The Bootstrapped Founder (Arvid Kahl)
Explorez tous les épisodes de The Bootstrapped Founder
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Mar 2021 | 77: The Goals of Audience-Building | 00:17:10 | |
The Goals of Audience-Building The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold. | |||
| 26 Feb 2020 | 11. Your Initial Pricing Will Never Be Right, But Try Anyway | 00:19:16 | |
Arvid talks about how to price aspirationally, underpricing, overpricing, and how much initial prices really matter.
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| 13 Sep 2024 | 346: When Podcasts Attack: The Unexpected Challenges of External Data | 00:25:41 | |
It started with a minor refactoring. It ended with an avalanche that almost caused an infrastructure explosion. From code to collapse — and a few weeks of frantic restoration. That's what Podscan was for the last 2 weeks. Here's why dealing with external data and its scale can be very dangerous for indie founders. This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/when-podcasts-attack-the-unexpected-challenges-of-external-data/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/346-when-podcasts-attack-the-unexpected-challenges-of-external-data
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 14 Apr 2023 | 207: ChatGPT: Goldmine or Minefield for Indie Hackers? | 00:19:44 | |
ChatGPT is everywhere. But can we build businesses on it? What risks will we face? Let's dive into the future of entrepreneurship in a world where AI is ubiquitous. My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fm The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/chatgpt-goldmine-or-minefield-for-indie-hackers/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/efd69983 The video: https://youtu.be/J4eNi1uqxUI You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 18 Apr 2025 | 386: One Year of Podscan: Reflecting on Tech & Business Decisions | 00:24:23 | |
This week, I'm sharing behind-the-scenes choices that allowed Podscan's growth from a small experiment to a thriving business. I'll delve into the choices I've made and how some have worked better than others. I'll explore the key decisions that have driven our success, such as selecting the right tools and technology, and utilizing AI to enhance the efficiency of our processes. Join me to learn how these choices, along with important upgrades and strategic partnerships, have contributed to our achievements. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/one-year-of-podscan-reflecting-on-tech-business-decisions/ Check out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fm You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 04 Jun 2021 | 87: The Line Between Stealing and Being Inspired | 00:11:11 | |
- The Line Between Stealing and Being Inspired The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur. | |||
| 03 Apr 2023 | Bonus: Arvid on "First Class Founders" by Yong-Soo Chung | 00:36:18 | |
This is probably the most concentrated and well-produced podcast I've been on in a long while. And I want to share it with you here today as a bonus episode. Kudos to @YongSooChung for putting his money where his mic is. He spent a lot of time, money, and energy to make this episode happen. This is a great ep, and if want to learn about my whole founder journey, I recommend a listen. Here's the original show: https://www.firstclassfounders.com/life-changing-wisdom-with-arvid-kahl-from-selling-a-saas-business-to-becoming-a-creator/ Yong-Soo Chung on Twitter: https://twitter.com/YongSooChung | |||
| 29 Nov 2024 | 358: Love Is For Those Who Love the Work | 00:10:01 | |
AI was supposed to do our chores while we write prose and compose symphonies. Why is it composing our music and writing our books now, while WE do the chores? As software founders, we have a special responsibility — after all, we're the ones crafting a new reality of AI empowerment. But here's the thing: an AI does not love its work. It can't. And that's a problem. Today, I'll dive into how we can solve this. Oh, and before you get into it: Podscan is running a 30%-off Black Friday Deal — use "BLACKFRIDAY" during checkout for a full year of discount on any plan. This episode is sponsored by Paddle.com — if you're looking for a payment platform that works for you so you can focus on what matters, check them out. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/love-is-for-those-who-love-the-work/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/358-love-is-for-those-who-love-the-work
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 27 Aug 2021 | 99: Of Tangibility and Lawnmowers | 00:15:38 | |
- Of Tangibility and Lawnmowers
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| 21 Mar 2025 | 382: I went to MicroConf in New Orleans | 00:16:13 | |
And I have a few things to say. In one of my rare directly-from-the-hotel-room-to-you episodes, I'll dive right into the many wonderful experiences of this uniquely amazing conference, and I'll share my biggest learnings with you right here. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/i-went-to-microconf-in-new-orleans/ Check out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fm You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 17 Jun 2022 | 141: Founder Stories are Powerful Assets | 00:13:11 | |
- Founder Stories are Powerful Assets This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire.
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| 08 Jan 2025 | 368: Johannes Jäschke — From Hypnosis Innovation to Business Exit | 00:36:46 | |
Johannes Jäschke is a pioneer in the intersection of technology and mental health. From a college seminar to the forefront of digital well-being, Johannes developed Hypnu, a hypnosis app that gained significant traction during the pandemic. His innovative approach offered an alternative to traditional methods, addressing insomnia and anxiety without side effects. After successfully exiting Hypnu, Johannes continues to inspire with his journey through the competitive startup world, exploring how he transformed an academic idea into a practical tool that changed lives. We also examine the nuanced differences between hypnosis and meditation, shedding light on how Hypnu distinguishes itself in the crowded digital wellness market. Johannes shares invaluable advice for aspiring non-technical founders, drawing from his personal experiences and the challenges he overcame to create a successful mental health solution. Join us for an insightful discussion that reveals the intricacies of entrepreneurship and the impact of technology on mental health.
