Arvid Kahl talks about starting and bootstrapping businesses, how to build an audience, and how to build in public.
261: Accessibility for Profit
Accessibility is one of the most overlooked aspects of being a creator, but it is an incredibly powerful tool to make long-term friends and, ultimately, more money.Today, we’ll dive into how creators can leverage being accessible as a driver for growth.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/accessibility-for-profit/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3179a05cThe video: https://youtu.be/IJlgfUQFTFoYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com
260: Milly Tamati — The Power and Potential of Generalists
We hire specialists. Deep knowledge in one field, not many skills in all the others. We value and celebrate specialists with promising career paths, titles, and promotions.Can generalists exist in a world of such intricate and complex work requirements?The person who made me realize that it's possible is Milly Tamati, a staunch defender and empoweress of generalists all over the world. I chatted with Milly about the employability of people who don’t fit into a category, why generalists are the puzzle pieces that allow organizations to destroy knowledge silos, and how incredibly powerful a community of generalists can be.Join me on The Bootstrapped Founder this week as I talk to Milly Tamati about The Generalists’ World.00:00:00 The Rise of Generalists00:07:55 Generalists in Workforce Diversity00:18:49 Building and Cultivating a Generalist Community00:30:42 Building a Community and Evaluating Opportunities00:40:12 Community and Success in Unconventional Paths00:45:49 Announcing the Launch of a PodcastMilly on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillyTamatiGeneralist World: https://www.generalist.world/The Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/generallycurious/The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/milly-tamati-the-power-and-potential-of-generalists/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/bef7a764The video: https://youtu.be/Cll1GMGzLNQYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:00) - The Rise of Generalists (07:55) - Generalists in Workforce Diversity (18:49) - Building and Cultivating a Generalist Community (30:42) - Building a Community and Evaluating Opportunities (40:12) - Community and Success in Unconventional Paths (45:49) - Announcing the Launch of a Podcast
259: Monetizing Micro-Communities
Today, I explore the world of microcommunities - small, but incredibly lucrative communities. I examine how microcommunities are different from general online communities, and how they offer valuable opportunities for creators to distribute and monetize their work. I discuss the income-generating potential of being part of, or even starting, these microcommunities, and how the key lies in their single-minded focus on a specific topic. With an interaction between members and progress that is much more visible, micro-communities inspire and educate new members more quickly and create a meaningful exchange.I dive into the close-knit nature of micro-communities and how this creates a powerful bond between members. I examine how monetization opportunities exist for both the creator and members of the community, and how these opportunities can be used to create a successful business. There's a deep-dive into the potential risks of micro-communities, too, such as the potential for echo chambers and exclusion of certain demographics.00:00:00 The Power of Micro-communities for Creators00:04:21 Micro Communities and MonetizationThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/monetizing-micro-communities/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2a070357The video: https://youtu.be/OyYflYH2a5YYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com
258: Aaron Francis — The Power of Sharing Expertise
Journey with me as we dive deep into Aaron Francis' transformation from a coder to a teacher. Discover the intricate dance of building in the open. Aaron lays bare his path, detailing how he crafted his screencasting masterclass and managed to balance his day job, side hustle, and family life, all while forging his unique brand.In this episode, we unpack the looming shadow of criticism and how the mere thought of being ridiculed can paralyze many of us. The paradox? Embracing this very fear might open doors you never imagined. Aaron shares his first-hand experiences, launching courses, the strategies that amplified his voice, and the seismic shift in public sharing from the days before social media to now. And if you've been itching to share your know-how through video or sound, we've got a trove of tips to boost your confidence. Dive in.Aaron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/aarondfrancisAaron's Screencasting course: https://screencasting.com/ (non-affiliate) & https://screencasting.com?aff=PXErZ (affiliate)00:00:01 Master Screen Casting and Build Publicly00:05:03 Building in Public00:12:57 Overcoming Fear of Criticism00:19:02 Sharing Expertise Through Video and Audio00:25:39 Video Content00:30:26 Improving Screencasting Techniques00:43:18 Balancing Sacrifices and Pursuing PassionThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/aaron-francis-the-power-of-sharing-expertise/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/d97a24b9The video: https://youtu.be/QQwfzO42X9gYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:01) - Master Screen Casting and Build Publicly (05:03) - Building in Public (12:57) - Overcoming Fear of Criticism (19:02) - Sharing Expertise Through Video and Audio (25:39) - Video Content (30:26) - Improving Screencasting Techniques (43:18) - Balancing Sacrifices and Pursuing Passion
