The Bootstrapped Founder

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 Platform 00:09:50 Authenticity Journey and Tackling Trolls 00:17:08 Building an Audience Through Writing 00:26:46 Social Media 00:33:13 Authentic Online Platforms 00:40:58 Planning a Cohort and Future Learnings 00:52:00 Writing Insights The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/erica-schneider-build-your-personal-platform-and-not-just-a-brand/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/8bf956a0 The video: https://youtu.be/imLa8gJJuhs 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 This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

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/657e0da2 The video: https://youtu.be/9KTS-bJx5R0 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 episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

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/goetzam 00:00:01 Finding Balance in the Creator Economy 00:11:45 Exploring Niche Markets and Writing Books 00:17:40 Imposter Syndrome in the Publishing Business 00:25:28 The Importance of Rest and Self 00:41:02 Boundaries and Authenticity on Social Media 00:49:07 Creator's Social Media Hack Lessons The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/amanda-goetz-the-antidote-to-hustle-culture/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2af3083c The video: https://youtu.be/DKFBGozqz_c 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 This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

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/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 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 episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

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/earthlingworks 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:38 Alternating Low-Touch & High-Touch 00:06:18 When to start surveying customers 00:12:40 Cancellation interviews 00:16:25 Finding insights from interviews 00:22:36 JTBD 00:26:08 Running two SaaS businesses 00:30:08 Competing in the e-Signature market 00:34:46 Word-of-mouth marketing 00:40:33 Book recommendations for indie hackers 00:49:33 Managing a small team The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/248-ruben-gamez-cracking-the-e-signature-market/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/74b243f9 The video: https://youtu.be/BSf_M2US1o4 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 This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

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/77cbb759 The video: https://youtu.be/G8RJ2l5AyFM 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 episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Get ready to learn everything about product marketing from our guest today, Corey Haines. Corey is a marketing pro who knows a lot about selling the right products to the right people. He talks about problems that indie hackers often face and gives helpful tips to solve them. He also invites us behind the scenes of his new business, Conversion Factory, which helps young companies with their marketing. We chat about how Corey went from doing freelance work to starting his own company with two friends. He shares how they came up with the idea for Conversion Factory, their special way of (product) marketing, and how they make products really popular. We also look at new ways of doing business, comparing old and new methods — using subscription payments in an agency is pretty new ground. Corey's thoughts on this are really interesting and could change how you think about business. We end our talk with Corey's views on how software and starting a business have shaped his career. He talks about why selling a product might be easier than creating software. We also discuss the benefits of having a business that makes steady money, which can help start other projects. Corey's experience in running a marketing company and the importance of being an expert in your field offer great advice. This conversation is full of useful tips for anyone interested in starting a business. So let's dive in and learn from Corey's experience! Corey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/coreyhainesco Conversion Factory: https://www.conversionfactory.co/ 00:00:00 Indie Hackers' Struggles With Product Marketing 00:11:53 Hire Marketer, Launch Conversion Factory 00:17:56 Starting an Agency 00:30:36 Company Size and Service Needs Correlation 00:42:12 The Role of Software and Entrepreneurship 00:46:56 Website Design and Product Marketing 00:57:50 Product Marketing and Building Service Subscription The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/corey-haines-mastering-product-marketing/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/30c61a32 The video: https://youtu.be/WG6qrEnWNxA 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 This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