The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/johannes-jaschke-from-hypnosis-innovation-to-business-exit/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/368-johannes-jaschke-from-hypnosis-innovation-to-business-exit
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 20 Sep 2024 | 347: The AI-Powered Solopreneur | 00:50:30 | |
AI is revolutionizing the way I work as a solopreneur. So why not share exactly how I use it? You'll hear how I use AI tools for everything from coding to marketing, and how they've become my secret weapon for punching above my weight. I also get into the nitty-gritty of the challenges and limitations of AI, and how I navigate them. If you're curious about how AI can supercharge your solo business, this episode's got you covered. And stick around for my thoughts on the future of AI in software development - I think you'll find it pretty exciting! This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-ai-powered-solopreneur/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/347-the-ai-powered-solopreneur
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 08 May 2024 | 318: Louie Bacaj — Betting Small to Win Big | 00:40:29 | |
Louie Bacaj (@LBacaj), once a Walmart engineer, made a bold career shift into the unpredictable world of venture capitalism and entrepreneurship. Now a co-leader of a thriving community for bootstrapped entrepreneurs, Louie reveals how the 'small bets' philosophy guides individuals toward financial freedom and fulfillment. Together with Daniel Vassallo, he has created a unique space that thrives on exclusivity and practicality, challenging the traditional go-big-or-go-home mentality. Reflecting on our shared transition from engineer to entrepreneur, we explore how small yet strategic side projects, a safety net of real estate investments, and the monetization of expertise can provide a mosaic of possibilities for those on the verge of leaving their day jobs. Join us as we uncover how integrating AI tools like GPT and Claude Opus helps our community members elevate content creation and make a difference. With inspiration from Sam Walton's step-by-step success, we see how impactful small bets can be. This journey isn't just about building businesses—it's about creating lives that align with our values. Tune in to hear great stories, strategies, and successes! 00:00:00 From Engineer to Entrepreneur 00:11:43 Transition From Engineering to Entrepreneurship 00:20:27 Diverse Business Strategies and AI Implementation 00:25:31 Advancing AI in Business Operations 00:31:25 Building Success Through Small Bets 00:39:48 Supporting Founder's Podcast and Books This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/louie-bacaj-betting-small-to-win-big/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/318-louie-bacaj-betting-small-to-win-big The video: https://youtu.be/-c_Nh5_RbTg You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 29 Oct 2021 | 108: Building in Public: Balancing Building and Sharing | 00:12:53 | |
- Building in Public: Balancing Building and Sharing
The guest sponsor this week is Typesense. If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/ | |||
| 11 Jun 2021 | 88: Properties of an Interesting Problem | 00:12:05 | |
- Properties of an Interesting Problem The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur. | |||
| 23 Apr 2021 | 81: All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Navigating Bootstrapping Advice | 00:14:04 | |
- All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Navigating Bootstrapping Advice The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold. | |||
| 03 Jul 2024 | 333: Kitze — Juggling Projects, ADHD, and the Indie Hacker Lifestyle | 00:45:16 | |
@Kitze, a Serial indie hacker and entrepreneur, shares his journey through a landscape filled with multiple projects like Sizzy, a browser for developers, Benji, a productivity app, and a comprehensive full-stack video course. Kitze opens up about how his ADHD diagnosis has shaped his work ethic and productivity, revealing the personal motivations behind creating tools like Benji. True indie hacker fashion: he built a tool that he needed for himself. And that kickstarted a lot of other things. 00:00:00 Building Benji This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/kitze-juggling-projects-adhd-and-the-indie-hacker-lifestyle/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/333-kitze-juggling-projects-adhd-and-the-indie-hacker-lifestyle You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 09 Jul 2021 | 92: The Myth of the Immediate Payoff | 00:08:14 | |
- The Myth of the Immediate Payoff The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur. | |||
| 21 Feb 2025 | 377: Virality is Poisonous | 00:11:16 | |
The most insidious consequence of chasing virality isn't that it makes you look foolish; it's that you're actively poisoning your precious audience. Here's what "playing the algorithm" might do to (instead of for) your personal and professional brand. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/virality-is-poisonous/ Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 09 Feb 2024 | 293: Local AI | 00:16:52 | |
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.
The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/local-ai-for-software-founders/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/293-local-ai
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 22 Apr 2022 | 133: You Don’t Need to be an Extrovert to Build in Public — an Introvert’s Perspective | 00:10:48 | |
- You Don’t Need to be an Extrovert to Build in Public — an Introvert’s Perspective
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| 13 May 2022 | 136: Choose Your Own Adventure: Creator, Curator, Commentator, or Connector | 00:18:09 | |
- Choose Your Own Adventure: Creator, Curator, Commentator, or Connector
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| 23 Feb 2024 | 297: Payment Platforms for Solopreneurs | 00:17:24 | |
Making money is hard. But even TAKING money takes some careful decision-making. Let's dive into payment platforms for solopreneurs today. Between Stripe, Paddle, and Lemon Squeezy (and then some), we have plenty of choices. But what matters most to people who already juggle 14 different jobs? I'll share what makes these platforms great, useful, and occasionally problematic for indie founders. This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/payment-platforms-for-solopreneurs/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/297-payment-platforms-for-solopreneurs
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 24 May 2023 | 218: Evelyn J. Starr — The Evolution of a Brand | 00:49:49 | |
Evelyn J. Starr is a brand-building expert. We talk about finding the right niche, having a community-centric long-term perspective, and how brands evolve —you might call it “grow up”— over time. Here’s Evelyn. My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fm Evelyn's Twitter: https://twitter.com/EvelynJStarr The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/evelyn-j-starr-the-evolution-of-a-brand/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/69cc34f4 The video: https://youtu.be/CTKESAugLP8 You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 16 Apr 2021 | 80: SaaS, Self-Talk, and Many Small Bets | 00:14:06 | |
- SaaS, Self-Talk, and Many Small Bets The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold. | |||
| 30 Nov 2022 | 168: Jakob Greenfeld — Writing Your Way to Clarity | 00:58:58 | |
Today, I am talking to Jakob Greenfeld. I’ve been reading Jakobs blog posts for years now, and they’re as spicy as they’re thoughtful. There’s not a single post on there that feels unfinished. That’s quite impressive. Well, I think we’ll figure out why that is during our conversation. We’ll also chat about how to unlock critical thinking by writing and what it means to give yourself permission to do things your way. Here’s Jakob Greenfeld. This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire.
