Explore every episode of the podcast Wannabe Entrepreneur
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #337 - The Most Misunderstood Path to Wealth and Success | 10 juil. 2024 | 00:33:38 | |
In this episode, I dive into my latest thoughts on entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and productivity. I share exciting updates about my project, Podsqueeze, and my collaboration with João on a new product. I discuss the struggle of balancing work with personal life and question traditional metrics of productivity. We also touch on the culture of overworking and the importance of networking. Links Timestamps (by podsqueeze) Balancing work and personal life (00:08:06) Exploring the challenges of managing work, exercise, family, and personal time while questioning traditional metrics of efficiency and productivity. Effectiveness in managing work time (00:10:11) Questioning the common routines and practices of successful entrepreneurs and exploring the true measures of efficiency and productivity in managing work time. Optimizing efficiency in work (00:13:43) Discussing different metrics for measuring efficiency in managing a team's work and exploring ways to apply these metrics to oneself for optimal productivity. Evaluating work performance (00:19:18) Exploring the concept of a 360 evaluation method used in some companies to assess work performance and considering its potential application in managing personal efficiency. The culture of overwork (00:20:25) Discussion on company culture, self-evaluation, and the impact of working hours on productivity. Optimizing efficiency (00:21:35) Exploring the concept of questioning the impact of tasks and finding the best use of time. Myth of overworking for success (00:22:50) Challenging the belief that working excessively leads to wealth, and questioning traditional paths to success. Alternative paths to wealth (00:24:00) Exploring unconventional methods of attaining wealth, such as owning assets and leveraging networking. Non-monetary forms of payment (00:25:14) Examining the value of favors, assets, and networking as alternative forms of compensation. Power of networking (00:26:33) Discussing the significance of networking, leveraging relationships, and the impact on business success. Measuring non-monetary impact (00:29:40) Challenges in quantifying the impact of networking and non-monetary returns in business. Redefining success and wealth (00:32:08) Questioning the traditional measures of success and wealth, exploring the value of non-monetary returns. Closing thoughts (00:33:25) Encouraging feedback and reflection on the episode's topics, emphasizing the value of unconventional ideas. | |||
| #336 - In Business Size Actually Matters!! | 16 juin 2024 | 00:33:34 | |
I talk about the importance of prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively. I also discuss my main goal: becoming a better entrepreneur through continuous learning. You'll hear about my marketing strategies, especially focusing on Google SEO, and the challenges of growing a bootstrapped company. Plus, I reflect on the slow growth of Podsqueeze and the tough decisions around investing and potentially starting new projects. Links Timestamps The speaker's journey (00:00:11) Entrepreneurial ups and downs (00:01:21) Challenges with Podsqueeze (00:02:30) Marketing strategies and SEO (00:03:43) Realizations and market size (00:05:58) Strategies for Podsqueeze growth (00:12:24) Financial challenges and investment (00:16:56) Considering new projects (00:19:12) The bigger picture (00:21:23) Exploring new products (00:22:31) Staying in the current market (00:23:39) Reaching for the stars (00:26:49) Philosophical reflections (00:28:45) Spreading good energy (00:30:10) Final thoughts and call to action (00:32:40) | |||
| #335 - My Most Embarrassing Mistake Ever | 21 mai 2024 | 00:26:58 | |
