Making money is hard. But even TAKING money takes some careful decision-making. Let's dive into payment platforms for solopreneurs today. Between Stripe, Paddle, and Lemon Squeezy (and then some), we have plenty of choices. But what matters most to people who already juggle 14 different jobs? I'll share what makes these platforms great, useful, and occasionally problematic for indie founders.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/payment-platforms-for-solopreneurs/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/297-payment-platforms-for-solopreneursCheck out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Yong-Soo Chung (@yongsoochung) is a champion of the Personal Holding Company: he owns several businesses, a media company, eCommerce, and a service provider among them. How does one stay sane with that much work in such diverse fields? He shares his survival framework and much more on the show today.I talk to Yong-Soo about hiring the right people to operate your business once it's outgrown you, if he would ever sell his money-making assets, and just how important it is to have your own distinct voice in a world full of best practices.Looking to hire an operator for your business? Start a few more companies? Become better at juggling multiple hats? This one is for you!Yong-Soo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yongsoochung00:00:00 Juggling Multiple Passion-Based Businesses00:14:26 Building and Nurturing Exceptional Talent00:20:55 Lessons Learned From Starting Projects00:30:23 Exploring Audio-First and Video Formats00:35:16 Podcast and Newsletter Strategy Optimization00:45:47 Navigating Social Media Self-IdentityThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/yong-soo-chung-surviving-serial-entrepreneurship/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/296-yong-soo-chung-surviving-serial-entrepreneurshipThe video: https://youtu.be/Q9oQdvSxZXsYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - Juggling Multiple Passion-Based Businesses (14:26) - Building and Nurturing Exceptional Talent (20:55) - Lessons Learned From Starting Projects (30:23) - Exploring Audio-First and Video Formats (35:16) - Podcast and Newsletter Strategy Optimization (45:47) - Navigating Social Media Self-Identity

Many indie hackers and solopreneurs have a big exit as their primary goal. Thatmight be because of the money, but also because of a business’ limited lifespan. But is there something like a ‘forever business’?If so, what do you have to keep in mind here?This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/forever-business-or-exit/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/295-forever-business-or-exitCheck out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Rox (@RoxCodes) recently sold his SaaS thumbnailtest.com. But he's pretty conflicted about the sale. What was promised to be a moment of joy and celebration quickly turned into doubt, grief, and confusion. Today, I talk to my friend Rox about the emotional complexity of giving up something you hold dear, how to move forward, and what it means to level up even further after a successful exit. Rox opens up and talks candidly about the weight on his shoulders, the pressure, and the expectations."Surrender" is the operative term here. If you ever wondered just how nuanced the sale of a business can be and how a founder has to struggle their way through it, this one's for you. Rox on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoxCodes00:00:00 Founder Talks Acquisition and Business Surrender00:08:07 Choosing Potential in San Francisco00:13:04 Building Creator-Led Software00:25:13 Building a Software Entrepreneurship With Creators00:30:12 Challenges of Building a Public Persona00:44:41 Emotional Toll of Selling a Business00:51:42 Navigating Challenges, Building Next VentureThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/roxcodes-building-dreams-and-letting-go/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/294-roxcodes-building-dreams-and-letting-goThe video: https://youtu.be/OG7ExrERbuYYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - Founder Talks Acquisition and Business Surrender (08:07) - Choosing Potential in San Francisco (13:04) - Building Creator-Led Software (25:13) - Building a Software Entrepreneurship With Creators (30:12) - Challenges of Building a Public Persona (44:41) - Emotional Toll of Selling a Business (51:42) - Navigating Challenges, Building Next Venture

Today I discuss how I've developed my own advanced AI, moving away from relying on external platforms. I've managed to evolve the Podscan system from basic alerts to being capable of answering complex questions, all thanks to using llama.cpp and Mistral 7b on my own servers. This approach has given me complete control over our technology and made our project more attractive to potential buyers. By leveraging open-source tools, I've minimized our dependency on other platforms and improved our competitive position. And it's because of thousands of people working on this for free that I get to do this. The community support for llama.cpp on GitHub has been a testament to the collaborative effort behind this advancement. This episode celebrates the bold initiatives taken by these awesome developers and entrepreneurs in the AI space, and you'll learn how managing AI in-house can revolutionize a small but powerful software venture.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/local-ai-for-software-founders/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/293-local-aiCheck out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Josh Pigford (@shpigford)​, who created Maybe and Baremetrics, talks about bringing his financial tool back to life by making it open-source!This has sparked surprisingly high levels of interest and even investment. Within two weeks.In our chat, we delve into the challenge of building a platform that simplifies financial data, similar to how Zapier simplifies automation, all under public scrutiny. The goal? A community-supported plugin system and a customizable personal finance operating system for every life stage. Josh also discusses considering changing the technology behind his project to Rails, weighing the pros and cons of different tech choices, and the reasons people contribute to open-source projects.Josh on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shpigford00:00:00 Building Maybe00:10:44 Standardizing Financial Data Integration00:16:40 Choosing Tech for a Development Project00:24:37 Bootstrapping and Funding Open-Source Projects00:33:13 Motivation and Fulfillment in Helping Others00:38:04 Open Source Software and Long-Term GoalsThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/josh-pigford-the-open-source-transformation-of-maybe/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/292-josh-pigford-the-open-source-transformation-of-maybeThe video: https://youtu.be/wq1qYUxUxagYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Join me as I dive into a crucial choice every entrepreneur faces, balancing what excites us with what makes sense. This week, a voicemail made me deeply think about my projects, Podline and Podscan. One's a service for podcast voicemails, and the other scans podcast content. The message brought up a common challenge for founders: the pull towards starting something new versus sticking with what you've already built. Together, let's explore how I deal with staying focused, the lure of new chances, and often, what guides many of our choices in business: the chance to make money.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/to-pivot-or-not-to-pivot/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/291-to-pivot-or-not-to-pivotSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Spencer Patterson (@SpencePatterson) is a former financial advisor turned tech entrepreneur, who transformed his non-technical background into a $3.5 million SaaS triumph. Spencer shares his journey from navigating failed ideas to creating a platform generating $140K in monthly revenue with 6 million users. His experience offers a blueprint for marketing MVPs, team-building on a budget, and balancing tech with customer service in a startup.Spencer also reveals his plans to build a YouTube community for founders, sharing knowledge and insights on AI, avoiding common pitfalls, and supporting indie hackers. Don't miss this episode, where Spencer's story serves as both a lesson in startup growth and a vision for future SaaS community development.Spencer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpencePatterson 00:00:00 Founder's Journey to Building Successful SaaS00:07:21 Marketing and Hiring Challenges for Startups00:14:14 Customer Service and Time Management00:23:42 Founders Helping Each Other on YouTube00:27:08 Discussing Startup Strategies and Media Impact00:37:10 Evaluating AI Advice and Avoiding Replication00:48:32 Building a Community for Indie HackersThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/spencer-patterson-mastering-market-niches-and-startup-growth/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/290-spencer-patterson-mastering-market-niches-and-startup-growthThe video: https://youtu.be/ncACSAapc_cYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - Founder's Journey to Building Successful SaaS (07:21) - Marketing and Hiring Challenges for Startups (14:14) - Customer Service and Time Management (23:42) - Founders Helping Each Other on YouTube (27:08) - Discussing Startup Strategies and Media Impact (37:10) - Evaluating AI Advice and Avoiding Replication (48:32) - Building a Community for Indie Hackers

The "creator economy" is a dream of self-fulfillment and freedom for many. But once you're in it, it can quickly look bleak.Today, I dive into a world where everyone tells you to be consistent and trust the process. Let's examine the tension between creativity and attention.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/rethinking-the-creator-economy/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/289-rethinking-the-creator-economyYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Thibault Louis-Lucas (@tibo_maker), or Tibo for short, is the indie hacker and innovator behind successful ventures like TweetHunter and Taplio — which he sold for over $10M!In this episode, we unravel Thibault's thrilling journey from the joys of product creation to the intricacies of selling a business on the global stage. He shares his strategies for tripling revenue post-acquisition, the pivotal role of community engagement, and his candid insights on AI risks, nomadic lifestyles, and the ever-evolving tech landscape. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned developer, join us for an enlightening conversation that's as much a masterclass in the art of SaaS as it is a celebration of community and adaptability in the digital age.Tibo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tibo_maker00:00:00 Building Products00:17:22 Building Stable Efficient Software Product00:24:59 AI Risks and Nomadic Lifestyle Discussion00:33:52 Video Content for Indie Hackers00:41:31 Building in Public, Power of FeedbackThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/thibault-louis-lucas-selling-a-10m-saas-and-building-another-one/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/288-thibault-louis-lucas-selling-a-10m-saas-and-building-another-one The video: https://youtu.be/csp6vI8lKt4You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - Building Products (17:22) - Building Stable Efficient Software Product (24:59) - AI Risks and Nomadic Lifestyle Discussion (33:52) - Video Content for Indie Hackers (41:31) - Building in Public, Power of Feedback

How can you provide white-glove customer service if you don't even know what it looks like? That —and a few very exciting development with my recent SaaS project(s?!)— will be what I want to share with you today.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/white-glove-onboarding/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/287-white-glove-onboardingYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Asia Orangio (@AsiaOrangio), CEO of Demand Maven, joins me as we dive into the world of customer discovery and (go-to) market strategies. We'll discuss real-life examples, like a Gantt chart tool maker who grew their business through customer feedback. This episode is a practical guide on balancing passion with profit and tackling early-stage marketing and growth challenges.And if you kinda suck at surveys, this one is for you.In our conversation, Asia and I unravel the importance of customer interviews and debunk the myth that customers aren't willing to share their thoughts. We also explore key decisions in scaling a business, from expanding your audience to smart hiring choices. Whether you're just starting or already on your entrepreneurial journey, this episode offers valuable insights into maintaining a consistent customer base and steering your business's marketing strategy.Asia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AsiaOrangioAsia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asiaorangio/00:00:00 Early Stage Marketing and Growth Challenges00:12:37 Overcoming Inhibition to Conduct Customer Interviews00:18:21 Considering Go-to Market and Freemium Strategies00:30:17 Navigating Audience Expansion and Maintaining Consistency00:36:24 Hiring and Building a Team00:46:19 First Hire Selection and Fractional HiresThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/asia-orangio-crafting-a-growth-blueprint-for-emerging-startups/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/286-asia-orangio-crafting-a-growth-blueprint-for-emerging-startups The video: https://youtu.be/tQaf64794lwYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - Early Stage Marketing and Growth Challenges (12:37) - Overcoming Inhibition to Conduct Customer Interviews (18:21) - Considering Go-to Market and Freemium Strategies (30:17) - Navigating Audience Expansion and Maintaining Consistency (36:24) - Hiring and Building a Team (46:19) - First Hire Selection and Fractional Hires

What's more important? Impact or Influence? Or does one facilitate the other?You'll learn what makes niche influence so valuable in an episode where I am briefly joined by a founder celebrity who has an opinion about a question I asked last week.Throughout their reply, you'll find out just why influencing has very little to do with taking selfies.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/voices-of-influence-how-expert-feedback-shapes-saas-success/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/285-voices-of-influence-how-expert-feedback-shapes-saas-successYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Kasey Jones (@ABetterJones) is a maven in the realm of authentic online identity. As an entrepreneur who has weathered the storm of digital exposure, Kasey joins me to dismantle the barriers of vulnerability and self-doubt that so often plague professionals as they carve their space in the social media landscape. In a world where sharing too little leaves you invisible and sharing too much can overwhelm, Kasey walks me through the art of strategic self-revelation. If you're grappling with imposter syndrome or hesitant to share your personal journey for professional impact, this conversation is for you. Kasey opens up about her own highs and lows, including a failed NFT project, to showcase the transformative power of embracing our entire narrative online. Tune in for an episode that promises to embolden you to craft a personal brand that resonates with authenticity, fosters community, and propels personal growth.Kasey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ABetterJones00:00:00 Overcoming Fear, Building Personal Platform00:07:42 Social Media00:19:18 Sharing Lessons and Vulnerability on Social Media00:29:11 Recognizing Failure, Healing, and Vulnerability00:36:49 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Growth00:41:12 Building Relationships and Sharing Unique ExperiencesThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/kasey-jones-the-art-of-strategic-self-revelation-in-the-digital-age/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/284-kasey-jones-the-art-of-strategic-self-revelation-in-the-digital-ageThe video: https://youtu.be/ILpRrH0bpHoYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Founders often listen to the wrong signals when validating their businesses. Let's dive into common validation traps today.I see three major traps indie hackers have to face: 1) confusing users with customers, 2) getting a bit too much support from our founder peers, and 3) listening to the wrong segments of our user base.Why do we listen to the wrong people? Founder optimism! We have a built-in confirmation bias — otherwise, we'd never do something as stupid as building our own business... Here's why we fall prey to it, how it works, and how we can escape the trap.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/business-validation-traps/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/283-business-validation-trapsYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Kevon Cheung (@MeetKevon) is an expert builder-in-public. The moment his life pivoted with the birth of his daughter is where our conversation begins, and it's a profound one. As we traverse Kevon's journey, we uncover the raw intricacies of aligning one's personal mission with one's entrepreneurial spirit. He bares the soul of his SaaS venture, giving us a real-world look at the trials of founding a company while emphasizing the critical role of a financial safety net. This is a story about authenticity, sharing the highs and lows of business creation and the impactful legacy that transparency can bring. Kevon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeetKevon00:00:00 Building in Public00:13:59 Course Creation and Building Community Challenges00:19:55 Building in Public Challenges and Misconceptions00:28:52 Defining and Exploring Building in Public00:32:30 Building in Public — again and again00:41:44 Building Authentic Self RepresentationThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/kevon-cheung-embracing-vulnerability-in-startup-culture/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/282-kevon-cheung-embracing-vulnerability-in-startup-cultureThe video: https://youtu.be/UDRD66f_fQ4You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

2023 saw an explosion of AI. 2024 will make 2023 look like cheap fireworks next to the Death Star's superlaser.SaaS founders either go with the flow or are swept away. Here's where I see AI tooling going, how software founders can adapt and adopt these technologies, and what consumer expectations around conversational AI will mean for your marketing, customer service, and feature roadmaps.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/ai-and-the-future-of-saas/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/281-ai-and-the-future-of-saasYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Dominic Monn (@dqmonn), the pioneering founder of MentorCruise, shares the secrets behind building a flourishing online mentorship community that transcends the traditional face-to-face model. Dominic reveals how MentorCruise fosters authentic relationships between mentors and mentees through a rigorous verification process, ensuring a trusted and effective learning environment. Whether you're a mentor, a mentee, or just curious about the virtual mentorship space, this episode offers a wealth of insights into creating genuine connections and a thriving platform for growth.Dominic Monn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dqmonn00:00:00 Building and Scaling a Vetted Marketplace00:13:05 Startups, Hiring, and Building a Marketplace00:20:29 Pricing and Evolution of Mentorship Platform00:29:48 Metrics and Tools for Marketplace Growth00:41:13 Building a Business in SwitzerlandThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/dominic-monn-crafting-a-thriving-online-mentorship-community/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/280-dominic-monn-crafting-a-thriving-online-mentorship-communityThe video: https://youtu.be/U80K_1sw3lcYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - Building and Scaling a Vetted Marketplace (13:05) - Startups, Hiring, and Building a Marketplace (20:29) - Pricing and Evolution of Mentorship Platform (29:48) - Metrics and Tools for Marketplace Growth (41:13) - Building a Business in Switzerland

The holidays are a season when our priorities clash particularly often. And for me, Christmas is also a time for re-evaluating choices, making long-term plans, and preparing for another year of building a legacy.So, let's do some fear-setting: what can go wrong? What would I do? How can I prevent it?Today, you'll hear me go through this very important exercise for my new SaaS Podline. Peek behind the curtain of a serial entrepreneur and how I approach building something worth building.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/fear-setting-my-saas-whats-enough/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/279-fear-setting-my-saas-what-s-enoughYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Nicolas Cole (@Nicolascole77), co-founder of Ship30for30, will teach you why indie hackers should embrace writing as a transformative tool in their arsenal. He sheds light on the common misconception that writing pales compared to coding for developers, but illustrates how writing can be a vehicle for desirable outcomes like zero-cost customer acquisition and recognition within the industry. Listen in as he shares the secret of building a timeless library of content, emphasizing how past writings can continue to serve us without the need to create new material constantly.Nicolas on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nicolascole7700:00:00 Writing's Importance for Indie Hackers00:09:10 World of Warcraft and Writing Connection00:12:07 Writing, Books, and Their Value00:25:29 Finding Voice00:28:01 The Power of Writing and Community00:34:05 Writing for Readers00:47:21 Ghostwriting and Its Benefits ExploredThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/nicolas-cole-harnessing-the-written-word-for-profit/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/278-nicolas-cole-harnessing-the-written-word-for-profitThe video: https://youtu.be/sX-CaJHf9cMYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - Writing's Importance for Indie Hackers (09:10) - World of Warcraft and Writing Connection (12:07) - Writing, Books, and Their Value (25:29) - Finding Voice (28:01) - The Power of Writing and Community (34:05) - Writing for Readers (47:21) - Ghostwriting and Its Benefits Explored