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| 19 Jul 2023 | 234: Jason Cohen — Two Exits & Two Unicorns | 01:04:59 | |
Are you a bootstrapper who's never considered raising investment money? Or maybe you're a die-hard VC-funded growth hacker who can't imagine running a business without that extra cash infusion. Either way, Jason Cohen's journey from bootstrapping to raising millions will give you a fresh perspective on the funding debate. Jason discusses his personal discovery of wanting a different journey with WP Engine, which led to raising money after two years of bootstrapping. We also uncover the importance of understanding your competitors instead of demonizing them, in order to develop a unique strategy for your own business.
00:00:00 Introduction Jason on Twitter: @asmartbear The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/jason-cohen-two-exits-two-unicorns/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b349aec5 The video: https://youtu.be/fMniLsLl5nc You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 10 Nov 2023 | 267: Risks and Rewards of Building on OpenAI | 00:13:25 | |
Should you build an indie business on top of OpenAI? Absolutely. It's not in OpenAI's interest to build niche solutions that compete with indie hacker startups. It's in their interest to enable them.
The community is caught up in a strange back-and-forth between “look at all these amazing opportunities” and “don’t build, OpenAI is just going to make your startup evaporate.” If you’re an indie hacker and you wonder which of these is actually helpful for your journey, I’ll try to help clear things up. This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com
The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3dacbb27 The video: https://youtu.be/kbnjbG2yfj4 You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 18 Jun 2021 | 89: Selfish vs. Selfless: Self-Promotion in Communities | 00:08:49 | |
- Selfish vs. Selfless: Self-Promotion in Communities The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur. | |||
| 25 Mar 2022 | 129: What Founders Can Learn from Professional WoW Gamers | 00:24:25 | |
- What Founders Can Learn from Professional WoW Gamers
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| 26 Jan 2024 | 289: Rethinking the Creator Economy | 00:30:17 | |
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.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/rethinking-the-creator-economy/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/289-rethinking-the-creator-economy You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 13 Mar 2020 | 22. How to Release as a Bootstrapper: Often, Early, and Safely | 00:29:19 | |
Arvid explains how to release software effectively and safely.
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| 14 Feb 2020 | 3. Make It Sell Itself: On Referral Systems | 00:48:35 | |
You can find the article for this episode here. | |||
| 28 Jun 2023 | 228: Kevin McArdle — The Man Who Changed My Life (and Could Change Yours) | 00:59:25 | |
Kevin McArdle bought my SaaS. For millions. And now, I get to talk to him about all things acquisition. In our chat, we discuss the importance of annual exit planning for startup founders, we explore the mindset and framework necessary for building a successful and sellable business, as well as the benefits of stepping outside of your normal workplace to think strategically. With practical advice and personal anecdotes, this conversation is a must-watch for any entrepreneur looking to achieve long-term success — and a big life-changing check at the end.
The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/kevin-mcardle-the-man-who-changed-my-life-and-could-change-yours/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/d938c4ce The video: https://youtu.be/Wx0hEK0zNPU You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com | |||
| 26 Apr 2023 | 210: Dr. Sherry Walling — The Reality of Burnout for Entrepreneurs | 00:54:46 | |
Few people had an impact on my founder journey as Dr. Sherry Walling — and she didn't even know. But I got to tell her! We discussed burnout, imposter syndrome, and stress among founders. Sherry explained the need for mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges of entrepreneurship and shared that burnout is a diagnosable issue. While entrepreneurs have more control over their work, long hours and hustle culture can still lead to burnout. Her book, "The Entrepreneur's Guide to Keeping Your Shit Together," helped me during a period of burnout while selling my business. Now, you get to learn from her and her deeply actionable insights into founder psychology. 00:00:00 Introduction to Sherry Walling 00:03:13 Mental health in the entrepreneur community. 00:09:17 Do entrepreneurs have control over their destiny? 00:15:22 How do you find good mastermind groups? 00:21:52 Mental health is not always called mental health 00:28:20 Grief is the emotional reaction to loss 00:34:06 You can have relationships with people who don’t get it. 00:40:24 Mental health apps are not a replacement for therapy. 00:45:59 Why aren’t more people talking about mental health?
My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fm The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/dr-sherry-walling-the-reality-of-burnout-for-entrepreneurs/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/dc436cce The video: https://youtu.be/hIwaExsScWk You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 07 Jan 2022 | 118: Building in Public: Maintaining a Positive Self-Image | 00:17:59 | |
- Building in Public: Maintaining a Positive Self-Image
Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. | |||
| 09 Jun 2023 | 223: How to Build in Public Without Revealing Too Much | 00:16:10 | |
Sharing your journey as an entrepreneur can be scary, but it's a great way to connect with your audience and demonstrate your expertise. Let's explore the difference between sharing business insights and trade secrets, and construct a Share/Don't Share list to help you decide what to share with your audience. My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fm The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/how-to-build-in-public-without-revealing-too-much/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/9ed43fa8 The video: https://youtu.be/iq_DetrM-DE You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 01 Apr 2022 | 130: Entrepreneurial Anti-Patterns — What to Avoid When You're Starting a Business | 00:14:38 | |
- Entrepreneurial Anti-Patterns — What to Avoid When You're Starting a Business
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| 01 May 2020 | 29. Build for Value, Not for Applause: Product Management Under Heavy Constraints | 00:24:40 | |
Arvid explains how to make your service noticeably better for the majority of your users without making the product harder to use.