I made a mistake with my pricing, but I'm getting over it with some meditation. I'm also excited to go to a podcast conference in London to meet people and learn more. I talked about the importance of understanding business metrics to make good decisions, not just to look impressive. Also, AI is becoming a big deal in our field, and I'm watching how it affects mental health support. Links Traveling and Excuses (00:00:12) Tiago shares his recent travels and acknowledges the delay in posting episodes. Patreon Support (00:01:21) Tiago thanks patrons for supporting the podcast and encourages additional contributions. Growth Mistake (00:02:24) Tiago recounts a mistake in pricing strategy that impacted the company's growth. Meditation and Anxiety (00:08:05) Tiago discusses the benefits of meditation in managing anxiety and maintaining focus. Metrics and Market Analysis (00:09:15) Tiago emphasizes the importance of tracking various metrics and understanding market dynamics. Reviewing and Decision-making (00:13:20) Tiago advises reviewing metrics at intervals and making decisions based on accumulated data. Podcasting Conference (00:16:35) Tiago shares his excitement about attending a podcasting conference in London and the potential industry insights. AI and Ethics (00:21:11) Tiago reflects on the use of AI in community engagement and discusses ethical concerns related to AI as a therapist substitute. AI and the Future (00:22:10) Discussion on the potential future of AI, including AI friends, partners, and its impact on content creation. AI in Content Creation (00:23:17) Exploration of using AI in video creation, referencing a successful young YouTuber and the potential of AI-generated scripts. Learning from Young Entrepreneurs (00:24:26) Observations on the use of AI by young entrepreneurs and the potential for learning from their experiences. Considering Consultation (00:25:28) Contemplation of seeking consultation from a successful young YouTuber for insights into algorithms and content creation. Upcoming Trip to London (00:26:39) Mention of an upcoming trip to a podcasting conference in London and a sign-off for the episode. | |||
| #334 - Interviewing Rob Walling About How Bootstrappers Get Rich | 22 avr. 2024 | 01:33:51 | |
Here is my chat with Rob Walling, author of the SaaS Playbook. We delved into product pricing, focusing on value alignment rather than greed, and discussed strategic price increases to reduce churn and bolster marketing. Rob also shared when to start paid ads and how to create impactful content. He offered advice on assembling a team within budgetary limits and revealed that smart business structuring can lead to profit with less work. Our conversation ended on the importance of joy in entrepreneurship, emphasizing freedom, purpose, and relationships. These shownotes were created with Podsqueeze Links and Mentions SAS Playbook: 01:31:58 Startups for the Rest of Us Podcast: 01:31:58 MicroConf YouTube Channel: 01:31:58 The Zen Founder Guide to Founder Retreats: 01:30:39 Twitter Thread for Book Recommendations: 01:32:37 Timetsamps Rob Walling's Book (00:01:16) Writing the Book (00:02:13) Pricing Strategies (00:06:36) OpenAI's Pricing Strategy (00:11:54) Competitive Pricing Strategy (00:13:50) Greed and Motivation (00:16:40) Reasons for Raising Prices (00:17:50) Impact of Pricing on Marketing (00:19:24) Paid Advertising Considerations (00:20:59) Using Ads for SEO Strategy (00:24:57) Marketing Approaches for SaaS (00:29:50) Creating Compelling Content for Reddit (00:32:38) Navigating Reddit and Other Forums (00:34:17) Understanding Marketing and Content Strategies (00:35:20) Challenges of Early-Stage Product Development (00:38:03) Defining Product-Market Fit (00:44:48) Size of the Market (00:48:24) Total Reachable Market (00:49:01) Reaching 100% of the Paying Market (00:50:42) Total Addressable Market (00:51:00) Escape Velocity (00:54:20) Business Plateau (00:55:39) Hiring and Team Growth (00:57:24) Managing People (01:03:09) Owner and Founder Level Thinkers (01:04:35) Challenges of Hiring and Paying Employees (01:05:33) Remote Work and Cost-Effective Hiring (01:07:18) Working On vs. In the Business (01:10:33) Achieving Work-Life Balance and Financial Success (01:14:51) Earning Wealth and the Challenges of Autopilot Income (01:19:44) Investing and Selling Assets (01:20:21) Tax Treatment and Selling SaaS Companies (01:21:14) Wealth and Freedom (01:22:09) Finding Happiness as an Entrepreneur (01:23:04) Retreats and Self-Reflection (01:30:10) Recommendations and Conclusion (01:31:58) | |||
| #333 - The Pressure of the 30s | 08 avr. 2024 | 00:27:18 | |
I've been reflecting on the growth and changes over the past few years. We talked about the leap from a 9 to 5 to full-time entrepreneurship, the societal pressures we face, especially as we hit our 30s, and the quest for work-life balance. I also pondered the idea of renting an office space to combat the solitude of working from home and to build a community with fellow creators. Links Timestamps Reflecting on the Journey (00:00:05) Transitioning to Indie Entrepreneurship (00:01:35) Navigating Societal Pressures (00:04:09) Challenges of Social Expectations (00:07:51) Self-Confidence and Entrepreneurship (00:13:36) Wealth and Investment Strategy (00:14:56) Balancing Work and Social Life (00:23:40) Setting up a new office space (00:25:44) Inviting others to work in the office (00:25:44) Seeking feedback and engagement (00:26:41) | |||