I've always been a fan of no-code tools. But recently, I stumbled into AI-assisted coding. And that has changed everything for me. Initially, I considered leveraging no-code for Podline but I soon realized they didn't quite meet my unique needs. This led me to discover the transformative power of AI-assisted coding, which has dramatically accelerated the development process. The fabled 10x developer? We all thought it was a person, but it's really a language model.In this exploration, I've come to appreciate the immense potential of AI-assisted coding. It's not just about keeping pace with the promises of no-code tools; it's about potentially outstripping them. Join me in this fascinating discussion where I illuminate the significant strides and transformations in software development, particularly through the lens of AI's impact. You won't want to miss this conversation, especially if you're intrigued by the future of tech and coding.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/nocode-ai-and-the-future-of-software-entrepreneurship/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/277-nocode-ai-and-the-future-of-software-entrepreneurshipYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Khe Hy (@khemaridh), the brilliant mind behind Rad Reads and the Examined Life podcast, shares his introspective journey through the multifaceted world of perceived success, happiness, and self-imposed barriers. We talk about the emotional toll of public scrutiny, and we dive deep into our personal narratives, examining the cost of chasing success and the true value of contentment.This episode also delves into the subject of mental health, authenticity in the digital age, and the unique experiences of first-generation Asians. Khe introduces us to the empowering concept of "having enough," and we reflect on how our own lifestyle designs can pave the way for a genuinely fulfilling life. Get ready for a transformative conversation that will prompt you to reconsider your definitions of success and happiness and possibly break free from the self-created prisons of your own stories.Khe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/khemaridh 00:00:00 The Journey to Finding Contentment00:07:40 Reevaluating Success and Money's Limitations00:15:26 Navigating Personal Worth and Validation00:28:22 Mental Health and Authenticity Online00:34:26 Lifestyle Design and Playing the Game00:45:38 Overcoming Self-Created Prisons and EnvyThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/276-khe-hy-breaking-free-from-the-rat-raceThe video: https://youtu.be/eJIj7qy98NAYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

I'm working on a new SaaS, and I'm sharing the journey from day one.Today, I'll introduce you to my market, early tech stack choices, the financials of the business, and how I am setting deadlines to make sure I don't over-engineer the whole thing.Say hello to https://podline.fm, my newest project! A voice messaging system that focuses on podcasters who need to manage significant amounts of audio messages. Step by step, I'll take you along the journey of idea, market validation, budget analysis, tech selection, and early implementation challenges. If you want to follow a seasoned developer along the path of building a profitable software business, this is a great place to start. Oh, and I'll share just how impactful AI tooling has been for my first week of prototyping!If you want to check it out and actively help me make it better, please leave a voice message at https://podline.fm/arvid 🥰00:00:00 Building a SaaS Business00:07:44 AI Integration for Coding and Transcription00:14:14 Server-Side Services With Whisper and Laravel00:20:57 Laravel Ecosystem and Monetization Exploration00:31:04 Setting Deadlines and Gathering FeedbackThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/im-starting-a-new-saas-journey/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/275-i-m-starting-a-new-saas-journeyThe video: no video this week, I recorded this on the road!You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - Building a SaaS Business (07:44) - AI Integration for Coding and Transcription (14:14) - Server-Side Services With Whisper and Laravel (20:57) - Laravel Ecosystem and Monetization Exploration (31:04) - Setting Deadlines and Gathering Feedback

Amanda Natividad (@amandanat) is an expert in marketing and writing. She talks about using humor and strong marketing skills to understand what people on social media like — and what resonates strongly enough to make them do things. We discuss making content that's not just different, but interesting and true to your audience. Among many intriguing stories, one cool thing she mentions is how Rand Fishkin started following her (and how she overreacted to it!). But it worked out. She quickly found herself working with Rand on SparkToro. Amanda even shares a few tips on using tools like SparkToro to better understand what people want to see, who they interact with, and where they are.We talk about the future of making content, including using AI for new ideas. Amanda believes in growing your audience by being liked, not just being the best. She's planning to grow her marketing course and talks about how a fractional marketing director can help small businesses and solo workers. This chat with Amanda is full of easy-to-use advice for improving your marketing. Enjoy!Amanda on Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandanat  00:00:00 Creating Unique and Engaging Content00:14:20 Refresh vs Different in Content Creation00:26:01 Advice on Using Social Media Platforms00:36:45 AI in Ideation and Meal Planning00:44:06 Future Audience Growth and Marketing Exploration00:52:50 Fractional Marketing Director's ImportanceThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/amanda-natividad-mastering-content-creation-and-audience-engagement/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/274-amanda-natividad-mastering-content-creation-and-audience-engagementThe video: https://youtu.be/h94Hu8Ngr5cYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - Creating Unique and Engaging Content (14:20) - Refresh vs Different in Content Creation (26:01) - Advice on Using Social Media Platforms (36:45) - AI in Ideation and Meal Planning (44:06) - Future Audience Growth and Marketing Exploration (52:50) - Fractional Marketing Director's Importance

Let's dive headfirst into the crazy world of starting your own business. We're going to chat about how "running your own show" can be freeing, but also comes with its own set of challenges. We'll explore what it really means to be your own boss – making your own rules and calling the shots in your business. But, let's not forget, the journey of an entrepreneur is all about grabbing those chances and trying out different things to hit it big.Join me as I share my own stories and draw inspiration from people who live life like I do. I'll talk about folks who've nailed the whole work-life balance thing, juggling family, personal time, and their business dreams. We'll also dive into why it's so important to take advice from people who get your lifestyle, instead of just those who've made it big in a totally different way.Today, we talk about freedom, agency, and autonomy.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/freedom-vs-autonomy/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/273-freedom-vs-autonomyThe video: https://youtu.be/X8m2A3JDiLQYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Andrew Hudson (@MyBuddyAndrew) is an indie hacker who has taken an unconventional journey. From getting his hands dirty as an auto mechanic to now paving the way as a software entrepreneur, Andrew shares how skills honed in the garage fuel his tech ventures, Hauling Buddies and WrenchRadar. We get under the hood of his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of running a two-sided marketplace for pet transportation and how his knack for logical thinking and compartmentalization drives his businesses forward.We explore how a simple Facebook group grew into a booming business, with Andrew shedding light on his strategies to harness social media and tap into niche markets. We also discuss Andrew's exciting book project inspired by his son's love for space. This episode is a deep dive into the world of independent hacking, entrepreneurship, and the power of passion projects that all started with an auto mechanic's love for problem-solving.Andrew on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyBuddyAndrew00:00:00 From Auto Mechanic to Software Entrepreneur00:09:53 Building Facebook Groups for Hauling Services00:19:44 Running a Marketplace Challenges and Solutions00:29:07 Business Idea Development With AI and Automotive Data00:36:16 Challenges With Car Software Updates00:46:53 Learning, Building, and SharingThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/andrew-hodson-a-mechanics-leap-into-tech-entrepreneurship/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/272-andrew-hodson-a-mechanics-leap-into-tech-entrepreneurshipThe video: https://youtu.be/UK9nhk9zGR0You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - From Auto Mechanic to Software Entrepreneur (09:53) - Building Facebook Groups for Hauling Services (19:44) - Running a Marketplace Challenges and Solutions (29:07) - Business Idea Development With AI and Automotive Data (36:16) - Challenges With Car Software Updates (46:53) - Learning, Building, and Sharing

If you’re shopping for books this Black Friday, here are the 15 most impactful books I read before and during my SaaS founder journey. From entrepreneurship to marketing and customer interaction, you’ll have a lot to put on your Black Friday shopping list.My own work is available for 50% off on Gumroad for a few days, too. Use the code BFF for Zero to Sold, The Embedded Entrepreneur, and Find your Following.And now, let’s grow your library with the likes of Rob Walling, John Warrillow, Michele Hansen, and many more:This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: The podcast episode: The video: https://youtu.be/F9iIxqtvNUIYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Rob Walling (@robwalling) unpacks the fascinating world of SaaS businesses, touching on topics like scaling, diversification, and the role of AI in SaaS projects. Rob shares his unique stair-step approach to building a SaaS business and paints a realistic picture of the challenges faced by a SaaS founder and the potential rewards of running a successful SaaS company.The man has released almost 700 podcast episodes about bootstrapping SaaS businesses. He knows how that works, from the birds-eye perspective down to the nitty gritty.We dive into the misconception around building a ChatGPT wrapper as a long-term business, the trend of AI-centric startups using one-time payments or yearly subscriptions, and the risk of overindexing on AI as a competitive advantage. We also examine common pitfalls in the software business and the impact of sales models on customers. Rob offers insights on white labeling, cautioning against doing it too early and advising on setting a minimum commitment from potential partners.Rob shares his personal experiences, discussing the difficulties of setting investment terms and overcoming setbacks. We address the concept of the "solo founder funk" and offer solutions such as finding a co-founder, joining mastermind groups, and attending in-person events. Lastly, we delve into the importance of building an audience in the world of SaaS and discuss the topic of hiring in early-stage startups. So tune in, learn, and get inspired by Rob's journey and insights in the SaaS industry.Rob Walling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/robwalling00:00:00 Scaling SaaS Businesses With Diversification00:12:56 Building on AI and Subscription Fatigue00:21:58 Sales Model and Customer Requests00:33:29 Founder Strategies00:40:10 Building an Audience in SaaS Marketing00:46:11 Founders Discuss Hiring and GrowthThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/rob-walling-stair-stepping-into-saas-success/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/270-rob-walling-stair-stepping-into-saas-successThe video: https://youtu.be/GjmvLv-4YtYYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - Scaling SaaS Businesses With Diversification (12:56) - Building on AI and Subscription Fatigue (21:58) - Sales Model and Customer Requests (33:29) - Founder Strategies (40:10) - Building an Audience in SaaS Marketing (46:11) - Founders Discuss Hiring and Growth

How can we master the art of managing constraints and turning obstacles into opportunities?With intentional choices.Join me as I candidly share my experiences of juggling a media business and several SaaS businesses — while still making time for a life beyond business. You'll discover the techniques I use to stay focused, consistent, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. It's about setting boundaries, creating one-to-many processes, and being intentional with your time.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/embracing-obstacles-for-opportunity/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/98bf7cabThe video: https://youtu.be/PWzODzmXKhsYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Channing Allen (@channingallen) is the co-founder of Indie Hackers. Today, Channing and I uncover the secrets of thriving in the indie hacking scene from someone who is wrangling thousands of Indie Hackers every day. We delve into intriguing discussions that debunk the myth of the 'death of indie hacking' and guide you through the complexities of building a robust community where collaboration and competition coexist. Learn how constraints can inspire creative problem-solving, and the effects of social media on authentic communication. Discover the impact of minimalism and maximalism on indie hacking, and the choices Channing and his co-founder (and twin) Courtland need to make when building a media company.Prepare for an enlightening conversation that scrutinizes the significance of fostering a trustworthy online community. We also ponder over the concept of long-term optimism achieved through short-term pessimism and explore how intentional relationship-building within the indie hacker community can shape your success. You'll discover a whole new perspective on the indie hacking scene.00:00:00 The State of Indie Hacking Today00:14:12 Technology's Impact on Authentic Communication00:20:05 Build Authentic Relationships in Indie Hackers00:33:16 Long-Term Optimism Through Short-Term Pessimism00:46:41 Constraints and Maximizing Potential00:55:39 Building a Media Company's Decisions01:04:25 Building a Trustworthy Online CommunityThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/channing-allen-myths-and-realities-of-the-indie-hacking-scene/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/aeeeb832 The video: https://youtu.be/kHV27GjsfuEYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - The State of Indie Hacking Today (14:12) - Technology's Impact on Authentic Communication (20:05) - Build Authentic Relationships in Indie Hackers (33:16) - Long-Term Optimism Through Short-Term Pessimism (46:41) - Constraints and Maximizing Potential (55:39) - Building a Media Company's Decisions (01:04:25) - Building a Trustworthy Online Community

Should you build an indie business on top of OpenAI? Absolutely. It's not in OpenAI's interest to build niche solutions that compete with indie hacker startups. It's in their interest to enable them.Today, we dispel a myth about building AI startups.The community is caught up in a strange back-and-forth between “look at all these amazing opportunities” and “don’t build, OpenAI is just going to make your startup evaporate.” If you’re an indie hacker and you wonder which of these is actually helpful for your journey, I’ll try to help clear things up.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/risks-and-rewards-of-building-on-openai/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3dacbb27The video: https://youtu.be/kbnjbG2yfj4You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Do you truly know yourself? Have you ever wondered about your multidimensional identity —the many layers of who we are and to whom— and the role it plays in finding your purpose? Well, Sakshi Shukla knows, and she's going to take you on her journey of self-discovery. Today, I delve into a profound conversation with Sakshi about her transformation from a medical professional to a successful content strategist, and the pivotal role self-awareness played in this journey. And of course, how she found purpose in all of this. Sakshi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesakshishukla00:00:00 Kevin Kelly's Impact on Identity00:08:11 The Problem With Following Best Practices00:14:51 Discovering Identity and Building Confidence00:21:54 Forgiveness and Embracing Uncertainty Importance00:33:55 Navigating Identity and Education Choices00:39:18 Accepting Different Dimensions of Identity00:44:35 Finding Support and Empowering WomenThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/sakshi-shukla-understanding-identity-and-being-the-only-one/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/23b7e7e3The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oe_qJBMkOYYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - Kevin Kelly's Impact on Identity (08:11) - The Problem With Following Best Practices (14:51) - Discovering Identity and Building Confidence (21:54) - Forgiveness and Embracing Uncertainty Importance (33:55) - Navigating Identity and Education Choices (39:18) - Accepting Different Dimensions of Identity (44:35) - Finding Support and Empowering Women

What does it even mean to be "authentic" online? Just posting things you want other people to see? Sharing everything, treating people like friends? Or maybe it's being extremely professional at all times. With audiences in the hundreds, 1000s, and millions, the old rules of what it means to be yourself in front of others don't apply anymore. We have to recontextualize our self-presentation online, to be able to both feel like we are ourselves and to make our audiences feel that they get to see the real us. Unfortunately, this does not work with our traditional approach. When it comes to authenticity, the size of virtual audiences we can quickly build creates the need for a new and slightly different way of thinking about what it means to be our true selves in front of people who only get to see the surface. Here is how you can be authentic in a digital world.Here's the conversation with @dickiebush I reference: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/dickie-bush-the-power-of-digital-writing/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/authenticity-in-the-digital-age/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ac0bd48aThe video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn1xXU0J3gUYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Dickie Bush (@dickiebush) discusses Ship 30 for 30, a movement he started to transform writing from a solitary to a communal activity, now a structured course. Along with Nicholas Cole, their partnership propelled Ship 30 to new heights. They emphasize the role of community and social media like Twitter in refining ideas and building credibility. Our discussion contrasts digital and traditional writing, explores content creation challenges like imposter syndrome, and shares tips for resonating content creation. We dive into the software and media realms, highlighting the value of small iterations and immediate feedback in product creation. We touch on the promise of dictation software and delve into Dickie's personal inspiration, his mom, who's not only influenced his journey but also become a cherished figure in the Ship 30 community.Dickie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dickiebushShip 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com/00:00:00 Modern Writing00:05:37 Start Writing Community, Overcome Challenges00:12:56 Test and Refine Ideas With Twitter00:16:59 Content Creation and Imposter Syndrome00:26:53 Writing for Personal Growth and Teaching00:37:29 Building Software for Publishing Atomic Essays00:40:58 Ship30 and Writing Ventures00:51:21 Discussion on Writing and Publishing BooksThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/dickie-bush-the-power-of-digital-writing/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6d25fb5The video: https://youtu.be/GiDmVoHwE-QYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - Modern Writing (05:37) - Start Writing Community, Overcome Challenges (12:56) - Test and Refine Ideas With Twitter (16:59) - Content Creation and Imposter Syndrome (26:53) - Writing for Personal Growth and Teaching (37:29) - Building Software for Publishing Atomic Essays (40:58) - Ship30 and Writing Ventures (51:21) - Discussion on Writing and Publishing Books

