The Bootstrapped Founder

Andrew Hudson (@MyBuddyAndrew) is an indie hacker who has taken an unconventional journey. From getting his hands dirty as an auto mechanic to now paving the way as a software entrepreneur, Andrew shares how skills honed in the garage fuel his tech ventures, Hauling Buddies and WrenchRadar. We get under the hood of his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of running a two-sided marketplace for pet transportation and how his knack for logical thinking and compartmentalization drives his businesses forward. We explore how a simple Facebook group grew into a booming business, with Andrew shedding light on his strategies to harness social media and tap into niche markets. We also discuss Andrew's exciting book project inspired by his son's love for space. This episode is a deep dive into the world of independent hacking, entrepreneurship, and the power of passion projects that all started with an auto mechanic's love for problem-solving. Andrew on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyBuddyAndrew 00:00:00 From Auto Mechanic to Software Entrepreneur 00:09:53 Building Facebook Groups for Hauling Services 00:19:44 Running a Marketplace Challenges and Solutions 00:29:07 Business Idea Development With AI and Automotive Data 00:36:16 Challenges With Car Software Updates 00:46:53 Learning, Building, and Sharing This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/andrew-hodson-a-mechanics-leap-into-tech-entrepreneurship/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/272-andrew-hodson-a-mechanics-leap-into-tech-entrepreneurship The video: https://youtu.be/UK9nhk9zGR0 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 Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60 - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

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. And now, let’s grow your library with the likes of Rob Walling, John Warrillow, Michele Hansen, and many more: This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/arvids-top-15-book-recommendations-for-founders/ 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 Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/ 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. - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60 - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Rob Walling (@robwalling) unpacks the fascinating world of SaaS businesses, touching on topics like scaling, diversification, and the role of AI in SaaS projects. Rob shares his unique stair-step approach to building a SaaS business and paints a realistic picture of the challenges faced by a SaaS founder and the potential rewards of running a successful SaaS company. The man has released almost 700 podcast episodes about bootstrapping SaaS businesses. He knows how that works, from the birds-eye perspective down to the nitty gritty. We dive into the misconception around building a ChatGPT wrapper as a long-term business, the trend of AI-centric startups using one-time payments or yearly subscriptions, and the risk of overindexing on AI as a competitive advantage. We also examine common pitfalls in the software business and the impact of sales models on customers. Rob offers insights on white labeling, cautioning against doing it too early and advising on setting a minimum commitment from potential partners. Rob shares his personal experiences, discussing the difficulties of setting investment terms and overcoming setbacks. We address the concept of the "solo founder funk" and offer solutions such as finding a co-founder, joining mastermind groups, and attending in-person events. Lastly, we delve into the importance of building an audience in the world of SaaS and discuss the topic of hiring in early-stage startups. So tune in, learn, and get inspired by Rob's journey and insights in the SaaS industry. Rob Walling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/robwalling 00:00:00 Scaling SaaS Businesses With Diversification 00:12:56 Building on AI and Subscription Fatigue 00:21:58 Sales Model and Customer Requests 00:33:29 Founder Strategies 00:40:10 Building an Audience in SaaS Marketing 00:46:11 Founders Discuss Hiring and Growth This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/rob-walling-stair-stepping-into-saas-success/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/270-rob-walling-stair-stepping-into-saas-success The video: https://youtu.be/GjmvLv-4YtY 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 Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60 - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

How can we master the art of managing constraints and turning obstacles into opportunities? With intentional choices. Join me as I candidly share my experiences of juggling a media business and several SaaS businesses — while still making time for a life beyond business. You'll discover the techniques I use to stay focused, consistent, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. It's about setting boundaries, creating one-to-many processes, and being intentional with your time. This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/embracing-obstacles-for-opportunity/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/98bf7cab The video: https://youtu.be/PWzODzmXKhs 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 Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60 - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Channing Allen (@channingallen) is the co-founder of Indie Hackers. Today, Channing and I uncover the secrets of thriving in the indie hacking scene from someone who is wrangling thousands of Indie Hackers every day. We delve into intriguing discussions that debunk the myth of the 'death of indie hacking' and guide you through the complexities of building a robust community where collaboration and competition coexist. Learn how constraints can inspire creative problem-solving, and the effects of social media on authentic communication. Discover the impact of minimalism and maximalism on indie hacking, and the choices Channing and his co-founder (and twin) Courtland need to make when building a media company. Prepare for an enlightening conversation that scrutinizes the significance of fostering a trustworthy online community. We also ponder over the concept of long-term optimism achieved through short-term pessimism and explore how intentional relationship-building within the indie hacker community can shape your success. You'll discover a whole new perspective on the indie hacking scene. 00:00:00 The State of Indie Hacking Today 00:14:12 Technology's Impact on Authentic Communication 00:20:05 Build Authentic Relationships in Indie Hackers 00:33:16 Long-Term Optimism Through Short-Term Pessimism 00:46:41 Constraints and Maximizing Potential 00:55:39 Building a Media Company's Decisions 01:04:25 Building a Trustworthy Online Community This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/channing-allen-myths-and-realities-of-the-indie-hacking-scene/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/aeeeb832 The video: https://youtu.be/kHV27GjsfuE 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 Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60 - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