| #332 - Money, Time and Fun - You Can Have It All! | 01 avr. 2024 | 00:26:22 | |
In today's podcast, I dive deep into how we juggle our time, chase wealth, and strive for that elusive work-life balance. I shared some personal stories, including the ups and downs with my own project, Podsqueeze, and how I'm tackling growth challenges head-on. We also talked about why we leave cushy jobs to strike out on our own—is it for freedom, money, or impact? Inspired by folks like Casey Neistat and Tim Ferriss, I mused on the art of delegation, automating the mundane, and setting priorities to make every moment count. Join me as I explore the true cost of entrepreneurship and whether selling Podsqueeze might just be the key to finding balance. Links Timestamps The Point of Being an Entrepreneur (00:00:11) Influence of YouTuber Casey Neistat (00:01:33) Setting Challenging Goals (00:04:01) Delegating Tasks and Automating Processes (00:06:29) Balancing Work and Personal Life (00:10:41) Training and Delegating Responsibilities (00:13:40) Automating Personal Life Tasks (00:21:03) Challenges and Decision-Making for Podsqueeze (00:23:06) Re-evaluating Podsqueeze (00:24:15) Setting Goals and Accountability (00:25:20) | |||
| #331 - The Tool That Most Companies Use But Don't Want You To Know | 25 mars 2024 | 00:24:01 | |
I'm happy to share some personal updates and entrepreneurial insights. Lately, I've discovered Apollo, a networking tool that's completely revolutionized the way I connect with others. Our Website was completely down for a complete 30 min and I have never beens this stressed XD And to continue this stressing week we decided to increase Podsqueeze prices! Get ready for a very packed episode! Links Timestamps Audiobooks and Entrepreneurship (00:00:11) Tiago discusses his preference for audiobooks over physical books and the complexity of entrepreneurship. Discovering Apollo (00:02:22) Tiago shares his discovery of Apollo, a tool for finding and reaching out to potential clients, and its impact on his and his wife's entrepreneurial endeavors. Technical Issue with Website Hosting (00:12:02) Tiago recounts the technical issue with his website hosting service, the downtime experienced, and his decision to switch to a different hosting provider. Pricing Changes (00:16:49) Tiago explains the decision to increase the prices of Podsqueeze, the impact on customer conversion, and the strategic considerations behind the pricing changes. Selling the business (00:22:10) Discussion on selling the business, organic growth, and profitability. Upcoming interviews (00:23:06) Announcement of upcoming interviews with Dagobert and Rob Walling, and wishes for entrepreneurial success. | |||
| #330 - Top Productivity Hack Every Entrepreneur Must Know! | 11 mars 2024 | 00:22:48 | |
I dive into the nation's burgeoning immigration scene, exploring its cultural boons and economic hurdles. As a business owner, my political perspectives are ever-shifting, particularly concerning taxes and government policies. Plus, I'll reveal my journey towards achieving a work-life balance and heightened productivity, inspired by "The 4-Hour Workweek" and the Pareto principle, and I'll share my personal tactics for managing tasks and boosting efficiency in my business. Links Timestamps Elections in Portugal (00:00:11) Impact of Immigration (00:02:36) Changes in Political Views as a Business Owner (00:05:41) Productivity Strategies (00:09:03) Automating and Delegating Tasks (00:19:54) Taking Time Off and Giving Responsibility (00:21:01) Productivity and Tim Ferriss' Book (00:21:55) | |||
| #329 - How Daniel Invests His $500K ARR Portfolio | 04 mars 2024 | 01:26:54 | |