Indie Hacking Isn't Dead — It's Just Less Hacky. The transformation of Indie Hacking over the years creates new challenges and opportunities for Indie Hackers in today's competitive landscape. The shift from community-driven collaboration to a more competitive environment makes distribution and expertise more relevant than ever. Indie Hacking has evolved into a lifestyle that requires skill and strategic distribution.Discover the strategies and approaches reshaping the Indie Hacking landscape, and gain inspiration from seasoned entrepreneurs like Pieter Levels, who have successfully navigated these changes.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/indie-hacking-isnt-dead-its-just-less-hacky/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/c70bfc66The video: https://youtu.be/_9IBEXsUUaUYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

My guest today, Pieter Levels, claims that "Indie Hacking is dead." Yet, Pieter runs several indie AI startups (and a few traditional ones), totaling  $250,000 in revenue every month. So, how can he be a successful indie hacker while dismissing the foundations of his work?It turns out that Indie Hacking is very much alive. But it has changed significantly. And Pieter has been there from the early days.Today, Pieter and I talk about what it means to be an Indie Hacker in the age of AI tools, platforms, and businesses. From dependency risk to preparing software businesses for a potential exit, we tackle a wide variety of topics that every Indie Hacker has to deal with. We also dive deep into Pieter's personal journey: from digital nomadism through thoughts of teaming up with fellow makers. You'll get the full picture of an entrepreneur who tells it the way he sees it — which, as you will find, has made the world of social media a very interesting place for him to work in.With insights into the meme of bad coding, the Lindy Effect, the importance of social proof, and the generational divide regarding AI, this conversation with Pieter Levels is a must-listen for anyone interested in AI startups, indie hacking, and the future of digital entrepreneurship.Pieter on Twitter: https://twitter.com/levelsio/Pieter's projects: https://levels.io/projects/00:00:00 - Indie Hacking and AI Startups Evolution00:07:17 - Dependency on Suppliers and Finding Alternatives00:16:37 - Prioritizing Speed in Entrepreneurship Execution00:27:11 - Future of AI With Positive Outlooks00:40:11 - AI Business Challenges and Potential00:44:52 - Future Work and Travel With AI00:52:56 - Twitter Changes and the Need to Adapt00:57:50 - Attention Economy and Communication Impact01:01:39 - Navigating Controversy and Authenticity on TwitterThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/pieter-levels-the-indie-hackers-guide-to-ai-startups/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/db7c1d51The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wjec3wh4p8You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw (00:00) - - Indie Hacking and AI Startups Evolution (07:17) - - Dependency on Suppliers and Finding Alternatives (16:37) - - Prioritizing Speed in Entrepreneurship Execution (27:11) - - Future of AI With Positive Outlooks (40:11) - - AI Business Challenges and Potential (44:52) - - Future Work and Travel With AI (52:56) - - Twitter Changes and the Need to Adapt (57:50) - - Attention Economy and Communication Impact (01:01:39) - - Navigating Controversy and Authenticity on Twitter

Accessibility is one of the most overlooked aspects of being a creator, but it is an incredibly powerful tool to make long-term friends and, ultimately, more money.Today, we’ll dive into how creators can leverage being accessible as a driver for growth.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/accessibility-for-profit/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3179a05cThe video: https://youtu.be/IJlgfUQFTFoYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

We hire specialists. Deep knowledge in one field, not many skills in all the others. We value and celebrate specialists with promising career paths, titles, and promotions.Can generalists exist in a world of such intricate and complex work requirements?The person who made me realize that it's possible is Milly Tamati, a staunch defender and empoweress of generalists all over the world. I chatted with Milly about the employability of people who don’t fit into a category, why generalists are the puzzle pieces that allow organizations to destroy knowledge silos, and how incredibly powerful a community of generalists can be.Join me on The Bootstrapped Founder this week as I talk to Milly Tamati about The Generalists’ World.00:00:00 The Rise of Generalists00:07:55 Generalists in Workforce Diversity00:18:49  Building and Cultivating a Generalist Community00:30:42 Building a Community and Evaluating Opportunities00:40:12 Community and Success in Unconventional Paths00:45:49 Announcing the Launch of a PodcastMilly on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillyTamatiGeneralist World: https://www.generalist.world/The Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/generallycurious/The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/milly-tamati-the-power-and-potential-of-generalists/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/bef7a764The video: https://youtu.be/Cll1GMGzLNQYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:00) - The Rise of Generalists (07:55) - Generalists in Workforce Diversity (18:49) - Building and Cultivating a Generalist Community (30:42) - Building a Community and Evaluating Opportunities (40:12) - Community and Success in Unconventional Paths (45:49) - Announcing the Launch of a Podcast

Today, I explore the world of microcommunities - small, but incredibly lucrative communities. I examine how microcommunities are different from general online communities, and how they offer valuable opportunities for creators to distribute and monetize their work. I discuss the income-generating potential of being part of, or even starting, these microcommunities, and how the key lies in their single-minded focus on a specific topic. With an interaction between members and progress that is much more visible, micro-communities inspire and educate new members more quickly and create a meaningful exchange.I dive into the close-knit nature of micro-communities and how this creates a powerful bond between members. I examine how monetization opportunities exist for both the creator and members of the community, and how these opportunities can be used to create a successful business. There's a deep-dive into the potential risks of micro-communities, too, such as the potential for echo chambers and exclusion of certain demographics.00:00:00 The Power of Micro-communities for Creators00:04:21 Micro Communities and MonetizationThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/monetizing-micro-communities/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2a070357The video: https://youtu.be/OyYflYH2a5YYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Journey with me as we dive deep into Aaron Francis' transformation from a coder to a teacher. Discover the intricate dance of building in the open. Aaron lays bare his path, detailing how he crafted his screencasting masterclass and managed to balance his day job, side hustle, and family life, all while forging his unique brand.In this episode, we unpack the looming shadow of criticism and how the mere thought of being ridiculed can paralyze many of us. The paradox? Embracing this very fear might open doors you never imagined. Aaron shares his first-hand experiences, launching courses, the strategies that amplified his voice, and the seismic shift in public sharing from the days before social media to now. And if you've been itching to share your know-how through video or sound, we've got a trove of tips to boost your confidence. Dive in.Aaron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/aarondfrancisAaron's Screencasting course: https://screencasting.com/ (non-affiliate) & https://screencasting.com?aff=PXErZ (affiliate)00:00:01 Master Screen Casting and Build Publicly00:05:03 Building in Public00:12:57 Overcoming Fear of Criticism00:19:02 Sharing Expertise Through Video and Audio00:25:39 Video Content00:30:26 Improving Screencasting Techniques00:43:18 Balancing Sacrifices and Pursuing PassionThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/aaron-francis-the-power-of-sharing-expertise/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/d97a24b9The video: https://youtu.be/QQwfzO42X9gYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:01) - Master Screen Casting and Build Publicly (05:03) - Building in Public (12:57) - Overcoming Fear of Criticism (19:02) - Sharing Expertise Through Video and Audio (25:39) - Video Content (30:26) - Improving Screencasting Techniques (43:18) - Balancing Sacrifices and Pursuing Passion

Ever felt annoyed seeing someone else selling a copy of something you made? It's a problem many small business owners face. Today, I'm diving into how to protect your ideas and keep others from copying them. It's not just about having a great product. I'll show you how to strengthen your business by reaching more people and making a name for yourself. Being active online and sharing your work can make a big difference.Also, having a business isn't just about protecting your ideas, but making smart decisions. Building real connections can help spread the word about your products. I'll talk about the importance of helping others and how it benefits you in return. By the end of this episode, you'll know how to protect your work and make it stand out in the community. This will help you learn how to grow a business that's both safe from copycats and gets attention. It's not just about selling things, but sharing your ideas and being known. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/proof-of-work-how-indie-founders-build-defensible-businessesThe podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a6ed07dfThe video: https://youtu.be/Tcc1AwkWwwwYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

This is a masterclass in personalized marketing. Brennan even convinces me to ramp up my own efforts!Listen in as I uncover the power of personalized marketing with Brennan Dunn, author of 'This is Personal.' Brennan offers valuable insights into how indie hackers and solopreneurs can best learn about their customers and utilize that knowledge for revenue generation. He explores why personalization works, how audience segmentation should be done, and where data collection should start, providing you with a wealth of knowledge to transform your marketing strategies.Brennan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/brennandunn00:00:00 Personalized Marketing for Indie Hackers00:05:02 Segmenting Audience for Better Marketing00:10:19 Importance of Personalized Questions in Data Collection00:20:35 Segmentation and Survey Funnels in Marketing00:32:10 AI's Role in Personalized Marketing Future00:37:59 ChatGPT for Data Analysis and Writing00:47:02 Personalization and E-Commerce Recommendations00:52:04 Personalized Book Recommendations for MarketingThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/brennan-dunn-this-is-personal/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3f36312eThe video: https://youtu.be/oPNhJvcvb0AYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:00) - Personalized Marketing for Indie Hackers (05:02) - Segmenting Audience for Better Marketing (10:19) - Importance of Personalized Questions in Data Collection (20:35) - Segmentation and Survey Funnels in Marketing (32:10) - AI's Role in Personalized Marketing Future (37:59) - ChatGPT for Data Analysis and Writing (47:02) - Personalization and E-Commerce Recommendations (52:04) - Personalized Book Recommendations for Marketing

Are you tired of the mainstream narrative that success as a software developer can only be pegged to the scale of your projects or the economic output of your code? This episode of Bootstrap Founder challenges that perception. With a focus on the inspiring journey of indie hacker Tony Dinh, we delve into the beauty of simple, practical solutions. Rather than grandeur and disruption, we explore the significance of niche appeal and how meaningful success can be achieved outside the realms of billion-dollar businesses. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/pet-rock-projects-and-why-they-rockThe podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/37a91c4dThe video: https://youtu.be/bpeazTXh6uAYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Unearth the secrets of YouTube monetization and growth in our conversation with YouTube creator Aprilynne Alter. Prepare to be enlightened as Aprilynne reveals her journey, from retaking control of her editing process to experimenting with an array of content styles and formats. We dive into her daring exploration of NFTs and the groundbreaking transformation that led her to focus her content on educating others about YouTube.We'll take you on a journey through the strategies that make YouTube an effective distribution platform. From carefully curating topics, titles, and thumbnails to creating your own monetizing product, we discuss the art of packaging videos for optimal appeal. Gain insights from Aprilynne's experience as she transitioned from producing multiple average-quality videos to focusing on crafting one high-quality video per week. We talk about the striking balance between content quality and quantity, and the crucial role of consistency for content creators.Rounding up, we explore the vital aspects of mental health and productivity in the life of a creator. Aprilynne candidly shares her personal experience of moving to San Francisco, and how it impacted her productivity and overall well-being. We highlight the importance of creating an ideal workspace to foster creativity. Aprilynne gives us a glimpse of her creative space, her morning routine, and how an inspiring city view plays a role in maintaining her creativity. It's an engaging and insightful episode packed with practical tips and lessons from Aprilynne's journey as a YouTube creator. Don't miss it!Aprilynne on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AprilynneAlterAprilynne on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AprilynneAlter00:00:00 YouTube Editing and Experimentation Insights00:13:32 Understanding YouTube Monetization and Content Strategy00:26:45 Navigating Titles and Thumbnails on YouTube00:38:58 Finding the Balance00:49:39 Creating a Productive and Creative WorkspaceThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/aprilynne-alter-behind-the-scenes-of-a-successful-youtuber/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/55e1e979The video: https://youtu.be/wFJEQKvaXRcYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Buckle up for a voyage into the intricate world of software feature decision-making! Promising to equip you with insights from my journey, this episode helps you navigate the choppy waters of determining which attributes to include in your software business and which ones to abandon. We'll unravel my personal blueprint for assessing feature requests and enhancements, with a particular focus on the crucial understanding of 'the job to be done.' Together, we'll dissect the correlation between feature alignment and customer retention, and you'll gain clarity on the two critical factors that weigh in when assessing the importance of a feature - workflow inputs and workflow outputs. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/focusing-on-customer-retention-features/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1f7ff7fThe video: https://youtu.be/llsICCu2Af8You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Getting started often brings valuable lessons that shape our paths in life; my chat with Erica Schneider, an expert in building authentic personal platforms, is a testament to this. We navigated the terrain of creating an authentic personal brand, focusing on the courage it takes to do so and the power of authenticity in the digital realm. Erica's journey from persona to person, the struggles with online negativity, and her triumphant return to authenticity offer profound insights for anyone aspiring to cultivate a genuine online presence.We dove into the fascinating world of audience building, stressing the importance of resilience amidst criticism. With Erica’s rich wisdom on the subject, we discussed practical strategies to engage audiences and maintain personal authenticity online. Erica’s knack for writing shone through as we discussed how well-crafted words can create connections and open doors.Erica on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ericasmyname/00:00:00 Building an Authentic Personal Platform00:09:50 Authenticity Journey and Tackling Trolls00:17:08 Building an Audience Through Writing00:26:46 Social Media00:33:13 Authentic Online Platforms00:40:58 Planning a Cohort and Future Learnings00:52:00 Writing InsightsThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/erica-schneider-build-your-personal-platform-and-not-just-a-brand/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/8bf956a0The video: https://youtu.be/imLa8gJJuhsYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:00) - Building an Authentic Personal Platform (09:50) - Authenticity Journey and Tackling Trolls (17:08) - Building an Audience Through Writing (26:46) - Social Media (33:13) - Authentic Online Platforms (40:58) - Planning a Cohort and Future Learnings (52:00) - Writing Insights

It's time to celebrate! This podcast has just reached 250 episodes, and I have a few lessons to share from along the way.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/what-i-learned-from-250-podcast-episodes/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/657e0da2The video: https://youtu.be/9KTS-bJx5R0You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

I finally got to talk to Amanda Goetz, a marketer-turned-full-time-creator, who's generously poured out her wisdom on navigating the creator economy. Amanda's journey from corporate life to the creator economy is filled with valuable lessons about embracing awkward self-promotion, overcoming 'Cringe Valley', and the journey of (maybe?) writing a book. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to carve out a calm niche in a world full of "hustle culture," or just for those curious about the behind-the-scenes of a first-time author getting into book publishing.I didn't set out to chat about writing books, but it was too exciting an opportunity: Amanda announced that she's writing a book! Amanda has walked the tightrope of maintaining authenticity while engaging with the book publishing industry's commercial demands, and she shares this experience with us. We get into the nitty-gritty of dealing with Imposter Syndrome, understanding the angle publishers are looking for, and using hype effectively. It's a deep-dive into the business side of books, the choices of self-publishing or seeking an agent, and the journey towards finding validation in our creative endeavors.But it's not all hustle and bustle; we also touch on the vital importance of rest and self-care in our lives. Amanda talks about how crucial it is for creators to set boundaries on social media, carefully choosing what aspects of their lives to share. We learn about the balance between sharing personal and private moments, with invaluable insights from Amanda's own experience, including the trauma of a social media hack and the importance of diversifying platforms. So, tune in for a candid, comprehensive, and genuinely helpful discussion on thriving in the creator economy.Amanda on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AmandaMGoetz Amanda's Newsletter:https://www.amandagoetz.com/Amanda's Instagram: http://instagram.com/goetzam00:00:01 Finding Balance in the Creator Economy00:11:45 Exploring Niche Markets and Writing Books00:17:40 Imposter Syndrome in the Publishing Business00:25:28 The Importance of Rest and Self00:41:02 Boundaries and Authenticity on Social Media00:49:07 Creator's Social Media Hack LessonsThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/amanda-goetz-the-antidote-to-hustle-culture/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2af3083cThe video: https://youtu.be/DKFBGozqz_cYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:01) - Finding Balance in the Creator Economy (11:45) - Exploring Niche Markets and Writing Books (17:40) - Imposter Syndrome in the Publishing Business (25:28) - The Importance of Rest and Self-Care (41:02) - Boundaries and Authenticity on Social Media (49:07) - Creator's Social Media Hack Lessons

