Hi friend, welcome back to the Good Fortune Newsletter.
Built to help you learn the business of sustainability, from those who've been there before.
This newsletter includes:
🌐 The hidden power of networks (and why most people miss it)
⏩ 5 simple steps to build a network for systemic change
🚀 An example of the network approach in action (spoiler, it me)
Quick ask: Good Fortune is growing slowly but surely, and I'm looking for ways to continue to invest in creating great content for you!
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I will continue to shout out friends and businesses I believe in, like Jay Boolkin and Social Change Central!
They have amazing content and resources for all things social change, if you're a social entrepreneur in Australia definitely check them out. ✌️
Now, onto the newsletter...
Working in impact can be such a rewarding path.
You wake up every day knowing you're making a difference.
Making the world a better place.
Moving society forward.
But it can also be incredibly frustrating.
You have these big ideas.
Find your early adopters.
Everything looks promising.
Then... it stalls.
The momentum dies.
And you're wondering why some TikTok dance can spread like wildfire (sorry, millennial alert) while your world-changing idea can't reach beyond your inner circle.
Enter: The Network Approach
A network approach is about leveraging relationships and connections to spread ideas far beyond your immediate reach.
It's about creating systemic change through the power of human connection.
But wait, isn't that just community building?
Yes and no.
I sat down with Selena Coles, founder of BUILD Networks for Good, to talk about the network approach and how it can help spark your movement.
Here's a preview into that conversation.
The hidden power of networks (and why most people miss it)
"Community" has become the buzzword of the past few years.
And for good reason.
Communities create belonging.
They bring people together.
They are sorely needed in a world that often feels disconnected and divided.
But the more I work with impact entrepreneurs and change makers, the more I'm realizing:
Communities are magnets.
Networks are propellants.
Communities pull people in around shared interests.
Networks push ideas out, connecting diverse perspectives along the way.
And when you're trying to solve complex challenges like climate change or social inequality, you need ideas that travel.
You need solutions that can spread.
You need movements that can scale.
I used to think building a community was the key to creating widespread change.
Now I'm thinking that taking a network approach may be a better option.
To be clear: We need both.
Communities and networks serve different but vital purposes.
But if you're an impact entrepreneur looking to create systemic change, understanding the power of networks might be exactly what you've been missing.
Here’s how you can build your own.
5 simple steps to build a network for systemic change
1. Start with one clear purpose
The biggest mistake impact entrepreneurs make?
Trying to solve everything at once.
Your network needs a singular focus that people can rally behind.
One narrative.
One goal.
One purpose.
For Good Fortune, it's simple:
Build an ecosystem for impact entrepreneurs to succeed.
Everything flows from there.
2. Build your Minimum Viable Network (MVN)
Think big, but start small.
First identify 10 people who deeply care about your purpose.
These aren't just supporters, treat them as co-founders.
Try to build in some diversity of perspective but alignment of values.
In my MVN, I'm bringing together founders, freelancers, and operators who are all exploring alternative business models to help people and planet.
Different perspectives, shared values.
3. Create connection points
Start simple.
This could be a shared database, a WhatsApp group, or even just regular coffee chats.
The format doesn't matter as much as the focus.
What matters is staying focused on your purpose and creating connections that lead to action.
Progress over perfection.
For example, I’m starting with curated problem-solving sessions, connecting entrepreneurs facing challenges with people who can help solve them.
4. Connect the dots (then step back)
This is where most people struggle.
They end up becoming the center of their network.
Instead, focus on building connections between members.
The goal is to create a network that can thrive without you.
I regularly connect founders with freelancers who can help them now, and other founders who can support them long-term.
My goal is that they start making connections without needing me.
5. Let it evolve
As your network grows, you'll see subgroups form around specific interests.
Honestly, that's ideal.
It means you don't have to set the tone and the network will create new connections, new directions, and spread further.
Remember: you're building this network for its diversity of thought and perspective.
In my network, a subgroup focused on circular economy emerged organically.
Now they're working on new solutions that I can use to benefit everyone, from non-profit funding to sustainable business models.
The key through all of this is to stay focused on building relationships, don't just rely on a platform to do it for you.
Technology can help, but human connections drive real change.
Trust them.
If you made it this far and you want to hear about the 5 mistakes people make when building their networks for systemic change (+ the best ways to get your network funded), reply to this email and let me know!
I'll write the part 2 next week if there's interest in exploring further...