Hey fellow indie hackers, just wrapped up a super cool chat with Daniel, a 26-year-old entrepreneur who's totally killing it with a $500k SaaS portfolio. He and his brother started young, sold their first company, and now they're smartly reinvesting into more SaaS, real estate, and other assets. Daniel's all about that cautious growth and avoiding debt, which totally resonates with me as I navigate this indie maker life. We dived into his backstory, his big company sale (hello six figures!), and how he's handling his dough post-sale. Super insightful stuff on building a strong foundation before taking big leaps, and the importance of trust and due diligence when selling your biz. Plus, we got into the nitty-gritty of investing strategies and balancing risk with stability. So much to learn from this guy! Links Timestamps The podcast's next phase (00:00:12) Selfish podcasting (00:02:02) Learning from interviews (00:03:32) Age and entrepreneurship (00:07:14) Starting young (00:10:39) Learning from failures (00:12:04) Thinking in simpler terms (00:16:00) Muscle Memory and Learning (00:19:22) Starting as an Indie Maker (00:20:31) Early Work Experience and Decision Making (00:22:34) Mindset and Motivation for Investing (00:27:47) Childhood Influences and Business Strategy (00:30:00) Exit Strategy and Financial Success (00:33:34) Acquisition Details and Financial Impact (00:37:20) Selling the Company (00:37:45) Acquisition Process (00:40:39) Investment Strategy (00:48:00) Real Estate Investment (00:50:01) Liquidity and Safety Nets (00:53:41) Taxes and Accounting (00:54:52) Tax Rates and Comparisons (00:57:31) Managing Time and Operations (01:00:26) Investment Strategy and Criteria (01:04:36) Financial Aspirations and Risk Management (01:08:26) Reflection and Gratitude (01:12:32) Closing Remarks and Future Conversations (01:12:37) Podcasting Industry and Long-Term Investment (01:13:16) Stable Results and Low Churn Investments (01:14:41) Risk Management and Long-Term Growth (01:15:54) Financial Aspirations and Comfortable Living (01:16:54) Investing for Comfort and Security (01:18:10) Prioritizing Comfort and Relationships Over Wealth (01:22:36) | |||
| #328 - The Book That Every Maker Needs To Read | 26 févr. 2024 | 00:25:08 | |
Hey fellow indie hackers! I've promised myself (and you guys!) that from now on, I'll drop a fresh episode every Monday – gotta keep that trust going, right? I also dived into my new adventure with PodSqueeze, chatting with customers on the podcast and soaking up all their amazing insights. Oh, and I had this awesome talk with Rob Walling, which led me to a game-changing book for my biz strategy. Also, I'm toying with the idea of setting up a co-working space for us indie makers. How cool would that be? Stay tuned, and let's keep making waves together! Links Timestamps Struggles with Consistency (00:00:11) New Commitment to Consistency (00:01:15) Value of Consistency in Podcasting (00:02:27) Starting a New Podcast (00:03:39) Discovering a Valuable Book (00:06:54) Challenges of Reducing Churn (00:11:40) Importance of Long-Term Thinking (00:21:02) Exploring the Idea of Co-Working Space (00:22:53) | |||
| #327 - Why Some Products Grow And Others Don't? | 10 févr. 2024 | 00:20:42 | |
Why do some products grow more than others? In today's episode of "The Wannabe Entrepreneur," I ponder over the growth trajectory of my product, the inevitable plateau, and the significance of early adopters and the early majority. I confess to overlooking long-term marketing tactics initially and discuss strategies to break into fresh markets, like YouTube and non-English speaking segments, aiming to maintain momentum and captivate early innovators. Links The frustrating smartwatch purchase (00:00:12) Dealing with refunds and customer complaints (00:03:21) Understanding early adopters and early majority (00:07:30) Lessons from initial product growth (00:10:53) Neglecting sustainable marketing strategies (00:14:06) Tapping into new markets and potential strategies (00:17:04) | |||
| #326 - You Need To Grow Together With Your Business | 02 févr. 2024 | 00:22:50 | |
I'll talk about the crucial skill shifts, strategies to keep customers, the art of delegation, and the power of SEO and email marketing. Learning from fellow entrepreneurs has been key, and I'm eager to show that bootstrapping can lead to serious financial wins. Links Timestamps Skills required to scale a product (00:01:18) Understanding churn and its impact (00:03:39) Delegating tasks and reclaiming time (00:06:57) Investing in sustainable marketing strategies (00:10:07) Expanding touchpoints and marketing efforts (00:12:08) Learning from others' experiences (00:16:01) Conscious use of time and resources (00:19:25) Becoming the Best Entrepreneur (00:20:28) Closing Remarks (00:21:23) | |||
| #325 - Don't Waste Time... Pay For A Marketing Expert Instead! | 14 janv. 2024 | 00:26:12 | |