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. Today, we dispel a myth about building AI startups. 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 blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/risks-and-rewards-of-building-on-openai/ 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 Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/ 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. - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60 - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

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. Sakshi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesakshishukla 00:00:00 Kevin Kelly's Impact on Identity 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 blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/sakshi-shukla-understanding-identity-and-being-the-only-one/ 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 Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/ 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. - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60 - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

What does it even mean to be "authentic" online? Just posting things you want other people to see? Sharing everything, treating people like friends? Or maybe it's being extremely professional at all times. With audiences in the hundreds, 1000s, and millions, the old rules of what it means to be yourself in front of others don't apply anymore. We have to recontextualize our self-presentation online, to be able to both feel like we are ourselves and to make our audiences feel that they get to see the real us. Unfortunately, this does not work with our traditional approach. When it comes to authenticity, the size of virtual audiences we can quickly build creates the need for a new and slightly different way of thinking about what it means to be our true selves in front of people who only get to see the surface. Here is how you can be authentic in a digital world. Here's the conversation with @dickiebush I reference: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/dickie-bush-the-power-of-digital-writing/ This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/authenticity-in-the-digital-age/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ac0bd48a The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn1xXU0J3gU 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 Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60 - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Dickie Bush (@dickiebush) discusses Ship 30 for 30, a movement he started to transform writing from a solitary to a communal activity, now a structured course. Along with Nicholas Cole, their partnership propelled Ship 30 to new heights. They emphasize the role of community and social media like Twitter in refining ideas and building credibility. Our discussion contrasts digital and traditional writing, explores content creation challenges like imposter syndrome, and shares tips for resonating content creation. We dive into the software and media realms, highlighting the value of small iterations and immediate feedback in product creation. We touch on the promise of dictation software and delve into Dickie's personal inspiration, his mom, who's not only influenced his journey but also become a cherished figure in the Ship 30 community. Dickie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dickiebush Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com/ 00:00:00 Modern Writing 00:05:37 Start Writing Community, Overcome Challenges 00:12:56 Test and Refine Ideas With Twitter 00:16:59 Content Creation and Imposter Syndrome 00:26:53 Writing for Personal Growth and Teaching 00:37:29 Building Software for Publishing Atomic Essays 00:40:58 Ship30 and Writing Ventures 00:51:21 Discussion on Writing and Publishing Books This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/dickie-bush-the-power-of-digital-writing/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6d25fb5 The video: https://youtu.be/GiDmVoHwE-Q 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 Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. - Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx - Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60 - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Indie Hacking Isn't Dead — It's Just Less Hacky. The transformation of Indie Hacking over the years creates new challenges and opportunities for Indie Hackers in today's competitive landscape. The shift from community-driven collaboration to a more competitive environment makes distribution and expertise more relevant than ever. Indie Hacking has evolved into a lifestyle that requires skill and strategic distribution. Discover the strategies and approaches reshaping the Indie Hacking landscape, and gain inspiration from seasoned entrepreneurs like Pieter Levels, who have successfully navigated these changes. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/indie-hacking-isnt-dead-its-just-less-hacky/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/c70bfc66 The video: https://youtu.be/_9IBEXsUUaU 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

