Beyond the Algorithm: Building a Business Rooted in Real Connection
Thriving in business without Social Media
Hello Majik-Makers!
In a recent interview with Screw the Cubicle, I shared my journey and philosophy around building a successful, authentic business without relying on social media.
Instead, I’ve dedicated myself to creating real-world connections, guiding entrepreneurs to shift away from the “vanity metrics” of likes and algorithms, and nurturing true, lasting relationships instead.
Here are your top 10 takeaways for anyone feeling exhausted by the social media hustle or looking to build a business that feels more authentic and aligned.
Leaving Social Media to Reclaim Authenticity and Focus
Eight years ago, I made a bold decision to exit social media completely. The constant pull of algorithms, the emphasis on likes, and the increasing toxicity on the platforms felt misaligned with my values and vision. I wanted to prioritize real connections. Although stepping away was scary, it allowed me to experience a sense of freedom and authenticity in my work that I had been craving for years.
Email Is Gold – Treat Your List Like Friends
My email list is the bedrock of my business, my “gold.” I treat my subscribers like a community of friends, reaching out consistently and sharing inspirational messages, insights from my coaching sessions, and valuable resources. Instead of just emailing occasionally to make a sale, I focus on staying connected, just as I would with close friends. This approach has fostered genuine relationships and trust that no algorithm can match.
The Power of a Signature Workshop
A game-changing strategy I discovered was creating a single, signature workshop and “touring” it on virtual stages. My first workshop on thriving without social media brought in over a thousand new email subscribers in a week! I’ve since delivered it 36 times to various audiences, using it to introduce potential clients to my philosophy and providing a transformational first experience that has fueled much of my business growth.
From Transactional to Relational Marketing
Moving from transactional to relational marketing was transformative. Rather than focusing on the number of followers, I began prioritizing a handful of key relationships. My question became: How can I build 10 meaningful relationships that cover my business needs and align with my creative goals? This approach has redefined my business model and strengthened my personal connections.
Fun as a Metric for Success
Fun is one of the most important “metrics” I track in my business. If I’m not having fun, I know something needs to shift. Fun and creativity are at the heart of everything I do, and they guide my work to keep it engaging for myself and the people I serve. Keeping fun front and center fuels my creativity and prevents burnout.
Experiment, Refine, and Master Your Core Offerings
Rather than constantly churning out new content, I focus on refining what I’m already good at. After each workshop, I take time to reflect and make adjustments to improve for the next round. Over time, I’ve refined my workshop into something powerful, which has become my go-to tool for generating leads and building relationships. Stop reinventing the wheel all the time – instead, improve what you’re already doing.
Building Real-World Connections
Leaving social media opened up space for me to cultivate real-world connections. I started a weekly men’s group that met weekly for 6.5 years, bringing meaningful connection into my life and even inspiring new projects. In fact, Majik Kids was born from an evening where my friends and I gathered to write children’s stories together. It’s moments like these that have helped me realize the value of true community and in-person connection.
Signature Workshops as a Gateway
My signature workshop has been a powerful tool to introduce people to my work. This experience allows me to establish trust, share my philosophy, and guide people through a transformational process that often leads them to work with me more deeply. I treat the workshop like a “base camp” that helps potential clients see the value of going further up the mountain with me.
Finding My Authentic Voice by Turning Off the Noise
Social media can often drown out our unique voice. By stepping away, I could tune into my own ideas, values, and creative flow. This quiet space has allowed me to evolve and refine my own philosophy in ways that feel truly authentic, rather than influenced by others’ opinions or social media trends.
Creating a Legacy with My Family
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been collaborating with my son on projects like Majik Kids. We write stories together, brainstorm on our walks, and work on long-term creative projects. By aligning my business with what really matters—family, creativity, and connection—I’ve been able to build a life and business that feels genuinely fulfilling.
Building a business without social media might feel counterintuitive in today’s world, but I can confidently say it’s been one of the best decisions of my life. I hope my story can inspire others to consider this path if they’re craving more authenticity, creativity, and genuine connection.
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