Ever wondered how a developer turns into an entrepreneur? In this episode of "The Wannabe Entrepreneur," I, Tiago, dive into my own transformation, revealing the ins and outs of my entrepreneurial journey. I'll walk you through the crucial role of passive user acquisition strategies, such as SEO and content creation, and explain why it's essential to engage different customer segments through multiple touchpoints. I'll share my experience in recognizing the power of expertise, detailing how bringing in SEO and Instagram marketing specialists took my business to new heights. Plus, I'll discuss how I broke through a growth plateau by embracing automation and delegation. And don't miss out—I'm inviting you to join my now-free community for entrepreneurs, a place where strategic investments meet exponential growth. Join me on this adventure! Links Timestamps Marketing as an Entrepreneur (00:00:08) Tiago discusses the challenges of marketing as an entrepreneur and the need to change skill sets. Learning as an Entrepreneur (00:02:43) Tiago emphasizes that entrepreneurship is a lifelong learning process and shares his journey of learning and growth. Investing in Passive Sources (00:04:44) Tiago talks about the importance of investing in passive sources of users and the impact on sustained growth. Strategies for Marketing (00:08:54) Tiago discusses the need for multiple touchpoints and strategies for automating marketing efforts. Utilizing Shorts for Marketing (00:12:40) Tiago shares the experience of using shorts for marketing and the initial success and challenges faced. Analyzing Conversion Rates (00:16:59) Tiago explains the importance of analyzing different sources of marketing and their impact on conversion rates. Automating tasks (00:19:03) Discussing the need to automate tasks to avoid burnout and focus on marketing and strategizing. SEO strategy (00:19:59) Exploring the effectiveness of hiring an expert for SEO strategy and the positive impact it had on the business. Utilizing expertise (00:21:57) Highlighting the value of hiring experts in specific fields, such as Instagram, to accelerate growth and avoid unnecessary trial and error. Cost-effective marketing (00:22:52) Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of hiring individuals for marketing strategies instead of delegating to expensive agencies. Community engagement (00:24:43) Announcing the decision to make the community space free and encouraging support for the podcast through alternative means. Conclusion and support (00:25:33) Wrapping up the episode and offering ways for listeners to support the podcast while also making the community space accessible for free. | |||
| #324 - Starting a Podcast in 24 Hours: Guerrilla Marketing 101! | 07 janv. 2024 | 00:29:08 | |
Are you ready to dive into the world of guerrilla marketing and podcasting? I'm Tiago, the host of "The Wannabe Entrepreneur" and co-founder of PodSqueeze. In this episode, I'm excited to share our marketing focus for early 2024 and the behind-the-scenes of our rapid-fire podcast creation, "Lessons from a Podcaster." I'll walk you through our launch strategies, the innovative use of AI in our production, and how our podcast has skyrocketed PodSqueeze's marketing efforts. But it's not all work—I'll also get real about the challenges of maintaining work-life balance, avoiding burnout, and why personal well-being should never take a backseat. Join me as we explore the hustle and the humanity of entrepreneurship. Links Timestamps Tiago's Decision to Focus on Marketing (00:00:09) Tiago discusses his decision to focus solely on marketing for the first three months of 2024 and the reasons behind it. The Concept of Guerrilla Marketing (00:06:43) Tiago explains the concept of guerrilla marketing and its importance for their marketing strategy, emphasizing the need for low-budget, high-impact campaigns. Creating a Podcast for PodSqueeze (00:10:27) Tiago and his co-founder, John, brainstorm the idea of creating a podcast for PodSqueeze, discussing the benefits and reasons behind the decision. Challenges and Success in Starting the Podcast (00:13:17) Tiago shares the challenges and success of starting the podcast in just 24 hours, including the overwhelming response from potential guests and the technical aspects involved. Using AI for Podcast Intros and Outros (00:18:45) Tiago discusses the use of AI for creating podcast intros and outros, detailing the process and the outcome of using this technology. Initial Success of the Podcast Launch (00:20:28) Tiago reflects on the initial success of the podcast launch, including the viewership and downloads within the first 24 hours, and