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| 21 Jul 2023 | 235: The Bad Kind of Attention | 00:12:19 | |
Here the three common pitfalls that can sabotage your efforts to build a Twitter audience: transactional interactions, focusing on “free,” and a tonal mismatch. Learn how chasing virality, relying on transactional attention, and curating a negative tone can all backfire in the long run. Find out what kind of attention you should be seeking to build lasting relationships with your followers and grow your personal brand. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-bad-kind-of-attention/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/74843be8 The video: https://youtu.be/BGVSA1-B4AU You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com | |||
| 09 Mar 2020 | 19. Continuous Validation: Staying in Touch with Your Market | 00:19:58 | |
Arvid talks about how you can make sure you're still solving the right problem for the right people and if you still enjoy it.
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| 08 Sep 2023 | 249: Avoiding the Entrepreneurial Planning Trap | 00:13:51 | |
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 podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/e2bb7424 The video: https://youtu.be/oGLf5YqXdA8 You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com | |||
| 12 Jun 2020 | 35: Spreading the Word: How to Do Marketing on a Shoestring Budget | 00:27:56 | |
You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here: - ✍️ Spreading the Word: How to Do Marketing on a Shoestring Budget Feature Upvote sponsors this episode of the Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Balsamiq provides this sponsored airtime. Please check out both — they're awesome. | |||
| 25 Aug 2023 | 245: Take a Break | 00:25:35 | |
Instead of writing a lengthy article this week, I pointed my iPhone at my face, clipped on a wireless mic, put the puppy in the background of the shot, and hit record. I share my thoughts about forcing yourself to take breaks, even when you feel like you shouldn’t. I dive into the times in my life when that sentiment caused me massive mental health issues, and I point out a few misconceptions that contributed to that self-delusion. If you’re having trouble taking breaks, this is for you.
The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/218285c3 The video: https://youtu.be/lmPE0ZT37L8 You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com | |||
| 26 Apr 2024 | 315: MicroConf Atlanta — My Biggest Learnings | 00:19:06 | |
I went to MicroConf 2024 in Atlanta — here is what I learned. Literally. My brain just absorbed this. I recorded this episode minutes after waking up the day after the conference. And if you're wondering why my voice is so deep: I've been yelling SaaS stuff at nerds for 3 days straight. Enjoy. This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/microconf-atlanta-my-biggest-learnings/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/315-microconf-atlanta-my-biggest-learnings
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 28 Oct 2022 | 160: Operating a Calm SaaS Business | 00:18:40 | |
For most founders, running a business is juggling hot coals while riding on a unicycle. It's a stressful occupation, requiring constant vigilance, and offers barely any downtime to recover or relax.
- Operating a Calm SaaS Business - Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course
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| 08 Mar 2024 | 301: Podscan, One Month In (MRR, Expenses, Marketing Tactics) | 00:24:12 | |
Do you like revenue and expense numbers? I've been running my new SaaS podscan.fm for a month now. And today, I share all the facts and figures behind this first four weeks — the good, the undecided, and the bad.
The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/301-podscan-one-month-in-mrr-expenses-marketing-tactics
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 28 Apr 2023 | 211: Writing with a Nemesis: Using ChatGPT to Strengthen Your Arguments | 00:09:36 | |
Using ChatGPT as a writing partner helps strengthen arguments by acting as an editor, proofreader, and devil's advocate. It prompts the AI to provide counterpoints and can detect emotional subtext, highlight missing pieces of the argument, and suggest better examples. This adversarial writing approach with generative AI results in writing that is both in the author's voice and accessible to a wider readership. 00:00:14 Intro 00:01:33 ChatGPT as a writing buddy 00:03:13 Bias-busting with a Devil's Advocate 00:04:48 Other uses of ChatGPT 00:06:13 Fact-checking 00:07:22 Emotional arcs
The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/writing-with-a-nemesis-using-chatgpt-to-strengthen-your-arguments/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/562c4b5f The video: https://youtu.be/3Rk17om7crU You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 18 Oct 2023 | 260: Milly Tamati — The Power and Potential of Generalists | 00:51:18 | |
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.
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 Generalists Milly on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillyTamati
The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/bef7a764 The video: https://youtu.be/Cll1GMGzLNQ You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 07 Aug 2020 | 43: When You Reach Your Limits: Growing a Company Beyond the Founder(s) | 00:27:46 | |
You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here: - ✍️ When You Reach Your Limits: Growing a Company Beyond the Founder(s) The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold. | |||
| 24 Nov 2023 | 271: Arvid's Top 15 Book Recommendations for Founders | 00:15:51 | |
If you’re shopping for books this Black Friday, here are the 15 most impactful books I read before and during my SaaS founder journey. From entrepreneurship to marketing and customer interaction, you’ll have a lot to put on your Black Friday shopping list. My own work is available for 50% off on Gumroad for a few days, too. Use the code BFF for Zero to Sold, The Embedded Entrepreneur, and Find your Following.
