The Bootstrapped Founder

Louie Bacaj (@LBacaj), once a Walmart engineer, made a bold career shift into the unpredictable world of venture capitalism and entrepreneurship. Now a co-leader of a thriving community for bootstrapped entrepreneurs, Louie reveals how the 'small bets' philosophy guides individuals toward financial freedom and fulfillment. Together with Daniel Vassallo, he has created a unique space[...]

It's been two months of running Podscan at full speed.Have I spent 6 figures of money yet? Well, you'll see in this week's update :)This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podscan-2-months-and-1k-mrr-in/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/317-podscan-2-months-and-1k-mrr-inCheck out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my[...]

Marybeth Alexander is the Chief Executive Owl at KnowledgeOwl, a SaaS that focuses on providing the most impactful knowledgebase you could possibly have. We talk about using knowledge management systems outside their "usual" domain of customer service: Marybeth teaches how you can employ a KB for marketing, sales, and even internal documentation purposes. We also tackle[...]

I went to MicroConf 2024 in Atlanta — here is what I learned. Literally. My brain just absorbed this. I recorded this episode minutes after waking up the day after the conference.And if you're wondering why my voice is so deep: I've been yelling SaaS stuff at nerds for 3 days straight.Enjoy.This episode is sponsored[...]

Nicolai Klemke (@nicolaiklemke) is an Indie Hacker with a PhD in Physics. Talk about a career change! Nicolai shares his founder journey from learning how to code to making waves in the music industry.We chat about carving out a niche in the bustling AI market, honing in on a customer segment that has a need[...]

When you sell access to an API, what should you keep in mind? How would you protect your data but still make it easy to use? What product and legal repercussions does this all have?Those are questions I asked myself this week. And today, you get to listen to the process of exploring them and[...]

Aaron Francis (@aarondfrancis) lost his job and gained a new outlook on life — or rather, he stepped into entrepreneurship for good. Aaron weighed his options, found old friends who were ready for new adventures and finally took the plunge that his supportive audience wanted to see him take.Building his platform in public got him[...]

This week, I share my journey to finding Ideal Customer Profile — live on air. In this episode, I share my framework for determining who I will build for, market to, and sell to. I have a few candidate, and I work through my steps to find the right one for Podscan.fm.This episode is sponsored[...]

Jessica Malnik (@jessicamalnik) deeply understands how remote work has changed the world of marketing and running a business. And fortunately, she's sharing her knowledge.In fact, we talk a lot about how to communicate right: with your customers, with your market, and even with your globally distributed remote employees. From preventing coworker burnout to customer engagement[...]

Big news! Podscan.fm, my B2B SaaS that alerts you when your keywords or topics are mentioned in any podcast anywhere, has received bootstrapper-aligned funding from Calm Company Fund.Booya!I share why I, ever the solopreneur bootstrapper, said yes to venture money, what that enables, what risks I see, and just exactly how this kind of non-crazy[...]

Mike Taylor (@hammer_mt) literally wrote the book on Prompt Engineering. He paints a vivid picture of a future where generative AI could make our traditional databases look like ancient relics, and the role of developers shifts dramatically. Instead of crafting code, they could be steering the helm of AI-generated software, potentially dealing with the whims[...]

I’m a pretty okay developer, but when it comes to marketing and sales, I really need help. And for the longest time, I’ve held myself back.That ends today.My current SaaS business, Podscan, is at a point where some very important decisions need to be made. I’ve got something quite big in the works, and I’ll[...]

Johannes Radig (@joradig) runs a SaaS from the Canary Islands — the most recent stop on a globe-spanning digital nomad trip. Johannes and I chat about building a software business for agencies, how hard it is to find just the right prices, and what traditional marketing efforts can do for indie hackers. We dive into[...]

“If this tech keeps developing as fast as it does right now, will I ever be able to catch up?” is a question on my mind and the minds of many founders I’ve been talking to recently.So, what about AI should we focus on? Where will this tech slow down, where will it speed up[...]

Tyler Tringas (@tylertringas) invests in bootstrapped businesses. Wait… Aren't those supposed to NOT take investment money? What's going on here?Alignment is what's going on. Where traditional VC's often have very different goals from founders, funds like Tyler's Calm Company Fund focus on helping niche software businesses that don't chase hypergrowth. Instead, Tyler supports those who[...]

Ever since I started building Podscan in public, I’ve received a lot of attention.And it’s been spectacular: I’ve found early users, prospects, customers, and cheerleaders.Apparently, when people see something get traction, they want to be a part of it. Besides the much welcome support on social media, this has also resulted in a few offers[...]

Nick Groeneveld (@ToolboxOfDesign) understands that design isn't about gadgets, widgets, or buttons. For Nick, design is understanding the needs, desires, and expectations of those you aim to serve. We chat about talking to your customers, what common mistakes indie hackers make when thinking about "design", and just how much more UX means than web interfaces.Nick[...]

Do you like revenue and expense numbers? I've been running my new SaaS podscan.fm for a month now. And today, I share all the facts and figures behind this first four weeks — the good, the undecided, and the bad.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/301-podscan-one-month-in-mrr-expenses-marketing-tacticsCheck out Podscan to get alerts when you're[...]

Marc Louvion (@marc_louvion) is the Maker of the Year 2023 and the visionary behind the innovative ShipFast. His product development philosophy emphasizes rapid shipping and focusing on feature-specific builds, which has transformed his approach to creating tech products. Utilizing platforms like ProductHunt for launches, Marc highlights the importance of pre-validation and community feedback in fine-tuning[...]

Sometimes, pondering what your worst enemy would do is a good idea. Taking their point of view gives you a fresh perspective on your own work, your business, and the way you are perceived.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/adversarial-thinking-in-entrepreneurship/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/299-adversarial-thinking-in-entrepreneurshipCheck out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts:[...]

Sharath Kuruganty (@5harath) is not only a successful software entrepreneur and podcast host, but he's also open about the tough times he's faced, like losing his job while buying a home and having a baby. Sharath talks about the importance of being grateful, loving yourself, and understanding that life is short. He tells us how[...]

