Darren and Mike’s Guide to Online Business Growth

When we first started out, we weren’t influencers. We weren’t tech wizards. And we definitely didn’t have a big following or a stack of startup capital. We were underdogs—just two regular guys with a dream and a drive to build something better. That’s why we created what we now call the Community of Underdogs—a movement of people just like us who wanted to figure out how to grow a business online from scratch.

If you’re here wondering if it’s too late, if you’re too inexperienced, or if you’re “not the entrepreneurial type”—you’re in the right place. We’ve built a proven system designed specifically for people who don’t have it all figured out yet.

This blog post isn’t just a motivational boost. It’s a step-by-step look at how we went from zero to building a thriving digital business—and how you can, too. So whether you’re working a 9-to-5, staying home with the kids, or just craving more freedom, let’s walk you through what worked for us and how to start your own journey today.

The Power of Starting Small

One of the biggest myths in online business is that you need to be a marketing expert, have a bunch of followers, or invest a ton of money to get started. When we started our own journey, we had none of that. But what we did have was the willingness to learn and take consistent action—even when the results weren’t instant.

We remember the early days vividly: figuring out how to set up landing pages, recording awkward videos, running test ads, and second-guessing every step. But the beauty of starting small is that you build resilience. You build skills. And most importantly—you build belief in yourself.

A lot of people wait for the “perfect” time, but trust us, there’s no such thing. Starting small allows you to test ideas, fail fast, and grow smarter. And that’s where real progress begins. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about showing up with consistency, even if no one’s watching yet.

That’s why our Darren and Mike Online Business model is designed for people starting from square one. You don’t need experience—you just need a decision. Small beginnings can lead to life-changing outcomes when paired with the right mindset and mentorship.

Building a Strong Digital Business Plan

Once you’ve decided to take the leap, the next step is to get clear on your digital business plan. This is where most people overcomplicate things—and we totally get it. That’s why we teach a simple, streamlined way to map out a plan that works with your life, not against it.

Here’s what we always recommend starting with:

  • Your Why: Why are you doing this? More time with your family? More financial flexibility? A sense of purpose? Your “why” is the anchor that keeps you moving when things get tough.
  • Your Audience: Who do you want to serve? Parents, busy professionals, wellness seekers? Identifying your niche gives your brand clarity and focus.
  • Your Offer: Are you aligned with a product or service that you believe in? For us, partnering with a health-focused product line allowed us to build with integrity and passion.
  • Your Strategy: This is where automation and systems come in. Our model provides a plug-and-play strategy that’s already working—we just help you customize it to your story.

The biggest tip we can give you is to avoid “analysis paralysis.” A business plan doesn’t have to be a 50-page document. It just needs to give you direction. We started with a rough outline and refined it as we grew—and that’s exactly what we help our community do inside our training hub.

So if you’re Googling “how to grow my business online”, know this: clarity beats complexity. You don’t have to do it all. You just have to do the right things consistently—and that starts with a plan that makes sense for you.

Why an LLC for Online Business Makes Sense

When we were first getting serious about building our brand and scaling our impact, one of the best decisions we made was forming an LLC for our online business. At the beginning, it felt like a big step—but looking back, it was a clear signal to ourselves (and others) that we were building something real.

Creating an LLC gave us more than just legal protection—it gave us confidence. It made opening a business bank account, tracking expenses, and even working with partners easier and more professional. It also helped us think long-term. We weren’t just side-hustling anymore. We were business owners.

If you’re wondering whether you need an LLC right away, here’s our take: you can start without it, but once you see traction and start treating your business seriously, it’s 100% worth considering. In fact, we walk our community members through exactly when and how to do it inside our program.

Think of it like this: if your business is the engine, your LLC is the frame that keeps it solid and protected as you gain speed.

Community-Driven Growth: The Underdog Advantage

We’ve always believed that no one succeeds alone. That’s why we created what we now proudly call the Community of Underdogs—a place where people from all walks of life come together to learn, grow, and win together.

Here’s the truth: growing your online business can feel lonely if you’re doing it by yourself. When you hit a challenge, it’s easy to quit. When you’re unsure, it’s easy to stall. But when you have a community behind you—people who actually get it—everything changes.

Inside our community, we’ve got moms building brands during nap time. We’ve got 9-to-5ers working evenings to create a new future. We’ve got total beginners launching their first video—and getting support and encouragement with every step. We’ve got you—or at least the version of you that’s ready to go all in.

It’s not just about access to tools or training. It’s about having people to cheer you on, hold you accountable, and share in your wins—big and small. That’s the true power of this movement.

So if you’re asking, “How do I grow my business online?”, don’t go it alone. Community is the secret weapon most people overlook—and we’ve built one that’s thriving with real people making real progress.

Scaling with Strategy: Tools, Automation & Support

When we first started, we were juggling everything manually—email follow-ups, social posts, lead tracking—you name it. And honestly? It was exhausting. That’s when we discovered the power of automation and strategic systems.

Scaling your business isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things more efficiently. Our Darren and Mike Online Business model comes packed with tools that handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on building relationships and showing up authentically.

Here are a few key components we rely on:

  • Automated Funnels: These work around the clock to introduce your business to new people—even while you sleep.
  • Email Sequences: Stay top of mind with your audience without having to write a new email every day.
  • Training Platforms: We offer step-by-step coaching, so you’re never left wondering what to do next.

With the right strategy, even someone with no tech experience can build a thriving business. That’s what we’ve proven over and over with our Community of Underdogs. It’s not about hustle—it’s about alignment. And when your tools, time, and talent are aligned, growth becomes inevitable.

So yes, you can scale your business—and we’re here to make sure you don’t do it the hard way.

Your Underdog Story Starts Now

If you’ve read this far, here’s what we want you to take away: You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to be the loudest, the smartest, or the most experienced. You just need the courage to start—and the right people beside you as you grow.

We started from scratch, too. No followers, no fancy degrees, no big bankroll. Just belief in something more. And that belief turned into a vision, a system, and now—an entire Community of Underdogs changing their lives one step at a time.

If you’ve been wondering how to grow your business online, we hope this gave you a glimpse of what’s possible. And if you’re ready to take the first step, we’re here for you. Plug into the community, follow the roadmap, and write the next chapter of your story.

We’re proof that the underdogs don’t just survive—they win.