Arvid Kahl talks about starting and bootstrapping businesses, how to build an audience, and how to build in public.
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296: Yong-Soo Chung — Surviving Serial Entrepreneurship
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
295: Forever Business or Exit?
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
294: RoxCodes — Building Dreams and Letting Go
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
293: Local AI
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
292: Josh Pigford — The Open-Source Transformation of Maybe
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
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