Making money is hard. But even TAKING money takes some careful decision-making. Let's dive into payment platforms for solopreneurs today. Between Stripe, Paddle, and Lemon Squeezy (and then some), we have plenty of choices. But what matters most to people who already juggle 14 different jobs? I'll share what makes these platforms great, useful, and[...]

Yong-Soo Chung (@yongsoochung) is a champion of the Personal Holding Company: he owns several businesses, a media company, eCommerce, and a service provider among them. How does one stay sane with that much work in such diverse fields? He shares his survival framework and much more on the show today.I talk to Yong-Soo about hiring[...]

Many indie hackers and solopreneurs have a big exit as their primary goal. Thatmight be because of the money, but also because of a business’ limited lifespan. But is there something like a ‘forever business’?If so, what do you have to keep in mind here?This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/forever-business-or-exit/The podcast episode:[...]

Rox (@RoxCodes) recently sold his SaaS thumbnailtest.com. But he's pretty conflicted about the sale. What was promised to be a moment of joy and celebration quickly turned into doubt, grief, and confusion. Today, I talk to my friend Rox about the emotional complexity of giving up something you hold dear, how to move forward, and[...]

Today I discuss how I've developed my own advanced AI, moving away from relying on external platforms. I've managed to evolve the Podscan system from basic alerts to being capable of answering complex questions, all thanks to using llama.cpp and Mistral 7b on my own servers. This approach has given me complete control over our[...]

Josh Pigford (@shpigford)​, who created Maybe and Baremetrics, talks about bringing his financial tool back to life by making it open-source!This has sparked surprisingly high levels of interest and even investment. Within two weeks.In our chat, we delve into the challenge of building a platform that simplifies financial data, similar to how Zapier simplifies automation, all[...]

Join me as I dive into a crucial choice every entrepreneur faces, balancing what excites us with what makes sense. This week, a voicemail made me deeply think about my projects, Podline and Podscan. One's a service for podcast voicemails, and the other scans podcast content. The message brought up a common challenge for founders: the[...]

Spencer Patterson (@SpencePatterson) is a former financial advisor turned tech entrepreneur, who transformed his non-technical background into a $3.5 million SaaS triumph. Spencer shares his journey from navigating failed ideas to creating a platform generating $140K in monthly revenue with 6 million users. His experience offers a blueprint for marketing MVPs, team-building on a budget,[...]

The "creator economy" is a dream of self-fulfillment and freedom for many. But once you're in it, it can quickly look bleak.Today, I dive into a world where everyone tells you to be consistent and trust the process. Let's examine the tension between creativity and attention.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/rethinking-the-creator-economy/The podcast[...]

Thibault Louis-Lucas (@tibo_maker), or Tibo for short, is the indie hacker and innovator behind successful ventures like TweetHunter and Taplio — which he sold for over $10M!In this episode, we unravel Thibault's thrilling journey from the joys of product creation to the intricacies of selling a business on the global stage. He shares his strategies[...]

How can you provide white-glove customer service if you don't even know what it looks like? That —and a few very exciting development with my recent SaaS project(s?!)— will be what I want to share with you today.This episode is sponsored by Acquire.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/white-glove-onboarding/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/287-white-glove-onboardingYou'll find my weekly article on my[...]

Asia Orangio (@AsiaOrangio), CEO of Demand Maven, joins me as we dive into the world of customer discovery and (go-to) market strategies. We'll discuss real-life examples, like a Gantt chart tool maker who grew their business through customer feedback. This episode is a practical guide on balancing passion with profit and tackling early-stage marketing and[...]

What's more important? Impact or Influence? Or does one facilitate the other?You'll learn what makes niche influence so valuable in an episode where I am briefly joined by a founder celebrity who has an opinion about a question I asked last week.Throughout their reply, you'll find out just why influencing has very little to do[...]

Kasey Jones (@ABetterJones) is a maven in the realm of authentic online identity. As an entrepreneur who has weathered the storm of digital exposure, Kasey joins me to dismantle the barriers of vulnerability and self-doubt that so often plague professionals as they carve their space in the social media landscape. In a world where sharing[...]

Founders often listen to the wrong signals when validating their businesses. Let's dive into common validation traps today.I see three major traps indie hackers have to face: 1) confusing users with customers, 2) getting a bit too much support from our founder peers, and 3) listening to the wrong segments of our user base.Why do[...]

Kevon Cheung (@MeetKevon) is an expert builder-in-public. The moment his life pivoted with the birth of his daughter is where our conversation begins, and it's a profound one. As we traverse Kevon's journey, we uncover the raw intricacies of aligning one's personal mission with one's entrepreneurial spirit. He bares the soul of his SaaS venture,[...]

2023 saw an explosion of AI. 2024 will make 2023 look like cheap fireworks next to the Death Star's superlaser.SaaS founders either go with the flow or are swept away. Here's where I see AI tooling going, how software founders can adapt and adopt these technologies, and what consumer expectations around conversational AI will mean[...]

Dominic Monn (@dqmonn), the pioneering founder of MentorCruise, shares the secrets behind building a flourishing online mentorship community that transcends the traditional face-to-face model. Dominic reveals how MentorCruise fosters authentic relationships between mentors and mentees through a rigorous verification process, ensuring a trusted and effective learning environment. Whether you're a mentor, a mentee, or just[...]

The holidays are a season when our priorities clash particularly often. And for me, Christmas is also a time for re-evaluating choices, making long-term plans, and preparing for another year of building a legacy.So, let's do some fear-setting: what can go wrong? What would I do? How can I prevent it?Today, you'll hear me go[...]

Nicolas Cole (@Nicolascole77), co-founder of Ship30for30, will teach you why indie hackers should embrace writing as a transformative tool in their arsenal. He sheds light on the common misconception that writing pales compared to coding for developers, but illustrates how writing can be a vehicle for desirable outcomes like zero-cost customer acquisition and recognition within[...]

I've always been a fan of no-code tools. But recently, I stumbled into AI-assisted coding. And that has changed everything for me. Initially, I considered leveraging no-code for Podline but I soon realized they didn't quite meet my unique needs. This led me to discover the transformative power of AI-assisted coding, which has dramatically accelerated[...]

