Anti-MBA Book Club
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A successful community-driven book club model that served as a networking tool and learning platform, combining expert speakers with structured reading discussions.
Core Structure
- Monthly meetings to discuss business books
- Read 1/4 of selected book each month
- Expert speakers lead discussions on book topics
- Free alternative to traditional MBA education
Marketing & Growth Strategy
- Used Craigslist and Meetup.com for promotion
- Ran consistently for 2 years with weekly meetings
- Built network through regular engagement
- Led to creation of larger conference (HustleCon)
Community Building Elements
- Created environment for like-minded individuals
- Focused on business/entrepreneurship topics
- Free entry but high-value content
- Regular cadence of meetings
Notable Outcomes
- Built strong professional network
- Connected with future business partners
- Many members became successful entrepreneurs
- Served as foundation for future business ventures
Key Success Factors
- Consistent scheduling
- Expert speaker involvement
- Structured discussion format
- Free accessibility
- Focus on practical business knowledge
- Regular in-person meetings
- Community-driven learning environment
This model demonstrates how structured learning communities can be created without formal institutions, while building valuable professional networks.
Sam Parr
Host of MFM and fitness influencer
Sam Parr is a serial entrepreneur and business media pioneer.
In 2016, he founded The Hustle, a business news media company that started in his kitchen with just $12 and grew to eight figures in revenue.
Sam led the charge in making newsletters popular when few believed in their potential.
After four successful years, he sold The Hustle to HubSpot, a publicly traded company. Now operating as HubSpot Media, The Hustle reaches 3 million readers daily, employs a team of nearly 100, and has been the launchpad for dozens of its staff to found their own media companies and newsletters.
Sam remains the host of the popular business podcast, My First Million, and continues to start and sell companies. He also co-founded Hampton, a highly vetted community for entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs, and teaches people to write better through his platform, Copy That.