You've been told you need to become a full-time content creator to grow your business. Post every day. Fight the algorithm. Do the newest TikTok dance. But what if you hate social media, and still need leads?

In this episode, Carly and Joe break down practical lead generation strategies for solopreneurs who don't want to build an audience on social media. From leveraging your existing network to borrowing other people's audiences to building a referral system that actually works, these are relationship-first approaches that replace the pressure to go viral with something that feels a lot more real.

Whether you're leaving corporate and dreading the "you need to be on social media" advice, or you've been solo for a while and want alternatives to the content hamster wheel, this episode is for you.

Key topics covered:

Why solopreneurs don't need a massive social media following to generate leads
How to use social media for relationship-building without posting or broadcasting
Using LinkedIn for direct outreach and genuine connection (not selling)
Tapping your existing network (past coworkers, vendors, clients, friends, and family) as your first lead generation pipeline
The simple outreach message that lets people know what you do without being pushy
Borrowing audiences through podcast guesting, webinars, guest articles, and PR
How to build a referral system instead of hoping word-of-mouth happens on its own
Book recommendation: The Referral Engine by John Jantsch

Memorable Takeaway

Relationships, reputation, referrals...everything you do should go back to human connection and trust.

Resources & Links Mentioned

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