Khe Hy (@khemaridh), the brilliant mind behind Rad Reads and the Examined Life podcast, shares his introspective journey through the multifaceted world of perceived success, happiness, and self-imposed barriers. We talk about the emotional toll of public scrutiny, and we dive deep into our personal narratives, examining the cost of chasing success and the true[...]

I'm working on a new SaaS, and I'm sharing the journey from day one.Today, I'll introduce you to my market, early tech stack choices, the financials of the business, and how I am setting deadlines to make sure I don't over-engineer the whole thing.Say hello to https://podline.fm, my newest project! A voice messaging system that[...]

Amanda Natividad (@amandanat) is an expert in marketing and writing. She talks about using humor and strong marketing skills to understand what people on social media like — and what resonates strongly enough to make them do things. We discuss making content that's not just different, but interesting and true to your audience. Among many[...]

Let's dive headfirst into the crazy world of starting your own business. We're going to chat about how "running your own show" can be freeing, but also comes with its own set of challenges. We'll explore what it really means to be your own boss – making your own rules and calling the shots in[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Accessibility is one of the most overlooked aspects of being a creator, but it is an incredibly powerful tool to make long-term friends and, ultimately, more money.Today, we’ll dive into how creators can leverage being accessible as a driver for growth.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/accessibility-for-profit/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3179a05cThe video: https://youtu.be/IJlgfUQFTFoYou'll find my weekly article on my[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

It's time to celebrate! This podcast has just reached 250 episodes, and I have a few lessons to share from along the way.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/what-i-learned-from-250-podcast-episodes/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/657e0da2The video: https://youtu.be/9KTS-bJx5R0You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find your Following:[...]

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[...]

Three mistakes are common when early-stage founders plan their strategy: scoping, revenue sources, and lack of validation. Let's dive into why we trip up on these issues and what to do about it.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/avoiding-the-entrepreneurial-planning-trap/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/e2bb7424The video: https://youtu.be/oGLf5YqXdA8You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold:[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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:[...]

Andrew McIntosh is a first-gen entrepreneur. And so am I. And we both needed help along the way. From building a sustainable and inclusive community for first-gen entrepreneurs to discussing the power of business coaching and growth mindset, you'll gain valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship without a safety net. Learn from a successful[...]

Are you responding to customer service requests as quickly as possible? You may think it's the best strategy, but this dedication comes at a hefty price. Today, I will share my experience with the pros and cons of super-quick customer service responses, the role of software tooling, and how to balance response speed with good[...]

Today, I’m talking to Moritz Dausinger, a serial indie hacker with several exits under his belt. Moritz most recently pivoted his software business Refiner after 18 months of trying to figure out a way forward. Well, now he’s found it. We will chat about figuring out how to structure sales, how and who to hire,[...]

Are you struggling to find the balance between the utility of your product and its perceived value? Let’s explore the biggest misconception in entrepreneurship and discover how to create a high-utility business at the intersection of your fields of interest. Find out what Swiss Army knives have to do with it, too!My new podcast project:[...]

Kevin McArdle bought my SaaS. For millions. And now, I get to talk to him about all things acquisition. In our chat, we discuss the importance of annual exit planning for startup founders, we explore the mindset and framework necessary for building a successful and sellable business, as well as the benefits of stepping outside[...]

Join me on a thought-provoking journey as I explore the challenge of balancing authenticity and public opinion on social media. Discover the struggle faced by an entrepreneur and creator who wants to build a Twitter audience while staying true to themselves. Yours truly. I'll ask the tough question: how much of my "true self" should[...]

Are you feeling burnt out or overwhelmed by societal expectations?Today, I’m talking to Paul Millerd, author of “The Pathless Path.” We talk about hustle traps, the stories we tell ourselves about success, and our obsession with productivity. Learn how to connect with yourself, rediscover leisure as a positive force in your life, and find "the[...]

Discover how to make your Twitter profile a promise of a fruitful long-term relationship with your future followers. Today,. let’s explore the biggest misconceptions surrounding Twitter profiles and how optimizing your profile can turn visitors into followers. From the purpose of your profile to the importance of using real estate wisely, you’ll find the common[...]

"Imposter syndrome isn’t just a moment of self-doubt — it’s all-encompassing. It prevents founders from taking action, from taking a risk in the first place."This week, Dr. Julie Gurner shares with me how high performers combat the challenges founders commonly face. She’s a performance coach and Doctor of Psychology. We’ll talk about dealing with imposter[...]

Sharing your journey as an entrepreneur can be scary, but it's a great way to connect with your audience and demonstrate your expertise. Let's explore the difference between sharing business insights and trade secrets, and construct a Share/Don't Share list to help you decide what to share with your audience.My new podcast project: Arvid &[...]

Joe Masilotti is the founder of RailsDev —a reverse job board— and a Turbo Native consultant. In this conversation, we explore Joe Masilotti's philosophy on entrepreneurship and his focus on empowering software developers to find work. Joe's approach to monetizing Open Source is particularly interesting: he gives away his product for free with an eventual[...]

If you're an entrepreneur looking to start a digital business, you might be tempted to aim for a "forever business" right from the start. However, pursuing this approach can be dangerous. Today, you'll learn how to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of digital entrepreneurship, build successful businesses that serve your customers and owners, and avoid[...]

In this episode, I interviewSimon Høiberg, an active software engineer, founder, and YouTuber. Simon shares his strategies for balancing his roles as a creator and maker, and discusses the importance of incorporating personal experience into his content. He also delves into the power of intrinsic motivation and joy in entrepreneurship, and how he gamifies his[...]

Have you ever searched for the perfect resume to get hired? Or tried to create a product that appeals to everyone? This essay explores the logical fallacy of wishful reasoning and the importance of picking a niche. Discover why building a successful product means addressing a specific set of needs for a particular group of[...]

Evelyn J. Starr is a brand-building expert. We talk about finding the right niche, having a community-centric long-term perspective, and how brands evolve —you might call it “grow up”— over time. Here’s Evelyn.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmEvelyn's Twitter: https://twitter.com/EvelynJStarrThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/evelyn-j-starr-the-evolution-of-a-brand/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/69cc34f4The video: https://youtu.be/CTKESAugLP8You'll find my[...]

