Why You Don’t Need 1,000 Email Subscribers

Why Big Numbers Don’t Equal Big Wins

Everyone talks about “growing your list to 1,000+ subscribers.” But here’s the reality:

• A big list of people who don’t care = dead weight.

• A small list of people who care = sales, feedback, and momentum.

Your focus isn’t “How do I get more?” — it’s “How do I make the most of what I have?”

Define Who’s Worth Having on Your List

Write down exactly who you want to attract. Think less about age or location, more about:

• What they want

• What they struggle with

• Why they’d care about hearing from you

Example: For BBallPlaybook, I’m not trying to get all basketball coaches. I want high school coaches who need fast, ready-to-use plays because they’re short on practice time. That’s specific — and it makes the right people lean in.

Give Your Small List a Big Reason to Listen

If you only have 25 subscribers, make those 25 feel like they joined something special. That means:

• Sending useful tips or strategies they can use right away

• Sharing stories that make them feel connected to you

• Delivering things they can’t just Google in 10 seconds

Make an Offer Early (Don’t Wait for 1,000)

If you believe your thing helps people, offer it — even if your list is small.

• Offer a low-cost product or resource

• Invite them to a short call or Q&A

• Use their feedback to improve

Example: On LaxPlaybook, I had 73 people on my list. I sent them a $27 mini playbook. 12 bought. That’s 16% — try getting that with 1,000 random names.

Build Relationships, Not Just a List

Email isn’t a billboard. It’s a conversation.

• Ask questions in your emails (“What’s your biggest challenge with ___?”)

• Reply personally to anyone who responds

• Reference past conversations in future emails

The Takeaway You Can Use Today

Stop waiting for a “big enough” list.
Pick one small group you can help.
Send them something useful today.
Offer them something tomorrow.
Repeat.

Your “1,000” will come — but you won’t need it to start winning.