The Aspiring Solopreneur

Sales doesn’t have to feel slimy or stressful. In fact, when you treat it as service, selling becomes a natural extension of helping people. In this episode, Carly and Joe break down the planning side of sales for solopreneurs, from understanding levels of touch to qualifying leads and nailing your quick pitch. If the thought of selling makes you cringe, this conversation will help you rethink the process and build a sales plan that actually feels good. Important Questions Answered In This Episode How can solopreneurs approach sales without feeling sleazy? By reframing sales as service. Instead of trying to push a product, focus on finding people who have problems you can genuinely solve. When you approach conversations with the goal of helping rather than selling, it becomes natural, authentic, and far less intimidating, even for introverts. What does “level of touch” mean in sales planning? The level of touch refers to how much interaction you have with a potential customer. High-touch sales involve more personal engagement, like coaching calls or consultations, while low-touch or no-touch sales rely on things like websites, emails, or quick transactions for lower-priced products. Solopreneurs need to match their sales process to both their offering and the time they can realistically invest. Why is qualifying leads so important? Not every prospect is worth your time. By qualifying leads, making sure they have a problem you can solve, the authority to make a decision, and the budget to buy, you avoid wasting hours chasing “tire kickers.” A simple system for filtering leads upfront saves time, energy, and frustration later on. Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever. All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies. When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there? It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.” So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place. Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in. This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back. Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.

After nine years of collaborating virtually, Carly and Joe finally met face-to-face at the INBOUND conference in San Francisco. The sessions were buzzing with AI talk, but Carly and Joe zeroed in on what really matters for solopreneurs: marketing strategy that puts people first. In this episode, they unpack why human connection is more powerful than any algorithm, how trust fuels business growth, and why a solid strategy beats chasing every shiny new tactic. Whether it’s AI Engine Optimization or grassroots networking, you’ll learn how to cut through the noise and build marketing that actually works for solopreneurs. Important Takeaways From The Episode Why is marketing strategy more important than tactics for solopreneurs? Because tactics change constantly. New platforms, AI tools, and algorithms come and go, but if you have a clear strategy, knowing who you serve, what your brand stands for, and how you build trust, you can adapt to any trend. Strategy is your foundation, tactics are just the tools you plug in along the way. How does AI impact solopreneur marketing? AI is creating noise in the marketplace, making it harder for people to know what’s authentic. The good news? That actually gives solopreneurs an edge. Solopreneurs have always relied on real human connection and trust to grow their businesses, and those skills are now more valuable than ever. AI can support your work by handling repetitive tasks, but it should never replace your strategy or your voice. What are the key steps to building an effective solopreneur marketing strategy? It comes down to five essentials: This loop ensures your marketing always stays people-centered, no matter the trends. Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever. All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies. When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there? It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.” So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place. Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in. This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back. Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.

* In light of the INBOUND conference taking place right now, we decided to re-release the biggest takeaways from the 2024 event. While this episode was originally released last year, the information is still very relevant to solopreneurs now, so be sure to tune in! * HubSpot hosted their massive annual conference that covered the latest trends and tactics in marketing, sales, and AI…and we had two people attend who are ready to give you the biggest takeaways from the event that apply specifically to solopreneurs. Co-host of this podcast and founder of LifeStarr, Joe Rondo attended, and our very own George B. Thomas not only attended, but presented multiple times. So you have some very credible sources sharing their insights today. From groundbreaking strategies to fresh perspectives on automation, AI, and scaling small businesses, this episode is packed with golden nuggets for solopreneurs who want to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're looking for new ways to generate leads, streamline your processes, or take your customer experience to the next level, this episode has you covered. Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever. All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies. When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there? It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.” So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place. Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in. This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back. Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.

Now that we're halfway through the Solopreneur Success Cycles series we're doing leading up to the launch of our book, Solopreneur Business For Dummies, we wanted to re-release the first episode in the series that gives an overview of what it is, so that new listeners can be brought up to speed. It also serves as a good refresher for those who are following along! Ever feel like you're building your solo business one guess at a time? In this episode, Carly and Joe pull back the curtain on the Solopreneur Success Cycle, the foundational framework behind their new book Solopreneur Business for Dummies. From defining your goals (hello, Step Zero!) to tweaking, refining, and reimagining your business as it grows, they break down the entire cycle designed specifically for one-person businesses. It's not a lecture, it’s a roadmap with a healthy side of real talk, laughs, and lessons you can apply right away. Whether you buy the book or not (but, like, you should), this series is your shortcut to building a business that actually works for you. Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever. All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies. When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there? It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.” So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place. Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in. This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back. Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.

