Building Weekend Club: A Community for Founders by Founders
Company profile
Company business details
Motivation to build the product
The founders were motivated by the need for a supportive environment where bootstrappers could work on their projects together, especially during weekends. The idea was sparked by the challenges faced by individuals trying to balance their entrepreneurial ambitions with other commitments.Problem that their product solves
Weekend Club addresses the problem of isolation and lack of accountability that many founders face when working on personal projects. The end users are indie hackers and startup founders who benefit from a structured environment that encourages productivity and collaboration, making it important for their success.Their unfair advantage
The community's focus on weekend co-working sessions creates a unique niche that differentiates it from other co-working spaces, fostering a strong sense of accountability and support among members.Strategies
Idea Validation Stage
Community Building through Group Chats
Charlie Ward emphasized the importance of starting a community with a small, curated group chat instead of jumping straight into larger platforms like Slack or Discord. He recommended beginning with 10-20 people on messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, focusing on a clear purpose for the community. This approach allows for organic growth as members invite others, leading to a more engaged and vibrant community. He also suggested establishing regular rituals, such as weekly check-ins on projects, to foster interaction and progress within the group.
Pre-Launch (Product Development & MVP)
Rebranding for Clarity and Purpose
Charlie rebranded his community from Weekend Club to Ramen Club to better reflect the goals and aspirations of its members. The original name was limiting, as it implied weekend-only activities, while many members were working full-time on their projects. The new name, inspired by the concept of 'ramen profitability' from Paul Graham, resonated with the community's shared goal of achieving financial independence without external funding. This rebranding helped clarify the community's mission and attract more like-minded individuals.
Weekday Club Launch
Recognizing demand from community members, Charlie initiated the development of a weekday version of Weekend Club, dubbed 'Weekday Club.' This idea stemmed from requests since the community's inception in 2019. By planning to implement this new offering, Charlie aimed to cater to members who wanted structured support during the week, thus expanding the community's reach and utility.
MVP Testing with Free Sessions
Before launching the paid version of the Weekend Club, Charlie conducted a one-day MVP session that was free for participants. He gauged feedback from attendees to refine the concept and understand the value proposition. This initial testing phase was crucial in validating the idea and setting the stage for a subscription model.
Launch Stage
In-Person Meetups
Charlie Ward organized in-person meetups for Indie London, which is London's largest indie hackers community. These meetups were designed to foster connections among members and build the bootstrap ecosystem in London. After a period of remote events due to COVID-19, Charlie resumed in-person gatherings, aiming for a monthly schedule to encourage networking and collaboration among community members.
Learn more about Weekend Club
Indie Bites Episode 100: Charlie Ward Returns