The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/271-arvids-top-15-book-recommendations-for-founders The video: https://youtu.be/F9iIxqtvNUI You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 05 Apr 2023 | 204: Josh Spector — Saying Less and Making More | 00:59:56 | |
Most of Josh Spector's newsletter issues are just a few sentences. Sometimes, just a link. And still, advertisers and readers alike flock to Josh's emails. In our conversation, you will learn why brevity is so attractive, how to make sure you're telling the right stories to the right people, and how to build systems that keep people coming back for more. 00:00:00 How to think about scarcity 00:04:16 Josh's newsletter(s) 00:08:49 Ads that feel less like ads 00:12:21 Why you need to know what you want to sell 00:16:20 How Josh got started 00:22:02 Advertising is just another way for people to connect 00:26:32 Maintain and improve the quality of your audience 00:30:51 How to get people to subscribe to your newsletter 00:34:54 Why you need to shorten your email newsletter 00:39:28 How to use video as part of your content strategy 00:48:12 Empathy with the needs of your audience 00:51:31 Helping your reader 00:57:16 Having an audience centric approach to business
The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/josh-spector-saying-less-and-making-more/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/6bbf0f6e The video: https://youtu.be/AND8f7I_Tr0 You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 07 Apr 2023 | 205: Artificial Scarcity Damages the Creator Economy | 00:15:10 | |
Artificial scarcity, a marketing tactic that fosters urgency in customers, can lead to short-term financial gains but raises ethical concerns and negative consequences in the creator economy. Drawbacks include damaging relationships, promoting impulsive purchases, and exacerbating global inequality. While there are exceptions, such as outcome-oriented communities and front-loading financial gains, adopting an abundance mindset and cultivating genuine relationships is a more sustainable long-term strategy in the digital realm. My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fm The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/artificial-scarcity-damages-the-creator-economy/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/37d137db The video: https://youtu.be/0ypM30tG1Mg You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 07 Feb 2020 | 2. Problem Validation: Making Sure You’re Talking To The Right People | 00:41:58 | |
You can find this article on The Bootstrapped Founder blog under the name Problem Validation: Making Sure You’re Talking To The Right People. | |||
| 25 Sep 2020 | 50: Priming Your Business for Due Diligence | 00:48:31 | |
You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here: - ✍️ Priming Your Business for Due Diligence The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold. | |||
| 22 Jan 2025 | 371: Brian Sierakowski — Mastering Product Communication | 01:05:11 | |
Brian Sierakowski (@bsierakowski) has been busy over the last year: he started working on ChangeBot and TRMNL, and both projects are taking off. If you ever wondered what a good changelog looks like or why you might need one, this episode is for you. This episode is sponsored by Paddle.com — if you're looking for a payment platform that works for you so you can focus on what matters, check them out. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/brian-sierakowski-mastering-product-communication/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/317-brian-sierakowski-mastering-product-communication
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 02 Aug 2024 | “Working In” vs “Working On” the Business | 00:18:19 | |
I ran into a pretty substantial question this week. Am I working in my business, or am I working on my business? I've been spending so much time building features, talking to customers, – it's operational work in the trenches. It’s taking small steps, looking at the ground, instead of dreaming of giant leaps while gazing at the stars.
You'll hear it here today. This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/working-in-vs-working-on-the-business/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/working-in-vs-working-on-the-business
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 26 Nov 2021 | 112: Building in Public: Oversharing | 00:22:34 | |
- Building in Public: Oversharing The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur. | |||
| 06 Sep 2024 | 345: Scrape or Be Scraped | 00:20:03 | |
Welcome to the weird world of web scraping in the AI age, where founders have to protect their data from hungry AI companies but also need to collect information from all kinds of (not so) public APIs. Today, I dive into a particularly confusing situation I am in with Podscan when it comes to scraping and keeping the web free and open. This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/crawl-or-be-crawled/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/345-scrape-or-be-scraped
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 06 Jan 2023 | 179: Founder Mental Health Pitfalls | 00:24:56 | |
This week I chatted with Patrick Campbell about his exit of ProfitWell to Paddle for $200 million. One of the most mind-blowing things that I experienced during that conversation was hearing Patrick tell me that he feels he needs to build something else to prove that his exit -$200 million- was not just a fluke. I did not expect that, but I should have because I feel the same way all the time. And the more founders I talk to, whatever stage of their journey they might be on, I hear them tell me the same story too. Whether they just started out or sold their business for millions a few years ago, they still struggle with who they are, what they should be doing, and proving themselves and their worth to others. 00:00:00 Intro - Founder Mental Health Pitfalls This episode is sponsored by Senja. | |||
| 09 Nov 2022 | 162: Michele Hansen — Moving from Side Project to Full Time | 01:06:32 | |
I am talking to Michele Hansen, the co-founder of Geocodio, an indie SaaS business in the world of mapping and geolocation. I've been a fan of her work, both as a founder and as an active member of the Indie Hacker community for years now. I followed her journey with the business just as much as her foray into writing her first book, Deploy Empathy. Michelle really gets the founder community, and she's a respected teacher of all things customer development. In this episode, we chat about finding the right time to commit to a business, learning when to say no, finding your niche, and learning languages. Enjoy! You can find Michele on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mjwhansen/. Also, check out her book Deploy Empathy. Here is a short summary of the topics discussed in this episode: How do you set boundaries with a podcast? 3:08 How do you judge what you say against what someone else would perceive as useful for themselves? 9:23 How do you make sure you serve the right customers? 13:06 Focus on what you already have instead of where you can go. 19:47 Work in progress vs. goals. 23:13 The journey is the interesting part, not the destination. 28:54 The challenge of self-actualization after a big transition. 31:58 What was the sign that it was time to go full-time? 39:14 The financial hurdle of being an entrepreneur in the US. 42:35 Where the fear of losing everything comes from. 48:09 The mean voice in your head speaking. 51:43 Being able to recognize your own growth is a big part of entrepreneurship. 57:38 Low expectations allow you to surprise yourself, which leads to a better result. 1:00:47 This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire.
