Hey there! Do you love books?
Of course, you do! However, you can’t remember when you read the last book, right?
We buy books with the best intentions, and download dozens of e-books, but how many of us actually read them?
Book is one of those things that we all love and admire. We know they are great, but we hardly read them. It is a universal problem, and millions of people are affected by it.
Ben and Saul are also victims of this problem. They were just like the rest of us – book lovers who never quite found the time to read. But what if I told you that these two friends not only tackled this problem but turned their solution into a wonderful business?
Today, I’m going to share an inspiring story about two guys. Who turned this problem into a profitable venture, earning $13,000/month from their passion for books. Let’s dive into the journey of how Ben and Saul created The Rebel Book Club. Let’s explore how you can start a book club too and make $13,000 a month.
A Meeting in Bali 🌴
Meet Ben and Saul. Two strangers found themselves on the beautiful island of Bali. They were in a networking event, chatting about life, dreams, and—inevitably. While chatting they have found a mutual love for books.
As they got to chatting, they quickly realized something strange. Both of them had over a hundred books downloaded on their Kindle apps. But they had barely read 20% of them.
Sound familiar?
For most people, it’s the classic case of loving the idea of reading but never finding the time. You buy books, download books, admire their covers, and dream of the wisdom. That dream becomes a wish because finishing one becomes a monumental task.
It’s frustrating, right? Ben and Saul were in the same boat. So they asked themselves, “Is there a solution to this?”
Two of them had no idea that this casual conversation would lead to a business that will generate $13,000 a month. Ben and Saul decided to do something about it. What began as a simple conversation turned into a revolutionary idea.
The Birth of an Idea to Start a Book Club
Ben and Saul’s solution was elegantly simple: start a book club. They called it “The Rebel Book Club.” A name that embodied their desire to rebel against the status quo of neglected reading lists.
Initially, it was just the two of them. Every month, they would:
Choose one book
Read it independently
Meet at a local café to discuss their thoughts
This simple routine quickly became the highlight of their month. They found themselves not only reading more but also engaging with the material on a deeper level through their discussions. It was intimate, just the two of them, but it was also the spark for something much bigger.
After two months of their two-person book club, Ben had an epiphany. With the entrepreneurial spirit in his heart, Ben proposed to Saul, “What if we opened this up to others?” There will be many of them like us facing the struggle.
“We could create a simple landing page and charge a small fee for people to join us.” That’s where the story begins. Their business model was straightforward:
$15 monthly membership fee
Each member will receive:
One book per month
One drink at their monthly meetup café
Introducing: The Rebel Book Club: www.rebelbook.club/
With a clear vision in mind, Ben and Saul created a basic landing page and set a price of $15. Which covered the cost of the book and a drink. They used Facebook ads to promote their idea.
Bam! 24 people signed up for their first book club meeting. It shocked them. And It was just the beginning of a new journey. What started as a small meetup quickly expanded.
By January 2018, two years after their initial idea, they had:
159 active members
Monthly revenue of $2,500
Fast-forward by 2022, they had
570 members
pulling in $13,000 every month.
All from a simple book club. As their business grew, Ben and Saul refined their offerings, built a strong community, and built a sustainable business model.
Slow and Steady Growth: The Secret to Success
One of the most inspiring sides of Ben and Saul’s journey is that their success didn’t come overnight. It was a gradual build. Slow and steady but consistently growing. Where everyone is chasing instant success, their story is an example of perseverance and patience.
They started with just two people – themselves. Then they grew to 24, then 159, and eventually reached 570 members. Because their business model was simple but effective. They provide real Value through books for a community and charge a reasonable fee.
The beauty of their Model is that it didn’t rely on rapid growth or viral marketing. Instead, it focused on building a loyal community of readers. Who found Value and love to discuss about books. Ben and Saul understood that real sustainable growth comes from creating something people genuinely want to be a part of.
A Simple Yet Effective Business Model
How Did They Do It?
So, what’s the secret to turning a book club into a profitable business? It’s all about providing Value. Ben and Saul offered more than just a place to read – they created an experience. Every month, their members receive a book and an invitation to a café. Where they could meet like-minded individuals, discuss ideas, and enjoy a drink.
The key to their success was the subscription model. By charging $15 a month, they created a recurring revenue stream. Members loved the convenience of having a book chosen for them and the opportunity to discuss it with others. Plus, the café setting added a social element that kept people coming back.
But Ben and Saul didn’t stop there. As their book club grew, they began experimenting with different ideas to keep things fresh. They offered productivity worksheets and notes on the books they read. They even bundled their book club with other services. This kept their members engaged and added Value beyond just reading books.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 💡
So, what can you learn from Ben and Saul’s journey? Here are the key takeaways:
Start Small, Think Big
You don’t need a huge audience or a massive budget to start a successful business. Begin with what you have, even if it’s just two people, and grow from there.
Create Value 💎
The success of the Rebel Book Club wasn’t just about reading books – it was about creating an experience. Adding extra Value through book summaries, productivity worksheets, and exclusive notes made the membership more appealing.
It’s not just about the book; it’s about the entire reading experience. Think about how you can offer more Value to your customers beyond the basic product or service.
Be Patient
Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Ben and Saul’s journey was slow and steady, but they kept pushing forward. Don’t get discouraged if success doesn’t come immediately.
Experiment and Adapt
When faced with challenges, don’t be afraid to try new things. Ben and Saul experimented with different pricing modes. They added extra products and constantly adapted to meet their customers’ needs.
