yOur Story

2001

A SPACIAL ODYSSEY

It was the evolution of a revolution. And like most, it was born of desire and necessity at the turn of the 21st century, but that’s a story for another time when you have time. Some time ask me about The Office.

Fast forward to 2010 and the opening of Joule. The first coworking space in Minneapolis just across the river from Saint Paul—the fraternal Twin Cities.

It was a time that marked the end of the 20-year job where you started and ended your career. A time of transition for most who were trying to find another place to do what they did, without much success. A time that brought out the hero in many who used their super power to help others discover how to be or not to be—on your own.

It was a time of learning something new and doing it yourself. A time when Jackie Menne, Founder & CEO ~ Chief Empathy Officer of Joule, realized that there was a distinct and growing force of ones. Microbusiness!

She met you coworking, networking, at workshops and events. Jackie became a connector, advocate and eventually visionary for the independent work force of ones.

Joule became Microbusiness Network, the place to work, meet, network, cowork and connect. Her vision and venue gained thousands of followers until March of 2016 when she closed the spacial side of Joule due to family illness and decided to shift her vision once again.

Joule Microbusiness Network became Joule Micro Nation, Joule Open became Joule University, MB2MB was born and connecting via coworking was a wonderful memory.

Then came the dark times and eventually an epiphany! Jackie finally realized that Joule’s micro network of freelancers and founders – businesses, startups, ideas, side hustles, coops and nonprofits that had grown beyond four walls could now connect across the globe via Cyber Coworking and be recognized as a 24/7/365 energy—known as the Force of Ones™.

Now shifting once again, Joule morphs into the only place for ONEs, Microbusiness Alliance. A disrupter of space and time for each of us and all of us with an independent lifestyle and livelihood. Both of which are ever changing and evolving—as is yOur story.

Don't Call Me Small

jackie menne

THE WORK FORCE OF ONEs

2021 . Bridge Builder Award Recipient . Business, organization or individual that works to build a stronger community by connecting resources. Recognizes that a thriving community is a network of people, businesses and resources focused on growth and opportunity for all. Works to make sure these connections are made.

2018 . Gary Mazzone Award Recipient . Individual who advocates for local independent business in a way that inspires others.

---

Joule . Visionary Chair

​​Lived in the Midwest long enough to call it home, yet still a transplant from the East. Landed my dream job right out of school as a writer, actually copywriter for a hit radio station that played them and brought in the stars who sang them. Met most. Struck an empathetic chord.

Moved into television and then actually moved…north to the land of 10,000 lakes and mosquitos where you can walk on water most of the year. Lasted awhile at CBS and ABC then found the wonderful world of advertising. Worked for big business, big brands and big shots. Retail giants. Consumer goods. Music Industry. Became a Problem (solver). Protagonist. Pragmatist.

Got close to the top of the ladder but stepped down. Not afraid of heights, tired of the view. Left to become a master juggler and wearer of hats. Ran small agencies. Climbed step-stools. Finally back on the ground to write and create Synergy Advertising – an independent lifestyle and livelihood. Later Joule, a place for single digit enterprises.. Now Microbusiness Alliance, a global community for the work Force of Ones.

Still a Problem (solver), Protagonist and Pragmatist for each of us and all of us who are NOT Small but Microbusiness.

MICROBUSINESS ALLIANCE

Joule  . Since  2010
​​​Microbusiness Alliance (2022). Cyber Coworking (2020). MB2MB (2014). Joule University (2011). Microbusiness Network (2010)​​​