Building in public is a popular trend in entrepreneurship. However, it may not always be the best approach. Entrepreneurs should consider their personality traits, the nature of their business, and their competitive advantages before deciding whether to adopt this approach. Building in public is about generosity, transparency, and community, and can be a powerful way[...]

Today, I’m talking to Jack Ellis, the co-founder of Fathom Analytics, a privacy-conscious web analytics business that I personally use for all my web properties. The company that Jack co-founded with Paul Jarvis competes directly with Google on their linchpin advertising product. That’s a pretty high order. We chat about Jack's role in a growing[...]

People would rather sift through fake AI results than see yet another ad. Something is happening in advertising, and the creator economy is affected greatly.The shift towards trust-based advertising is a wake-up call for founders and creators when crafting their marketing strategy, as honesty, integrity, and trust are now essential components of a successful approach[...]

When Fatih started his sticker business Stikkernet, his peers asked him, “You’re a developer; why don’t you write this from scratch?” His response? “Why should I?”Today, I'm talking to my dear old friend Fatih Kadir Akın — or fka for short. We discuss his unexpected journey of building a successful business out of a simple[...]

What happens when we encounter something so novel that our minds can't fully comprehend it?  Today, let’s explore the "Rubber Band Effect" and how it impacts both journalists and entrepreneurs alike. Learn how to build products that fit seamlessly into your customers' workflows and how to effectively communicate the results your product can achieve, without[...]

“As an entrepreneur, you need someone you’ve been through shit with already” — and that’s exactly why Dagobert and Lucie are the perfect power couple co-founders. I chatted with @dagobertrenouf about overcoming struggle, growing a business together, and dealing with the lack of motivation when things get complicated.We discuss the power of Twitter and building[...]

Using ChatGPT as a writing partner helps strengthen arguments by acting as an editor, proofreader, and devil's advocate. It prompts the AI to provide counterpoints and can detect emotional subtext, highlight missing pieces of the argument, and suggest better examples. This adversarial writing approach with generative AI results in writing that is both in the[...]

Few people had an impact on my founder journey as Dr. Sherry Walling — and she didn't even know. But I got to tell her! We discussed burnout, imposter syndrome, and stress among founders. Sherry explained the need for mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges of entrepreneurship and shared that burnout is a[...]

This week, I got on my first post-COVID trip and headed to Denver, Colorado for MicroConf 2023.It.Was.Awesome.Unsurprisingly, being in the same room with 250 other bootstrapped SaaS founders is one of the nerdiest things you can do. And it was as enlightening as it was nerdy. I just arrived back home in Canada a few[...]

When it comes to building an "owned audience," nothing beats an email list. Louis Nicholls is a newsletter expert, and he shared with me how to monetize a list, how to grow it reliably, and why cold emails are often done spectacularly wrong.Louis will show you how to do email right.00:00:00 Why did you choose[...]

ChatGPT is everywhere. But can we build businesses on it? What risks will we face? Let's dive into the future of entrepreneurship in a world where AI is ubiquitous.My new podcast project: Arvid & Tyler Catch Up / https://catchup.fmThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/chatgpt-goldmine-or-minefield-for-indie-hackers/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/efd69983The video: https://youtu.be/J4eNi1uqxUIYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast:[...]

Marie and Ben are a power couple. Together, they run Notion Mastery, an intense workshop for people who want to use Notion professionally and productively. In our conversation, we'll dive into platform risk, building a sustainable educational business, how to work together as a couple, and why social media distribution matters a lot to educational[...]

Artificial scarcity, a marketing tactic that fosters urgency in customers, can lead to short-term financial gains but raises ethical concerns and negative consequences in the creator economy. Drawbacks include damaging relationships, promoting impulsive purchases, and exacerbating global inequality. While there are exceptions, such as outcome-oriented communities and front-loading financial gains, adopting an abundance mindset and[...]

Most of Josh Spector's newsletter issues are just a few sentences. Sometimes, just a link. And still, advertisers and readers alike flock to Josh's emails. In our conversation, you will learn why brevity is so attractive, how to make sure you're telling the right stories to the right people, and how to build systems that[...]

This is probably the most concentrated and well-produced podcast I've been on in a long while. And I want to share it with you here today as a bonus episode.Kudos to @YongSooChung for putting his money where his mic is. He spent a lot of time, money, and energy to make this episode happen. This[...]

What are the factors involved in choosing a solid business name? From securing an available domain to choosing a unique name for SEO reasons, I delve into the linguistic and cultural considerations of choosing a business name, including avoiding potentially offensive or negative connotations in various markets.I also emphasize the importance of trademarking the business[...]

Peter knows how to get good domains and turn them into businesses. He's selling onions, helps dude ranchers get clients, and will share his approach to monetizing domains as well as purchasing them on the cheap side. Peter's been building online marketplaces for a while, and he'll teach you how he approaches setting up profitable[...]

Here are my personal strategies for achieving consistency in content creation, which encompass implementing accountability systems, connecting with my audience, and reaping financial and lifestyle rewards. Additionally, I explore the difficulties of maintaining motivation and the vital role of community in this process.I recount my own story, beginning with the launch of a blog and[...]

Justin Jackson has been successfully bootstrapping Transistor.fm with a small team throughout the ups and downs of a shifting economy. He even rejected massive clients to be able to keep running a calm and self-funded business. Find out just how important it is to stay independent, resilient, and nimble, and what building on open standards[...]

Looking to build a successful SaaS business? Don't just focus on product-market fit. In this video, learn about the Solution-Workflow Fit, a crucial element to consider for success. Discover why the medium in which your solution is implemented and the workflow of your customers matter just as much as the technical side of your solution.[...]

Rob Fitzpatrick is a serial entrepreneur, a writer, a community leader, and a very curious human being. I talk to Rob about building an incredibly complicated business, the world of self-publishing, what AI tools can and will do for humanity, and how to build communities that can run by themselves.00:00:00 Rob Fitzpatrick00:03:38 The challenges of[...]

How to secure your product, the business, and an eventual exit, including using established frameworks, outsourcing to secure third-party vendors, and having clear and complete account separation. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/securing-your-saas/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/6c645953The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNOr7BheIz8 You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded[...]

