Why I Chose a Collective Over Going It Alone

Brain Clutter

And why you might be ready for that too.

What’s the point of building a collective? Why not just do it all yourself?

I’ve worked alone for years. I know what that looks like — the late nights, the long days, the constant juggling. And I can tell you: it’s not that great. You spend more time managing the backend than delivering the thing you’re actually good at. The thing that lights you up. The thing you’re here for.

Working with a team — even a small one — changes everything.

Now, don’t get me wrong: not all teams are helpful. Some are just endless meetings, busywork, or worse — power struggles. If you’ve ever sat through a meeting that could’ve been an email, you know what I mean. Too many meetings can clutter your brain. They make it hard to think clearly, to track momentum, to even remember what you were excited about in the first place.

If you’re going to have meetings, make them meaningful. And have someone track the gold that comes out of them — notes, insights, action steps. Use whatever works: post-it notes, Miro, Notion, even a napkin sketch if that’s your style. Tools like Fathom are also amazing for recording and transcribing important moments. Don’t let brilliance evaporate just because no one wrote it down.

So why a business collective?

Honestly? Because the going rate for real business support is wild. I’m talking $1500 to $2500 a month — for coaching. And that doesn’t include design, tech setup, systems support, or any of the actual execution. It’s just talking about it.

I realized we could do better. Way better.

What if we built a container that not only shared ideas, but also shared resources? Where people didn’t have to choose between paying rent or hiring help? A space where we could afford the apps we need, access skilled support, and brainstorm without the constant undercurrent of competition?

That’s what the collective is for.

I’ve heard people say, “You can’t put people with the same gifts in a group — they’ll just compete with each other.” But let me tell you: that’s a scarcity mindset. That’s fear talking.

Even if we offer similar services. Even if we live in the same city. It doesn’t matter.

People are drawn to energy. They’re drawn to you. Not your logo. Not your elevator pitch. You.

Ever notice how all the car dealerships are right beside each other? They’re not trying to be the only option. They’re betting that when people come to that area, they’ll find something they connect with. The same thing applies here. People want choice. People want alignment. And energy doesn’t lie.

A collective isn’t about hand-holding.

It’s about shared momentum.

It’s about stepping out of survival mode and into a smarter way of working. It’s about showing up fully in your gift and trusting that someone else is doing the same. It’s about trust — not just in others, but in yourself.

And yeah, it has to be done right. A good collective needs rhythm. Structure. Clear agreements. Accountability. Without that, it turns into chaos. But with that? It becomes a force. A living organism. A support system that grows stronger as each person grows.

You don’t need to be a lone wolf anymore. That path is tired. It’s exhausting. It’s unnecessary.

We are entering a new era of business — one rooted in humanity, alignment, and shared success. Where community isn't just a buzzword — it's the foundation.

I didn’t build a collective because it sounded cute. I built it because I needed it. And now, more than ever, I know I’m not the only one.