want to see how I can help you recognize those moments and act on them?
Visit www.dennisgeelen.me

The Successful Solo Creator Checklist

- Stay committed to the long game, understanding that success takes time.
- Adapt to change, staying flexible in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
- Master the art of time management, juggling multiple tasks efficiently.
- Welcome feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
- Embrace experimentation, constantly pushing creative boundaries.
- Cultivate a strong online presence by engaging authentically.
- Seek inspiration everywhere and turn it into unique creations.
- They possess relentless passion and dedication for their craft.
- Set clear goals and create a roadmap to achieve them.
- Build a supportive community of fellow creators.

What am I missing?

Dennis Geelen

I'll be 49 in a few months. Yikes. Almost 50!

The thought of this made me take a step back the other day.

My life took a major left turn 5 years ago when I was laid off from my corporate job and decided to forge my own path as a solopreneur.

It got me reflecting on everything I've done in the past 5 years and what I'm most proud of.

- Starting my own businesses
- Writing 4 books

Present day Dennis can look back at Dennis from 5 years ago and say "Hey, man. Well done."

Now Present day Dennis wants to make Future Dennis proud by keeping the trend going.

- More stepping outside my comfort zone
- More solving for future regrets
- More taking action

And I'm rooting for you that you'll do the same

____________

Want to bet on yourself and solve for future regret?

Here's 2 courses I offer that may help
- The Solopreneur Playbook
- The Author's Playbook

Check them out in my Featured section

Ask yourself these 5 harsh questions to see if you're cut out to be a solopreneur.

(number 3 should give you a wake up call)

1 - Do you have the stomach to embrace uncertainty and step outside your comfort zone?

2 - Can you handle failure, setbacks, and rejection? Because make no mistake, there will be PLENTY.

3 - Do you possess the required resilience and determination to keep going when some of your closest friends and family members are mocking you? (it happens)

4 - Are you passionate about solving problems and making a meaningful impact in your chosen field?

5 - Are you ready to take on the responsibility of decision-making, leadership, and the hard work required to build something from the ground up?


Starting a business isn't all fun and games.
Don't be fooled by the fake Twitter gurus.

Be ready to go in with your eyes wide open.

________

What other questions would you add to this list?
Share them in the comments 👇

While you’re busy chasing likes

Successful solopreneurs are busy solving problems for their clients

The ultimate goal of a leader is to create a culture where their teams THRIVE amongst uncertainty

Last week I had the pleasure of being the keynote speaker to kick off a leadership event in my hometown (The City of Kawartha Lakes)

In my talk, I shared 4 lessons in leadership

1. Leadership is not a title, and it's not about YOU anymore.
2. GOOD people thrive when GREAT systems are in place.
3. CULTURE eats strategy for breakfast.
4. You need to create a culture where teams THRIVE amongst uncertainty.


I had a terrific time delivering this talk. 
What a great group of people who organized this event!

Special thanks to Kris Dawson, Reece David, and Lesley Gibson, 🙏

____________

What's your top leadership lesson?
Share it in the comments 👇

Too many solopreneurs are STUCK because they don't have clarity

Ask these questions to get crystal clear on who you serve, how, and why

WHO
-       What group of people would resonate with your current message?
-       Who would NOT resonate?
-       Who is your closest competition?
-       Who (or what) is your enemy?
 
WHY
-       Why should people listen to your message (i.e., how will they benefit)?
-       Why should they work with you?
-       Why not your competition?
-       Why shouldn’t they wait (i.e., what will happen if they don’t take action)?
 
WHAT
-       What challenge are they currently facing?
-       What happens if they don’t solve the problem?
-       What is stopping them from solving the problem?
-       What is the benefit of solving the problem?
-       What is your solution?
-       What is the simple and clear call to action they must take?
 
WHERE
-       Where does your audience hang out?
o  Social channels
o  Newsletters
o  Podcasts
o  Events
o  Influencers they follow

Trust me, your future self will thank you for it!