Three mistakes are common when early-stage founders plan their strategy: scoping, revenue sources, and lack of validation. Let's dive into why we trip up on these issues and what to do about it.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/avoiding-the-entrepreneurial-planning-trap/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/e2bb7424The video: https://youtu.be/oGLf5YqXdA8You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Get ready to revolutionize your SaaS product signup process with some unique strategies, insights, and actionable tips from our much-awaited conversation with Ruben Gamez. We delve into Ruben’s innovative practices — temporary changes to the signup process, leveraging surveys for data collection, and dealing with competitors in the e-signature business. We dissect the world of customer segmentation, the merits and demerits of freemium, and effective ways to solicit customer feedback. Listen closely as we unravel how Ruben sprinkles just the right dose of friction in the signup process to maximize conversions.In the latter half of our chat, we grapple with the recurring challenge in SaaS: revenue vs. customer acquisition. We underscore the importance of decoding customer needs and use cases early on and the hurdles in churning income in the initial stages of software launches. Hear it from Ruben, as he shares his vast experience in the field, making this conversation a treasure trove for anyone, from early-stage startups to established companies, intrigued by the world of SaaS. So why wait? Tune in to this conversation and prepare to take your SaaS game to a whole new level.Ruben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/earthlingworks00:00:00 Introduction00:01:38 Alternating Low-Touch & High-Touch 00:06:18 When to start surveying customers00:12:40 Cancellation interviews00:16:25 Finding insights from interviews00:22:36 JTBD00:26:08 Running two SaaS businesses00:30:08 Competing in the e-Signature market00:34:46 Word-of-mouth marketing00:40:33 Book recommendations for indie hackers00:49:33 Managing a small teamThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/248-ruben-gamez-cracking-the-e-signature-market/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/74b243f9The video: https://youtu.be/BSf_M2US1o4You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Have you ever felt deflated upon discovering that your brilliant business idea already exists in the market? Well, you're not alone. I'm Arvid Kahl, and I argue that this should be viewed as a robust validation signal rather than a reason to abandon your idea. We delve into how competition indicates interest and a potential market for your product. We'll also discuss how this presents a unique opportunity, especially for solopreneurs and indie hackers, to make different choices that appeal to unsatisfied customers. On the path of entrepreneurship, we often face a myriad of choices. In this episode, we unpack the concept of path dependency and how it locks existing businesses into specific niches or ways of problem-solving. We delve into how this provides an opportunity for you, the indie hacker, to identify unmet needs in the market and create a better solution tailored to those needs. We further explore the importance of setting aside your ego and focusing on satisfying unfulfilled demands rather than chasing the over-glorified founder dream. So, take a seat, open your mind, and join us as we explore the power of validation and path dependency. Don't chase the dream, chase validation!The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/youre-not-too-late-capitalizing-on-pre-validated-ideas/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/77cbb759The video: https://youtu.be/G8RJ2l5AyFMYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Get ready to learn everything about product marketing from our guest today, Corey Haines. Corey is a marketing pro who knows a lot about selling the right products to the right people. He talks about problems that indie hackers often face and gives helpful tips to solve them. He also invites us behind the scenes of his new business, Conversion Factory, which helps young companies with their marketing.We chat about how Corey went from doing freelance work to starting his own company with two friends. He shares how they came up with the idea for Conversion Factory, their special way of (product) marketing, and how they make products really popular. We also look at new ways of doing business, comparing old and new methods — using subscription payments in an agency is pretty new ground. Corey's thoughts on this are really interesting and could change how you think about business.We end our talk with Corey's views on how software and starting a business have shaped his career. He talks about why selling a product might be easier than creating software. We also discuss the benefits of having a business that makes steady money, which can help start other projects. Corey's experience in running a marketing company and the importance of being an expert in your field offer great advice. This conversation is full of useful tips for anyone interested in starting a business. So let's dive in and learn from Corey's experience!Corey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/coreyhainescoConversion Factory: https://www.conversionfactory.co/00:00:00 Indie Hackers' Struggles With Product Marketing00:11:53 Hire Marketer, Launch Conversion Factory00:17:56 Starting an Agency00:30:36 Company Size and Service Needs Correlation00:42:12 The Role of Software and Entrepreneurship00:46:56 Website Design and Product Marketing00:57:50 Product Marketing and Building Service SubscriptionThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/corey-haines-mastering-product-marketing/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/30c61a32The video: https://youtu.be/WG6qrEnWNxAYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Instead of writing a lengthy article this week, I pointed my iPhone at my face, clipped on a wireless mic, put the puppy in the background of the shot, and hit record. I share my thoughts about forcing yourself to take breaks, even when you feel like you shouldn’t. I dive into the times in my life when that sentiment caused me massive mental health issues, and I point out a few misconceptions that contributed to that self-delusion.If you’re having trouble taking breaks, this is for you.And if you’re good at taking breaks, please tell me how to do it ;)Here’s my “take the break or the break takes you” moment.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/take-a-break/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/218285c3The video: https://youtu.be/lmPE0ZT37L8You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Emmet Gibney truly walked the path less taken. Today, you'll hear about an extraordinary journey from customer support to interim CEO of Rewardful. You'll gain insights into how Emmett skillfully braved the transition following the company's acquisition by a private equity group. This episode will acquaint you with the power of referral and affiliate programs, and how they can provide the much-needed edge to entrepreneurs in their quest for growth.This conversation with Emmett is a goldmine of subject-matter expert insights. We discuss the lucky turn of events that propelled him to the position of interim CEO at Rewardful, and his role in the growth trajectory of the SaaS Group. You'll learn about the intricate management processes this Private Equity company has woven for its portfolio companies. Understand the distinction between customer referral programs and affiliate marketing programs, and the art of setting them up. Emmett's experiences serve as a testament to the potential personal growth and career trajectory that can be achieved by working your way up — or being referred, as we find out.We also delve deep into the art of building successful referral and affiliate systems. Listen to the success stories of two indie hackers and explore the strategies to build trust with affiliates and identify the right people for your affiliate system. Embrace the wisdom of the long-standing community members and learn how to attract the right newcomers to your work. This episode is not just about strategies but also about the nuances of human relationships in business – a true masterclass for entrepreneurs and those in the SaaS industry.00:00:00 Journey to Interim CEO at Rewardful00:11:47 Transitioning to Private Equity00:22:16 Referral and Affiliate Programs for SaaS Businesses00:35:41 Building Affiliate Systems for SaaS Businesses00:39:11 Finding and Building Affiliate Partnerships00:44:43 Community-Centric Approach in BusinessEmmet on Twitter: https://twitter.com/emmetgibneyThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/emmet-gibney-referred-into-the-role-of-ceo/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a68eab7bThe video: https://youtu.be/FpymMil-3KsYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:00) - Journey to Interim CEO at Rewardful (11:47) - Transitioning to Private Equity (22:16) - Referral and Affiliate Programs for SaaS Businesses (35:41) - Building Affiliate Systems for SaaS Businesses (39:11) - Finding and Building Affiliate Partnerships (44:43) - Community-Centric Approach in Business

Get ready to unlock the secret to enhancing your business's value — whether you plan to sell or not. This episode will guide you through the concept of sellability and its crucial role in your business. Inspired by a riveting conversation with Kevin McArdle, a seasoned investor who shared valuable insights from his SaaS business acquisition experience, and the wisdom of John Warrillow's book, Built to Sell, I illuminate good business practices that can boost your business's sellability and value.But it doesn't stop there. I'll equip you with practical strategies for exit planning that will make your business not only sellable but also ready for a smooth transition. Ready to build a sellable business?00:00:00 The Importance of Sellability in Business00:09:00 Practical Tips for Exit Planning00:17:18 Assessing Alignment and Exit PlanningThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/bootstrapped-saas-exit-planning/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/c4d259ebThe video: https://youtu.be/9cqVjugSsAsYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:00) - The Importance of Sellability in Business (09:00) - Practical Tips for Exit Planning (17:18) - Assessing Alignment and Exit Planning

Ever wonder how to build a successful start-up from scratch? This week, I'm joined by Louis Pereira, an indie founder who has done just that. Creator of the successful audio transcription product, AudioPen, Louis sheds light on his journey and the calculated risks he took with pricing and subscriptions to validate demand early on. He's a firm believer in building and launching products in public, a practice that he believes played a critical role in growing his audience and gaining traction — and it paid off mightily.This isn't just a conversation about entrepreneurial success; it's a deep dive into the inner workings of a product, from handling customer conversations to managing bug reports and feature requests. Enjoy the inside view of a successful business on the rise.00:00:01 Indie Founder Discusses Building Successful Startup00:10:30 Building Features and Handling Customer Conversations00:18:38 Building Business Trust00:26:38 Building in Public and Unexpected Success00:38:36 "Hackathon Launch Strategies and Productivity Mindset"00:43:55 The Value of Reading and Accessibility00:53:41 The Impact of Writing ToolsLouis on Twitter: https://twitter.com/louispereira/Louis' website: https://louispereira.xyz/AudioPen: https://tbf.link/audiopenThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/louis-pereira-when-an-indie-hacker-strikes-gold/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ad81b535The video: https://youtu.be/y0GbP43xtpoYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:01) - Indie Founder Discusses Building Successful Startup (10:30) - Building Features and Handling Customer Conversations (18:38) - Building Business Trust (26:38) - Building in Public and Unexpected Success (38:36) - "Hackathon Launch Strategies and Productivity Mindset" (43:55) - The Value of Reading and Accessibility (53:41) - The Impact of Writing Tools

Battle lines have been drawn. Human writers versus artificial intelligence - who will come out on top? I'm Arvid Kahl, your guide through the minefield of writing in a world where machines such as ChatGPT are generating content at a phenomenal rate. Can human authors still hold their own? Absolutely! Tune in as I reveal why the human touch and authenticity inherent in our content is irreplaceable, no matter how advanced AI becomes.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/human-creativity-amidst-ai-dominance/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b3d424ccThe video: https://youtu.be/MqWEGSjnAlAYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Ever wondered how to handle the competitive world of AI products and copycats while running a global business? Well, you're in luck. This episode of The Bootstrapped Founder features a heart-to-heart with indie hacker and global entrepreneur, Danny Postma. Danny takes us behind the scenes of his entrepreneurial journey, sharing priceless insights on transitioning from a solopreneur to a team leader, cleverly leveraging SEO, and the fascinating world of domain acquisitions.Picture this: You're living the digital nomad lifestyle, working across time zones while experiencing new cultures. How do you make it all work? Danny Postma gives us a peek into his life as a digital nomad, the cultural differences that affect his way of work, and how he deals with the 12-hour time difference with grace. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the value of a good domain name and how it can be a game-changer for any business. Join us on this exciting journey and tap into the world of a successful global entrepreneur.Danny on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dannypostmaa/The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/danny-postma-an-indie-hackers-business-evolution/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/1fbba06aThe video: https://youtu.be/X36_7wRC_WIYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:00) - Successful Global Business Building (10:05) - Solopreneur to Team Building Transition (17:09) - Dealing With Copycats in Business (25:10) - Competition and Evolution of AI Products (35:09) - Discovery of B2C and Acquisition Strategies (38:59) - Importance of SEO for Indie Hackers (50:12) - Building a Network, Avoiding Fame (56:10) - Digital Life, Remote Work, Cultural Differences

We delve deep into the world of online communities, exploring their growth, evolution, and the disruptive elements that can lead to their downfall. Drawing compelling parallels with traditional villages, we seek to understand the role of trust, shared culture, and considerate interaction in these digital spaces.We touch on the dynamics that can lead to the erosion of online communities, such as inconsiderate self-promotion and the mass influx of new members who lack a shared understanding of the community's values. Drawing inspiration from Immanuel Kant's teachings, we discuss how short-term gains can often lead to long-term reputation costs.The podcast episode offers insights on how to contribute positively and build a reputation as a valued member of these virtual communities. It serves as a guide to navigating the complex dynamics of online spaces, focusing on their enrichment rather than erosion.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/things-that-kill-the-village/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/f317d6bbThe video: https://youtu.be/gakz2PeCYGYYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Ever found yourself stepping into a role that you never expected you'd be in? That’s what my guest, Brian Sierakowski, did when he took over as CEO of Bearmetrics, a company that he had not founded, but was handed over to him after an acquisition by a private equity firm. Entering an existing team, dealing with the weight of expectations, and managing an already functioning business with its own culture and values, Brian's journey is a roller coaster of challenges and learnings that he’s eager to share with you today.Brian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bsierakowski/The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/brian-sierakowski-leading-an-acquired-business/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2ec803d1The video: https://youtu.be/XWjC4w_cD7gYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:00) - From Indie Hacking to Acquired Businesses (06:39) - Taking Over an Acquired Business Challenges (12:09) - Improvements and Changes in the Business (26:14) - Cancelling Subscriptions and Learning From Feedback (34:33) - Managing Expectations in Public Settings (42:24) - Career Transition Options and Considerations (53:27) - Dual Perspective in Building a Business (01:05:23) - Selling Your Business

Learn about the power of eventual reciprocity and how it can benefit your business. Discover how giving without expecting anything in return can lead to long-term success, and find out how to strike the perfect balance between offering free content and monetizing your trade secrets. Don't miss out on this valuable lesson in entrepreneurship and audience building.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/eventual-reciprocity/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/bb7d24fbThe video: https://youtu.be/6T_fRdQukMoYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Step into the world of Tony Dinh, an accomplished indie hacker famed for his ability to craft products with show-stopping aesthetics while keeping them public on Twitter. Tony, who holds the helm in the product design world, made waves with his browser extension, Blackmagic, and his unique pricing and revenue model approach. Our chat offers a deep dive into Tony's journey and his decision-making process during the Twitter API price increase, eventually leading to the sale of Blackmagic to HypeFury. His insights on product design and experiences as a front-end engineer are worth their weight in gold.00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:24 How do you get good at design? 00:07:50 Working in enterprise businesses first. 00:13:08 Selling as an indie hacker. 00:18:18 How to complete the sale? 00:23:02 Transitioning the ownership. 00:28:31 Running into platform risk. 00:34:13 The launch of the product. 00:38:42 Do you have a process for internal documentation? 00:47:22 How do you deal with clones? 00:51:19 The importance of having a ProductHunt-compatible audience. 00:55:39 What’s your current software portfolio like? 01:01:09 What to do when you’re stuck? Tony on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tdinh_meThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/tony-dinh-ups-and-downs-of-an-indie-hacker-journey/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ee414120The video: https://youtu.be/i99OHAacxbkYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com! Go to http://try.acquire.com/arvid/ to get started with making sure you run a sellable business. (00:00) - Introduction (01:24) - How do you get good at design? (07:50) - Working in enterprise businesses first. (13:08) - Selling as an indie hacker. (18:18) - How to complete the sale? (23:02) - Transitioning the ownership. (28:31) - Running into platform risk. (34:13) - The launch of the product. (38:42) - Do you have a process for internal documentation? (47:22) - How do you deal with clones? (51:19) - The importance of having a ProductHunt-compatible audience. (55:39) - What’s your current software portfolio like? (01:01:09) - What to do when you’re stuck?

Here the three common pitfalls that can sabotage your efforts to build a Twitter audience: transactional interactions, focusing on “free,” and a tonal mismatch. Learn how chasing virality, relying on transactional attention, and curating a negative tone can all backfire in the long run. Find out what kind of attention you should be seeking to build lasting relationships with your followers and grow your personal brand.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-bad-kind-of-attention/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/74843be8The video: https://youtu.be/BGVSA1-B4AUYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Are you a bootstrapper who's never considered raising investment money? Or maybe you're a die-hard VC-funded growth hacker who can't imagine running a business without that extra cash infusion. Either way, Jason Cohen's journey from bootstrapping to raising millions will give you a fresh perspective on the funding debate.Jason discusses his personal discovery of wanting a different journey with WP Engine, which led to raising money after two years of bootstrapping. We also uncover the importance of understanding your competitors instead of demonizing them, in order to develop a unique strategy for your own business.Jason has seen and done a lot as a founder. No matter what stage of this journey you’re on, you will learn something today.00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:27 Raising money for bootstrapped companies. 00:09:16 When is it bad to sell your business? 00:15:31 The problem with self-imposed ignorance. 00:19:11 Founder mental health issues00:23:04 How to hire people who are better than you. 00:27:26 The importance of having a consistent strategy. 00:31:20 The reality distortion field of a software business. 00:34:59 Do you ever consider building a solopreneur business again? 00:40:37 Do you ever consider not being a founder anymore? 00:45:12 The value of building a public network. 00:54:12 The importance of building public. 01:01:03 The importance of social media. Jason on Twitter: @asmartbearThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/jason-cohen-two-exits-two-unicorns/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b349aec5The video: https://youtu.be/fMniLsLl5ncYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com! Go to http://try.acquire.com/arvid/ to get started with making sure you run a sellable business. (00:00) - Introduction (01:27) - Raising money for bootstrapped companies. (09:16) - When is it bad to sell your business? (15:31) - The problem with self-imposed ignorance. (19:11) - Founder mental health issues (23:04) - How to hire people who are better than you. (27:26) - The importance of having a consistent strategy. (31:20) - The reality distortion field of a software business. (34:59) - Do you ever consider building a solopreneur business again? (40:37) - Do you ever consider not being a founder anymore? (45:12) - The value of building a public network. (54:12) - The importance of building public. (01:01:03) - The importance of social media.