Your brand is so much more than a logo and some colors—it’s your personality, your values, and the story you tell the world. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe dive into what it really means to build a brand as a one-person business. From defining who you are (and who you aren’t) to crafting messaging that resonates, they’ll show you how storytelling becomes the foundation for every marketing move you make. If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out authentically without feeling “salesy,” this one’s for you. Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever. All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies. When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there? It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.” So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place. Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in. This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back. Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.

Most solopreneurs make the mistake of trying to serve everyone and end up standing out to no one. In this short and punchy episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe dive into one of the most overlooked steps in building a successful solo business: positioning. They break down why niching down isn’t limiting, but rather the key to charging more, marketing smarter, and actually getting noticed. If you’ve ever said, “My product is for anybody,” this episode will make you rethink everything. Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever. All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies. When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there? It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.” So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place. Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in. This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back. Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.

So, you’ve got a business idea you’re excited about. But here’s the big question: does it actually work on paper, or will it drain your bank account before it takes off? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe break down how to test the feasibility of your business idea, spot potential deal-breaking showstoppers, and price your services with confidence (without letting imposter syndrome drag you down). If you’re ready to stress-test your solo venture before you dive in headfirst, this one’s for you. Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever. All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies. When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there? It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.” So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place. Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in. This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back. Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.

Before you dive headfirst into your solopreneur journey, there are two things you absolutely need to nail down: your competition and your customers. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Joe and Carly continue the series on the Solopreneur Success Cycle and break down why “everyone” is not your audience, how to spot opportunities your competitors are overlooking, and why creating personas (yes, even giving them names and backstories) can completely change how you connect with your market. Whether you’re refining your niche or just starting to sketch out your customer base, this episode will give you practical insights to avoid spinning your wheels and start building a business that truly resonates. Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever. All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies. When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there? It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.” So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place. Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in. This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back. Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.

In this episode, we kick off the Planning phase of the Solopreneur Success Cycle and break down the must-knows before you dive in. From choosing the right title for yourself to simplifying your business model into three core parts, you’ll learn how to set yourself up for efficiency, clarity, and higher earning potential. Whether you’re just starting or refining your business, these insights will help you plan smarter and avoid costly detours. Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever. All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies. When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there? It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.” So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place. Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in. This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back. Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.

Ever wonder how to take that fuzzy “someday” business idea and turn it into something real, without locking yourself into a plan too soon? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, we’re diving into the Envision stage of the Solopreneur Success Cycle (episde 3 of The Solopreneur Success Cycle Series beginning with episode 216). We’ll talk about dreaming big without overcomplicating, why your goals (not just a trendy framework) should guide your choices, and how to vet your ideas without fear of someone “stealing” them. Plus, we’ll share why niching down is actually your best friend and how your so-called competition can become your biggest allies. Whether you have no idea what business to start or just want to make sure you’re on the right track, this conversation will help you turn possibility into clarity. Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever. All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies. When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there? It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.” So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place. Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in. This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back. Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.

If you’re ready to create a business that supports your life instead of running it, this is the episode you need. Carly and Joe dive into Step Zero of the Solopreneur Success Cycle: Defining Your Goals, and spoiler alert: it’s way deeper than “make money” or “gain freedom.” You’ll learn how to uncover your true why, build goals that actually guide your decisions, and avoid creating a business you secretly resent. From toddler-style questioning to "change charts" and accountability hacks, this episode is your blueprint for building a business you actually like. Whether you're dreaming, pivoting, or feeling stuck, press play before you plan another move. Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever. All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies. When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there? It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.” So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place. Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in. This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back. Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.

Ever feel like you're building your solo business one guess at a time? In this episode, Carly and Joe pull back the curtain on the Solopreneur Success Cycle, the foundational framework behind their new book Solopreneur Business for Dummies. From defining your goals (hello, Step Zero!) to tweaking, refining, and reimagining your business as it grows, they break down the entire cycle designed specifically for one-person businesses. It's not a lecture, it’s a roadmap with a healthy side of real talk, laughs, and lessons you can apply right away. Whether you buy the book or not (but, like, you should), this series is your shortcut to building a business that actually works for you. Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever. All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies. When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there? It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.” So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place. Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in. This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back. Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.

