Arvid Kahl talks about starting and bootstrapping businesses, how to build an audience, and how to build in public.
291: To Pivot or Not to Pivot
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
290: Spencer Patterson — Mastering Market Niches and Startup Growth
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
289: Rethinking the Creator Economy
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
288: Thibault Louis-Lucas — Selling a $10M SaaS and Building Another One
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
287: White Glove Onboarding
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
286: Asia Orangio — Crafting a Growth Blueprint for Emerging Startups
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
285: Voices of Influence: How Expert Feedback Shapes SaaS Success
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
284: Kasey Jones — The Art of Strategic Self-Revelation in the Digital Age
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
283: Business Validation Traps
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
282: Kevon Cheung — Embracing Vulnerability in Startup Culture
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
281: AI and the Future of SaaS
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
280: Dominic Monn — Crafting a Thriving Online Mentorship Community
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
279: Fear-Setting my SaaS: What’s Enough?
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
278: Nicolas Cole — Harnessing the Written Word for Profit
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
277: NoCode, AI, and the Future of Software Entrepreneurship
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