The Next Chapter

The year 2008 was my first year as a Member alongside one of my most intimate friends from the present. Stu McLaren and me merged our skills to form Members.

We did not know that we'd be embarking on a thrilling and unimaginable journey. WordPress was growing at an astounding rate. It was an exciting time. It wasn't clear how to answer this question however there was plenty of evidence suggesting that WordPress could outdo Joomla and Drupal.

For a better understanding, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga were making waves in the world of the music business. A lot of our current were students when we first established ourselves.

In the world of online-based marketing and discussion about membership websites were the talk of the town. It was not an option to creating the membership-oriented website with WordPress. Numerous development firms focused on themes. So the premium market for plug-ins was basically not even existent.

We recognized an opportunity for action and we did so immediately. Mike Lopez was our Jedi programmer who was able to create whatever we tested him using. He built the first version of Member by himself in just 3 months.

As with my other companies in the field of software, we realised that we needed some solution. We created an approach to this problem that we often face. Our company saw significant growth. At first, majority of sales came by word of mouth. Our sales grew dramatically over the initial year. However, we did not spend a dime on marketing.

This is the kind of chance the entrepreneur hopes to profit from.

At the beginning of our adventure when we first started, we received our first enquiry about selling the company. It was a very positive response. However, they needed established brands with a established track records and in which the proprietor is ready to leave the business. We were youthful and enthusiastic this is the reason it made the most sense.

The initial inquiry was a solid confirmation. The person was always "Built to help promote" The group was interested.

In the wake of the initial enquiry after the initial inquiry, I was in an online chat with someone who I imagined as a trusted adviser. His entrepreneurial experience includes owning several different businesses. One of these is a Venture Capital firm. He had also sold several businesses before. This man is a pro.

My friend gave me the most crucial tip. He saidthat "the crucial aspect to selling your business is to identify the prospective buyer, and then make sure that the business you are selling matches perfectly."

The suggestion was a great deal of sense for me, however I had two minor concerns. When you're working with partners, you're not building a company that just one partner wants. It's building something that the partners have agreed to build with each other. Another reason is there's no one to buy it.

At some point, Stu and I made Mike the partner with the lowest percentage. The year was the year 2010.

The major shift occurred towards the end of 2014. Stu decided to pursue his passion for teaching , and he decided to concentrate specifically in helping others build successful website that is based on membership. Mike and I worked in the company who developed software.

Then, I was the major shareholder of the member. It was terrifying and exciting simultaneously.

My leaders' team as well as I went to Colorado for the purpose of focusing on strategic planning.

It was evident that we had to begin the process of recalibration. It was time to reflect on the achievements we've done over time and be clear about the things we can do in the future. Personally, I wanted to give up the thought of forming an organization I thought customers could be interested in purchasing and begin thinking about the kind of business I'd love to run.

The last few years have taught me lots of lessons. One simple lesson is that being isolated can kill entrepreneurs. Running a business is usually very lonely. There's nothing better than to make friends and build connections that can create peace and tranquility to your workplace.

There's no way of knowing when a friendship can be transformed into a real connection...

I had the pleasure of meeting Micah Mitchell at a conference. In the past, he was as a partner with someone who had an app that had a similarity to Members. A lot of people might have considered that they could be rival. I wasn't too worried with the situation and I felt that I was in awe of his talent and would like to get to get acquainted with him better.

The following year, Micah was leaving his former collaboration and formed the company known as Memberium. There was a chance that people thought he was far more dangerous. What I remember is I was a fan of his character.

The proof was the fact that I met his in his security lines. We had an engaging conversation over what we had been working on. After that, we discovered the seats we'd been offered in the airplane. Did this happen to make a joke? It's likely that someone lined the occasion up. But it wasn't random.

A funny side note, at the time of the trip, we thought about the ultimate April Fool's Day joke where we'd reveal that Micah had just bought Member. It was fun to imagine that it could be described as Memberium. Maybe we can incorporate the word 360 into the title in order to give it a more interesting. Some readers might be able to comprehend.

The first time I was granted a place alongside my software rival (thanks Delta!) became a lasting friendship. The group would meet each month to discuss business issues over meals for several years. Discussions ended when my family and I moved back to Tennessee. Many great friendships were made that I made in Utah and it was difficult leaving them in the dust.

I enjoy developing software. It's fun to see the idea come to life. is thrilling. It's more fun with a great team on your side, and your products are bigger than you imagined that it would be. An excellent example is the latest update to our courses and add-ons available to customers.

As exciting as this may sound, the reality is that it's also challenging. If you get to the 1-yard mark, and are close the goal line, then you might be on empty from all the effort.

Just as we were wrapping the process of creating and getting ready for the launch of the new product, I found me tired. I realized that the best option was to search for a genuine market partner. Someone who understood the market , and who could help me move my client forward to the next level. I've made several phone calls to my top business contacts. My wife told me that Micah has been on my list of candidates. I promised my wife I'd reach out to him on the following day.

When I called Micah I called Micah and he then gave me an SMS. It seemed as if I were sitting beside Micah in the airplane. It's hard to determine the reason behind all things.

The conversation changed to the possibility that Memberium could be sold Member to Micah's business MemberShipper that is the firm which has been funding Memberium. The project we were building with Member was exactly the type of product that MemberShipper would like to expand their portfolio.

Over time, I've been contacted by numerous inquiries regarding selling the business. They've never felt like they were. This was a huge concern for me to ensure that Member will continue to grow as a company. Furthermore, I wanted to make sure that our amazing employees are well taken care of after.

Each day, it became apparent that this was indeed the most beneficial option for our team members and for the many wonderful clients who have been with us through the years.

I am extremely grateful for those on either side. They've done their best to make the change easy for me. It's fascinating to see the team working with the feeling of being united.

One of the most commonly asked questions I'm receiving is "What's next in your life? ".

Though I believe I'd make an excellent retiree, what I really need is a break. I'm hoping to take the time to relax and enjoy some private time.

What's it all about to be an alumnus?

In simple terms You can rest assured that the team will be constantly innovating, and that the member is constantly improved and enhanced. It's not going to change.

I'm determined to work alongside Micah and all the team for the whole year. My position can best be described as the best job. I'm currently the "Director of Strategic Partnerships" for both brands owned by MemberShipper.

I'm planning to go to various events in the next couple of months. My aim is to give my customers with the highest value I can for the next year. My goal is to be able to see Member advance to the next level under Micah's leadership.

Perhaps I'll stay around for longer than I've ever thought.

I've never felt more secure in regards to the future of members as I feel now. The business is only beginning to begin.

Check out Micah's entire announcement regarding buying here..

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