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| 24 Apr 2024 | 314: Nicolai Klemke — Switching Lanes: Physics PhD to Indie Hacker | 00:48:46 | |
Nicolai Klemke (@nicolaiklemke) is an Indie Hacker with a PhD in Physics. Talk about a career change! Nicolai shares his founder journey from learning how to code to making waves in the music industry. We chat about carving out a niche in the bustling AI market, honing in on a customer segment that has a need (and a budget!), and building a team to turn a hobby into a profitable business. Nicolai on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicolaiklemke 00:00:00 Indie Hacker Journey to AI Product
The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/nicolai-klemke-switching-lanes-physics-phd-to-indie-hacker/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/314-nicolai-klemke The video: https://youtu.be/s6j3y9SIzXc You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 30 Oct 2020 | 55: Customer Lock-In and "Insurance Features" | 00:22:31 | |
You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here: - ✍️ https://blog.checklyhq.com/setting-up-ssl-with-letsencrypt-for-saas-customers/ The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold. | |||
| 12 Feb 2021 | 70: When Your Business Gets Cloned | 00:22:26 | |
Here's the article for this episode: When Your Business Gets Cloned. The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold. | |||
| 27 Sep 2023 | 254: Aprilynne Alter — Behind the Scenes of a Successful YouTuber | 01:03:17 | |
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/@AprilynneAlter 00:00:00 YouTube Editing and Experimentation Insights The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/aprilynne-alter-behind-the-scenes-of-a-successful-youtuber/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/55e1e979 The video: https://youtu.be/wFJEQKvaXRc You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 08 Jul 2022 | 144: The Risks and Illusions of the "Post-Exit Retirement" | 00:10:35 | |
- The Risks and Illusions of the "Post-Exit Retirement" This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire.
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| 04 Dec 2024 | 359: Connor Turland: Pioneering the Future of Bookkeeping with Ceedar.ai | 00:47:18 | |
Connor Turland (@Entrecurious) is the prototypical software entrepreneur. He found a niche from a "prior life" and is now building an AI bookkeeping SaaS. Now, many founders struggle with bookkeeping, so this is your opportunity to learn more about the pitfalls and opportunities of that field from someone who speaks both "developer" and "bookkeeper." Here's Connor and how he is employing cutting-edge AI in an industry that is usually very resistant to change. Learn more about Connor at https://connorturland.com/ This episode is sponsored by Paddle.com — if you're looking for a payment platform that works for you so you can focus on what matters, check them out. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/connor-turland-pioneering-the-future-of-bookkeeping-with-ceedar-ai/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/359-connor-turland
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 06 Mar 2024 | 300: Marc Louvion — Becoming a Product Launch Beast | 00:53:55 | |
Marc Louvion (@marc_louvion) is the Maker of the Year 2023 and the visionary behind the innovative ShipFast. His product development philosophy emphasizes rapid shipping and focusing on feature-specific builds, which has transformed his approach to creating tech products. Utilizing platforms like ProductHunt for launches, Marc highlights the importance of pre-validation and community feedback in fine-tuning his products, illustrating his strategic and responsive methodology to product creation. In our insightful conversation —that at some point turns into a founder brainstorming session— Marc delves into the emotional nuances of creators who navigate various expressive avenues, from entrepreneurship to writing, and then returning to coding. His journey with ShipFast showcases the blend of strategic foresight and serendipity crucial for digital market success, alongside the continuous process of innovation. The discussion dive into the intricacies of building a community around a product, the challenges of SaaS businesses, and the significance of maintaining a work-life balance that incorporates personal interests, which in turn fosters a lifestyle that integrates personal well-being with technological advancement. Marc on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marc_louvion 00:00:00 Building and Launching 00:07:54 Building Startups, Creating Magic, Finding Success 00:13:41 Building a Community Around a Product 00:26:08 Building a Software Community Platform 00:32:25 Balancing Work and Life as Founders 00:41:43 Sharing Hobbies and Life Reflections This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/marc-louvion-becoming-a-product-launch-beast/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/300-marc-louvion-becoming-a-product-launch-beast The video: https://youtu.be/yFy1n1TPWNM You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 16 Dec 2023 | 277: NoCode, AI, and the Future of Software Entrepreneurship | 00:21:46 | |
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.
The 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-entrepreneurship You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 22 Nov 2024 | 357: (Free) Trial & Error | 00:16:24 | |
Today, I’ll dive into the difference between a trial user and a trial abuser and what you can do to invite the former and prevent the latter. This episode is sponsored by Paddle.com — if you're looking for a payment platform that works for you so you can focus on what matters, check them out. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/free-trial-error/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/357-free-trial-error
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 28 Aug 2024 | 344: Andrew Davies — The Power of a Merchant of Record | 00:42:40 | |
Andrew Davies (@andjdavies) runs marketing for Paddle, the payment provider that powers several of my businesses. They also recently ran an AI launchpad accelerator, which massively impacted the trajectory of my business, Podscan. It's about time we chat more about money on the pod. Today, I get to talk to Andrew about all things payment, why a Merchant of Record is something way too few bootstrappers leverage, and what the future holds for online payments. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/andrew-davies-the-power-of-a-merchant-of-record/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/343-andrew-davies-the-power-of-a-merchant-of-record
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 09 Dec 2022 | 171: Avoid Vanity Metrics | 00:12:56 | |
We've been taught to believe that creators are only truly successful when they reach the top echelon of their platform, with millions of followers and likes. But this is a false notion that doesn't accurately reflect what success looks like for creators — or what “success” is about in the first place.
This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. | |||
| 27 Jan 2023 | 185: The Monkey and the Pedestal | 00:08:42 | |
To increase your chances of success as an entrepreneur, think outside the box and expand your opportunity surface. This can be achieved by embracing activities that don't scale, diversifying inputs, and taking small steps toward achieving your goals. These strategies will help you create valuable connections, build strong relationships and gain valuable insights that will lead to success. 00:00:00 Laura's journey 00:01:10 The parable of the monkey and the pedestal. 00:02:28 A cultural problem 00:03:36 Reflecting on the monkey
If you're interested in Descript, go and check it out here. | |||
| 05 Apr 2024 | 309: Funded! | 00:27:08 | |
Big news! Podscan.fm, my B2B SaaS that alerts you when your keywords or topics are mentioned in any podcast anywhere, has received bootstrapper-aligned funding from Calm Company Fund. Booya! I share why I, ever the solopreneur bootstrapper, said yes to venture money, what that enables, what risks I see, and just exactly how this kind of non-crazy funding works. Calm Company SEAL: https://calmfund.com/shared-earnings-agreement This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/funded/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/309-funded
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 31 Dec 2021 | 117: What Founders Can Learn From Web3 Community-Building (And What They Can't) | 00:24:21 | |
- What Founders Can Learn From Web3 Community-Building (And What They Can't)
Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. | |||
| 20 May 2022 | 137: Should Freelancers Offer Free Trials? | 00:13:28 | |
- Should Freelancers Offer Free Trials? This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire.