Troy Hunt (of HaveIBeenPwned fame) is a cybersecurity expert who has been around long enough to be able to give actionable and pragmatic security advice without complicating things.In our conversation, we chat about best practices for securing your SaaS business, how to get your family to be more secure, what it means to vet your[...]

Goodhart's law is powerful and important to remember for every creator: when a measure becomes a target, people tend to optimize their behavior to meet that target, which can lead to unintended consequences. You'll see examples of this law in action, including in education and social media, and learn the negative consequences of over-optimizing for[...]

Today, I’m talking to Matt Wensing — the founder behind Summit and tweeter of many often controversial things. We talk about bootstrapping a financial SaaS, how to deal with integrations, and when to take funding. Here’s Matt.00:00:00 An exchange of stories00:04:54 What’s your strategy?00:09:31 Writing long-form00:15:05 Bridging the gap between invention and commercialization.00:19:56 Creators and[...]

Stair-stepping into software entrepreneurship is a great way for developers to start their own businesses without taking on massive risks. Building a plugin on an established platform allows developers to leverage existing user bases and traffic to grow their business quickly, while also being aware of the risks associated with platform dependency, profit-sharing, and limited[...]

Today, I’m talking to Colleen Schnettler, co-founder of Hammerstone and build-in-public podcaster. We talk about getting bootstrapper-compatible funding, juggling way too many projects, and selling a business when you know it’s time to move on. Here’s Colleen.00:00:00 A lot of podcasts00:06:01 Building on Heroku00:12:25 Building on Marketplaces00:16:59 Dealing with support requests00:21:49 Pressure to sell?00:26:27 Hammerstone00:31:24[...]

Arvid shares what writing can bring to the founder table.Self-funded entrepreneurs can benefit from honing their writing skills, as it can be used to communicate ideas and thoughts clearly, attract attention, foster relationships, and build a personal brand. The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/writing-for-founders/The podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/735924e4The video: https://youtu.be/1R5scFwM5XwYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast:[...]

Today, I’m talking to Hassan Osman— he’s the host of Writer on the Side, and himself a prolific writer. We talk about crafting books that sell (and keep selling), self-publishing on Amazon, and how to write while having a full-time job. Here’s Hassan!00:00:00 Introduction to Hassan Osman00:05:59 Slowly shifting your perspective00:10:48 Do you update your[...]

Arvid talks about how applied kindness builds a brand and an audience.In a hostile world, many founders isolate themselves, but this isn't sustainable. Kindness changes the world, so be honest when self-promoting and set boundaries with hostility. Kindness can be seen in every aspect of life, creating a cycle of positive change.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/be-the-kindest-person-in-the-room/The[...]

KP talks about building in public, sharing your journey, and becoming a respected community member.Today, I’m talking to KP — the build-in-public guy. KP has been a pillar of the indie hacker community, and we talk about how to involve yourself, empower others, and eventually build a community around your personal brand and the things[...]

Negative reviews are an important part of the customer experience, as they provide valuable feedback to creators about how their product or service is being perceived. Reviews can be a source of frustration for founders, as they may not reflect the quality of the work, but rather the disconnect between the customer's expectation and the[...]

Brennan shares the secrets to using emails to build relationships and increase your revenue.Today, I’m talking to Brennan Dunn, the founder of Palladio, co-founder of RightMessage, and general email expert. As a newsletter author myself, I took to this opportunity to learn as much as possible about personalizing and optimizing my email strategy. You’ll also[...]

To increase your chances of success as an entrepreneur, think outside the box and expand your opportunity surface. This can be achieved by embracing activities that don't scale, diversifying inputs, and taking small steps toward achieving your goals. These strategies will help you create valuable connections, build strong relationships and gain valuable insights that will[...]

Today, I’m talking to Laura Elizabeth. She co-hosts the Non-Tech Founders podcast and runs several products as a non-technical founder. We talk about outsourcing, trust, and building an audience around your business. Here’s Laura!00:00:00 Laura Elizabeth00:02:10 Running a non-technical founder podcast00:09:28 Hiring the right people00:12:14 Hiring people who can do something you can't00:17:27 Being able[...]

To increase your chances of success as an entrepreneur, think outside the box and expand your opportunity surface. This can be achieved by embracing activities that don't scale, diversifying inputs, and taking small steps toward achieving your goals. These strategies will help you create valuable connections, build strong relationships and gain valuable insights that will[...]

Today, I’m talking to Daniel Fayle — co-founder of Chekkit, a business he and his team have boostrapped to $2mil in ARR. We’ll touch on finding the right vertical to get started, how to do things that don’t scale, and what choices need to be made to get a business to 7 figures. 00:00:00 Daniel Fayle00:05:35[...]

I was chatting with Marissa Goldberg about remote work this week, and she gave me several handy frameworks for founders who want to build remote-first businesses. At the center of any successful remote work relationship lies trust.And surprisingly, many businesses have a tough time trusting anyone once they can't see them at their desk in[...]

Today, I’m talking to Marissa Goldberg. She’s an expert in remote work and guides companies and founders alike toward a future-proof workplace. We’ll talk about productivity, best practices for going remote, and setting up a remote team of all sizes. Here’s Marissa.00:00:00 Remote Work and Future Proof Workplaces00:02:03 What is Remote Work Prep?00:06:54 The right[...]

This week I chatted with Patrick Campbell about his exit of ProfitWell to Paddle for $200 million. One of the most mind-blowing things that I experienced during that conversation was hearing Patrick tell me that he feels he needs to build something else to prove that his exit -$200 million- was not just a fluke.I[...]

Today, I’m talking to Patrick Campbell, founder of ProfitWell, a bootstrapped business that recently got acquired by Paddle for a whopping 200 million dollars.I talked to Patrick about getting acquired for 9 figures, finding your footing as a founder after such an incredible exit, where the online payment industry is heading, and how mental health[...]

As a creative entrepreneur, it is important to diversify your portfolio and have multiple projects in progress in order to reach a wider audience, stabilize income streams, and protect yourself from the risks associated with relying on any one platform. In order to do this, it is essential to own the means of communication with[...]