My guest today, Pieter Levels, claims that "Indie Hacking is dead." Yet, Pieter runs several indie AI startups (and a few traditional ones), totaling $250,000 in revenue every month. So, how can he be a successful indie hacker while dismissing the foundations of his work? It turns out that Indie Hacking is very much alive. But it has changed significantly. And Pieter has been there from the early days. Today, Pieter and I talk about what it means to be an Indie Hacker in the age of AI tools, platforms, and businesses. From dependency risk to preparing software businesses for a potential exit, we tackle a wide variety of topics that every Indie Hacker has to deal with. We also dive deep into Pieter's personal journey: from digital nomadism through thoughts of teaming up with fellow makers. You'll get the full picture of an entrepreneur who tells it the way he sees it — which, as you will find, has made the world of social media a very interesting place for him to work in. With insights into the meme of bad coding, the Lindy Effect, the importance of social proof, and the generational divide regarding AI, this conversation with Pieter Levels is a must-listen for anyone interested in AI startups, indie hacking, and the future of digital entrepreneurship. Pieter on Twitter: https://twitter.com/levelsio/ Pieter's projects: https://levels.io/projects/ 00:00:00 - Indie Hacking and AI Startups Evolution 00:07:17 - Dependency on Suppliers and Finding Alternatives 00:16:37 - Prioritizing Speed in Entrepreneurship Execution 00:27:11 - Future of AI With Positive Outlooks 00:40:11 - AI Business Challenges and Potential 00:44:52 - Future Work and Travel With AI 00:52:56 - Twitter Changes and the Need to Adapt 00:57:50 - Attention Economy and Communication Impact 01:01:39 - Navigating Controversy and Authenticity on Twitter This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/pieter-levels-the-indie-hackers-guide-to-ai-startups/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/db7c1d51 The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wjec3wh4p8 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 Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you. - TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid - HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60 - AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ - Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q - ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Accessibility is one of the most overlooked aspects of being a creator, but it is an incredibly powerful tool to make long-term friends and, ultimately, more money. Today, we’ll dive into how creators can leverage being accessible as a driver for growth. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/accessibility-for-profit/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3179a05c The video: https://youtu.be/IJlgfUQFTFo 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

We hire specialists. Deep knowledge in one field, not many skills in all the others. We value and celebrate specialists with promising career paths, titles, and promotions. Can generalists exist in a world of such intricate and complex work requirements? The person who made me realize that it's possible is Milly Tamati, a staunch defender and empoweress of generalists all over the world. I chatted with Milly about the employability of people who don’t fit into a category, why generalists are the puzzle pieces that allow organizations to destroy knowledge silos, and how incredibly powerful a community of generalists can be. Join me on The Bootstrapped Founder this week as I talk to Milly Tamati about The Generalists’ World. 00:00:00 The Rise of Generalists 00:07:55 Generalists in Workforce Diversity 00:18:49 Building and Cultivating a Generalist Community 00:30:42 Building a Community and Evaluating Opportunities 00:40:12 Community and Success in Unconventional Paths 00:45:49 Announcing the Launch of a Podcast Milly on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillyTamati Generalist World: https://www.generalist.world/ The Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/generallycurious/ The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/milly-tamati-the-power-and-potential-of-generalists/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/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 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

Today, I explore the world of microcommunities - small, but incredibly lucrative communities. I examine how microcommunities are different from general online communities, and how they offer valuable opportunities for creators to distribute and monetize their work. I discuss the income-generating potential of being part of, or even starting, these microcommunities, and how the key lies in their single-minded focus on a specific topic. With an interaction between members and progress that is much more visible, micro-communities inspire and educate new members more quickly and create a meaningful exchange. I dive into the close-knit nature of micro-communities and how this creates a powerful bond between members. I examine how monetization opportunities exist for both the creator and members of the community, and how these opportunities can be used to create a successful business. There's a deep-dive into the potential risks of micro-communities, too, such as the potential for echo chambers and exclusion of certain demographics. 00:00:00 The Power of Micro-communities for Creators 00:04:21 Micro Communities and Monetization The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/monetizing-micro-communities/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2a070357 The video: https://youtu.be/OyYflYH2a5Y 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