257: Proof of Work: How Indie Founders Build Defensible Businesses
Ever felt annoyed seeing someone else selling a copy of something you made? It's a problem many small business owners face. Today, I'm diving into how to protect your ideas and keep others from copying them. It's not just about having a great product. I'll show you how to strengthen your business by reaching more people and making a name for yourself. Being active online and sharing your work can make a big difference.Also, having a business isn't just about protecting your ideas, but making smart decisions. Building real connections can help spread the word about your products. I'll talk about the importance of helping others and how it benefits you in return. By the end of this episode, you'll know how to protect your work and make it stand out in the community. This will help you learn how to grow a business that's both safe from copycats and gets attention. It's not just about selling things, but sharing your ideas and being known. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/proof-of-work-how-indie-founders-build-defensible-businessesThe podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a6ed07dfThe video: https://youtu.be/Tcc1AwkWwwwYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com
256: Brennan Dunn — This Is Personal
This is a masterclass in personalized marketing. Brennan even convinces me to ramp up my own efforts!Listen in as I uncover the power of personalized marketing with Brennan Dunn, author of 'This is Personal.' Brennan offers valuable insights into how indie hackers and solopreneurs can best learn about their customers and utilize that knowledge for revenue generation. He explores why personalization works, how audience segmentation should be done, and where data collection should start, providing you with a wealth of knowledge to transform your marketing strategies.Brennan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/brennandunn00:00:00 Personalized Marketing for Indie Hackers00:05:02 Segmenting Audience for Better Marketing00:10:19 Importance of Personalized Questions in Data Collection00:20:35 Segmentation and Survey Funnels in Marketing00:32:10 AI's Role in Personalized Marketing Future00:37:59 ChatGPT for Data Analysis and Writing00:47:02 Personalization and E-Commerce Recommendations00:52:04 Personalized Book Recommendations for MarketingThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/brennan-dunn-this-is-personal/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3f36312eThe video: https://youtu.be/oPNhJvcvb0AYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:00) - Personalized Marketing for Indie Hackers (05:02) - Segmenting Audience for Better Marketing (10:19) - Importance of Personalized Questions in Data Collection (20:35) - Segmentation and Survey Funnels in Marketing (32:10) - AI's Role in Personalized Marketing Future (37:59) - ChatGPT for Data Analysis and Writing (47:02) - Personalization and E-Commerce Recommendations (52:04) - Personalized Book Recommendations for Marketing
255: Pet Rock Projects (And Why They… Rock)
Are you tired of the mainstream narrative that success as a software developer can only be pegged to the scale of your projects or the economic output of your code? This episode of Bootstrap Founder challenges that perception. With a focus on the inspiring journey of indie hacker Tony Dinh, we delve into the beauty of simple, practical solutions. Rather than grandeur and disruption, we explore the significance of niche appeal and how meaningful success can be achieved outside the realms of billion-dollar businesses. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/pet-rock-projects-and-why-they-rockThe podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/37a91c4dThe video: https://youtu.be/bpeazTXh6uAYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com
254: Aprilynne Alter — Behind the Scenes of a Successful YouTuber
Unearth the secrets of YouTube monetization and growth in our conversation with YouTube creator Aprilynne Alter. Prepare to be enlightened as Aprilynne reveals her journey, from retaking control of her editing process to experimenting with an array of content styles and formats. We dive into her daring exploration of NFTs and the groundbreaking transformation that led her to focus her content on educating others about YouTube.We'll take you on a journey through the strategies that make YouTube an effective distribution platform. From carefully curating topics, titles, and thumbnails to creating your own monetizing product, we discuss the art of packaging videos for optimal appeal. Gain insights from Aprilynne's experience as she transitioned from producing multiple average-quality videos to focusing on crafting one high-quality video per week. We talk about the striking balance between content quality and quantity, and the crucial role of consistency for content creators.Rounding up, we explore the vital aspects of mental health and productivity in the life of a creator. Aprilynne candidly shares her personal experience of moving to San Francisco, and how it impacted her productivity and overall well-being. We highlight the importance of creating an ideal workspace to foster creativity. Aprilynne gives us a glimpse of her creative space, her morning routine, and