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. And if you’re good at taking breaks, please tell me how to do it ;) Here’s my “take the break or the break takes you” moment. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/take-a-break/ 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 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 episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Emmet Gibney truly walked the path less taken. Today, you'll hear about an extraordinary journey from customer support to interim CEO of Rewardful. You'll gain insights into how Emmett skillfully braved the transition following the company's acquisition by a private equity group. This episode will acquaint you with the power of referral and affiliate programs, and how they can provide the much-needed edge to entrepreneurs in their quest for growth. This conversation with Emmett is a goldmine of subject-matter expert insights. We discuss the lucky turn of events that propelled him to the position of interim CEO at Rewardful, and his role in the growth trajectory of the SaaS Group. You'll learn about the intricate management processes this Private Equity company has woven for its portfolio companies. Understand the distinction between customer referral programs and affiliate marketing programs, and the art of setting them up. Emmett's experiences serve as a testament to the potential personal growth and career trajectory that can be achieved by working your way up — or being referred, as we find out. We also delve deep into the art of building successful referral and affiliate systems. Listen to the success stories of two indie hackers and explore the strategies to build trust with affiliates and identify the right people for your affiliate system. Embrace the wisdom of the long-standing community members and learn how to attract the right newcomers to your work. This episode is not just about strategies but also about the nuances of human relationships in business – a true masterclass for entrepreneurs and those in the SaaS industry. 00:00:00 Journey to Interim CEO at Rewardful 00:11:47 Transitioning to Private Equity 00:22:16 Referral and Affiliate Programs for SaaS Businesses 00:35:41 Building Affiliate Systems for SaaS Businesses 00:39:11 Finding and Building Affiliate Partnerships 00:44:43 Community-Centric Approach in Business Emmet on Twitter: https://twitter.com/emmetgibney The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/emmet-gibney-referred-into-the-role-of-ceo/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a68eab7b The video: https://youtu.be/FpymMil-3Ks 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 This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

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 00:09:00 Practical Tips for Exit Planning 00:17:18 Assessing Alignment and Exit Planning 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 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 episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Ever wonder how to build a successful start-up from scratch? This week, I'm joined by Louis Pereira, an indie founder who has done just that. Creator of the successful audio transcription product, AudioPen, Louis sheds light on his journey and the calculated risks he took with pricing and subscriptions to validate demand early on. He's a firm believer in building and launching products in public, a practice that he believes played a critical role in growing his audience and gaining traction — and it paid off mightily. This isn't just a conversation about entrepreneurial success; it's a deep dive into the inner workings of a product, from handling customer conversations to managing bug reports and feature requests. Enjoy the inside view of a successful business on the rise. 00:00:01 Indie Founder Discusses Building Successful Startup 00:10:30 Building Features and Handling Customer Conversations 00:18:38 Building Business Trust 00:26:38 Building in Public and Unexpected Success 00:38:36 "Hackathon Launch Strategies and Productivity Mindset" 00:43:55 The Value of Reading and Accessibility 00:53:41 The Impact of Writing Tools Louis on Twitter: https://twitter.com/louispereira/ Louis' website: https://louispereira.xyz/ AudioPen: https://tbf.link/audiopen The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/louis-pereira-when-an-indie-hacker-strikes-gold/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ad81b535 The video: https://youtu.be/y0GbP43xtpo 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 This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Battle lines have been drawn. Human writers versus artificial intelligence - who will come out on top? I'm Arvid Kahl, your guide through the minefield of writing in a world where machines such as ChatGPT are generating content at a phenomenal rate. Can human authors still hold their own? Absolutely! Tune in as I reveal why the human touch and authenticity inherent in our content is irreplaceable, no matter how advanced AI becomes. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/human-creativity-amidst-ai-dominance/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b3d424cc The video: https://youtu.be/MqWEGSjnAlA 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 episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Ever wondered how to handle the competitive world of AI products and copycats while running a global business? Well, you're in luck. This episode of The Bootstrapped Founder features a heart-to-heart with indie hacker and global entrepreneur, Danny Postma. Danny takes us behind the scenes of his entrepreneurial journey, sharing priceless insights on transitioning from a solopreneur to a team leader, cleverly leveraging SEO, and the fascinating world of domain acquisitions. Picture this: You're living the digital nomad lifestyle, working across time zones while experiencing new cultures. How do you make it all work? Danny Postma gives us a peek into his life as a digital nomad, the cultural differences that affect his way of work, and how he deals with the 12-hour time difference with grace. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the value of a good domain name and how it can be a game-changer for any business. Join us on this exciting journey and tap into the world of a successful global entrepreneur. Danny on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dannypostmaa/ The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/danny-postma-an-indie-hackers-business-evolution/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/1fbba06a The video: https://youtu.be/X36_7wRC_WI 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 This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