Today, I’m talking to Jay Clouse, a creative entrepreneur, and all-around amazing human being. We’re talking about keeping it all together as a solo creator, what makes a personal brand work, and how important authenticity is in building an audience. 00:00:00 What to do about all the attention-grabbing out there00:05:00 A trust-based paradigm for your[...]

Sharing your work and process in public can be difficult for introverted entrepreneurs and creators, but it can help build credibility and trust with your audience, gather valuable feedback and insights, and even lead to new opportunities. Tips for sharing in public include reframing why you do it, taking it slow and steady, breaking it[...]

Today, I’m talking to Ana Bibikova, a defender and cheerleader for introverts in entrepreneurship. Ana knows what it means to be skeptical of loud and salesy marketing tactics. They might work great for extroverts, but not so much for the quiet types. Today, we’ll talk about how you can build a public-facing brand without resorting[...]

Yesterday, the creator economy learned that Gumroad, a platform where creators have been building their businesses by selling their services and products, increased their prices significantly. That caused a lot of backlash in the community, with people threatening to switch to other platforms and criticizing how the price hike was communicated. It’s been an intense[...]

When it comes to selling a small indie business, defensibility is a key factor that potential buyers will consider. A unique moat, or competitive advantage, lets your business stands out from the competition and is seen as a valuable acquisition. Many small founders sell their businesses because they want to get rid of them, and[...]

Today, I am talking to Andrew Gazdecki, a pillar of the founder community and himself founder of the acquisition platform formerly known as MicroAcquire — but we’ll learn more about that on the show. Besides organizing millions of dollars worth of acquisitions every month, Andrew is a true teacher. His content on building software businesses[...]

We've been taught to believe that creators are only truly successful when they reach the top echelon of their platform, with millions of followers and likes. But this is a false notion that doesn't accurately reflect what success looks like for creators — or what “success” is about in the first place.The truth is that[...]

I am talking to Rosie Sherry, proprietor of Rosieland and community empowerment expert. She runs her own communities, monetizing a few of them, and has been managing the IndieHackers community in the past. Rosie is an expert all things community and education. And that's precisely what we'll talk about today.This episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's[...]

There is a huge difference between building a product, a business, and a company. It's a progression from one to the other, usually involving making significant changes in your life. Requirements change, and so does our lifestyle to make our dreams possible.Ideally, we have a master plan on how to get there.But in reality, we[...]

Today, I am talking to Jakob Greenfeld. I’ve been reading Jakobs blog posts for years now, and they’re as spicy as they’re thoughtful. There’s not a single post on there that feels unfinished. That’s quite impressive. Well, I think we’ll figure out why that is during our conversation. We’ll also chat about how to unlock[...]

In my conversation with Daniel Vassallo this week, I learned that Daniel uses social media —Twitter in particular— to find inspiration for his own work as a teacher and content creator. Intentionally doomscrolling Twitter to come up with writing prompts and business ideas? Why not!If we consider this a strategic effort, not just wasting our[...]

Today, I am talking to Daniel Vassallo, writer, founder, and person with very strong opinions. He is building a portfolio of small bets in public, on Twitter. I will talk to him about the importance of making money in diversified ways, how to structure your life around being a founder, and how to figure out[...]

I was talking to Damon Chen, who built Testimonial.to to $400.000 in ARR this week, and at one point, he mentioned that he isn’t looking into selling his business just yet. Maybe even never.That got me thinking.While we all want to build sellable businesses, is there such a thing as selling too early? How can[...]

Today, I am talking to Damon Chen, the founder behind Testimonial.to, a social proof tool that has recently reached $400.000 in annual recurring revenue. Now that’s extremely impressive, particularly considering that Damon got it there all by himself.So, let’s just ask him how this family man accomplished such growth while living in one of the[...]

Earlier this week, I talked to Michele Hansen of Geocodio on The Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Michele co-founded the business with her husband and ran it as a side project for several years. Now, that's a long time to wait before you commit full-time to a project. We also learned during our conversation that there are[...]

I am talking to Michele Hansen, the co-founder of Geocodio, an indie SaaS business in the world of mapping and geolocation. I've been a fan of her work, both as a founder and as an active member of the Indie Hacker community for years now. I followed her journey with the business just as much[...]

In a world where everyone talks about disruption and hustling, the concept of a calm business can seem out of place or even naive. How can you compete with people who spend 80 hours a week working in their businesses —publicly boasting about their so-called "grindset"— when you treat your fledgling business as a side[...]

For most founders, running a business is juggling hot coals while riding on a unicycle. It's a stressful occupation, requiring constant vigilance, and offers barely any downtime to recover or relax.But it doesn't have to be that way.- Operating a Calm SaaS Business- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following[...]

One of the biggest points of confusion for any software business is pricing. It often takes months, if not years, to find a working way to charge your customers, and even then, you'll need to adjust it over time. Pricing is never done, and often, it doesn't work.But fortunately, there are a few foundational choices[...]

Building a software product is both incredibly simple and excruciatingly complicated. You can build a new mind-blowingly helpful feature within hours, sometimes even minutes. But if you make the wrong technology choices, you might be rewarded with several months of additional work a few years later.Let's talk about building a product that can carry your[...]

When you're building an audience-centric and community-first business, you're delaying finding your business idea and building your product for as long as possible. First, you look into your market, validate the existence of a budget, and zero in on a critical problem to which people need a solution.And even now, we're not talking about the[...]

- The Toxicity of Growth Hacks- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Problem Discovery for Calm SaaS Businesses- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

Arvid shares how he picks a market for a new business.- Market Analysis for Calm SaaS Businesses- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- On Art and Artifice- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Infrastructure of a Calm SaaS Business- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by The $100 MBA Show and MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Entrepreneurial Strategies & Anti-Patterns for a Calm SaaS Business- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by The $100 MBA Show and MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Business Models for a Calm SaaS Business- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by The $100 MBA Show and MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Fundamentals of a Calm SaaS Business - Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by The $100 MBA Show and  MicroAcquire. You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Fundamentals of a Calm Business - Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- How NOT to Use Twitter DMs - Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Don't blame the market; blame your marketing- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- On Saying No- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- The Risks and Illusions of the "Post-Exit Retirement"- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Permission to Follow Up: The Difference Between Owned & Borrowed Audiences- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video[...]