how an inspiring city view plays a role in maintaining her creativity. It's an engaging and insightful episode packed with practical tips and lessons from Aprilynne's journey as a YouTube creator. Don't miss it!Aprilynne on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AprilynneAlterAprilynne on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AprilynneAlter00:00:00 YouTube Editing and Experimentation Insights00:13:32 Understanding YouTube Monetization and Content Strategy00:26:45 Navigating Titles and Thumbnails on YouTube00:38:58 Finding the Balance00:49:39 Creating a Productive and Creative WorkspaceThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/aprilynne-alter-behind-the-scenes-of-a-successful-youtuber/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/55e1e979The video: https://youtu.be/wFJEQKvaXRcYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com
253: Focusing on Customer Retention Features
Buckle up for a voyage into the intricate world of software feature decision-making! Promising to equip you with insights from my journey, this episode helps you navigate the choppy waters of determining which attributes to include in your software business and which ones to abandon. We'll unravel my personal blueprint for assessing feature requests and enhancements, with a particular focus on the crucial understanding of 'the job to be done.' Together, we'll dissect the correlation between feature alignment and customer retention, and you'll gain clarity on the two critical factors that weigh in when assessing the importance of a feature - workflow inputs and workflow outputs. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/focusing-on-customer-retention-features/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1f7ff7fThe video: https://youtu.be/llsICCu2Af8You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com
252: Erica Schneider — Build Your Personal Platform (And Not Just a Brand)
Getting started often brings valuable lessons that shape our paths in life; my chat with Erica Schneider, an expert in building authentic personal platforms, is a testament to this. We navigated the terrain of creating an authentic personal brand, focusing on the courage it takes to do so and the power of authenticity in the digital realm. Erica's journey from persona to person, the struggles with online negativity, and her triumphant return to authenticity offer profound insights for anyone aspiring to cultivate a genuine online presence.We dove into the fascinating world of audience building, stressing the importance of resilience amidst criticism. With Erica’s rich wisdom on the subject, we discussed practical strategies to engage audiences and maintain personal authenticity online. Erica’s knack for writing shone through as we discussed how well-crafted words can create connections and open doors.Erica on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ericasmyname/00:00:00 Building an Authentic Personal Platform00:09:50 Authenticity Journey and Tackling Trolls00:17:08 Building an Audience Through Writing00:26:46 Social Media00:33:13 Authentic Online Platforms00:40:58 Planning a Cohort and Future Learnings00:52:00 Writing InsightsThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/erica-schneider-build-your-personal-platform-and-not-just-a-brand/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/8bf956a0The video: https://youtu.be/imLa8gJJuhsYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:00) - Building an Authentic Personal Platform (09:50) - Authenticity Journey and Tackling Trolls (17:08) - Building an Audience Through Writing (26:46) - Social Media (33:13) - Authentic Online Platforms (40:58) - Planning a Cohort and Future Learnings (52:00) - Writing Insights
251: What I Learned From 250 Podcast Episodes
It's time to celebrate! This podcast has just reached 250 episodes, and I have a few lessons to share from along the way.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/what-i-learned-from-250-podcast-episodes/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/657e0da2The video: https://youtu.be/9KTS-bJx5R0You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com
250: Amanda Goetz — The Antidote to Hustle Culture
I finally got to talk to Amanda Goetz, a marketer-turned-full-time-creator, who's generously poured out her wisdom on navigating the creator economy. Amanda's journey from corporate life to the creator economy is filled with valuable lessons about embracing awkward self-promotion, overcoming 'Cringe Valley', and the journey of (maybe?) writing a book. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to carve out a calm niche in a world full of "hustle culture," or just for those curious about the behind-the-scenes of a first-time author getting into book publishing.I didn't set out to chat about writing books, but it was too exciting an opportunity: Amanda announced that she's writing a book! Amanda has walked the tightrope of maintaining authenticity while engaging with the book publishing industry's commercial demands, and she shares this experience with us. We get into the nitty-gritty of dealing with Imposter Syndrome, understanding the angle publishers are looking for, and using hype effectively. It's a deep-dive into the business side of books, the choices of self-publishing or seeking an agent, and the journey towards finding validation in our creative endeavors.But it's not all hustle and bustle; we also touch on the vital importance of rest and self-care in our lives. Amanda talks about how