Journey with me as we dive deep into Aaron Francis' transformation from a coder to a teacher. Discover the intricate dance of building in the open. Aaron lays bare his path, detailing how he crafted his screencasting masterclass and managed to balance his day job, side hustle, and family life, all while forging his unique brand. In this episode, we unpack the looming shadow of criticism and how the mere thought of being ridiculed can paralyze many of us. The paradox? Embracing this very fear might open doors you never imagined. Aaron shares his first-hand experiences, launching courses, the strategies that amplified his voice, and the seismic shift in public sharing from the days before social media to now. And if you've been itching to share your know-how through video or sound, we've got a trove of tips to boost your confidence. Dive in. Aaron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/aarondfrancis Aaron's Screencasting course: https://screencasting.com/ (non-affiliate) & https://screencasting.com?aff=PXErZ (affiliate) 00:00:01 Master Screen Casting and Build Publicly 00:05:03 Building in Public 00:12:57 Overcoming Fear of Criticism 00:19:02 Sharing Expertise Through Video and Audio 00:25:39 Video Content 00:30:26 Improving Screencasting Techniques 00:43:18 Balancing Sacrifices and Pursuing Passion The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/aaron-francis-the-power-of-sharing-expertise/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/d97a24b9 The video: https://youtu.be/QQwfzO42X9g 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

Ever felt annoyed seeing someone else selling a copy of something you made? It's a problem many small business owners face. Today, I'm diving into how to protect your ideas and keep others from copying them. It's not just about having a great product. I'll show you how to strengthen your business by reaching more people and making a name for yourself. Being active online and sharing your work can make a big difference. Also, having a business isn't just about protecting your ideas, but making smart decisions. Building real connections can help spread the word about your products. I'll talk about the importance of helping others and how it benefits you in return. By the end of this episode, you'll know how to protect your work and make it stand out in the community. This will help you learn how to grow a business that's both safe from copycats and gets attention. It's not just about selling things, but sharing your ideas and being known. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/proof-of-work-how-indie-founders-build-defensible-businesses The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a6ed07df The video: https://youtu.be/Tcc1AwkWwww 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

This is a masterclass in personalized marketing. Brennan even convinces me to ramp up my own efforts! Listen in as I uncover the power of personalized marketing with Brennan Dunn, author of 'This is Personal.' Brennan offers valuable insights into how indie hackers and solopreneurs can best learn about their customers and utilize that knowledge for revenue generation. He explores why personalization works, how audience segmentation should be done, and where data collection should start, providing you with a wealth of knowledge to transform your marketing strategies. Brennan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/brennandunn 00:00:00 Personalized Marketing for Indie Hackers 00:05:02 Segmenting Audience for Better Marketing 00:10:19 Importance of Personalized Questions in Data Collection 00:20:35 Segmentation and Survey Funnels in Marketing 00:32:10 AI's Role in Personalized Marketing Future 00:37:59 ChatGPT for Data Analysis and Writing 00:47:02 Personalization and E-Commerce Recommendations 00:52:04 Personalized Book Recommendations for Marketing The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/brennan-dunn-this-is-personal/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3f36312e The video: https://youtu.be/oPNhJvcvb0A 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

Are you tired of the mainstream narrative that success as a software developer can only be pegged to the scale of your projects or the economic output of your code? This episode of Bootstrap Founder challenges that perception. With a focus on the inspiring journey of indie hacker Tony Dinh, we delve into the beauty of simple, practical solutions. Rather than grandeur and disruption, we explore the significance of niche appeal and how meaningful success can be achieved outside the realms of billion-dollar businesses. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/pet-rock-projects-and-why-they-rock The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/37a91c4d The video: https://youtu.be/bpeazTXh6uA 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

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 Aprilynne on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AprilynneAlter 00:00:00 YouTube Editing and Experimentation Insights 00:13:32 Understanding YouTube Monetization and Content Strategy 00:26:45 Navigating Titles and Thumbnails on YouTube 00:38:58 Finding the Balance 00:49:39 Creating a Productive and Creative Workspace 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 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

Buckle up for a voyage into the intricate world of software feature decision-making! Promising to equip you with insights from my journey, this episode helps you navigate the choppy waters of determining which attributes to include in your software business and which ones to abandon. We'll unravel my personal blueprint for assessing feature requests and enhancements, with a particular focus on the crucial understanding of 'the job to be done.' Together, we'll dissect the correlation between feature alignment and customer retention, and you'll gain clarity on the two critical factors that weigh in when assessing the importance of a feature - workflow inputs and workflow outputs. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/focusing-on-customer-retention-features/ The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1f7ff7f The video: https://youtu.be/llsICCu2Af8 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