Old Dennis
- before becoming a solopreneur at 43, I was EXTREMELY risk averse
- I was a follow script and follow the rules guy
- I was a corporate guy, no entrepreneurial bone in my body

So what happened at 43?

For the first time in my life, I was laid off.

Suddenly, my safe corporate job and the script I was following didn't seem so safe and comfortable anymore.

So, (with the support of my wife) I decided to bet on myself.

Here's what I did:
- Launched a management consulting business (Zero In)
- Wrote 4 books (2 aren't bad)
- Spoke at several events and conferences
- Been a guest on over 60 podcasts
- Coached dozens of other solopreneurs
- Launched and scaled a newsletter (Happy Accidents)
- Launched the Solo Creator Summit

It's been over 5 years since that lay off.

Here's the New Dennis
- looks for new opportunities to get outside my comfort zone
- test ideas quickly and iterates to see if they can scale
- networks regularly, building new relationships

Let me tell you...

There's a massive difference between Old Dennis and New Dennis.

The personal learning and growth has been both a humbling and rewarding experience.

And I can't wait to see what Future Dennis looks like 5 years from now!

_____________

What's your personal growth looked like in the last 5 years?

Hot take: ALL success can be traced back to a Happy Accident in some way, shape, or form.

But it's up to you to:

A) get in the arena, be curious, and increase your luck surface area so those opportunities find you

B) recognize and capitalize on those opportunities when they do come your way

C) have your story shared in the Happy Accidents newsletter 😀


What are you doing to increase your luck surface area this week?

_____________

Hey there, I'm Dennis Geelen, The Accidental Solopreneur

Think you might enjoy the Happy Accidents newsletter?

Warning, it's NOT for everyone (thank goodness!)

A different true story each week about a wildly successful person, product, or company who’s origins can be traced back to a chance encounter, serendipitous moment, or Happy Accident!

Subscribe using the link in my profile

Don't let the fear of your own potential hold you back.

You'll be forever missing out on incredible opportunities.

In the world of personal achievement, playing it small can sometimes be the riskiest move.

Take it from me:
- Be audacious in your aspirations
- Embrace the potential for greatness within you
- Learn from each step, whether it leads to success or not
- Avoid being trapped in the comfort zone of mediocrity

You don't need to fear your own success to lead a fulfilling life.

But you do need a strategy to turn fear into fuel for your ambitions.

So, remember to aim for a life of limitless possibilities.

A life where you won't regret pursuing your dreams.

_____________

Hey, I’m Dennis Geelen, The Accidental Solopreneur

If this post resonates with you, you might enjoy my weekly newsletter, Happy Accidents.

Warning, it's NOT for everyone (thank goodness!)

A different true story each week about a wildly successful person, product, or company who’s origins can be traced back to a chance encounter, serendipitous moment, or Happy Accident!

See the link in my profile to subscribe

If you want likes, chase virality
If you want clients, prove results

___________

Want to learn my top tactics for gaining quality clients?

See the comment below where I'm offering 40% off my Solopreneur Playbook course (but only for the first 25 people to take advantage of the deal!) 

Looking to create more passive income in 2024?

Learn how to create, market, and sell a great digital product!

But don't make all the same costly mistakes that most people do when launching a new digital product.

Learn from these experts who have come before you:
Jason Stapleton
Adriana Tica
Sara Loretta
Sean Hogue
Brad Long

Register for this FREE event and find out all the Do's and Don'ts for creating a great digital product in 2024.

(see the registration link in the comments)

Here's 7 incredible people who set the stage to increase their luck surface area

And then cashed in on the opportunities that came their way

Katelyn Bourgoin
A failed business venture caused her to dive deeper into customer psychology and eventually find incredible success applying what she learned.

Justin Welsh
Unexpected success posting on LinkedIn caused him to double down on the platform and eventually make over $4.8M in revenue teaching others what he learned.