- Consulting in Public- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Founder Stories are Powerful Assets- Find your Following, my Twitter course — now with Find your Following Essentials, the 7-day Twitter crash courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- The Forever Transaction- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Building in public and Legacy- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Parasocial Relationships: Imaginary Friends of the Social Network Age- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.

- Should Freelancers Offer Free Trials?- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also watch this as a video on YouTube.

- Choose Your Own Adventure: Creator, Curator, Commentator, or Connector - Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also find this as a video episode on YouTube.

- Scalable Customer Service for Bootstrappers- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.You can also find this as a video episode on YouTube.

- Managing Expectations: Making Good (on) Promises.- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- You Don’t Need to be an Extrovert to Build in Public — an Introvert’s Perspective- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- Why Founders End Up Unemployable- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- Seven Kinds of Entrepreneurial Debt- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- Entrepreneurial Anti-Patterns — What to Avoid When You're Starting a Business- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- What Founders Can Learn from Professional WoW Gamers- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- How I Find Twitter Content Ideas- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you want to hear Charlie Joseph’s story, we interviewed him here (12mins long): https://youtu.be/145p-ipgIw0If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- How I (Fortunately) Failed to Launch an NFT Collection - Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

This episode is a rebroadcast of my appearance on the Software Social Podcast with Michele Hansen. The episode there is called How to Use Twitter Effectively (feat. Arvid Kahl) and we go way beyond that in the conversation. We touch on building in public, mental health, empowerment, and kindness. You can find more information on[...]

- The SaaS Market Maturity Paradox- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's an interview with the founder featured in this episode.If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- The Power of the Narrative when Building in Public- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's an interview with the founder featured in this episode.If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- Building in Public and Negativity- My Twitter Space appearance- Find your Following, my Twitter courseThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's an interview with the founder featured in this episode.If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- Purchasing Power Parity Pricing- Find your Following, my Twitter course- The Big Mac indexThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire. Here's an interview with the founder featured in this episode.If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- Being Imperfect in PublicThis episode is sponsored by MicroAcquire.If you're thinking about selling a startup, you'll want to check out MicroAcquire.

- The Performative Nature of Building in Public: A View From the InsideThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Fear-SettingThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- The Power of RepetitionThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Building in Public: Maintaining a Positive Self-ImageThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- What Founders Can Learn From Web3 Community-Building (And What They Can't)This episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Twitter: The Gathering.  How and Where to Find the Right FollowersThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Make it Easy to CancelThis episode is sponsored by FE International.Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Building in Public: How to Build a MinipolyThis episode is sponsored by FE International. Curious about how much your business could be worth and if now is the time to sell? FE International offers free valuations. Go to FEInternational.com to learn more. 

- Building in Public: How Radical Transparency Hurts FoundersThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Building in Public: Oversharing- Black Friday Deal on Gumroad (use `bf21` for 50% discount on checkout)The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Passive Income and EntrepreneurshipThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Cold Email for Interesting People.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- Building in Public: What to Share at Which Stage of Your JourneyThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Innowayt.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- Building in Public: Taking BreaksThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Logology.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- Building in Public: Balancing Building and SharingThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Typesense.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- Too Little, Too Much: Advice and How to Take ItThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Indie Worldwide.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- BurnoutThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Podopi.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- What Founders Can Learn From the Facebook OutageThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools.The guest sponsor this week is Dawn.If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- Copycats and EnduranceThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder podcast is sponsored by Balsamiq, makers of Balsamiq Wireframes, the OG of low-fidelity wireframing tools. If you want a promo code for Balsamiq, go to balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped-founder/

- Audience-building is not Community-BuildingThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Pivoting in Public: Risks and OpportunitiesThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Why Reading Fiction Is Important for EntrepreneursThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Consistency, Accountability, and PerseveranceThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Of Tangibility and LawnmowersThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- The Creeping Nature of Stress for a SaaS FounderThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Why Competition is Good For BusinessThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Hyrum's LawThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- What Watching Gamers Fail for Days Can Teach You About EntrepreneurshipThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- How to Kill Your BusinessThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Conversations are at the Core of EngagementThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- The Myth of the Immediate PayoffThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Say Thank You- Zero to Sold Audiobook — Anniversary EditionThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Competition Isn't Always a BusinessThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Selfish vs. Selfless: Self-Promotion in CommunitiesThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Properties of an Interesting ProblemThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- The Line Between Stealing and Being Inspired The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Audience-Building and Relatable Content- The ProductHunt Page for The Embedded EntrepreneurThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Platform Risk and the Three Kinds of Audiences- The Embedded Entrepreneur- The Indie Hackers post - The Launch TweetThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold or The Embedded Entrepreneur.

- Impostor Syndrome and Building Capital The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- Entrepreneurship, Job Security, and Wealth CreationThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- Accountability Systems for FoundersThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Navigating Bootstrapping AdviceThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- SaaS, Self-Talk, and Many Small BetsThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- Audience Graduation - Gergely's Book "Building Mobile Apps at Scale"The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Lifetime Deals and SaaS BusinessesThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

The Goals of Audience-BuildingThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Here are the original show notes, including a transcript of the episode.Learn more about the Software Social Podcast here.You can find Danielle on Twitter.

