People have been asking me for coaching and advice for years. I didn’t always call it coaching, but friends and peers would regularly reach out - deciding between job offers, navigating tough conversations with their bosses, or negotiating salaries. It became so consistent that I eventually formalized it.
I started offering free coaching to anyone interested. I said, 'Let’s meet seven times over three months - every other week. Bring any challenge you’re working through.' That was it. Completely open-ended. We’d meet, talk, I’d take notes, help them articulate their goals, offer suggestions, and then follow up in a couple of weeks. It was simple - and powerful.
The results were meaningful. People made progress. They felt supported. But I struggled with how to charge for it. I still do, honestly. At the same time, I realized I wanted to create even more impact. That meant building something bigger than just 1-on-1 calls.
Much of the value I offer comes from my network. That’s the heart of Happy We Met - I’ve met a lot of incredible people, and sometimes the right introduction is more valuable than any single piece of advice. I also believe deeply that we all have something to learn from one another. If you're open, anyone can be your teacher.
So I created a group format. Think of it like a team meeting - one I’d run at a company. Everyone shows up. Everyone sets their own goals. I’ve found that when people set goals themselves (versus being assigned one), they’re more likely to engage, follow through, and grow.
To keep it accessible, I made the program basically free. You pay a deposit, and you get it back through participation. And it worked. People showed up. They got value. They told their friends. And with each cohort, I kept refining the structure.
Now, I’m leading my eighth and ninth groups. Over the past two and a half years, I’ve filled seven programs - and every single participant has said it was worth their time. Some even said it was the best use of their time.
If you’re thinking about starting something - coaching, community, consulting - my biggest advice is this: just start. Offer something for free. Don’t worry about monetizing everything immediately. That’s scarcity thinking. Build slowly, intentionally, and with purpose. If it’s valuable, people will keep showing up. And the momentum will build.
That’s what I’ve done with these group calls. They’re full. They’re joyful. And they work.
In fact, studies show that 76% of entrepreneurs say mastermind groups are 'very' or 'extremely' valuable, and peer-mentoring models help people shift focus from problems to solutions.
👉 Email me at michael@happywemet.com or connect on LinkedIn!