🐙 The URL to IRL Pipeline

Hey there, solopreneur!

Early this week, I was scrolling through my Twitter archive and found my first tweet from 2 years ago:

A whopping 0 likes, 0 followers, and honestly, no clue what I was doing. I'd actually tried Twitter before and gave up (spoiler: most people do).

Now my DMs are filled with messages from business partners, close friends, and even childhood heroes I used to fanboy over.

The difference? I finally understood what everyone misses about "social" media:

It's literally the ultimate friend matchmaking service, because the algorithm helps you find other people with the same life philosophy.

Think about it - when we're young, our number one criteria for friendship is usually "lives close to me."

That's why those high school reunion connections can feel so hollow 20 years later. You never really had much in common besides geography.

But the internet? It's a magnet that pulls in people who are into the exact weird things you are.

And Twitter, being a text-based ideas platform, does this better than anywhere else.

Why this matters more than ever:

The deeper I got into entrepreneurship, the more I felt a growing disconnect with old friends. The subtle eye rolls when sharing wins. The "must be nice" comments.

The growing silence after sharing my goals.

I felt super lonely and like the odd one out (especially because of Berlin’s anti-startup culture).

I craved connection with people who could actually see themselves in my problems - someone who wouldn't think I was crazy for working weekends on my business.

That's when I discovered something powerful:

Whether you're obsessed with:

• Underground mushroom farming

• Building AI-powered dog toys

• Creating content about content creation (meta, I know)

There's at least 1,000+ other freaks just like you out there on the internet. And they're all looking for their tribe too.

Through trial, error, and a lot of awkward DMs, I developed a system for turning random internet connections into real relationships. Here's exactly how I built my digital tribe...

1. Turn your banner into a Value-Magnet

Your banner is prime real estate - it should filter for your perfect people in under a second.

Here's mine:

Name 3 key interests right there. If you catch yourself thinking "but what if I exclude X" - THAT'S THE POINT. You want to repel the wrong people as much as attract the right ones.

2. The 30-Day DM Sprint (that actually works)

Once you've got your digital storefront set up, it's time to start real conversations.

Here's the two-tiered approach that changed everything:

First DM: Specific compliment about their work Engage: Comment authentically for 1-2 weeks Second DM: Deeper conversation based on shared interests

Quick example that worked for me:

3. Only engage with stuff you actually care about

There's too much advice about becoming a "reply guy" at all costs.

I tried this. It burned me out fast.

I only interact with content that hits me emotionally or intellectually. Don't engage just to engage - it'll become another dreaded daily chore.

4. Use content as your Tribe Magnet

Posting consistently is your best friend-finding tool. But here's what I learned the hard way:

I fell into the trap of chasing viral trends outside my niche. Got thousands of followers, zero real connections. Why?

Because they followed the trend, not the real me.

5. The Common Enemy Effect

Nothing builds bonds faster than shared opposition. If you're in health, maybe it's big pharma. Or seed oils. Or corporate wellness nonsense.

Write down what you stand against.

We're social animals - shared enemies create stronger tribes than shared interests alone. The moment you start calling out industry BS, your real tribe starts emerging.

6. Build your small Creator Squad

These emerging relationships need a home. When I had 100 followers, I did something that changed everything:

Created a WhatsApp group with two other small creators.

We shared honest feedback, daily wins, and real struggles. A private space where we could be completely real about our journeys.

Start with accounts your size. Grow together. Keep accountability high. The intimacy of a small group beats any viral moment, and will be the best motivation for consistency.

7. The Giving Game

Inside these tight circles, a pattern emerges. The most valuable connections always start with giving.

Help others without expecting returns. The karma comes back tenfold.

I've helped countless people with their Twitter strategy, landing pages, or launch plans. Many became close friends. Some became business partners. Give, give, give.

8. The Conference Paradox

Those online relationships eventually crave something more tangible.

Real talk: I hate conference coffee. Like, genuinely despise it.

But meeting your internet friends in real life? Pure magic.

Last year, two conferences transformed online connections into real friendships. Those awkward first hugs turn into deep conversations that last until 3 AM.

9. Launch something REAL

The digital world is full of theorists.

A product launch changes everything about how people perceive you online.

It automatically filters for other serious builders and opens social doors you didn't know existed. Nothing bonds people like shared battle stories from the trenches of building, not just “talking about building.”

10. Say the quiet parts out loud

With real relationships forming, you can finally drop the mask.

Most people don't have the guts to be bold. Share what you really think - you'll be amazed how many DMs you get from people feeling exactly the same.

Every time I've shared a controversial opinion about AI, building in public, or entrepreneurship, it's attracted exactly the kind of people I want in my circle.

The Truth About Numbers

Here's what nobody tells you about building real relationships online:

You don't need 100s of loose connections. You need 5-10 people who genuinely root for your success. A small group of weirdos who fully support you beats 10,000 followers who don't care.

And if you want a way to ensure you’ll never make any real connections online, please do the following:

• AI-generated comments (the absolute worst)

• Making your first DM = sales pitch

• Copy-paste messages with wrong names

• Choosing quantity over quality

These are human connection repellents. Avoid at all costs.

Speaking of real connection...

Just moved into my new place in Cyprus. As I write this, I'm sitting on my balcony watching the Mediterranean waves roll in.

This morning I had three different video calls with friends I met through Twitter. We talked about everything from AI developments to personal struggles to stupid memes we saw.

Two years ago, they were just usernames on a screen.

Now? They're the first people I text when something big happens - good or bad.

That's the real magic of this whole game. It's not about followers or likes or reach.

It's about finding your people.

Ole's Bookmarks

From Minimum Wage to $100M: Leila Hormozi is a superstar already but I find her personal story of overcoming drugs, alcohol and binge eating to becoming one of the business social media icons very inspiring. She’s a great storyteller in this podcast too.

I got rid of my health trackers and I feel AMAZING.

The Effects of Microplastics on Your Health and How to Reduce Them: This was an eye-opening Huberman episode about the danger of microplastics. What I've done so far: got a reverse osmosis filter for drinking water, switched my skincare to natural-based and fragrance-free. I always bring my metal bottle, I don't wear any synthetic clothes anymore (polyester etc). Your health will thank you.

Phil Knight is a hero of mine. His personal story is a great source of motivation every time I think about it. This podcast is an amazing summary of his life and work.

This was a long edition, let me know if you found it valuable. Go out there now and create new connections. Your future self will thank you.

See you next week 🫡 

Ole