26 Comments
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Sam Burgess's avatar

Thanks for the mention Mack. You've inspired me to use Notes more!

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Mack Collier's avatar

Of course, let me know how it works for you!

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Hege Kristoffersen's avatar

Thanks for the mention Mack! February was actually my slowest month of growth for some reason. March is growing well so far. I’m also experimenting with doing more notes which I haven’t really done much of up to this point. I’m almost at 250 subscribers now and am pretty pleased with that ✨

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Mack Collier's avatar

You're welcome, Hege, thank you for your support! That's weird about your growth, this month my views are setting records but subs have suddenly flatlined. Doesn't make much sense either. Oh well, we just keep writing and it will sort itself out :) 250 subs is great, will be 500 before you know it!

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Lisa Cunningham DeLauney's avatar

Thanks for sharing again, Mack. I post every day on Notes and l've been thinking about adding a second post at least a few times a week. Maybe just a one-liner. Will try it I think, after reading this. Looking forward to your cross-posting adventures. Im also planning to collaborate with Neela.

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Mack Collier's avatar

Thank you Lisa! I can’t see a downside to posting an extra Note a day. If you did say 10 a day that might exhaust your followers, but 2 a day should be fine. And looking forward to your collab with Neela!

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Scott Ko's avatar

Thanks for the shout out Mack! Also, damn do I hear you loud and clear about Notes. My biggest struggle with consistency is finding the time to come back on to Substack to post, and then to find new people to engage with meaningfully, to build the community, all that sort of stuff.

I've had to aggressively timebox my time here to stay on top of everything! Here's a system question: I don't think we can schedule Notes yet here; do you produce a lot of them in advance and then just have a reminder to jump in and make a post?

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Mack Collier's avatar

Hey Scott, I totally wing it, when it comes to Notes. A thought pops into my head, and I write it on the fly. Which is terrible, I know I need more structure and strategy around Notes.

Still working on that.

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Morgan Jungels's avatar

Your shout out made my day, Mack. 🤗 Another awesome post. I always feel so seen and in good company when I read your recaps.

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Mack Collier's avatar

Thank you, my friend. It’s been a joy getting to know you and read your work.

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Bette A. Ludwig, PhD 🌱's avatar

I’m honored to be listed with such an incredible group—thanks so much for including me Mack! I really admire how transparent and honest you are about your growth. When it’s organic, it’s more like river rocks being shaped over time, rather than quick, dramatic lightning strikes. Let me know if you ever want to swap posts. I love writing about 80s music and leadership!

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Mack Collier's avatar

Oh goodie! Thanks so much, Bette! I may have an idea, I’ll be in touch :)

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Bette A. Ludwig, PhD 🌱's avatar

Can’t wait to hear. DM me :)

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Emaline Ashe's avatar

Very helpful. Notes do seem to play a big role in growth and they are so quick and easy to do! Thanks for sharing all your tips.

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Mack Collier's avatar

Thank you Emaline! I think its worthwhile to experiment with Notes, I am going to continue to do so.

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Lucille M. Shaw's avatar

Wow, very impressive, Mack! I love your transparency and generosity in sharing your experiences and what you know here! I'm always learning from your posts. If you are new to Substack, it will be worth following or, better yet, subscribing to @Backstage Pass.

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Mack Collier's avatar

Thank you, Lucille! I enjoyed your post today on slowing down and that cup of coffee.

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Sharon Thompson's avatar

This is seriously impressive, Mack. I hope you know how impressive.

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Mack Collier's avatar

Hi Sharon! Thank you so much for saying that! Good to see you!

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Neela 🌶️'s avatar

I laughed out loud at that "WTF" on the image lol

This is awesome, Mack! I love seeing the transparency in your growth journey, especially the candid take on those frustrating zero sub days (I have many of those). The Notes strategy clearly paid off, and I admire your consistency in doing those. Also, I'm super excited (and slightly honored) to kick off The Brand Diaries with In-N-Out—because, they are THE BEST.

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Mack Collier's avatar

I had a 4 sub day on Sunday and I’m thinking “yes! I’m on track for 120 this month!’ Then a zero sub day yesterday and so far 0 today SMH. Thank you SO much for collabing with me next week, my first on Substack! Will be fun!

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Neela 🌶️'s avatar

Looking forward to it as well.

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Jack Westerheide's avatar

I love seeing these monthly breakdowns. I’ve been waiting to enter Phase II of your growth model as well. Some days I feel like we’re almost there, others feel like we’re still so far away. Either way it’s nice to know I’m not alone in thinking about my future on Substack!

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Mack Collier's avatar

Thanks Jack, I am the same way. Had a big week last week, set personal records Thursday-Saturday each day, then nothing the last couple of days lol. Guess that’s God’s way of telling me to just focus on putting in the work and ignore the stats.

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Joyce Sullivan's avatar

Mack, I first found you years ago through your generosity of sharing what you know. You continue to do the same here with sharing your learning and helping others. Appreciate that about you!

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Mack Collier's avatar

Thank you Joyce! Always appreciate your support. Good friends like you are a big reason why I want to share what I am learning to hopefully help others. Enjoy those budding flowers!

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