We delve deep into the world of online communities, exploring their growth, evolution, and the disruptive elements that can lead to their downfall. Drawing compelling parallels with traditional villages, we seek to understand the role of trust, shared culture, and considerate interaction in these digital spaces. We touch on the dynamics that can lead to the erosion of online communities, such as inconsiderate self-promotion and the mass influx of new members who lack a shared understanding of the community's values. Drawing inspiration from Immanuel Kant's teachings, we discuss how short-term gains can often lead to long-term reputation costs. The podcast episode offers insights on how to contribute positively and build a reputation as a valued member of these virtual communities. It serves as a guide to navigating the complex dynamics of online spaces, focusing on their enrichment rather than erosion. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/things-that-kill-the-village/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/f317d6bb The video: https://youtu.be/gakz2PeCYGY 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 episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Ever found yourself stepping into a role that you never expected you'd be in? That’s what my guest, Brian Sierakowski, did when he took over as CEO of Bearmetrics, a company that he had not founded, but was handed over to him after an acquisition by a private equity firm. Entering an existing team, dealing with the weight of expectations, and managing an already functioning business with its own culture and values, Brian's journey is a roller coaster of challenges and learnings that he’s eager to share with you today. Brian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bsierakowski/ The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/brian-sierakowski-leading-an-acquired-business/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2ec803d1 The video: https://youtu.be/XWjC4w_cD7g 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 This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Learn about the power of eventual reciprocity and how it can benefit your business. Discover how giving without expecting anything in return can lead to long-term success, and find out how to strike the perfect balance between offering free content and monetizing your trade secrets. Don't miss out on this valuable lesson in entrepreneurship and audience building. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/eventual-reciprocity/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/bb7d24fb The video: https://youtu.be/6T_fRdQukMo 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 episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

Step into the world of Tony Dinh, an accomplished indie hacker famed for his ability to craft products with show-stopping aesthetics while keeping them public on Twitter. Tony, who holds the helm in the product design world, made waves with his browser extension, Blackmagic, and his unique pricing and revenue model approach. Our chat offers a deep dive into Tony's journey and his decision-making process during the Twitter API price increase, eventually leading to the sale of Blackmagic to HypeFury. His insights on product design and experiences as a front-end engineer are worth their weight in gold. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:24 How do you get good at design? 00:07:50 Working in enterprise businesses first. 00:13:08 Selling as an indie hacker. 00:18:18 How to complete the sale? 00:23:02 Transitioning the ownership. 00:28:31 Running into platform risk. 00:34:13 The launch of the product. 00:38:42 Do you have a process for internal documentation? 00:47:22 How do you deal with clones? 00:51:19 The importance of having a ProductHunt-compatible audience. 00:55:39 What’s your current software portfolio like? 01:01:09 What to do when you’re stuck? Tony on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tdinh_me The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/tony-dinh-ups-and-downs-of-an-indie-hacker-journey/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ee414120 The video: https://youtu.be/i99OHAacxbk 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 This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com! Go to http://try.acquire.com/arvid/ to get started with making sure you run a sellable business.

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 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 episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

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. Jason has seen and done a lot as a founder. No matter what stage of this journey you’re on, you will learn something today. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:27 Raising money for bootstrapped companies. 00:09:16 When is it bad to sell your business? 00:15:31 The problem with self-imposed ignorance. 00:19:11 Founder mental health issues 00:23:04 How to hire people who are better than you. 00:27:26 The importance of having a consistent strategy. 00:31:20 The reality distortion field of a software business. 00:34:59 Do you ever consider building a solopreneur business again? 00:40:37 Do you ever consider not being a founder anymore? 00:45:12 The value of building a public network. 00:54:12 The importance of building public. 01:01:03 The importance of social media. 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 Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/ My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/ My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com! Go to http://try.acquire.com/arvid/ to get started with making sure you run a sellable business.

Are entrepreneurs born or made? Find out as we explore the profound impact of nature and nurture on the development of an entrepreneurial spirit. Discover how family stories, socioeconomic status, and exposure to diverse narratives shape your perspectives and behaviors. Uncover what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur in the digital age. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/entrepreneurship-isnt-genetic-its-memetic/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/f85b818b The video: https://youtu.be/vm4c4KQSKu0 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 episode is sponsored by Acquire.com