Cult or Community?

Cult or community? Sometimes, it's a fine line.

Recently, I was checking out at Trader Joe’s when the person behind me noticed my University of Michigan hat and said "Ohhhh, you went to Michigan?".

My immediate, somewhat surprising response was, “Is there a problem here?”

I didn’t know if they were associated with a rival who lost this past Thanksgiving, and it just slipped out before I realized it.

We paused and then she shared about an upcoming family wedding in Ann Arbor. We left on warm terms, and as I walked out, I wondered why I reacted that way. Usually, when someone spots my UM hat, we exchange a proud “Go Blue,” share a knowing smile, and feel an instant bond. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from, the moment you recognize that shared experience, you belong. Some call it a cult, but it’s simply a community.

The UM network carries a sense of pride and connection, even for those who never stepped foot on the campus. It’s passed down through families and embraced by friends. It lives well beyond your years at school. It’s knowing that no matter where you travel, you can find someone who understands and values that part of your story.

That feeling is what drove me to create the Small Business ‘Ohana, a global community built for small business owners, founders, and entrepreneurs. It is a space designed to replicate that sense of belonging, to help you weather the isolation that can come with running a business. This community exists to foster genuine connections, shared insights, and a feeling that you are never truly alone in the journey.

Join Today

Apply for membership as a founding member and start to build your community:  https://marketingmanallc.com/community