Jay Clouse
One fateful long walk, along with some introspection, allowed Jay to unexpectedly discover his creative calling. From there, he doubled down on it.

Neal O'Grady
A string of serendipitous events have littered Neal’s incredible journey as a successful entrepreneur, eventually launching and scaling both 
Bell Curve and Demand Curve.

Dan Go
He's has gone from ‘out of shape’ in his 20's to an ultra successful fitness coach in his 40's all from an accidental discovery of his love for the gym.

Hanna Larsson
She went from working for a unicorn company to paving her way to solo success after unexpectedly discovering the power of LinkedIn.

Eric Partaker
He has an incredible knack for increasing his luck surface area and then capitalizing on the opportunities that come his way.

See the link to each of their stories in the comments below

___________________

Join 1000+ others (AKA 'The Lucky Ones') by subscribing to the Happy Accidents newsletter so you don't miss out on these incredible stories landing in your inbox every Tuesday.

(See the link in my profile)

Solopreneurship requires a healthy dose of humility

Maybe it's not that you need to learn something

Maybe it's that you need to UNLEARN something

This clip is from my appearance on the 'Preach Where you Reach' podcast with host Scott Warren

Can you relate?

_______

See the comments for the full episode

We tend to over glorify the idea of active while giving an overly negative view of being passive

I understand where it comes from:
- A passive personality is seen as too timid
- Being passive aggressive is seen as being politely snarky

But hear me out for a sec.

I believe 'passive' is what we actually should be striving for.
And it's a progression (or a journey) to get there.

For me (and maybe you too) this applies to both my entrepreneurial and spiritual journey.


For my entrepreneurial journey, I was way more active in the beginning:
- outbound sales
- seeking mentors 
- testing new ideas
- seeking new opportunities 
- saying ‘yes’ to a lot of things
- talking to potential customers 

Before gradually, over time, getting more and more passive:
- listening to existing customers
- maximizing the best ideas 
- saying ‘no’ to most things
- mentoring others
- inbound sales 

This is NOT to say that you start off 100% active and should strive for being 100% passive. 

But there's definitely a shift. 

Maybe you start off 90% active and 10% passive. 
Then eventually you're able to become 20% passive, then 30%, eventually 50%.

And then, over time, you notice that being passive is good. You need it. Your business needs it.

It grows to 60%, then 70%, maybe 80%.
Heck if you reach 90% then you're really doing something right.

I've noticed the exact same thing with my spiritual journey.

In the beginning I was way more active:
- seeking Jesus
- seeking mentors 
- diving into the Bible and various teachings 

Until at one point I noticed I hit a point where I was becoming more passive:
- listening to Jesus
- let Him be your guide
- mentoring and encouraging others


See?

Passive aint so bad.

So, how do you know when you're at that point?

You just know.

______________

Hey there, I'm Dennis Geelen, The Accidental Solopreneur.
If my posts resonate with you, give me a follow.

And consider subscribing to my newsletter, Happy Accidents.
Join 1000+ people who are increasing their luck surface area each week.
(see the link in my profile)


Before becoming a solopreneur I spent 20+ years in corporate as:
- software developer
- development manager
- Director of Professional Services
- Director of R&D
- PMO Director

I thought it prepared me well to start my own management consulting business.

I was wrong.

Turns out I knew nothing about branding, marketing, and sales. 

Oh, I knew what to do once I landed a client. 
But I had no idea HOW to land a client!

I wish I’d started as a side hustle first and learned those things without the pressure of needing the income.

If you're thinking of betting on yourself, try it as a side hustle first and get these things nailed.

Another option is to following these amazing people and soak up as much as you can.

Branding - Hannah Szabo
Marketing - Adriana Tica
Sales - Ted Olson

Your future self will thank you for it!

_______________

What do you wish you could go back and tell yourself from 5 years ago?

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