crucial it is for creators to set boundaries on social media, carefully choosing what aspects of their lives to share. We learn about the balance between sharing personal and private moments, with invaluable insights from Amanda's own experience, including the trauma of a social media hack and the importance of diversifying platforms. So, tune in for a candid, comprehensive, and genuinely helpful discussion on thriving in the creator economy.Amanda on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AmandaMGoetz Amanda's Newsletter:https://www.amandagoetz.com/Amanda's Instagram: http://instagram.com/goetzam00:00:01 Finding Balance in the Creator Economy00:11:45 Exploring Niche Markets and Writing Books00:17:40 Imposter Syndrome in the Publishing Business00:25:28 The Importance of Rest and Self00:41:02 Boundaries and Authenticity on Social Media00:49:07 Creator's Social Media Hack LessonsThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/amanda-goetz-the-antidote-to-hustle-culture/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2af3083cThe video: https://youtu.be/DKFBGozqz_cYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com (00:01) - Finding Balance in the Creator Economy (11:45) - Exploring Niche Markets and Writing Books (17:40) - Imposter Syndrome in the Publishing Business (25:28) - The Importance of Rest and Self-Care (41:02) - Boundaries and Authenticity on Social Media (49:07) - Creator's Social Media Hack Lessons
249: Avoiding the Entrepreneurial Planning Trap
Three mistakes are common when early-stage founders plan their strategy: scoping, revenue sources, and lack of validation. Let's dive into why we trip up on these issues and what to do about it.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/avoiding-the-entrepreneurial-planning-trap/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/e2bb7424The video: https://youtu.be/oGLf5YqXdA8You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com
248: Ruben Gamez — Cracking the E-Signature Market
Get ready to revolutionize your SaaS product signup process with some unique strategies, insights, and actionable tips from our much-awaited conversation with Ruben Gamez. We delve into Ruben’s innovative practices — temporary changes to the signup process, leveraging surveys for data collection, and dealing with competitors in the e-signature business. We dissect the world of customer segmentation, the merits and demerits of freemium, and effective ways to solicit customer feedback. Listen closely as we unravel how Ruben sprinkles just the right dose of friction in the signup process to maximize conversions.In the latter half of our chat, we grapple with the recurring challenge in SaaS: revenue vs. customer acquisition. We underscore the importance of decoding customer needs and use cases early on and the hurdles in churning income in the initial stages of software launches. Hear it from Ruben, as he shares his vast experience in the field, making this conversation a treasure trove for anyone, from early-stage startups to established companies, intrigued by the world of SaaS. So why wait? Tune in to this conversation and prepare to take your SaaS game to a whole new level.Ruben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/earthlingworks00:00:00 Introduction00:01:38 Alternating Low-Touch & High-Touch 00:06:18 When to start surveying customers00:12:40 Cancellation interviews00:16:25 Finding insights from interviews00:22:36 JTBD00:26:08 Running two SaaS businesses00:30:08 Competing in the e-Signature market00:34:46 Word-of-mouth marketing00:40:33 Book recommendations for indie hackers00:49:33 Managing a small teamThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/248-ruben-gamez-cracking-the-e-signature-market/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/74b243f9The video: https://youtu.be/BSf_M2US1o4You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comThis episode is sponsored by Acquire.com
247: You’re Not “Too Late”: Capitalizing on Pre-Validated Ideas
Have you ever felt deflated upon discovering that your brilliant business idea already exists in the market? Well, you're not alone. I'm Arvid Kahl, and I argue that this should be viewed as a robust validation signal rather than a reason to abandon your idea. We delve into how competition indicates interest and a potential market for your product. We'll also discuss how this presents a unique opportunity, especially for solopreneurs and indie hackers, to make different choices that appeal to unsatisfied customers. On the path of entrepreneurship, we often face a myriad of choices. In this episode, we unpack the concept of path dependency and how it locks existing businesses into specific niches or ways of problem-solving. We delve into how this provides an opportunity for you, the indie hacker, to identify unmet needs in the market and create a better solution tailored to those needs. We further explore the importance of setting aside your ego and focusing on satisfying unfulfilled demands rather than chasing the over-glorified founder dream. So, take a seat, open your mind, and join us as we explore the power of validation and path dependency. Don't chase the dream, chase validation!The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/youre-not-too-late-capitalizing-on-pre-validated-ideas/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/77cbb759The video: https://youtu.be/G8RJ2l5AyFMYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comFind me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com