Resource: GeekPack

What Is GeekPack?

​GeekPack per the LinkedIn company page "is a business education company built for online business owners who are technically excellent—but revenue is inconsistent. We work with coaches, course creators, service providers, and agency owners who have the skills, the systems, and the clients—but not a predictable pipeline."

Founder Julia Taylor, self-professed introvert "who'd rather be behind the screen than out in front," is a "business coach for tech-savvy women" (although I've seen a few gentlemen in the group), "helping you stop hiding in the backend & build predictable revenue."

Special thanks to Julia Taylor for allowing me to interview her!

Julia began GeekPack in October 2018, but started her first business in 2016. On becoming a military spouse with multiple moves, Julia started her business to manage her own career progression with flexibility to work from anywhere. As she shared on social media about her journey—teaching herself how to code, build websites, location independence with the RV life—she began hearing "I want to be able to do what you do—can you teach me how to do it?" 

“I wanted everything I did to be based around a supportive & encouraging community" as any time she asked any tech questions, she was made fun of. “I wanted to teach people how to build websites and start a business, but I wanted to wrap it around community—supportive, encouraging, and geeky," thus GeekPack was born.

Who Is This For?
Following and participating in the GeekPack programs are useful for solopreneurs, authors (writing books is your business!), and even nonprofits. 

I have seen a number of fellow nonprofit leaders in the GeekPack program. I asked Julia how she sees the match in her programs for nonprofit founders. “There are many parallels with nonprofit leaders and business owners—selling a service or funding, storytelling, marketing, letting others know you exist, have conversations, build relationships, networking—it's all the same. The only real difference is owner vs nonprofit, but I would argue most nonprofit leaders feel like owners, because they're probably the ones who started it, so there's not a huge difference. There are a lot of similarities.”

GeekPack offers a number of programs:

• 6-week free foundation program thanks to a grant partnership with Verizon Small Business Digital designed to help you think through your brand: the Who, What, Why, Where, and How of your business plan. Entry is open to all with an application process and new cohorts regularly starting.
• Revenue OS (Operating System) is the GeekPack flagship paid program where you work closely with Julia for personalized guidance as you move forward with your business plan. The focus is on creating habits that will help you build predictable revenue. While this sounds more geared to the solopreneur, the concepts absolutely translate to nonprofits as well. 

Get to the Point
I recently completed my second iteration of the 6-week foundation program--completion certificate achieved!

I initially completed the program a year ago, year 3 of my business, where I gained insights that guided me forward, to ensure my business foundation was in place. Admittedly, I participated half-heartedly, thinking I knew more than I did and more focusing on the day-to-day of what I was doing in my business to build connections.

I gained insights but not nearly as many as I did this year with many thanks to my instructor in GeekPack, Glenna Garcia.

This time on year 4 of my business, I'm taking a step back to check my business foundation, and listening—truly participating this time each and every week—showing up live 2x/week with the cohort, watching the Verizon videos accompanying each lesson, doing the homework, and engaging with my classmates—all fellow solopreneurs.

This year was more of an intermediate program—perfect for where I am in my business and for others in my cohort.

• The next-level frame of reference was refreshing.
• I was also tapped to be an "Ambassador" during the session which totally got my attention, focus, and tapped into my existing business service of social engagement. I made a point to be present and participating! Who knows—a future business opportunity for me with GeekPack! At a minimum, deeper connections with a program I already love.

What's Next?
The timing for the most recent GeekPack/Verizon program was perfect to commit to investing in Revenue OS, which I also highly recommend. It is not necessary to take the GeekPack/Verizon program before jumping into Revenue OS, however, I found the programs a good match for me.

Revenue OS provides:

• Personalized 1:1 interviews or chats with Julia Taylor to map your business plan, mid-program status check, and solidifying your ongoing plan.
• A handy app to track daily progress with an opportunity to reflect on your week's activities—what worked, what didn't, what to consider adjusting in your strategy. (Julia is an app developer and a whiz at it—the app alone is gold!) This is where you build the daily, weekly, and monthly habits that will lead to more stable revenue.
• Inclusion in a group of like-minded business owners also going through the program. It's a fabulous resource to bounce ideas off of, share challenges and successes, and get out of your own head which is useful when you're predominantly working on your own as a solopreneur, author, or small nonprofit. (a number of folks in the GeekPack programs lead small nonprofits!)

Want More?
Head here to sign up for GeekPack/Julia Taylor's email at a minimum. This will keep you posted of upcoming opportunities to join programs or learn about new options available.

Head here to apply for the next GeekPack/Verizon program.

Head here to learn more about the Revenue OS program. 

Your Turn!
Have you found any business development programs you like and have participated in? 

Love to hear about them! We all grow by sharing resources! Let's Chat or message me on LinkedIn or Substack to share!

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