Are entrepreneurs born or made? Find out as we explore the profound impact of nature and nurture on the development of an entrepreneurial spirit. Discover how family stories, socioeconomic status, and exposure to diverse narratives shape your perspectives and behaviors. Uncover what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur in the digital age.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/entrepreneurship-isnt-genetic-its-memetic/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/f85b818bThe video: https://youtu.be/vm4c4KQSKu0You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Andrew McIntosh is a first-gen entrepreneur. And so am I. And we both needed help along the way. From building a sustainable and inclusive community for first-gen entrepreneurs to discussing the power of business coaching and growth mindset, you'll gain valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship without a safety net. Learn from a successful underdog's story and get inspired to take your own entrepreneurial journey to the next level. No matter what your parents say.Andrew on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrew_drivesThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/andrew-mcintosh-first-generation-entrepreneurs/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/e49eaaa6The video: https://youtu.be/Iez5Qcz6JOsYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com! Go to http://try.acquire.com/arvid/ to get started with making sure you run a sellable business. (00:00) - Introduction (02:08) - Learning by doing by making mistakes. (06:04) - The importance of having a support network. (10:43) - Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster. (14:07) - Have you always been crazy or is this a new development? (20:41) - Coaching vs. coaching. (24:28) - Building a digital community that is asynchronous. (28:19) - Community building and accountability in business. (32:47) - Entrepreneurship starts with a community. (37:35) - Share your wins and losses. (42:20) - Entrepreneurship as a vehicle for freedom. (49:35) - Getting people to the point where they graduate. (52:41) - The importance of sharing your story and building a community.

Are you responding to customer service requests as quickly as possible? You may think it's the best strategy, but this dedication comes at a hefty price. Today, I will share my experience with the pros and cons of super-quick customer service responses, the role of software tooling, and how to balance response speed with good business sense. Discover the layered approach to customer service that will help you have your speedy cake and eat it, too.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/responding-fast-to-customers-a-good-idea/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/5d404f4dThe video: https://youtu.be/J8qbNR3rz0wYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:01) - Intro (01:38) - Customer service response times (03:42) - Proving that I’m the real deal (05:13) - The importance of prioritizing customer service and productivity (06:55) - How to embrace the bots (09:32) - Don’t act like your bots are people (11:12) - Optimizing for response speed

Today, I’m talking to Moritz Dausinger, a serial indie hacker with several exits under his belt. Moritz most recently pivoted his software business Refiner after 18 months of trying to figure out a way forward. Well, now he’s found it. We will chat about figuring out how to structure sales, how and who to hire, and if he wants to sell this business again, for a third time.Moritz on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mdausingerThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/moritz-dausinger-serial-indie-entrepreneurship/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/215b9c09The video: https://youtu.be/8jiwJZyMjEIYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com!  (00:00) - Introduction to today’s episode. (03:04) - How did you get involved with the indie hackers podcast? (10:11) - It’s never just about execution. (16:40) - The importance of bootstrapping. (20:16) - Getting funding for Refiner. (24:47) - How to outsource your technical work. (29:29) - How did you decide to sell your company? (35:47) - The importance of building a good relationship with the seller. (38:38) - Sharing your story in public. (42:23) - The importance of sharing your story. (47:50) - Bridging the gap between sales and customer service. (51:56) - Pricing structure for dual models. (57:43) - How expensive is it to run a database server? (01:03:08) - What is the perfect sellable business?

Are you struggling to find the balance between the utility of your product and its perceived value? Let’s explore the biggest misconception in entrepreneurship and discover how to create a high-utility business at the intersection of your fields of interest. Find out what Swiss Army knives have to do with it, too!My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/utility-pricing-and-entrepreneurship/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/d8b22900The video: https://youtu.be/G4KZWbYutEsYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Pinto Financial. Check out their demo at usepinto.com/learn

Kevin McArdle bought my SaaS. For millions. And now, I get to talk to him about all things acquisition. In our chat, we discuss the importance of annual exit planning for startup founders, we explore the mindset and framework necessary for building a successful and sellable business, as well as the benefits of stepping outside of your normal workplace to think strategically. With practical advice and personal anecdotes, this conversation is a must-watch for any entrepreneur looking to achieve long-term success — and a big life-changing check at the end.Kevin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kevin_McArdleThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/kevin-mcardle-the-man-who-changed-my-life-and-could-change-yours/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/d938c4ceThe video: https://youtu.be/Wx0hEK0zNPUYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Join me on a thought-provoking journey as I explore the challenge of balancing authenticity and public opinion on social media. Discover the struggle faced by an entrepreneur and creator who wants to build a Twitter audience while staying true to themselves. Yours truly. I'll ask the tough question: how much of my "true self" should I reveal in the public domain?My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/self-censorship-on-twitter/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/9216f800 The video: https://youtu.be/6Hk5qbjXZJk You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Pinto Financial. Check out their demo at usepinto.com/learn

Are you feeling burnt out or overwhelmed by societal expectations?Today, I’m talking to Paul Millerd, author of “The Pathless Path.” We talk about hustle traps, the stories we tell ourselves about success, and our obsession with productivity. Learn how to connect with yourself, rediscover leisure as a positive force in your life, and find "the others."Discover how to expand your horizons and find your own way in life, all while building and teaching in public.Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/p_millerd/The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/paul-millerd-walking-the-pathless-path/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/14e38471The video: https://youtu.be/fqAN89v8DQ4You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com (00:00) - Introduction. (00:52) - Finding the pathless path. (07:04) - Taking action will lead to more action. (11:01) - Goals and aspirations. (17:08) - Leisure and Laziness. (24:09) - Generosity and not focusing on numbers. (27:57) - Why money doesn’t matter (33:44) - How writing helped me make sense of life. (38:28) - How to avoid bullshitting yourself. (43:08) - How to live your life. (50:34) - Finding Paul

Discover how to make your Twitter profile a promise of a fruitful long-term relationship with your future followers. Today,. let’s explore the biggest misconceptions surrounding Twitter profiles and how optimizing your profile can turn visitors into followers. From the purpose of your profile to the importance of using real estate wisely, you’ll find the common mistakes people make and how you can avoid them. My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/twitter-teardowns-3-low-hanging-fruit-to-massively-improve-your-twitter-presence/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/20b5a449The video: https://youtu.be/_Ia8dnuXOg8You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Pinto Financial. Check out their demo at usepinto.com/learn

"Imposter syndrome isn’t just a moment of self-doubt — it’s all-encompassing. It prevents founders from taking action, from taking a risk in the first place."This week, Dr. Julie Gurner shares with me how high performers combat the challenges founders commonly face. She’s a performance coach and Doctor of Psychology. We’ll talk about dealing with imposter syndrome, burnout, how to deal with the avalanche of advice on Twitter, and why it is so hard for founders to cope with stress.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/dr-julie-gurner-founder-mental-health-101/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/bb3e42caThe video: https://youtu.be/RjIZ8g0sxZwYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com (00:00) - How common is Impostor Syndrome? (02:42) - How social media can impact your business (08:00) - Vulnerability is not just a means of sharing negative feedback (13:33) - Diversity & Building in Public (17:54) - How to avoid falling into the Impostor Syndrome (22:35) - The importance of taking incremental steps (26:29) - Optimizing your business (32:18) - The importance of meditation (37:15) - The importance of having a routine that you enjoy (44:02) - The problem with the word "expertise" (47:43) - The importance of confidence in entrepreneurship (51:07) - Incorporating philosophy into your own life

Sharing your journey as an entrepreneur can be scary, but it's a great way to connect with your audience and demonstrate your expertise. Let's explore the difference between sharing business insights and trade secrets, and construct a Share/Don't Share list to help you decide what to share with your audience.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/how-to-build-in-public-without-revealing-too-much/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/9ed43fa8The video: https://youtu.be/iq_DetrM-DEYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Pinto Financial. Check out their demo at usepinto.com/learn

Joe Masilotti is the founder of RailsDev —a reverse job board— and a Turbo Native consultant. In this conversation, we explore Joe Masilotti's philosophy on entrepreneurship and his focus on empowering software developers to find work. Joe's approach to monetizing Open Source is particularly interesting: he gives away his product for free with an eventual revenue share. We delve into the various marketing strategies that Joe uses for his different business ventures, including cold emailing, content marketing, and live coding. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/joe-masilotti-building-in-public-and-monetizing-open-sourceThe podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ebd473b8The video: https://youtu.be/uxfUZ31QYGYYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com (00:00) - Introduction (04:00) - B2B vs. B2C (08:12) - How to monetize? (14:24) - Reverse job boards (19:27) - Coding in public. (25:06) - Transparency (32:23) - Monetizing open source projects (37:57) - Selling the business (44:48) - The ideal future (49:25) - Overlap between marketing and cold email marketing (56:30) - Building in public and empowering people

If you're an entrepreneur looking to start a digital business, you might be tempted to aim for a "forever business" right from the start. However, pursuing this approach can be dangerous. Today, you'll learn how to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of digital entrepreneurship, build successful businesses that serve your customers and owners, and avoid the pitfalls of pursuing a "forever business" from day one.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/why-entrepreneurs-are-choosing-short-lived-businesses-over-forever-businessesThe podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/e1eb3929 The video: https://youtu.be/lzYc5ArzTsw You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Pinto Financial. Check out their demo! 

In this episode, I interviewSimon Høiberg, an active software engineer, founder, and YouTuber. Simon shares his strategies for balancing his roles as a creator and maker, and discusses the importance of incorporating personal experience into his content. He also delves into the power of intrinsic motivation and joy in entrepreneurship, and how he gamifies his life to prioritize these elements. The conversation touches on topics such as productivity, mental health, team management, and burnout prevention.Join me and Simon for an insightful conversation on entrepreneurship, content creation, and personal growth. Be inspired by Simon's passion for empowering entrepreneurs, and learn how you can incorporate joy and intrinsic motivation into your own entrepreneurial journey.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/simon-hoiberg-building-a-saas-that-works-for-youThe podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/05f2d837The video: https://youtu.be/U0cUsvxHtn0You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com (00:00) - On not burning out (04:53) - Coding mindset for entrepreneurs (09:38) - How to pick the right social media management tool. (14:14) - THe power of community (21:18) - What does a good lifetime deal look like? (24:53) - Allow customers to leave your product. (31:58) - The funnel and the web. (37:24) - Sharing your journey and success. (42:07) - How long does it take to build a youtube channel? (45:38) - A day in the life of an entrepreneur without burning out. (50:52) - The importance of having an empty calendar.

Have you ever searched for the perfect resume to get hired? Or tried to create a product that appeals to everyone? This essay explores the logical fallacy of wishful reasoning and the importance of picking a niche. Discover why building a successful product means addressing a specific set of needs for a particular group of customers, and why a well-defined niche is the best place to start.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-dangerous-misconception-founders-have-about-their-market/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/e22791e5The video: https://youtu.be/jRc37k7I46s You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Pinto Financial. Check out their demo! 

Evelyn J. Starr is a brand-building expert. We talk about finding the right niche, having a community-centric long-term perspective, and how brands evolve —you might call it “grow up”— over time. Here’s Evelyn.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmEvelyn's Twitter: https://twitter.com/EvelynJStarrThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/evelyn-j-starr-the-evolution-of-a-brand/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/69cc34f4The video: https://youtu.be/CTKESAugLP8You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com (00:00) - What’s the biggest misconception about building brands? (01:44) - Do other brands influence the perception of your brand? (06:26) - What is the core of your business’s brand? (10:11) - How to pick a niche that is just right. (16:34) - What is too big of a niche to start a business? (21:46) - The evolution of a brand over time. (27:53) - What’s the difference between a serious brand and an adult brand? (33:19) - Tips on how to find your fans. (37:30) - The importance of having a differentiator in the space. (40:26) - Most people want to help. Most of the time you’re going to get a yes. (47:13) - The importance of being relatable to your audience.

Building in public is a popular trend in entrepreneurship. However, it may not always be the best approach. Entrepreneurs should consider their personality traits, the nature of their business, and their competitive advantages before deciding whether to adopt this approach. Building in public is about generosity, transparency, and community, and can be a powerful way to gain customers' trust, build a brand, and grow a business if these values align with the business model and personal style — but not always.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-flip-side-when-not-to-build-in-public/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/815ae514The video: https://youtu.be/GoJB6ngrS1M You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Pinto Financial. Check out their demo! 

Today, I’m talking to Jack Ellis, the co-founder of Fathom Analytics, a privacy-conscious web analytics business that I personally use for all my web properties. The company that Jack co-founded with Paul Jarvis competes directly with Google on their linchpin advertising product. That’s a pretty high order. We chat about Jack's role in a growing successful software business and just how much he hesitates to go from coder to manager. We dive into choosing reliable dependencies to power an always-on SaaS business and how to deal with migrating customers from Google to Fathom.Here’s a deep dive into a successful technical SaaS business. Here’s Jack Ellis.Jack on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JackEllisMy new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/jack-ellis-taking-on-google-as-a-bootstrapper/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/cda46335The video: https://youtu.be/oGjrUs0JB8wYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis interview is sponsored by Acquire.com

People would rather sift through fake AI results than see yet another ad. Something is happening in advertising, and the creator economy is affected greatly.The shift towards trust-based advertising is a wake-up call for founders and creators when crafting their marketing strategy, as honesty, integrity, and trust are now essential components of a successful approach to outreach.Here are the steps that you need to take to keep up with this development.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/in-pod-we-trust-how-creators-can-best-juggle-credibility-and-sponsored-content/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/7ff5761eThe video: https://youtu.be/AZFbKUSmq_IYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Pinto Financial. Check out their demo! 

When Fatih started his sticker business Stikkernet, his peers asked him, “You’re a developer; why don’t you write this from scratch?” His response? “Why should I?”Today, I'm talking to my dear old friend Fatih Kadir Akın — or fka for short. We discuss his unexpected journey of building a successful business out of a simple idea. Fatih shares his experience with building Stikkernet and how he grew his audience through community building. We chat about the challenges of logistics when shipping internationally and how Fatih found solutions that worked so well it lead to an exit.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/fatih-kadir-akin-selling-a-global-sticker-business/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/155fff77The video: https://youtu.be/ijU4vYrBDwoYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis interview is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:00) - Introduction (02:51) - Stikkernet (10:05) - How Fatih became a sticker expert in Turkey (18:28) - The perfect product for community-based marketing. (29:02) - Sticker Mule (33:03) - What is developer relations? (38:17) - Do you still get to code? (41:52) - Community-building (47:54) - The pressure of starting a business.

What happens when we encounter something so novel that our minds can't fully comprehend it?  Today, let’s explore the "Rubber Band Effect" and how it impacts both journalists and entrepreneurs alike. Learn how to build products that fit seamlessly into your customers' workflows and how to effectively communicate the results your product can achieve, without overwhelming them with the complexity of the underlying technology.The Ai researcher's video "The A.I. Dilemma": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoVJKj8lcNQMy new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-rubber-band-effect/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ad970e30The video: https://youtu.be/iHxd1iKI970 You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Pinto Financial. Check out their demo! 

“As an entrepreneur, you need someone you’ve been through shit with already” — and that’s exactly why Dagobert and Lucie are the perfect power couple co-founders. I chatted with @dagobertrenouf about overcoming struggle, growing a business together, and dealing with the lack of motivation when things get complicated.We discuss the power of Twitter and building an audience before creating a product. Dagobert shares his personal journey with Logology and how he lost motivation before finding inspiration from his Twitter community. He also talks about the importance of understanding customers' problems before building a product and how he plans to apply this lesson to Logology 2.Hope you’re ready for an emotional journey of entrepreneurship. My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/dagobert-renouf-the-emotional-journey-of-entrepreneurship/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2b57060d The video: https://youtu.be/4aOLgJC8CKUYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis interview is sponsored by Acquire.com

Using ChatGPT as a writing partner helps strengthen arguments by acting as an editor, proofreader, and devil's advocate. It prompts the AI to provide counterpoints and can detect emotional subtext, highlight missing pieces of the argument, and suggest better examples. This adversarial writing approach with generative AI results in writing that is both in the author's voice and accessible to a wider readership.00:00:14 Intro00:01:33 ChatGPT as a writing buddy00:03:13 Bias-busting with a Devil's Advocate00:04:48 Other uses of ChatGPT00:06:13 Fact-checking00:07:22 Emotional arcsMy new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/writing-with-a-nemesis-using-chatgpt-to-strengthen-your-arguments/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/562c4b5fThe video: https://youtu.be/3Rk17om7crUYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Pinto Financial. Check out their demo! 

