Elina Jutelyte, Founder of Freelance Business, sat down with Travis Bennett, COO of Doerscircle to talk about the organisation’s remarkable growth and to learn what attracts freelancers to Doerscircle. The growth of Doerscircle’s community for freelancers highlights the increasing demand for support and resources in the freelance industry. By providing a platform for freelancers to connect, seek advice, and access valuable tools, Doerscircle is helping freelancers overcome common challenges and succeed in their businesses.
In the fast-paced realm of business, few figures embody the spirit of innovation and strategic leadership as seamlessly as Travis Bennett, the mastermind behind the commercial operations at Doerscircle. Boasting an impressive track record with over 15 years of marketing and agency experience, Travis stands at the forefront of the dynamic intersection between traditional and digital workspaces. Currently steering the growth and go-to-market strategies for Doerscircle — a freelance membership organisation — Travis is not just an ambitious entrepreneur; he’s a visionary who thrives on launching inventive campaigns that transcend mere creativity to drive substantial revenue. With an unparalleled knack for bringing novel ideas to fruition and an unwavering commitment to customer acquisition, Travis is the driving force behind initiatives that redefine success. Beyond his role in sales, marketing, and operations, Travis embraces the challenges of a comprehensive leadership role, demonstrating a profound ability to navigate complexities, drive profitability, and foster secure growth at a massive scale. His passion for startups extends beyond business, as he actively supports, encourages, mentors, and educates the next generation of entrepreneurs. Travis Bennett is not just a leader; he’s a catalyst for transformative change in the ever-evolving landscape of the startup industry.
In just one year, Doerscircle has experienced remarkable growth to 60,000+ members into its dynamic community. Travis explained, that this surge in membership can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of the Doerscircle team and their strategic initiatives aimed at supporting and adding value to their growing community. In this article, we will explore what contributed to this remarkable growth and success.
At the heart of Doerscircle’s success lies its vibrant community, where members can connect, seek advice, and receive valuable feedback. This sense of camaraderie has proven to be instrumental in attracting and retaining members. Moreover, Doerscircle leverages its substantial member base to negotiate favourable deals and rates with companies, further fuelling its rapid growth. See more on that below.
Most Common Problems Driving Freelance Members to Doerscircle
The success and rapid growth of Doerscircle can be attributed to its strategic approach in addressing common challenges faced by freelancers and solopreneurs in various industries.
Here are the key issues that are driving members to Doerscircle:
Lack of Community Connection:
Many freelancers and professionals often feel isolated in their work, lacking a supportive community where they can connect, seek advice, and collaborate. Doerscircle addresses this by fostering a vibrant community where members can engage, ask questions, and receive valuable feedback. The platform becomes more than just a business hub; it becomes a supportive network that understands the challenges of freelancing.
Limited Resources for Freelancers:
Freelancers may struggle to access essential resources, information, and tools to enhance their skills and grow their businesses.
Doerscircle is not just a platform; it’s a comprehensive resource hub for freelancers. Offering tools, templates, information, and valuable connections, the platform empowers freelancers to thrive in their professional journeys. The introduction of a premium membership option adds another layer of value, granting access to interviews, past masterclasses, and increased visibility for businesses.
This inclusive approach empowers freelancers, especially those who may not have easy access to such resources elsewhere.
Difficulty in Negotiating Favourable Deals:
Individual freelancers may find it challenging to negotiate competitive rates and deals with companies due to limited bargaining power. Leveraging its large member base, Doerscircle negotiates better deals and rates with companies on behalf of individual members. This collective bargaining power enables freelancers to access opportunities that may have been harder to secure independently.
Need for Professional Development:
Freelancers often face difficulties in accessing continuous professional development opportunities, including masterclasses and exposure to industry experts. Doerscircle offers premium membership with exclusive features such as access to interviews, past masterclasses, and exposure for businesses. This not only aids in the ongoing professional development of freelancers but also provides a platform for them to showcase their expertise.
Lack of Personalized Support:
Freelancers may encounter challenges in receiving personalized support and mentorship, especially when transitioning or facing specific hurdles in their careers. Premium members at Doerscircle enjoy personalized experiences. This level of support goes beyond the typical offerings, creating a more interactive and engaging experience for members.
Limited Networking Opportunities:
Networking can be challenging for freelancers, limiting their access to potential clients, collaborators, and industry peers. Doerscircle introduces initiatives like masterclasses, events, and community discussion channel on WhatsApp, creating a space for members to connect, share insights, and build valuable professional relationships.
By strategically addressing these common challenges, Doerscircle has positioned itself as not just a platform but a holistic solution that caters to the diverse needs of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking growth, support, and success in the ever-evolving landscape of hybrid work.
Premium Membership: A Personalized Touch
Premium members enjoy a host of exclusive features, including the steepest discounts on solutions, priority support, and personalized assistance. The premium membership offers a more interactive experience, featuring a dedicated WhatsApp group. Access to a wealth of resources, past masterclasses, interviews, and a supportive community makes the premium membership a coveted offering. All this for an affordable fee of less than 4 EUR a month!
The conversion rate from free to paid membership is on an upward trajectory, with new premium members joining weekly. Members appreciate the personalized experience, expressing a desire to have discovered this invaluable resource earlier in their freelance careers.
“Doerscircle provides a platform and the community support that I need in order to feel stress-free and in order to feel that I have access to the resources that I need to grow my business.” – Elika Tasker, Nutrition and Energy Optimisation Coach.
“It’s just nice to be a part of Doerscircle because then you’re a part of a big community of independent startups and there are more people in the same situation as me.” – Camilla Von Scholten, Founder of NiLuh Jewellery and Co-founder of Loving Sundays.
“Doerscircle puts in the effort to connect members together with courses, events, and places where they can network. I really want to advise people, especially entrepreneurs, who are on their own, to join Doerscircle. You will not regret it!” – Joseph Kuan, freelance Supply Chain Consultant at Learn Lab Consultancy.
Expanding Horizons: From Singapore to Europe
Doerscircle employs a multifaceted approach to increase awareness through partnerships, events, and paid advertising. Recognising the need for a supportive community, they strive to connect freelancers and provide a platform for advice and collaboration. The company’s growth is a testament to the value derived from their initiatives, features, and benefits.
Having successfully established a foothold in Singapore and Southeast Asia, Doerscircle has ambitious plans to expand to Europe. The company’s multicultural team and strong ties to Europe position it as a natural candidate for international growth.
The onboarding of a Partnerships Manager signals a strategic move to develop products for new markets. With sights set on Europe, where freelancing is more prevalent, Doerscircle is poised for continued success on the global stage.
You can watch the full video here. You can join Doerscircle for free here.
Do you have questions or comments? Connect with me on LinkedIn.
Founder
Freelance Business