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| 24 Feb 2020 | 9. Finding the Most Painful Problem in a Market | 00:39:50 | |
Arvid talks about what makes a problem painful, what kinds of pains there are, and what questions you should be asking your prospective customers to find them.
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| 01 Mar 2023 | 194: Matt Wensing — Publish Your Juicy Thoughts | 01:09:07 | |
Today, I’m talking to Matt Wensing — the founder behind Summit and tweeter of many often controversial things. We talk about bootstrapping a financial SaaS, how to deal with integrations, and when to take funding. Here’s Matt. 00:00:00 An exchange of stories The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/matt-wensing-publish-your-juicy-thoughts/ You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/ My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Find me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/ This interview is sponsored by Acquire.com | |||
| 08 Nov 2023 | 266: Sakshi Shukla — Understanding Identity and Being the Only One | 00:55:17 | |
Do you truly know yourself? Have you ever wondered about your multidimensional identity —the many layers of who we are and to whom— and the role it plays in finding your purpose? Well, Sakshi Shukla knows, and she's going to take you on her journey of self-discovery. Today, I delve into a profound conversation with Sakshi about her transformation from a medical professional to a successful content strategist, and the pivotal role self-awareness played in this journey. And of course, how she found purpose in all of this.
00:08:11 The Problem With Following Best Practices 00:14:51 Discovering Identity and Building Confidence 00:21:54 Forgiveness and Embracing Uncertainty Importance 00:33:55 Navigating Identity and Education Choices 00:39:18 Accepting Different Dimensions of Identity 00:44:35 Finding Support and Empowering Women This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com
The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/23b7e7e3 The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oe_qJBMkOY You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
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| 24 Jul 2020 | 41: Made to Stick: Shaping an Extensible Product | 00:29:50 | |
You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here: - ✍️ Made to Stick: Shaping an Extensible Product The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold. | |||
| 21 Apr 2023 | 209: MicroConf US '23 Recap — What Happens When 250 SaaS Founders Meet | 00:48:36 | |
This week, I got on my first post-COVID trip and headed to Denver, Colorado for MicroConf 2023. It. Was. Awesome. Unsurprisingly, being in the same room with 250 other bootstrapped SaaS founders is one of the nerdiest things you can do. And it was as enlightening as it was nerdy. I just arrived back home in Canada a few hours ago, so I took the opportunity to share my insights from the conference on my podcast. Enjoy! 00:00:14 Intro 00:02:26 What is MicroConf? 00:08:42 STIR 00:11:21 The talks 00:16:34 The speaksessionsers 00:19:19 My session on mental health 00:25:43 Feeling isolated 00:28:31 How to start a conversation about your own experience. 00:34:37 Mental health as a founder is paramount. 00:37:25 MicroConf is more than just a conference 00:43:28 Things outside the conference hall My MicroConf EU 2019 attendee talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TheiytjsZoY
The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/microconf-us-23-recap-what-happens-when-250-saas-founders-meet/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/9d12dbc0 The video: https://youtu.be/8ty4NNbVnMo You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 13 Dec 2023 | 276: Khe Hy — Breaking Free from the Rat Race | 00:58:00 | |
Khe Hy (@khemaridh), the brilliant mind behind Rad Reads and the Examined Life podcast, shares his introspective journey through the multifaceted world of perceived success, happiness, and self-imposed barriers. We talk about the emotional toll of public scrutiny, and we dive deep into our personal narratives, examining the cost of chasing success and the true value of contentment. This episode also delves into the subject of mental health, authenticity in the digital age, and the unique experiences of first-generation Asians. Khe introduces us to the empowering concept of "having enough," and we reflect on how our own lifestyle designs can pave the way for a genuinely fulfilling life. Get ready for a transformative conversation that will prompt you to reconsider your definitions of success and happiness and possibly break free from the self-created prisons of your own stories. Khe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/khemaridh 00:00:00 The Journey to Finding Contentment 00:07:40 Reevaluating Success and Money's Limitations 00:15:26 Navigating Personal Worth and Validation 00:28:22 Mental Health and Authenticity Online 00:34:26 Lifestyle Design and Playing the Game 00:45:38 Overcoming Self-Created Prisons and Envy
The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/276-khe-hy-breaking-free-from-the-rat-race The video: https://youtu.be/eJIj7qy98NA You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 30 Sep 2022 | 156: The Toxicity of Growth Hacks | 00:13:09 | |
- The Toxicity of Growth Hacks
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| 14 Feb 2025 | 375: Mute those “Dings” | 00:11:44 | |
When notifications prevent you from focusing on your actual work, you know you're in trouble. Here's how I approach the balance between keeping an eye on the critical parts of the business and focusing on the deep work that needs to get done. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/mute-those-dings/ Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 05 Mar 2020 | 17. So You Got an Offer: How to Do Due Diligence on Your Potential Acquirer | 00:39:13 | |
Arvid talks about how you can find out if your potential acquirer is a good candidate, and what the red flags are.