- The Shape of a Problem in the Wild - Eugene Schwartz's book Breakthrough AdvertisingThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

On Re-Using Content The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Audience Discovery: The Importance of Budget The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- What founders can learn from Twitch streamers about building in public - The Embedded Entrepreneur Alpha ReaderThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Here's the article for this episode.The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Here's the article for this episode: When Your Business Gets Cloned.The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Here's the blog post for this episode: Jargon and Community The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

Here's the blog post for this episode.The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- How I Use TwitterThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- On Offering Public APIs for Your SaaSThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

- Motivation Will Eventually Go Away: Build Accountability Systems InsteadThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find the article on podcast audience building here.The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find the article on Avoiding the Validation Trap here.The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Tech Stacks and Indie Hacking- One-Person SaaS stack post on Hacker NewsThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

As mentioned in the show, the Black Friday 20% discount code for Zero to Sold on Gumroad is `bf20`The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  When Privacy and Customer Value ClashThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  How I Approach Pricing for a Brand New SaaSThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Sunk Cost Fallacy EngineeringThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  https://blog.checklyhq.com/setting-up-ssl-with-letsencrypt-for-saas-customers/The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- permanentlink (my new SaaS project)The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

The podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find the link to Audience First here:- ✍️  Audience First: An Audience-First Book about AudiencesThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Finding an Audience for Your Side BusinessThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Priming Your Business for Due DiligenceThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Preparing for the Sale From Day One: Getting the Documentation RightThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  At a Crossroads: The Different Kinds of ExitsThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  A Unified Voice: Staying Consistent When You GrowThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  How I Self-Published Zero to Sold, a Bestselling Book on BootstrappingThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Positioning Is Where It’s At- April Dunford's Obviously Awesome- Andy Raskin's Talk on StorytellingThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  You Want a TribeThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  When You Reach Your Limits: Growing a Company Beyond the Founder(s)- My podcast episode on Continuous Validation with Jane Portman- Kevin McArdle's podcast episode on SureSwift CapitalThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying[...]

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  The Power of Omission: Killing Features for Fun and ProfitThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Made to Stick: Shaping an Extensible ProductThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Standard Operating Procedures: Managing Your Future SelfThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Roadmaps and You: Building a Future TogetherThe podcast currently has no sponsors. If you would like to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book Zero to Sold.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Customer Retention: How to Keep Them AroundAs mentioned in the episode, feel free to check out my book Zero to Sold. Here's the launch tweet.Undock sponsors this episode of the Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Balsamiq provides this sponsored airtime. Please check out both[...]

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Customer Exploration: Seeing Through Your Customer’s EyesHipSpec sponsors this episode of the Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Balsamiq provides this sponsored airtime. Please check out both — they're awesome.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Being Small Is a Benefit: How to Leverage Being a BootstrapperOutseta sponsors this episode of the Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Balsamiq provides this sponsored airtime. Please check out both — they're awesome.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Spreading the Word: How to Do Marketing on a Shoestring BudgetFeature Upvote sponsors this episode of the Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Balsamiq provides this sponsored airtime. Please check out both — they're awesome.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️ Seller Beware: Pricing Models That Can Break Your BusinessLinks mentioned in part two:https://untools.co/https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/the-cognitive-bias-codex-a-visual-of-180-cognitive-biases/If you want to be inspired by Seth Godin, please read https://seths.blog/2020/05/dancing-with-tech/Libpixel sponsors this episode of the Bootstrapped Founder Podcast. Balsamiq provides this sponsored airtime. Please check out both —[...]

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️  Not All Subscriptions Are Equal: Offer Yearly Plans from the StartThis episode of the Bootstrapped Founder Podcast is sponsored by Treendly. This sponsored airtime is provided by Balsamiq. Please check out both — they're awesome.

You can find articles on the topics discussed in the episode here:- ✍️ Not All Subscribers Are Equal: How to Deal with Plans That No Longer Work- ✍️ Profit-Sharing as Employee Compensation for BootstrappersThis episode of the Bootstrapp ed Founder Podcast is sponsored by DrawSQL. This sponsored airtime is provided by Balsamiq. Please check out[...]

You can find the promo code provided the sponsor of this show, Balsamiq, right here.

Arvid talks about the kinds of misalignments that can trouble your business.

Arvid explains how to make your service noticeably better for the majority of your users without making the product harder to use.

Arvid talks feature prioritization: Scoring, the Kano Model, and Story Mapping — how and why they work.

Arvid talks about how to create repeatable, reliable, and resilient processes and systems for your business.

Arvid explains the core attributes that make products stick around: focus, simplicity, and extensibility.

You can find the full article at Making Tech Choices: Don’t Add Risk to an Already Risky Business.

Arvid shares an actionable framework for deciding if you should build or buy (and the mistakes he made in the past).

The article for this episode can be found on The Bootstrapped Founder blog.

Arvid explains how to release software effectively and safely.

Arvid talks about how he dealt with anxiety when running FeedbackPanda.

Arvid talks about transparency, open data, and why bootstrappers usually stop sharing information about their businesses.

Arvid talks about how you can make sure you're still solving the right problem for the right people and if you still enjoy it.

Arvid explains what an MVP is, how to scope and time it, and what should go into a successful product.

Arvid talks about how you can find out if your potential acquirer is a good candidate, and what the red flags are.

Arvid talks about the kinds of churn founders will encounter, and which ones are actually welcome.

Arvid talks about the FeedbackPanda customer service system allowed them to run the business with 0 employees.

Arvid talks about the weird conversations you will have as a founder, and how to deal with them.

Arvid talks about why software products are never finished, and which kinds of changes you can expect to make.

Arvid explains the kinds of imaginary responsibilities he encountered in his business and how to deal with them.

Arvid talks about how to price aspirationally, underpricing, overpricing, and how much initial prices really matter.

Arvid talks about what to look out for when choosing a co-founder and his experience with his co-founders, good and bad.

Arvid talks about what makes a problem painful, what kinds of pains there are, and what questions you should be asking your prospective customers to find them.

Arvid shows how you can discover the risks your solution poses to the workflow of your prospective customers.

Arvid talks about how you can find meaningful numbers to help you pick the right market for your bootstrapped SaaS. For B2B, B2BC, and B2C markets, he shows you how you can get the most accurate figures.

Arvid talks about the right kinds of markets for bootstrapped businesses, what qualities they should have and how markets can change for better or worse.

You can find the article for this episode here.

You can find the article for this episode here.

You can find the article for this episode here.

You can find this article on The Bootstrapped Founder blog under the name Problem Validation: Making Sure You’re Talking To The Right People.

In the first episode of The Bootstrapped Founder podcast, Arvid talks about starting, running, and selling FeedbackPanda, his crooked career path, and what listeners can expect from future episodes of the podcast.