Few people had an impact on my founder journey as Dr. Sherry Walling — and she didn't even know. But I got to tell her! We discussed burnout, imposter syndrome, and stress among founders. Sherry explained the need for mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges of entrepreneurship and shared that burnout is a diagnosable issue. While entrepreneurs have more control over their work, long hours and hustle culture can still lead to burnout. Her book, "The Entrepreneur's Guide to Keeping Your Shit Together," helped me during a period of burnout while selling my business. Now, you get to learn from her and her deeply actionable insights into founder psychology.00:00:00 Introduction to Sherry Walling00:03:13 Mental health in the entrepreneur community.00:09:17 Do entrepreneurs have control over their destiny?00:15:22 How do you find good mastermind groups?00:21:52 Mental health is not always called mental health00:28:20 Grief is the emotional reaction to loss00:34:06 You can have relationships with people who don’t get it.00:40:24 Mental health apps are not a replacement for therapy.00:45:59 Why aren’t more people talking about mental health?The WIRED article about mental health apps: https://www.wired.com/story/are-mental-health-apps-worth-trying/My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/dr-sherry-walling-the-reality-of-burnout-for-entrepreneurs/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/dc436cce The video: https://youtu.be/hIwaExsScWkYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis interview is sponsored by Acquire.com

This week, I got on my first post-COVID trip and headed to Denver, Colorado for MicroConf 2023.It.Was.Awesome.Unsurprisingly, being in the same room with 250 other bootstrapped SaaS founders is one of the nerdiest things you can do. And it was as enlightening as it was nerdy. I just arrived back home in Canada a few hours ago, so I took the opportunity to share my insights from the conference on my podcast. Enjoy!00:00:14 Intro00:02:26 What is MicroConf? 00:08:42 STIR00:11:21 The talks00:16:34 The speaksessionsers00:19:19 My session on mental health00:25:43 Feeling isolated00:28:31 How to start a conversation about your own experience.00:34:37 Mental health as a founder is paramount.00:37:25 MicroConf is more than just a conference00:43:28 Things outside the conference hallMy MicroConf EU 2019 attendee talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TheiytjsZoYMicroConf Connect: https://microconf.com/connectMy new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/microconf-us-23-recap-what-happens-when-250-saas-founders-meet/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/9d12dbc0The video: https://youtu.be/8ty4NNbVnMoYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Pinto Financial. Check out their demo! 

When it comes to building an "owned audience," nothing beats an email list. Louis Nicholls is a newsletter expert, and he shared with me how to monetize a list, how to grow it reliably, and why cold emails are often done spectacularly wrong.Louis will show you how to do email right.00:00:00 Why did you choose to build SparkLoop?00:05:23 Grow an audience, monetize a list00:09:07 How do you maintain customer quality in a network?00:14:55 Advice on how to cross-link your knowledge with other channels.00:18:48 How much is too much in terms of "buying" subscribers?00:21:59 What makes a newsletter word of mouth-worthy?00:27:48 Struggling with self-promotion00:31:51 What makes a good or a really bad cold email?00:36:44 Why all cold emails look the same00:42:57 Why a good message is never cold00:48:57 Borrowed audiences always have riskMy new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/louis-nicholls-growing-your-newsletter/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/8e4bcbf9The video: https://youtu.be/FNolzZtXjLIYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

ChatGPT is everywhere. But can we build businesses on it? What risks will we face? Let's dive into the future of entrepreneurship in a world where AI is ubiquitous.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/chatgpt-goldmine-or-minefield-for-indie-hackers/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/efd69983The video: https://youtu.be/J4eNi1uqxUIYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Pinto Financial. Check out their demo! 

Marie and Ben are a power couple. Together, they run Notion Mastery, an intense workshop for people who want to use Notion professionally and productively. In our conversation, we'll dive into platform risk, building a sustainable educational business, how to work together as a couple, and why social media distribution matters a lot to educational founders. Enjoy!00:00:00 What can we learn from permaculture? 00:04:55 How do you make it profitable?00:10:57 Building an info product on top of a shifting platform?00:13:28 How do you keep your courses relevant in the future?00:19:14 Perfectionism is a huge problem00:22:12 How do you speak to an audience that is so diverse?00:27:33 Are you a user or are you a builder? 00:29:52 Channels that have worked the best.00:33:55 Partnerships00:37:16 How to build a business with yout partner.00:43:08 What is needed to keep a long-term event like this running?00:46:34 The breathing businessMy new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/marie-poulin-benjamin-borowski-digital-permaculture/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/faf48b60The video: https://youtu.be/Dr0Uty8heyo You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/

Artificial scarcity, a marketing tactic that fosters urgency in customers, can lead to short-term financial gains but raises ethical concerns and negative consequences in the creator economy. Drawbacks include damaging relationships, promoting impulsive purchases, and exacerbating global inequality. While there are exceptions, such as outcome-oriented communities and front-loading financial gains, adopting an abundance mindset and cultivating genuine relationships is a more sustainable long-term strategy in the digital realm.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/artificial-scarcity-damages-the-creator-economy/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/37d137dbThe video: https://youtu.be/0ypM30tG1MgYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Pinto Financial. Check out their demo! 

Most of Josh Spector's newsletter issues are just a few sentences. Sometimes, just a link. And still, advertisers and readers alike flock to Josh's emails. In our conversation, you will learn why brevity is so attractive, how to make sure you're telling the right stories to the right people, and how to build systems that keep people coming back for more.00:00:00 How to think about scarcity00:04:16 Josh's newsletter(s)00:08:49 Ads that feel less like ads00:12:21 Why you need to know what you want to sell00:16:20 How Josh got started00:22:02 Advertising is just another way for people to connect00:26:32 Maintain and improve the quality of your audience00:30:51 How to get people to subscribe to your newsletter00:34:54 Why you need to shorten your email newsletter00:39:28 How to use video as part of your content strategy00:48:12 Empathy with the needs of your audience00:51:31 Helping your reader00:57:16 Having an audience centric approach to businessMy new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/josh-spector-saying-less-and-making-more/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/6bbf0f6eThe video: https://youtu.be/AND8f7I_Tr0You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/Sponsored by Acquire.com.

This is probably the most concentrated and well-produced podcast I've been on in a long while. And I want to share it with you here today as a bonus episode.Kudos to @YongSooChung for putting his money where his mic is. He spent a lot of time, money, and energy to make this episode happen. This is a great ep, and if want to learn about my whole founder journey, I recommend a listen.Here's the original show: https://www.firstclassfounders.com/life-changing-wisdom-with-arvid-kahl-from-selling-a-saas-business-to-becoming-a-creator/Yong-Soo Chung on Twitter: https://twitter.com/YongSooChung

What are the factors involved in choosing a solid business name? From securing an available domain to choosing a unique name for SEO reasons, I delve into the linguistic and cultural considerations of choosing a business name, including avoiding potentially offensive or negative connotations in various markets.I also emphasize the importance of trademarking the business name and domain to protect from infringement and legal disputes. Future-proofing a business name involves securing social media handles and reevaluating and possibly undertaking a rebranding process if the business's direction changes significantly or the target audience's preferences shift over time.This podcast episode offers practical insights and tips on choosing a fitting business name that represents your brand's identity and promise. https://namemesh.pro/ : Generates domain name suggestions based on your keywords. https://www.shopify.com/tools/business-name-generator Offers a variety of business name ideas based on your input. Lean Domain Search: Matches your keyword with thousands of potential domain names.  Namium is great, too.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-art-of-naming-your-business/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/9c485402The video: https://youtu.be/HDGSrHBrLtk You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Localazy! use the coupon ARVID for 25% off.

Peter knows how to get good domains and turn them into businesses. He's selling onions, helps dude ranchers get clients, and will share his approach to monetizing domains as well as purchasing them on the cheap side. Peter's been building online marketplaces for a while, and he'll teach you how he approaches setting up profitable businesses.00:00:00 Peter’s unique approach to building a business.00:02:59 The right mindset to become an entrepreneur.00:05:46 Getting into domain name investing.00:11:11 The domain name investing path.00:16:20 The importance of having a domain first.00:20:08 What’s a directory marketplace like?00:26:43 The domain-first approach is genius.00:30:00 The importance of no-brainer pricing.00:33:37 How to use a domain portfolio to build your business00:39:22 Peter is not afraid of going into a new industry.00:44:21 The importance of having a good domain name.00:52:13 Industries to avoid00:58:48 Peter's worldMy new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/peter-askew-domain-expertise/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/da30dbceThe video: https://youtu.be/vGN8fPLg4Nw You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/Sponsored by Acquire.com.

Here are my personal strategies for achieving consistency in content creation, which encompass implementing accountability systems, connecting with my audience, and reaping financial and lifestyle rewards. Additionally, I explore the difficulties of maintaining motivation and the vital role of community in this process.I recount my own story, beginning with the launch of a blog and ultimately leading to the development of a self-perpetuating content creation cycle. Throughout this journey, I've expanded my income sources by securing sponsorships and authoring books. By highlighting the significance of consistency, I aim to inspire others to adopt it as a guiding principle in their own creative endeavors.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/how-i-stay-consistent/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/7bd407f4The video: https://youtu.be/K3qSwVT1Sh0 You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/

Justin Jackson has been successfully bootstrapping Transistor.fm with a small team throughout the ups and downs of a shifting economy. He even rejected massive clients to be able to keep running a calm and self-funded business. Find out just how important it is to stay independent, resilient, and nimble, and what building on open standards has to do with that.00:00:00 Justin Jackson00:01:24 The world of ideas00:10:32 Understanding the context of advice.00:15:58 The importance of attribution00:20:49 What’s the most important metric?00:25:29 What’s your company for?00:29:56 Having a team that can execute at the highest level00:35:34 The repercussions of decisions00:40:41 Simple things are more resilient than complicated things00:45:26 Platform risk00:51:22 The problem with centralized discoverability01:00:53 The importance of open standardsMy new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/justin-jackson-bootstrapping-transistor-fm-on-open-standards/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/1740724b The video: https://youtu.be/y0yIZ-O8nNQYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/Sponsored by Acquire.com.

Looking to build a successful SaaS business? Don't just focus on product-market fit. In this video, learn about the Solution-Workflow Fit, a crucial element to consider for success. Discover why the medium in which your solution is implemented and the workflow of your customers matter just as much as the technical side of your solution. See real-life examples and learn how to research your target industry's existing workflows, design your solution to fit between existing tools, and adapt your solution to fit your customers' needs. Achieving solution-workflow fit is key to creating a successful SaaS business that truly helps and empowers your customers.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-saas-solution-workflow-fitThe podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/f9bf24a1The video: https://youtu.be/eb5cS5Z1vBkYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/

Rob Fitzpatrick is a serial entrepreneur, a writer, a community leader, and a very curious human being. I talk to Rob about building an incredibly complicated business, the world of self-publishing, what AI tools can and will do for humanity, and how to build communities that can run by themselves.00:00:00 Rob Fitzpatrick00:03:38 The challenges of building the Useful Books business00:10:01 A rare breed00:14:47 The passion discount00:21:12 What’s changed in self-publishing?00:26:43 What’s your pet peeve of the publishing industry?00:32:48 Knowledge production00:39:06 Short-term wins are not going to be around for long00:42:21 Different voices for the same content00:47:39 Prose be gone00:54:26 Staying accountable in an accountability community00:57:45 Late-stage communities01:02:26 Rob’s passion and the purpose of communitiesBrandon Sanderson's class on Indie Publishing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHdYX418PaAThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/rob-fitzpatrick-tinkerers-thinkers-and-teachers/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/fd014e11The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqPF3a0px68You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This interview is sponsored by Acquire.com

How to secure your product, the business, and an eventual exit, including using established frameworks, outsourcing to secure third-party vendors, and having clear and complete account separation. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/securing-your-saas/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/6c645953The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNOr7BheIz8 You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/

Troy Hunt (of HaveIBeenPwned fame) is a cybersecurity expert who has been around long enough to be able to give actionable and pragmatic security advice without complicating things.In our conversation, we chat about best practices for securing your SaaS business, how to get your family to be more secure, what it means to vet your vendors, if you should build your own authentication and why passwords just won't die.After this conversation, you will know how to adequately secure your SaaS business without having to spend thousands of dollars.00:00:00 Troy Hunt00:00:59 The 1 thing SaaS founders get wrong00:05:14 Why you shouldn’t build your own authentication00:09:17 Library update management00:13:42 Using third-party services00:19:08 Data breaches and security expectations00:26:39 Browser extensions00:31:53 What is the right amount of security?00:37:11 Giving your customers security options00:42:13 The Have I Been Pwned + 1Password deal00:48:18 Password managersThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/securing-your-saas-with-troy-hunt/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/d2244c65 The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRM-UrS440s You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This interview is sponsored by Acquire.com

Goodhart's law is powerful and important to remember for every creator: when a measure becomes a target, people tend to optimize their behavior to meet that target, which can lead to unintended consequences. You'll see examples of this law in action, including in education and social media, and learn the negative consequences of over-optimizing for follower count. But I won't let you go without prevention methods and tips for building a quality audience on social media.00:00:00 Intro00:01:51 Goodhart's Law00:03:28 The Pitfalls of Focusing on Follower Count00:07:32 The Negative Consequences of Over-Optimizing for Follower Count 00:09:18 Prevention Methods00:12:16 How to Build a Quality Audience on Social Media The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/dont-fall-for-the-follower-count-trapThe podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/33be4469The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1HtIy5JyHIYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Fathom Analytics.

Today, I’m talking to Matt Wensing — the founder behind Summit and tweeter of many often controversial things. We talk about bootstrapping a financial SaaS, how to deal with integrations, and when to take funding. Here’s Matt.00:00:00 An exchange of stories00:04:54 What’s your strategy?00:09:31 Writing long-form00:15:05 Bridging the gap between invention and commercialization.00:19:56 Creators and salespeople.00:25:58 How a little bit of cash can change the trajectory of your business.00:34:34 Bootstrapping is not a shot in the dark00:41:48 The importance of trust (in the crypto space.)00:47:55 Centralization has to occur for other people to benefit00:54:58 How not to leave people behind00:59:29 How do you look at platform risk from both sides?00:1:05:06 The nature of platformsThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/matt-wensing-publish-your-juicy-thoughts/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/f7deea33The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pBYsl1UxeYYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This interview is sponsored by Acquire.com

Stair-stepping into software entrepreneurship is a great way for developers to start their own businesses without taking on massive risks. Building a plugin on an established platform allows developers to leverage existing user bases and traffic to grow their business quickly, while also being aware of the risks associated with platform dependency, profit-sharing, and limited flexibility.My interview with Collen Schnettler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpcYTO5x3cYRob Walling's Stair-Stepping: https://robwalling.com/2015/03/26/the-stair-step-method-of-bootstrapping/Preetham Nath: https://www.preetamnath.com/blog/grow-shopify-micro-saas-to-25k-mrr-in-14-monthsThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/stair-stepping-with-plugins-platforms-to-build-on/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/51643e63The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjOHqn4PJZMYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Drata.

Today, I’m talking to Colleen Schnettler, co-founder of Hammerstone and build-in-public podcaster. We talk about getting bootstrapper-compatible funding, juggling way too many projects, and selling a business when you know it’s time to move on. Here’s Colleen.00:00:00 A lot of podcasts00:06:01 Building on Heroku00:12:25 Building on Marketplaces00:16:59 Dealing with support requests00:21:49 Pressure to sell?00:26:27 Hammerstone00:31:24 Business Value00:35:46 Value of value 00:41:11 The risks of having just a few big customers00:46:12 Getting bootstrapper fundingThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/colleen-schnettler-stair-stepping-into-saas/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/281dbe46The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpcYTO5x3cY You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This interview is sponsored by Acquire.com

Arvid shares what writing can bring to the founder table.Self-funded entrepreneurs can benefit from honing their writing skills, as it can be used to communicate ideas and thoughts clearly, attract attention, foster relationships, and build a personal brand. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/writing-for-founders/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/735924e4The video: https://youtu.be/1R5scFwM5XwYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Drata.

