Yo, Ben here, Israeli Founder 🇮🇱 of Windmill Growth, currently 8 months into the process.

I’m writing this newsletter three days in advance because when you read this…

I’ll be in Tulum with 50+ savage founders all doing crazy numbers at the Founders Club Retreat. INSANE!

So, what better time to talk about the community strategy that helped build Windmill to $600k ARR in 8 months without fancy tech or VC money.

The $250 Community Strategy

When I started Windmill, all I had was:

• $250 in the bank

• A VA working 50 hours at $5/hour

• Friends who fit my ideal customer profile

That's it.

No fancy website. No huge portfolio. No "thought leadership" BS.

Just pure hustle and one core belief…

The best way to get clients is by helping first.

Here's exactly how we turned that mindset into $600k ARR in 8 months:

1. Start With Your Circle

I reached out to friends who fit our ICP and offered our service for FREE.

But here's the key - I wasn't trying to be clever or strategic. I genuinely wanted feedback to build something people needed.

These weren't just random connections. These were people I knew would give honest feedback, even if it hurt.

2. Provide Insane Value

Every single client got obsessive attention to detail. We delivered value like their feedback could make or break us - because it did.

One client straight up told me we sucked. It stung, but that feedback helped us completely revamp our onboarding process.

That same client? They ended up referring us many more!

3. Build Through Trust

Once we nailed the service, we turned those free trials into paid referrals.

The strategy was simple, every time someone referred a client who converted, they got 1 month of service free.

No complicated affiliate programs. No fancy tracking systems. Just pure value exchange.

4. Scale Through Events (my secret)

Since landing in NYC…

I've been crazy about going to every relevant founder event I could find.

Not to sell. Not to pitch. But to HELP first.

The results?

• Endless referrals

• A network that keeps growing

• And most importantly - new friends who actually get what we're building

What I learned?

• Community beats cold outreach every time

• Give value FIRST, always

• Your network is your net worth (cheesy but true)

Most people overlook this, but attending events changed everything for me.

Because here’s the truth about being a founder…

It can feel lonely as f*ck sometimes. 

One day you're crushing it, the next you’re drafting a LinkedIn post that starts with, “Sometimes, failure is the best teacher…” 💀

But being surrounded by the right people—those who get it—changes everything.

That’s why I’m so huge on going to every event and retreat I can…

And why I'm also building something new.

A WhatsApp community specifically for founders who are building publicly on LinkedIn. 

No fancy platform, no monthly fees, just real connections with people who get it.

Here's what I'm thinking:

1. Free value and insights from other founders (the stuff that actually works)

2. A space to share your wins and get genuine support

3. Direct access to people who can help you grow

What it costs:

1. $0 (dead serious)

2. Share your wins so others can learn

3. Actually engage and help others

Want in? Reply "COMMUNITY" to this email with your:

• Name

• Phone number (for WhatsApp)

• LinkedIn URL

Let's build something great together!

Remember, grow your relationships and your business will follow. Don’t wait.

Chao!

BB

P.S. Next newsletter I'll be sharing the biggest insights from hanging with 50+ founders in Tulum. 

P.P.S If you’re were expecting LinkedIn Growth Content, don’t worry there is plenty more of that on the way. If there is anything specific you want to learn please respond to this email :)