Arvid Kahl talks about starting and bootstrapping businesses, how to build an audience, and how to build in public.
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233: Entrepreneurship isn't genetic. It’s memetic.
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
232: Andrew McIntosh — First-Generation Entrepreneurs
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.
231: Responding Fast to Customers — A Good Idea?
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
230: Moritz Dausinger — Serial Indie Entrepreneurship
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?
229: Utility, Pricing, and Entrepreneurship
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
228: Kevin McArdle — The Man Who Changed My Life (and Could Change Yours)
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
227: Self-Censorship on Twitter
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
226: Paul Millerd — Walking The Pathless Path
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
225: Twitter Teardowns: 3 Low Hanging Fruit to Massively Improve Your Twitter Presence
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
224: Dr. Julie Gurner — Founder Mental Health 101
"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
223: How to Build in Public Without Revealing Too Much
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
222: Joe Masilotti — Building in Public and Monetizing Open Source
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
221: Why Entrepreneurs are Choosing 'Short-Lived Businesses' Over 'Forever Businesses
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!
220: Simon Høiberg — Building a SaaS That Works for You
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.
219: ∀𝑦∃𝑥 ≠ ∃𝑥∀𝑦: The Dangerous Misconception Founders Have About Their Market
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!