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Digital business models 101

Digital business models come in countless forms: products, membership communities, services and more. Entrepreneurs have limitless opportunities to combine and customize these approaches to fit their vision. This issue shines a spotlight on service-based digital business models. We’ll explore standout examples from past contributors who are redefining what it means to build a business around service in the digital age.

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Sales

Start scrappy, build smart

Discover why starting with services helps digital entrepreneurs build trust, validate ideas and scale smarter toward sustainable success.
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Barrak Alzaid
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Creativity

Ditch the hustle

Grow your coaching or creative business through relational, values-led practices—no funnels, fear tactics, or faking it required.

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Mel Cassidy
Innovation

Use non-scalable actions to grow your business

Focusing on non-scalable actions can be the key to lasting business growth. Personal customer interactions, direct outreach, and hands-on problem-solving build trust, loyalty, and long-term success. While automation has its place, the most successful businesses prioritize human connection. By engaging authentically, founders gain valuable insights, strengthen customer relationships, and differentiate themselves in a crowded market. In an AI-driven world, the human touch is your biggest competitive advantage.

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Jamie Wareham
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Living

Build success by building relationships

Caspar Lee shares his journey from building a YouTube audience in South Africa to launching successful ventures like Influencer. He highlights the power of real human connections, embracing discomfort for growth, and maintaining joy in the entrepreneurial process. Caspar offers practical advice on marketing, leveraging collaborations, and staying grounded while pursuing ambitious goals.

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Caspar Lee
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Leadership

The accidental entrepreneur

Explore how 'accidental entrepreneurship' can lead to spontaneous and joyful business ventures. Discover the blend of flexibility, creativity, and unexpected opportunities that define the entrepreneurial experience.

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Caitlyn Scaggs
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Innovation

From chaos to clarity: inside one entrepreneur’s systems overhaul

Mastering operations is essential for digital entrepreneurs aiming for efficiency and growth. This article highlights how operations expert Diane Lam helped branding agency owner Jasmin Plouffe streamline workflows, automate key processes and regain control of her business. Learn how smart technology use, personalized client experiences and systemized operations can transform a business and even create space for personal time.

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Sue Treiman
Leadership

How I gave myself permission to find my people

Entrepreneurs often struggle with transactional networking, but building meaningful, purpose-driven connections can transform your journey. This article explores how one entrepreneur shifted from chasing clients to fostering authentic relationships, finding fulfillment in helping others, and designing a career aligned with personal values. Discover actionable insights on networking with care and creating sustainable success through genuine connection

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Andrew Benedict-Nelson
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Leadership

You’ve given everything to your business—now give something to yourself

You give everything to your business—now give something back to yourself. Learn how to reclaim time, delegate, and lead with intention.

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Yolande Johnston
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Innovation

Be them, with them, about them

Business innovation can be a circuitous path. The “be them, with them, about them,” innovation framework offers simple steps to having conversations with customers and their support system, helping entrepreneurs gain a deep understanding of their ideal audience.

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Amena Schlaikjer

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