Community is Key
People don’t just buy products – they join communities. The Rebel Book Club’s success was built on the idea of bringing people together. People are more likely to stick with their reading goals when they feel part of a supportive group.
This sense of belonging is invaluable and can be the cornerstone of many successful ventures. Think about how you can create a sense of community around your business.
Consistency is Crucial
Their growth wasn’t rapid but was steady and consistent. This is a vital lesson for anyone looking to start a business. Consistency in providing Value will eventually pay off.
Leverage Technology Wisely:
A simple landing page and targeted Facebook ads were enough to launch. Focus on effective, low-cost marketing strategies.
Passion-Driven Projects
One of the most significant lessons from Ben and Saul’s journey is the power of passion. Their love for books was the driving force behind their success. When starting a business, choosing a field you’re passionate about can be a game-changer.
Flexibility and Adaptation
Being open to change and willing to adapt is essential. Ben and Saul’s willingness to tweak their Model and explore different strategies was key to their sustained growth. Flexibility allows you to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.
How You Can Apply This to Your Business
Let’s understand step-by-step.
How Does a Book Club Work?
Book clubs typically start with a group of people who share an interest in reading. This could be friends, coworkers, neighbors, or even strangers connected through social media or local community centers.
Book Selection: Members usually take turns choosing books or vote on selections. Some clubs focus on specific genres, while others read a variety of books.
Reading Schedule: The group decides on a timeframe for reading the chosen book, usually 3-4 weeks.
Regular Meetings: Book clubs meet regularly, often monthly, to discuss the book. Meetings can be in-person or virtual.
Discussion: During meetings, members share their thoughts, opinions, and interpretations of the book. Often, someone leads the discussion with prepared questions.
Socializing and Networking: One of the key elements that set book clubs apart from simply reading a book alone is the sense of community. Members form meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and even build lasting friendships.
Additional Activities: In some clubs, especially paid or professional ones, members receive extra benefits. Such as exclusive events, author meet-and-greets, or even additional tools like productivity worksheets. For example, Rebel Book Club members receive drinks at cafes and get access to productivity tips.
Book clubs are one of the most engaging and enriching ways for readers to share their passion for literature. Whether it’s an informal group of friends or a professionally organized club like Rebel Book Club, the concept remains simple yet effective.
The 4C Model of Book Club Business Success
Based on the Rebel Book Club’s journey, we can extrapolate a framework for similar community-based businesses – the 4C Model:
Content: Carefully curated books or materials that provide value to members.
Community: A space for members to connect, share, and grow together.
Consistency: Regular meetings and a steady rhythm of activities to keep engagement high.
Customization: Adapting the Model to fit local needs and preferences.
This Model can be applied to various niches beyond books. Such as cooking clubs, language learning groups, or professional development circles.
Now It’s Your Turn.
How to Start a Book Club?
Feeling inspired to start your own book club business? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Identify Your Niche: Will you focus on a specific genre, professional development, or general interest books?
Define Your Value Proposition: What unique experience or benefits will you offer members?
Create a Simple Landing Page: Use platforms like Wix or Squarespace to build a professional-looking website.
Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to build a community and showcase your book selections.
Partner with Local Businesses: Collaborate with cafes, bookstores, or co-working spaces for meetup venues.
Implement a User-Friendly Payment System: Choose a reliable payment processor that works well in your region.
Gather Feedback and Iterate: Continuously seek input from your members and be willing to adapt your Model.
Expanding the Rebel Book Club Model
As we look ahead, the potential for growth and diversification in the Rebel Book Club model is significant. Here are some possibilities:
Digital Expansion: Creating online communities for members who can’t attend physical meetups.
Niche Book Clubs: Developing specialized clubs for genres like science fiction, business, or personal development.
Author Partnerships: Collaborating with authors for exclusive discussions or early access to new releases.
Corporate Programs: Offering tailored book club experiences for businesses as team-building or professional development initiatives.
Adapting to Different Markets
The success of The Rebel Book Club raises an intriguing question: can this model work in other regions? Specifically, could it thrive in a developing country? Here are some key considerations:
Subscription Model Adaptation: In regions where subscriptions might be less popular, alternatives could be explored. Like yearly fees or bundling with additional products.
Localized Marketing: Understanding local preferences and tailoring marketing strategies accordingly is crucial. Leveraging social media platforms and local influencers can boost visibility.
Value Addition: Offering extra perks such as productivity tools or exclusive content can enhance the appeal of the book club.
Conclusion: What’s Your Book Club Idea?
The journey of Ben and Saul’s Rebel Book Club is more than just a business success story. It’s an invitation to think creatively about solving common problems and building communities.
As you reflect on this story, ask yourself:
What common frustrations or unfulfilled needs do you see in your community?
How could you create a business that not only generates revenue but also adds genuine Value to people’s lives?
What passions or interests do you have that could be the foundation of a thriving community and business?
Remember, whether it’s a book club, a hobby, or a passion project, the key is to
Start small > Think big > and Create real Value for your community.
Who knows? You might just be the next Ben and Saul, building a business that brings people together and makes a difference.
So, what’s your idea? Give it 48 hours. Brainstorm some possibilities, and who knows – you could be the next success story!
Remember, the key to success lies in continuous learning and adaptation. Check out our related posts on starting a business online and marketing strategies to gain more insights and tips.
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