What if building a business didn’t require burnout, hustle culture, or 80-hour workweeks? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, we chat with Amanda Bourbonais—copywriter, wellness advocate, and self-proclaimed OG Health-First Freelancer—about how a health crisis reshaped her definition of success and led her to build a thriving six-figure business…with plenty of time for naps. Amanda shares how to manage client expectations with grace, raise your rates with confidence, and why prioritizing your well-being isn’t just possible—it’s profitable. Whether you’re managing chronic illness or just sick of glorifying the grind, this episode is a must-listen for solopreneurs who want to thrive without sacrificing their health. Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro! Access Lifestarr Intro

Ever had a client that made you question your life choices? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe dive deep into the art (and science) of firing problem clients without burning bridges—or your sanity. From subtle red flags to graceful exits, they’ll help you figure out when it’s time to say, “It’s not me, it’s you.” Whether you're drowning in scope creep or stuck with a client who’s just not a fit anymore, this episode is your permission slip to let go and level up. Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro! Access Lifestarr Intro

PR might sound like it's just for celebrities and big brands, but guess what? Solopreneurs, this one’s for you. In this episode, we’re breaking down simple, doable PR strategies that can get you media coverage, even if you don’t have a press team, a bestselling product, or a household name (yet). We’re talking about how to pitch like a pro, what journalists actually want, and why the best way to get featured might just start with your inbox and a clear, authentic story. We even shout out our favorite PR expert, Simone Sauter, who gave us amazing insights a few months back. Oh, and did we mention? We just turned in the final pages of our Solopreneur Business For Dummies book! It’s officially out of our hands and available for pre-order. So yes, we're celebrating… and yes, we’re shamelessly plugging. If you want to get press without stress, this episode is your new best friend. Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro! Access Lifestarr Intro

Think Instagram is just for influencers and avocado toast? Think again. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, we sit down with Sydney O'Brien, a rockstar Instagram strategist who built her business while juggling three kids under five and a military deployment (yes, really). Sydney shares why most solopreneurs are talking past their dream clients, the mistake you're probably making with your hashtags, and how to stop letting engagement (or lack thereof) ruin your day. From easy tools for beginners to the secret behind getting real conversations started in the DMs, she breaks down Instagram in a way that’s actually doable and even fun. If Instagram makes your eye twitch, this episode is your cure. Tune in and get ready to rethink your whole content game. Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro! Access Lifestarr Intro

When solopreneurs flee the corporate world, “standard operating procedures” are often the first thing left behind—right next to awkward team-building exercises and passive-aggressive reply-all emails. But hold up—this is one “corporate” thing you do want to keep. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe dive into the unexpected power of SOPs. From preparing for life’s curveballs to simply freeing up brain space for more important things (like remembering where you hid your coffee), they’ll share how documenting your processes can make your solo business run smoother, and maybe even grow faster. Whether you're team "ditch the docs" or already a checklist champ, this episode will make you rethink what it means to be efficient on your own. Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro! Access Lifestarr Intro

In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, we sit down with Stan Ward, coach, author, and spreadsheet whisperer, who shares how it took him five years to develop a system he now teaches in just 60 days, how he turned his finances from chaos into calm, and why paying yourself twice a month might be the smartest move you haven’t made yet. Stan’s approach blends structure with soul, systems with self-care, and yes—he’s got a daily ABCD checklist you’re going to want to steal. If burnout has been creeping in or your bank account’s been throwing tantrums, this episode is your wake-up call. Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro! Access Lifestarr Intro

Think LinkedIn is just for job hunting? Think again. In this episode, Carly flips the script and interviews Joe about one of the most underrated lead gen tools for solopreneurs: LinkedIn Sales Navigator. They pull back the curtain on exactly how they use it to fill their events, build real relationships, and grow their network—without ever sounding salesy. If you've been hesitant about spending money on a tool like this, Joe’s breakdown might just change your mind. Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro! Access Lifestarr Intro

What do branding yourself, redefining freedom, and learning how to actually sell have in common? Solopreneur coach Moe Choice breaks it all down in this wildly refreshing episode. From bouncing back after burnout and bankruptcy to building 50K+ months, Moe shares the mindset shifts and practical skills that truly move the needle. If you're tired of vague advice and ready to get real about positioning, marketing, and building a business on your terms, this one’s a must-listen. Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business. So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro! Access Lifestarr Intro