Today, I’m talking to Hassan Osman— he’s the host of Writer on the Side, and himself a prolific writer. We talk about crafting books that sell (and keep selling), self-publishing on Amazon, and how to write while having a full-time job. Here’s Hassan!00:00:00 Introduction to Hassan Osman00:05:59 Slowly shifting your perspective00:10:48 Do you update your books that you have written?00:17:24 How short-sighted publishers can be00:24:29 The importance of the time component in your book00:29:12 The ROI if a diverse range of topics00:34:47 Pick topics that are intersectional, not generic00:41:43 You don’t need to write a big book to be successful00:47:03 Using a marketplace vs doing it on your own00:52:15 Investing in yourself and your public brand00:56:22 Selling on Amazon and Udemy The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/writing-on-the-side-with-hassan-osman/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b67953c3The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tsx78OkIiEkYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This interview is sponsored by Acquire.com

Arvid talks about how applied kindness builds a brand and an audience.In a hostile world, many founders isolate themselves, but this isn't sustainable. Kindness changes the world, so be honest when self-promoting and set boundaries with hostility. Kindness can be seen in every aspect of life, creating a cycle of positive change.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/be-the-kindest-person-in-the-room/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/0f9109d5The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY3xrnn82QgYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/

KP talks about building in public, sharing your journey, and becoming a respected community member.Today, I’m talking to KP — the build-in-public guy. KP has been a pillar of the indie hacker community, and we talk about how to involve yourself, empower others, and eventually build a community around your personal brand and the things you care about. Here’s KP.00:00:00 KP’s founder hotline00:04:32 The struggle beneath success00:12:11 The connection between teacher and student00:16:26 Sharing what you know00:19:18 The importance of staying in the community00:23:28 Serial entrepreneurship is severely misunderstood00:29:46 An iterative approach to learning00:33:38 Removing yourself from your ask00:37:14 Sales and trust00:42:21 The fear of losing your market00:49:23 The importance of having a mindset of “I’m not the XYZ guy”00:55:12 Quality doesn't matter as much as we think- Building an Authentic Personal Brand with KP- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now including Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Negative reviews are an important part of the customer experience, as they provide valuable feedback to creators about how their product or service is being perceived. Reviews can be a source of frustration for founders, as they may not reflect the quality of the work, but rather the disconnect between the customer's expectation and the reality of the product. It is important for creators to stay mindful of how they position their products in the marketplace and ensure that their messaging aligns with the customer's experience.00:00:00 Negative Reviews00:01:11 Reality vs Expectation00:02:43 Positioning ErrorsThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/negative-reviews-are-good-for-you/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/46b3421dThe video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fulkEU1JAVUYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Drata.

Brennan shares the secrets to using emails to build relationships and increase your revenue.Today, I’m talking to Brennan Dunn, the founder of Palladio, co-founder of RightMessage, and general email expert. As a newsletter author myself, I took to this opportunity to learn as much as possible about personalizing and optimizing my email strategy. You’ll also hear what most people get wrong in email marketing. Here’s Brennan.00:00:00 Brennan Dunn00:00:48 What is up with email clients?00:05:05 Integrating with large platforms00:08:34 Maybe build a competitor?00:12:12 Emails and metadata00:16:20 Email personalization and how it works00:22:07 How do you get started with this?00:25:28 Focusing time and effort on certain platforms00:31:24 The difference between an email list and a newsletter00:36:30 The importance of segmentation00:41:06 Use segmentation to increase your list00:48:56 Customer centric marketing00:54:24 Is email the right medium to de-risk?00:59:20 Don’t over-saturate- Mastering Email Marketing with Brennan Dunn - Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

To increase your chances of success as an entrepreneur, think outside the box and expand your opportunity surface. This can be achieved by embracing activities that don't scale, diversifying inputs, and taking small steps toward achieving your goals. These strategies will help you create valuable connections, build strong relationships and gain valuable insights that will lead to success.00:00:00 Laura's journey00:01:10 The parable of the monkey and the pedestal.00:02:28 A cultural problem00:03:36 Reflecting on the monkey- The Monkey and the Pedestal- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipIf you're interested in Descript, go and check it out here.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Today, I’m talking to Laura Elizabeth. She co-hosts the Non-Tech Founders podcast and runs several products as a non-technical founder. We talk about outsourcing, trust, and building an audience around your business. Here’s Laura!00:00:00 Laura Elizabeth00:02:10 Running a non-technical founder podcast00:09:28 Hiring the right people00:12:14 Hiring people who can do something you can't00:17:27 Being able to do everything is both awesome and frightening 00:20:13 Experimenting with different modes of delegating00:25:45 Establishing an internal process for your business00:30:00 On Phrasing00:36:30 The importance of having a mentor00:42:04 Providing the fertile ground for luck to strike00:45:04 The hardest part is overcoming your inner demon00:52:56 Why it's good to have an expert for website personalization00:56:33 Where you can follow Laura- Building Software Products As a Non-Technical Founder With Laura Elizabeth- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

To increase your chances of success as an entrepreneur, think outside the box and expand your opportunity surface. This can be achieved by embracing activities that don't scale, diversifying inputs, and taking small steps toward achieving your goals. These strategies will help you create valuable connections, build strong relationships and gain valuable insights that will lead to success.- Expanding Your Opportunity Surface- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipIf you're interested in Descript, go and check it out here.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Today, I’m talking to Daniel Fayle — co-founder of Chekkit, a business he and his team have boostrapped to $2mil in ARR. We’ll touch on finding the right vertical to get started, how to do things that don’t scale, and what choices need to be made to get a business to 7 figures. 00:00:00 Daniel Fayle00:05:35 Getting started with Chekkit00:09:00 Local marketing & picking verticals00:12:05 When to hire a team?00:17:25 Integrations00:22:33 Pricing choices00:25:32 How to be inspired by competition?00:29:54 The importance of customer support00:36:31 Setting limits on free trials00:41:55 Use the tech that your customers use00:47:15 How to stay on top of your game- Door-to-door to $2M ARR with Daniel Fayle- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

I was chatting with Marissa Goldberg about remote work this week, and she gave me several handy frameworks for founders who want to build remote-first businesses. At the center of any successful remote work relationship lies trust.And surprisingly, many businesses have a tough time trusting anyone once they can't see them at their desk in the office. Remote work is throwing a wrench in the time-honored tradition of butt-in-seat-hands-on-keyboard that so many managers consider to be the pinnacle of productivity.Remote work does away with this.00:00:00 Remote Work is Here to Stay00:01:28 Async is the New Default00:04:42 The Deep Work Zone00:06:17 Trust and Having Nowhere to Hide- The Role of Trust in Remote Work - Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipYou can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Today, I’m talking to Marissa Goldberg. She’s an expert in remote work and guides companies and founders alike toward a future-proof workplace. We’ll talk about productivity, best practices for going remote, and setting up a remote team of all sizes. Here’s Marissa.00:00:00 Remote Work and Future Proof Workplaces00:02:03 What is Remote Work Prep?00:06:54 The right approach to go about remote work.00:11:00 Traditional hiring doesn’t work for remote teams.00:17:29 Integrating rest into your work.00:23:10 The perversion of productivity & responsiveness policies.00:27:27 Issues with video calls.00:31:02 The difference between a conversation and a phone call.00:37:12 How to transition from pandemic remote to normal remote.00:41:10 The culture of control and top-down decision-making.00:45:29 There’s no place to hide with remote work.00:51:58 How do you keep doing what you do?00:56:23 What is impostor syndrome? What is it and why does it exist?- Running a Remote-First Business with Marissa Goldberg- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

This week I chatted with Patrick Campbell about his exit of ProfitWell to Paddle for $200 million. One of the most mind-blowing things that I experienced during that conversation was hearing Patrick tell me that he feels he needs to build something else to prove that his exit -$200 million- was not just a fluke.I did not expect that, but I should have because I feel the same way all the time. And the more founders I talk to, whatever stage of their journey they might be on, I hear them tell me the same story too. Whether they just started out or sold their business for millions a few years ago, they still struggle with who they are, what they should be doing, and proving themselves and their worth to others.00:00:00 Intro00:00:29 Sponsor00:01:44 Introduction00:02:50 Balancing Parenting & Business00:04:58 Overthinking00:06:22 Addictions00:08:03 Dealing with Failure00:09:45 Not delegating can lead to anxiety00:11:13 Burnout & Dreading Loss00:12:49 Navigating imposter syndrome when others appear successful00:14:44 Second-guessing decisions and dealing with incomplete data00:16:29 Underestimating and Judging Yourself00:18:14 Debilitating Shiny Object Syndrome 00:19:54 Feeling guilty for taking a break00:21:09 Underwhelming Sales00:24:03 Outro- Founder Mental Health Pitfalls- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by Senja.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Today, I’m talking to Patrick Campbell, founder of ProfitWell, a bootstrapped business that recently got acquired by Paddle for a whopping 200 million dollars.I talked to Patrick about getting acquired for 9 figures, finding your footing as a founder after such an incredible exit, where the online payment industry is heading, and how mental health challenges follow us wherever we go.00:00:00 Introduction00:01:04 Patrick's entrepreneurial journey00:03:10 A different approach to marketing00:06:23 Help Sells: providing free value and then selling00:13:53 Dealing with a $200mil exit00:15:55 Filming a documentary while exiting00:19:03 Keeping the company running during the sale00:24:42 Anxiety during the sale00:28:08 Anxiety AFTER the sale00:34:12 Jumping right back into work00:37:28 Building trust with your team00:41:49 Defining your role in a deal00:45:05 Will Patrick ever take a vacation?00:49:38 It never ends: mental health for founders00:54:05 The future of the payment industry- Life After a $200mil Exit with Patrick Campbell- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

As a creative entrepreneur, it is important to diversify your portfolio and have multiple projects in progress in order to reach a wider audience, stabilize income streams, and protect yourself from the risks associated with relying on any one platform. In order to do this, it is essential to own the means of communication with your audience, such as through a newsletter or blog, and to repurpose content for different formats. Additionally, it is important to collaborate with other creators, use social media to drive traffic to your own platform, and focus on building a community rather than just an audience. Finally, it is essential to regularly back up your work and data in order to protect yourself from being de-platformed.- Diversify Your Creator Portfolio- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Today, I’m talking to Jay Clouse, a creative entrepreneur, and all-around amazing human being. We’re talking about keeping it all together as a solo creator, what makes a personal brand work, and how important authenticity is in building an audience. 00:00:00 What to do about all the attention-grabbing out there00:05:00 A trust-based paradigm for your work00:12:15 The importance of being a human being and not a brand00:18:11 Challenges of aligning all of your projects under one umbrella.00:23:02 Can you even find good names at the start?00:28:57 The importance of having a backlog of ideas.00:32:37 Will I ever get to this level of quality?00:37:05 Choosing priorities00:43:11 The mechanics of building community & building relationships with people00:46:15 Teaching sentient beings to do things that are good for them (and good for you)00:50:42 An audience is like an insurance policy- Creative Commitments with Jay Clouse- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Sharing your work and process in public can be difficult for introverted entrepreneurs and creators, but it can help build credibility and trust with your audience, gather valuable feedback and insights, and even lead to new opportunities. Tips for sharing in public include reframing why you do it, taking it slow and steady, breaking it into small chunks, scheduling posts, and engaging in conversations. Setting specific goals for the amount of sharing you want to do each week or month can help you stay on track.- Realistic Building in Public for Introverted Founders- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Today, I’m talking to Ana Bibikova, a defender and cheerleader for introverts in entrepreneurship. Ana knows what it means to be skeptical of loud and salesy marketing tactics. They might work great for extroverts, but not so much for the quiet types. Today, we’ll talk about how you can build a public-facing brand without resorting to all the obnoxious and much-too in-your-face tactics. We’ll talk about being introverted, working with introverts, and serving introverts. Here’s Ana.00:00:00 Entrepreneurship and Introversion00:10:13 Growing up being introverted without knowing what it is00:16:57 A History of Introversion00:22:49 The loud and shouty approach to social media00:27:33 How do you stay quiet when you’re selling?00:34:07 You’re the magnet for signals from the people around you00:42:45 How to do self-promotion as an introvert vs. an extrovert00:49:03 You attract what you put out, not what you sayThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's the blog post for this episode.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Yesterday, the creator economy learned that Gumroad, a platform where creators have been building their businesses by selling their services and products, increased their prices significantly. That caused a lot of backlash in the community, with people threatening to switch to other platforms and criticizing how the price hike was communicated. It’s been an intense topic of community discussion.Today, I am talking to Sahil, the CEO of Gumroad, about what prompted this change, what happened to cause such a stir, and where Gumroad is heading in the future. Here’s Sahil.You can find this conversation on YouTube.

When it comes to selling a small indie business, defensibility is a key factor that potential buyers will consider. A unique moat, or competitive advantage, lets your business stands out from the competition and is seen as a valuable acquisition. Many small founders sell their businesses because they want to get rid of them, and that attracts bargain hunters. It’s easy to negotiate a founder down when they feel pressure to sell a business that’s not very stable or profitable in the first place.Being able to show that potential competitors have to climb a rather sizeable barrier to entry into your market will net you a significant premium when it’s valuation time. The absence of such a moat around your entrepreneurial castle will push down the price you can ask for. While buyers will still acquire profitable businesses without an oversized advantage, it’s a good idea to consider how you can set up a moat around your business. It will make things much easier.- Build a Defensible Indie Business- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Today, I am talking to Andrew Gazdecki, a pillar of the founder community and himself founder of the acquisition platform formerly known as MicroAcquire — but we’ll learn more about that on the show. Besides organizing millions of dollars worth of acquisitions every month, Andrew is a true teacher. His content on building software businesses is spectacularly useful. And fortunately, he will share a lot of it with us today.00:00:00 Introduction00:00:54 Founder and personality00:04:19 MicroAcquire: the first venture00:09:51 On being relatable00:13:42 From B2B to Human2Humman00:20:10 What was missing in the market?00:27:07 What makes a business more sellable?00:32:14 Tips for selling your business00:39:07 Working in the business vs. working on the business00:46:47 You can’t succeed without failure00:52:59 Any exit, no matter how small, is a good stepThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's the blog post for this episode.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

We've been taught to believe that creators are only truly successful when they reach the top echelon of their platform, with millions of followers and likes. But this is a false notion that doesn't accurately reflect what success looks like for creators — or what “success” is about in the first place.The truth is that success for creators comes in many different forms, and it usually doesn’t depend on reaching the top of the platform. There are many creators who have found success by building a loyal and engaged audience in a very specific niche, even if they “only” have a few thousand followers. These creators have found ways to meaningfully connect with their audience and provide value to them, which is what ultimately leads to success.- Avoid Vanity Metrics- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

I am talking to Rosie Sherry, proprietor of Rosieland and community empowerment expert. She runs her own communities, monetizing a few of them, and has been managing the IndieHackers community in the past. Rosie is an expert all things community and education. And that's precisely what we'll talk about today.This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's the blog post for this episode.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

There is a huge difference between building a product, a business, and a company. It's a progression from one to the other, usually involving making significant changes in your life. Requirements change, and so does our lifestyle to make our dreams possible.Ideally, we have a master plan on how to get there.But in reality, we have to pay bills, take care of our family, and deal with the often unexpected hardships of life.And while everyone's situation is unique, many entrepreneurs have found ways to finance their business-building journeys and make ends meet. That's what we'll be talking about today.- Paying the Bills With Your First Indie Business- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Today, I am talking to Jakob Greenfeld. I’ve been reading Jakobs blog posts for years now, and they’re as spicy as they’re thoughtful. There’s not a single post on there that feels unfinished. That’s quite impressive. Well, I think we’ll figure out why that is during our conversation. We’ll also chat about how to unlock critical thinking by writing and what it means to give yourself permission to do things your way.Here’s Jakob Greenfeld.This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's the blog post for this episode.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

In my conversation with Daniel Vassallo this week, I learned that Daniel uses social media —Twitter in particular— to find inspiration for his own work as a teacher and content creator. Intentionally doomscrolling Twitter to come up with writing prompts and business ideas? Why not!If we consider this a strategic effort, not just wasting our time on social media, let's develop a few frameworks that lead to more tangible results.Today, I want to talk about finding ideas, problems, and points of tension that hint at practical business opportunities on social media.- Find Business Ideas on Social Media- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Today, I am talking to Daniel Vassallo, writer, founder, and person with very strong opinions. He is building a portfolio of small bets in public, on Twitter. I will talk to him about the importance of making money in diversified ways, how to structure your life around being a founder, and how to figure out which business ideas might actually work. Here is Daniel Vassallo.What is the lifetime value of a subscription business? 1:12Different kinds of software fit different pricing models. 5:04What is a portfolio of small bets? 9:30Business is unpredictable. You need to radically reduce the input. 13:48What common things do you share with other entrepreneurs? 17:46Don’t try to be too novel. 21:31What’s a good approach to spreading out your experiments? 26:14What is the best price for your business? 40:08How Pieter Levels’ portfolio has changed over time. 45:58How you can use social media to get new ideas. 51:26Sometimes it’s something seemingly unrelated that opens your eyes to a new way of doing things. 55:01Links:- Daniel's Revenue/Days on Market graph. This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's the blog post for this episode.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

