Freebie Feature: 28 Days to Grow Your Network (& Why I’m Doing It With You)

If you’ve ever felt like you’re shouting into the social media void, posting and posting but nothing sticks, you are most definitely not alone. As small business owners, we’re told that social content is king, yet so much of it just floats by unnoticed, with real connections feeling out of reach. Here’s the honest truth: great content helps, but it isn’t enough. If you want to build a business you actually love, you need a network, a genuine community around you. I know because I’ve been there, and after years of trial and error, I’ve built a 28-day engagement plan designed specifically for time-poor founders. I’m offering it as a freebie not because it’s fashionable, but because it actually works, and I’ll be doing it right alongside you.

Why Community Beats Algorithms Every Time

We all know the feeling: you schedule posts, keep up with trends, even experiment with reels or stories, but the needle doesn’t move. Follower numbers stall, comments are rare, and meaningful conversations can feel almost impossible. What most business owners are never told is that algorithms aren’t your problem, lack of genuine community is.

People buy from (and recommend) people they know, like, and trust. That trust is built not by shouting the loudest, but by showing up, supporting, and interacting in real ways, consistently, day after day. Even the smartest AI tools or viral hacks can’t replace a sense of belonging.

The Power of Small, Daily Actions

Growing your network isn’t about grand gestures or cold messages. In fact, most true business relationships start in the simplest ways, a comment here, a thank you there, sharing someone else’s post, or a quick DM to cheer another founder on. Consistency trumps intensity every single time. That’s what my 28-day plan is all about: committing to one tiny action each day, focused purely on human connection.

Here’s what it looks like in practice:

• Day 1: Leave a thoughtful comment on a fellow small business’s post

• Day 2: Share a story about a customer win, and tag them (with permission!)

• Day 3: DM someone whose advice helped you, just to thank them

• Day 4: Post a question that invites real conversation on your feed

• Day 5: Celebrate another founder’s milestone in your stories

And so on. Each day brings a new, simple prompt. Nothing overwhelming, just the next step that keeps you visible for the right reasons. The freebie gives you all 28 prompts (you can print it, bookmark it, or keep it in your diary for daily reference) and absolutely anyone can do it. I designed this for founders who are tired, busy, or a bit jaded by ‘growth hacks’ that don’t deliver.

Why I’m Doing This With You (Not Just For You)

Here’s my open confession: I need this as much as you do. Despite running Inkie and seeing hundreds of businesses from behind the scenes, I catch myself falling into the same habits, scrolling, lurking, and waiting for engagement to land in my lap. Spoiler: it never does! Community is an action, not a hope.

So, I’m committing to the full 28 days with you. It’s not a guru move; it’s real accountability. We’re kicking off a new, friendly Facebook page just for this group, so we can check in, track our actions, swap wins and (most importantly) support each other through the process. No spam, endless selling, or empty platitudes, just small business owners genuinely showing up for one another.

What You’ll Gain (Spoiler: It’s More Than Followers)

Here’s what happens when you build your network the human way:

• Consistent visibility, not fleeting likes, but genuine recognition among your peers

• Trusted relationships that often lead to collaborations, referrals, and real friendships

• Greater confidence that comes from knowing you belong in the conversation

• Feedback and inspiration that move your business forwards (not just sideways)

More importantly, you’ll remember why you started your business: to make a real difference, not just chase metrics. Building a supportive, honest network will always serve you longer than any quick fix.

How to Get Your Freebie & Join Us

Ready to try it? The 28-day engagement freebie is yours, no strings attached. You can start any time, and there’s no catch. Simply download the guide (link on our Facebook page and website), introduce yourself in the group, pick Day 1, and join the accountability check-ins if you want that extra nudge. I’ll be sharing my progress, lessons, and honest struggles every step of the way.

If you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or just bored by networking that never gets past small talk, this is your invitation. Whether you’re a die-hard inkie fan or just discovering us, let’s grow something real together, one day and one genuine connection at a time.

Why Inkie Champions Community (and Always Will)

Everything at Inkie is built on practical, accessible help, automating what you can and freeing you up for what truly matters. But I’ll never pretend tech is the whole answer. People grow businesses, and people need other people. If you’ve spent too long on autopilot, come join in and remember why marketing can still be fun, honest, and even a little bit magic.

See you on Day 1, because small steps are how real businesses (and real friendships) are built.