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| 03 May 2023 | 212: Dagobert Renouf — The Emotional Journey of Entrepreneurship | 01:01:42 | |
“As an entrepreneur, you need someone you’ve been through shit with already” — and that’s exactly why Dagobert and Lucie are the perfect power couple co-founders. I chatted with @dagobertrenouf about overcoming struggle, growing a business together, and dealing with the lack of motivation when things get complicated. We discuss the power of Twitter and building an audience before creating a product. Dagobert shares his personal journey with Logology and how he lost motivation before finding inspiration from his Twitter community. He also talks about the importance of understanding customers' problems before building a product and how he plans to apply this lesson to Logology 2.
The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/dagobert-renouf-the-emotional-journey-of-entrepreneurship/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2b57060d The video: https://youtu.be/4aOLgJC8CKU You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
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| 25 Nov 2022 | 167: Find Business Ideas on Social Media | 00:17:32 | |
In my conversation with Daniel Vassallo this week, I learned that Daniel uses social media —Twitter in particular— to find inspiration for his own work as a teacher and content creator. Intentionally doomscrolling Twitter to come up with writing prompts and business ideas? Why not! If we consider this a strategic effort, not just wasting our time on social media, let's develop a few frameworks that lead to more tangible results. Today, I want to talk about finding ideas, problems, and points of tension that hint at practical business opportunities on social media.
This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. | |||
| 05 Aug 2022 | 148: Fundamentals of a Calm Business | 00:14:08 | |
- Fundamentals of a Calm Business This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire.
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| 28 Aug 2020 | How I Self-Published Zero to Sold, a Bestselling Book on Bootstrapping | 00:56:04 | |
You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here: - ✍️ How I Self-Published Zero to Sold, a Bestselling Book on Bootstrapping The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold. | |||
| 24 Jan 2025 | 372: Indie Hacking & the Singularity | 00:12:05 | |
One day, we'll all meld our minds into one, sharing our thoughts like the Borg on Star Trek. But before that, we have a few things to get done. And for us founders, that's dealing with the ever-increasing speed of technological advancement.
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 11 Nov 2022 | 163: When Should You Go from Side-Project to Full-Time? | 00:13:53 | |
Earlier this week, I talked to Michele Hansen of Geocodio on The Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Michele co-founded the business with her husband and ran it as a side project for several years. Now, that's a long time to wait before you commit full-time to a project. We also learned during our conversation that there are many ways of determining when the right time is to make that leap: for me, it was reaching a specific revenue figure, and for Michele, it was something else entirely.
- When Should You Go from Side-Project to Full-Time? This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire.
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| 10 Mar 2020 | 20. Too Many Eyes: Why Bootstrapped Companies Stop Being Transparent (Eventually) | 00:15:37 | |
Arvid talks about transparency, open data, and why bootstrappers usually stop sharing information about their businesses.
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| 20 Aug 2021 | 98: The Creeping Nature of Stress for a SaaS Founder | 00:23:00 | |
- The Creeping Nature of Stress for a SaaS Founder
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| 15 Feb 2023 | 190: Hassan Osman — Writing on the Side | 01:02:59 | |
Today, I’m talking to Hassan Osman— he’s the host of Writer on the Side, and himself a prolific writer. We talk about crafting books that sell (and keep selling), self-publishing on Amazon, and how to write while having a full-time job. Here’s Hassan! 00:00:00 Introduction to Hassan Osman The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/writing-on-the-side-with-hassan-osman/ You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/ My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Find me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/arvidkahl/ This interview is sponsored by Acquire.com | |||
| 23 Jul 2021 | 94: How to Kill Your Business | 00:19:17 | |
The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur. | |||
| 04 Nov 2022 | 161: Calm Business Misconceptions | 00:12:19 | |
In a world where everyone talks about disruption and hustling, the concept of a calm business can seem out of place or even naive. How can you compete with people who spend 80 hours a week working in their businesses —publicly boasting about their so-called "grindset"— when you treat your fledgling business as a side project that you only work on in the evenings? For many entrepreneurs, calmness is a pipe dream—a nice fantasy but impossible to accomplish. As you can probably imagine, I beg to differ. Running a calm business is definitely possible, and the perception of it being a flawed concept - Calm Business Misconceptions - Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash course This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. | |||
| 11 Oct 2024 | 350: Building Your Castle in Someone Else's Kingdom | 00:13:43 | |
SaaS founders are simultaneously tenants and landlords, renting the tools we need while offering our own services for subscription. It's a world where true ownership seems increasingly elusive, yet understanding its nature is crucial for building lasting value. This episode is sponsored by Paddle.com — if you're looking for a payment platform that works for you so you can focus on what matters, check them out. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/building-your-castle-in-someone-elses-kingdom/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/350-building-your-castle-in-someone-elses-kingdom
You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. | |||
| 22 Jul 2022 | 146: Don't blame the market; blame your marketing | 00:11:32 | |
- Don't blame the market; blame your marketing This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire.
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| 18 Aug 2023 | 243: Bootstrapped SaaS Exit Planning | 00:26:30 | |
Get ready to unlock the secret to enhancing your business's value — whether you plan to sell or not. This episode will guide you through the concept of sellability and its crucial role in your business. Inspired by a riveting conversation with Kevin McArdle, a seasoned investor who shared valuable insights from his SaaS business acquisition experience, and the wisdom of John Warrillow's book, Built to Sell, I illuminate good business practices that can boost your business's sellability and value. But it doesn't stop there. I'll equip you with practical strategies for exit planning that will make your business not only sellable but also ready for a smooth transition. Ready to build a sellable business? 00:00:00 The Importance of Sellability in Business The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/bootstrapped-saas-exit-planning/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/c4d259eb The video: https://youtu.be/9cqVjugSsAs You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter
My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com
This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com
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