I was talking to Damon Chen, who built Testimonial.to to $400.000 in ARR this week, and at one point, he mentioned that he isn’t looking into selling his business just yet. Maybe even never.That got me thinking.While we all want to build sellable businesses, is there such a thing as selling too early? How can we determine when that phase ends and when it’s time to get acquired? Should we even do that, ever?Let’s look into why we might want to hold on to our business even when acquirers come knocking.And by the way, if you’re just starting out on your founder journey and you think that this would be a nice champagne problem to have, don’t underestimate having these things figured out in advance.- Why You Shouldn’t Sell Your Business- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Today, I am talking to Damon Chen, the founder behind Testimonial.to, a social proof tool that has recently reached $400.000 in annual recurring revenue. Now that’s extremely impressive, particularly considering that Damon got it there all by himself.So, let’s just ask him how this family man accomplished such growth while living in one of the most expensive places you could build a business in. Here’s Damon Chen.LonelyDev is a community that I built to solve my own problem. 1:01Lonely Dev turned into IndieLog. 4:09How to get out of a full-time job to start a business. 12:55Why you need to be healthy and whole to be able to build a good business. 19:33Why you need to add video reviews to your landing page. 26:31Video and authenticity 31:30There is a point where you reach saturation and you need help. 36:20What is your exit plan for your business? 42:27The importance of having a good exit strategy. 47:18The importance of having a community to support bootstrappers. 51:16This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's the blog post for this episode.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Earlier this week, I talked to Michele Hansen of Geocodio on The Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Michele co-founded the business with her husband and ran it as a side project for several years. Now, that's a long time to wait before you commit full-time to a project. We also learned during our conversation that there are many ways of determining when the right time is to make that leap: for me, it was reaching a specific revenue figure, and for Michele, it was something else entirely.So let's explore this critical step today. When should you go from side-project to full-time? What are the significant catalysts that speed up this process?- When Should You Go from Side-Project to Full-Time?- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

I am talking to Michele Hansen, the co-founder of Geocodio, an indie SaaS business in the world of mapping and geolocation. I've been a fan of her work, both as a founder and as an active member of the Indie Hacker community for years now. I followed her journey with the business just as much as her foray into writing her first book, Deploy Empathy. Michelle really gets the founder community, and she's a respected teacher of all things customer development.In this episode, we chat about finding the right time to commit to a business, learning when to say no, finding your niche, and learning languages. Enjoy!You can find Michele on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mjwhansen/. Also, check out her book Deploy Empathy.Here is a short summary of the topics discussed in this episode:How do you set boundaries with a podcast? 3:08How do you judge what you say against what someone else would perceive as useful for themselves? 9:23How do you make sure you serve the right customers? 13:06Focus on what you already have instead of where you can go. 19:47Work in progress vs. goals. 23:13The journey is the interesting part, not the destination. 28:54The challenge of self-actualization after a big transition. 31:58What was the sign that it was time to go full-time? 39:14The financial hurdle of being an entrepreneur in the US. 42:35Where the fear of losing everything comes from. 48:09The mean voice in your head speaking. 51:43Being able to recognize your own growth is a big part of entrepreneurship. 57:38Low expectations allow you to surprise yourself, which leads to a better result. 1:00:47This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's the blog post for this episode.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

In a world where everyone talks about disruption and hustling, the concept of a calm business can seem out of place or even naive. How can you compete with people who spend 80 hours a week working in their businesses —publicly boasting about their so-called "grindset"— when you treat your fledgling business as a side project that you only work on in the evenings?For many entrepreneurs, calmness is a pipe dream—a nice fantasy but impossible to accomplish.As you can probably imagine, I beg to differ. Running a calm business is definitely possible, and the perception of it being a flawed concept often lies in a few myths and wrongful assumptions that I want to debunk today.- Calm Business Misconceptions- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course- Zero to Sold & The Embedded Entrepreneur, my books on entrepreneurshipThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

For most founders, running a business is juggling hot coals while riding on a unicycle. It's a stressful occupation, requiring constant vigilance, and offers barely any downtime to recover or relax.But it doesn't have to be that way.- Operating a Calm SaaS Business- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

One of the biggest points of confusion for any software business is pricing. It often takes months, if not years, to find a working way to charge your customers, and even then, you'll need to adjust it over time. Pricing is never done, and often, it doesn't work.But fortunately, there are a few foundational choices you can make to keep your pricing efforts calm and manageable.Today, we'll look at what dimensions to price along, what kinds of subscriptions to offer, and which pricing models to avoid.- Pricing for Calm SaaS Businesses- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by RailsDevs.com and MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Building a software product is both incredibly simple and excruciatingly complicated. You can build a new mind-blowingly helpful feature within hours, sometimes even minutes. But if you make the wrong technology choices, you might be rewarded with several months of additional work a few years later.Let's talk about building a product that can carry your SaaS business to success calmly and intentionally.- Product Development for Calm SaaS Businesses- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

When you're building an audience-centric and community-first business, you're delaying finding your business idea and building your product for as long as possible. First, you look into your market, validate the existence of a budget, and zero in on a critical problem to which people need a solution.And even now, we're not talking about the product yet.But we will talk about solving the problem. And there's a difference.- Solution Exploration for Calm SaaS Businesses- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- The Toxicity of Growth Hacks- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Problem Discovery for Calm SaaS Businesses- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Arvid shares how he picks a market for a new business.- Market Analysis for Calm SaaS Businesses- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- On Art and Artifice- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Infrastructure of a Calm SaaS Business- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by The $100 MBA Show and MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Entrepreneurial Strategies & Anti-Patterns for a Calm SaaS Business- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by The $100 MBA Show and MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Business Models for a Calm SaaS Business- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by The $100 MBA Show and MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Fundamentals of a Calm SaaS Business - Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by The $100 MBA Show and  MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Fundamentals of a Calm Business - Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- How NOT to Use Twitter DMs - Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Don't blame the market; blame your marketing- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- On Saying No- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- The Risks and Illusions of the "Post-Exit Retirement"- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Permission to Follow Up: The Difference Between Owned & Borrowed Audiences- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Consulting in Public- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Founder Stories are Powerful Assets- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- The Forever Transaction- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Building in public and Legacy- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Parasocial Relationships: Imaginary Friends of the Social Network Age- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Should Freelancers Offer Free Trials?- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this as a video on YouTube.

- Choose Your Own Adventure: Creator, Curator, Commentator, or Connector - Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also find this as a video episode on YouTube.

- Scalable Customer Service for Bootstrappers- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also find this as a video episode on YouTube.

- Managing Expectations: Making Good (on) Promises.- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- You Don’t Need to be an Extrovert to Build in Public — an Introvert’s Perspective- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- Why Founders End Up Unemployable- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- Seven Kinds of Entrepreneurial Debt- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- Entrepreneurial Anti-Patterns — What to Avoid When You're Starting a Business- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- What Founders Can Learn from Professional WoW Gamers- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- How I Find Twitter Content Ideas- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you want to hear Charlie Joseph’s story, we interviewed him here (12mins long): https://youtu.be/145p-ipgIw0If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- How I (Fortunately) Failed to Launch an NFT Collection - Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

This episode is a rebroadcast of my appearance on the Software Social Podcast with Michele Hansen. The episode there is called How to Use Twitter Effectively (feat. Arvid Kahl) and we go way beyond that in the conversation. We touch on building in public, mental health, empowerment, and kindness. You can find more information on my course here: Find your Following.

- The SaaS Market Maturity Paradox- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's an interview with the founder featured in this episode.If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- The Power of the Narrative when Building in Public- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's an interview with the founder featured in this episode.If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- Building in Public and Negativity- My Twitter Space appearance- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's an interview with the founder featured in this episode.If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- Purchasing Power Parity Pricing- Find your Following, my Twitter course- The Big Mac indexThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's an interview with the founder featured in this episode.If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- Being Imperfect in PublicThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire.If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- The Performative Nature of Building in Public: A View From the InsideThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Fear-SettingThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- The Power of RepetitionThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Building in Public: Maintaining a Positive Self-ImageThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- What Founders Can Learn From Web3 Community-Building (And What They Can't)This episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Twitter: The Gathering.  How and Where to Find the Right FollowersThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Make it Easy to CancelThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Building in Public: How to Build a MinipolyThis episode is sponsored by FE International. Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Building in Public: How Radical Transparency Hurts FoundersThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Building in Public: Oversharing- Black Friday Deal on Gumroad (use `bf21` for 50% discount on checkout)The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Passive Income and EntrepreneurshipThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Cold Email for Interesting People.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- Building in Public: What to Share at Which Stage of Your JourneyThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Innowayt.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- Building in Public: Taking BreaksThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Logology.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- Building in Public: Balancing Building and SharingThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Typesense.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- Too Little, Too Much: Advice and How to Take ItThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Indie Worldwide.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- BurnoutThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Podopi.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- What Founders Can Learn From the Facebook OutageThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Dawn.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- Copycats and EnduranceThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools. If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- Audience-building is not Community-BuildingThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Pivoting in Public: Risks and OpportunitiesThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Why Reading Fiction Is Important for EntrepreneursThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Consistency, Accountability, and PerseveranceThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Of Tangibility and LawnmowersThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- The Creeping Nature of Stress for a SaaS FounderThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Why Competition is Good For BusinessThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Hyrum's LawThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- What Watching Gamers Fail for Days Can Teach You About EntrepreneurshipThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- How to Kill Your BusinessThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Conversations are at the Core of EngagementThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- The Myth of the Immediate PayoffThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Say Thank You- Zero to Sold Audiobook — Anniversary EditionThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Competition Isn't Always a BusinessThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Selfish vs. Selfless: Self-Promotion in CommunitiesThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Properties of an Interesting ProblemThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- The Line Between Stealing and Being Inspired The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Audience-Building and Relatable Content- The ProductHunt Page for The Embedded EntrepreneurThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Platform Risk and the Three Kinds of Audiences- The Embedded Entrepreneur- The Indie Hackers post - The Launch TweetThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Impostor Syndrome and Building Capital The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- Entrepreneurship, Job Security, and Wealth CreationThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- Accountability Systems for FoundersThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Navigating Bootstrapping AdviceThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- SaaS, Self-Talk, and Many Small BetsThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- Audience Graduation - Gergely's Book "Building Mobile Apps at Scale"The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Lifetime Deals and SaaS BusinessesThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

The Goals of Audience-BuildingThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Here are the original show notes, including a transcript of the episode.Learn more about the Software Social Podcast here.You can find Danielle on Twitter.

- The Shape of a Problem in the Wild - Eugene Schwartz's book Breakthrough AdvertisingThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

On Re-Using Content The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Audience Discovery: The Importance of Budget The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- What founders can learn from Twitch streamers about building in public - The Embedded Entrepreneur Alpha ReaderThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Here's the article for this episode.The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Here's the article for this episode: When Your Business Gets Cloned.The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Here's the blog post for this episode: Jargon and Community The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Here's the blog post for this episode.The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- How I Use TwitterThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- On Offering Public APIs for Your SaaSThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- Motivation Will Eventually Go Away: Build Accountability Systems InsteadThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find the article on podcast audience building here.The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find the article on Avoiding the Validation Trap here.The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Tech Stacks and Indie Hacking- One-Person SaaS stack post on Hacker NewsThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

As mentioned in the show, the Black Friday 20% discount code for Zero to Sold on Gumroad is `bf20`The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  When Privacy and Customer Value ClashThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  How I Approach Pricing for a Brand New SaaSThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Sunk Cost Fallacy EngineeringThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  https://blog.checklyhq.com/setting-up-ssl-with-letsencrypt-for-saas-customers/The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- permanentlink (my new SaaS project)The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find the link to Audience First here:- ✍️  Audience First: An Audience-First Book about AudiencesThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Finding an Audience for Your Side BusinessThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Priming Your Business for Due DiligenceThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Preparing for the Sale From Day One: Getting the Documentation RightThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  At a Crossroads: The Different Kinds of ExitsThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  A Unified Voice: Staying Consistent When You GrowThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  How I Self-Published Zero to Sold, a Bestselling Book on BootstrappingThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Positioning Is Where It’s At- April Dunford's Obviously Awesome- Andy Raskin's Talk on StorytellingThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  You Want a TribeThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  When You Reach Your Limits: Growing a Company Beyond the Founder(s)- My podcast episode on Continuous Validation with Jane Portman- Kevin McArdle's podcast episode on SureSwift CapitalThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  The Power of Omission: Killing Features for Fun and ProfitThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Made to Stick: Shaping an Extensible ProductThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Standard Operating Procedures: Managing Your Future SelfThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Roadmaps and You: Building a Future TogetherThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Customer Retention: How to Keep Them AroundAs mentioned in the episode, feel free to check out my book Zero to Sold. Here's the launch tweet.Undock sponsors this episode of the Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Balsamiq provides this sponsored airtime. Please check out both — they're awesome.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Customer Exploration: Seeing Through Your Customer’s EyesHipSpec sponsors this episode of the Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Balsamiq provides this sponsored airtime. Please check out both — they're awesome.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Being Small Is a Benefit: How to Leverage Being a BootstrapperOutseta sponsors this episode of the Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Balsamiq provides this sponsored airtime. Please check out both — they're awesome.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Spreading the Word: How to Do Marketing on a Shoestring BudgetFeature Upvote sponsors this episode of the Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Balsamiq provides this sponsored airtime. Please check out both — they're awesome.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️ Seller Beware: Pricing Models That Can Break Your BusinessLinks mentioned in part two:https://untools.co/https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/the-cognitive-bias-codex-a-visual-of-180-cognitive-biases/If you want to be inspired by Seth Godin, please read https://seths.blog/2020/05/dancing-with-tech/Libpixel sponsors this episode of the Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Balsamiq provides this sponsored airtime. Please check out both — they're awesome.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Not All Subscriptions Are Equal: Offer Yearly Plans from the StartThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder Podcast is sponsored by Treendly. This sponsored airtime is provided by Balsamiq. Please check out both — they're awesome.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️ Not All Subscribers Are Equal: How to Deal with Plans That No Longer Work- ✍️ Profit-Sharing as Employee Compensation for BootstrappersThis episode of the Bootstrapp ed Founder Podcast is sponsored by DrawSQL. This sponsored airtime is provided by Balsamiq. Please check out both — they're awesome.

You can find the promo code provided the sponsor of this show, Balsamiq, right here.

Arvid talks about the kinds of misalignments that can trouble your business.

Arvid explains how to make your service noticeably better for the majority of your users without making the product harder to use.

Arvid talks feature prioritization: Scoring, the Kano Model, and Story Mapping — how and why they work.

Arvid talks about how to create repeatable, reliable, and resilient processes and systems for your business.

Arvid explains the core attributes that make products stick around: focus, simplicity, and extensibility.

You can find the full article at Making Tech Choices: Don’t Add Risk to an Already Risky Business.

Arvid shares an actionable framework for deciding if you should build or buy (and the mistakes he made in the past).

The article for this episode can be found on The Bootstrapped Founder blog.

Arvid explains how to release software effectively and safely.

Arvid talks about how he dealt with anxiety when running FeedbackPanda.

Arvid talks about transparency, open data, and why bootstrappers usually stop sharing information about their businesses.

Arvid talks about how you can make sure you're still solving the right problem for the right people and if you still enjoy it.

Arvid explains what an MVP is, how to scope and time it, and what should go into a successful product.

Arvid talks about how you can find out if your potential acquirer is a good candidate, and what the red flags are.

Arvid talks about the kinds of churn founders will encounter, and which ones are actually welcome.

Arvid talks about the FeedbackPanda customer service system allowed them to run the business with 0 employees.

Arvid talks about the weird conversations you will have as a founder, and how to deal with them.

Arvid talks about why software products are never finished, and which kinds of changes you can expect to make.

Arvid explains the kinds of imaginary responsibilities he encountered in his business and how to deal with them.

Arvid talks about how to price aspirationally, underpricing, overpricing, and how much initial prices really matter.

Arvid talks about what to look out for when choosing a co-founder and his experience with his co-founders, good and bad.

Arvid talks about what makes a problem painful, what kinds of pains there are, and what questions you should be asking your prospective customers to find them.

Arvid shows how you can discover the risks your solution poses to the workflow of your prospective customers.

Arvid talks about how you can find meaningful numbers to help you pick the right market for your bootstrapped SaaS. For B2B, B2BC, and B2C markets, he shows you how you can get the most accurate figures.

Arvid talks about the right kinds of markets for bootstrapped businesses, what qualities they should have and how markets can change for better or worse.

You can find the article for this episode here.

You can find the article for this episode here.

You can find the article for this episode here.

You can find this article on The Bootstrapped Founder blog under the name Problem Validation: Making Sure You’re Talking To The Right People.

In the first episode of The Bootstrapped Founder podcast, Arvid talks about starting, running, and selling FeedbackPanda, his crooked career path, and what listeners can expect from future episodes of the podcast.