the creation of short content for the podcast. The launch of "What the F is PodSqueeze" campaign (00:21:26) Tiago discusses the idea of a marketing campaign to create buzz and attract attention for PodSqueeze. Struggling to balance work and social life (00:22:42) Tiago reflects on the challenge of balancing work commitments with maintaining a social life and personal well-being. The dilemma of prioritizing work over personal life (00:23:46) Tiago explores the conflict between dedicating himself entirely to work and the desire to enjoy a balanced personal life. Realizing the importance of work-life balance (00:24:52) Tiago acknowledges the need to prioritize mental health and social aspects alongside work commitments. Striving for a work-life balance (00:25:26) Tiago discusses the need to change his mindset and focus on maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Acknowledging the importance of disconnecting from work (00:26:02) Tiago emphasizes the significance of disconnecting from work and engaging in activities for personal well-being. Seeking balance and consistency (00:27:49) Tiago encourages feedback and shares his struggle with maintaining consistency while striving for work-life balance. | |||
| #323 - The Crazy Journey from $0 to $100K in One Year! | 30 déc. 2023 | 00:56:02 | |
In this episode, together with my co-founder João, we dive into our entrepreneurial rollercoaster with Pod Squeeze. From the ashes of a failed project to the thriving business we run today, we're peeling back the curtain on our journey. We'll chat about the crucial role of user feedback, the exhilarating boost from financial wins, and the gritty details of negotiations and taxes. Plus, we're getting real about the future—do we sell or keep growing? Join us as we share the lessons learned and the unbreakable bond we've built along the way. Links The journey begins (00:00:11) Tiago and Jerome reflect on their decision to work together and the challenges they faced. The struggles of entrepreneurship (00:02:05) Jerome discusses his frustration with freelancing and skepticism about entrepreneurship. Creating Pod Squeeze (00:06:57) The co-founders brainstorm and develop the idea for Pod Squeeze, emphasizing the importance of rapid prototyping. Early traction and pricing strategy (00:09:31) The co-founders discuss the initial traction and pricing adjustments for Pod Squeeze. Rapid growth and product launch (00:14:17) The excitement and success of Pod Squeeze's rapid growth and product launch are highlighted. Impact on confidence and mindset (00:20:44) Jerome shares how the success of their business has positively impacted his confidence and mindset. Financial success and confidence (00:21:12) Discussion on financial success leading to increased confidence and the illusion of being a genius. Validation and confidence through business success (00:22:27) The validation and confidence gained from proving oneself through successful business ventures. Transition from freelancing to full-time business (00:27:43) Jerome's decision to transition from freelancing to focusing solely on the business, impacting his quality of life. Negotiation and decision-making (00:35:19) Insights into negotiation strategies and decision-making processes, including differences in approaches between the co-founders. Challenges of transitioning to a product company (00:39:29) The frustrations and challenges of transitioning to a product company, including tax issues and negotiations with partners. Frustration with Tax and Legal Issues (00:40:39) Tiago and Jerome discuss the frustration and challenges they faced with taxes and legal issues for their business. Concerns about Business Growth (00:43:06) Jerome expresses concerns about the stagnation and decline in the growth of their business, Pod Squeeze. Decision to Pivot or Maintain (00:46:27) Jerome urges Tiago to consider pivoting their business strategy due to the stalling growth of Pod Squeeze. Debate on Future of Pod Squeeze (00:52:55) Jerome and Tiago discuss the options of either selling Pod Squeeze or maintaining it as a steady stream of income, and the possibility of starting a new project. Reflection on the Year and Future Plans (00:54:26) Tiago and Jerome reflect on the challenges faced during the year and express uncertainty about their energy for building something from scratch in the future. | |||
| #322 - Startup Plateau and Conquering the Early Majority | 22 déc. 2023 | 00:18:51 | |
Are you an entrepreneur facing challenges and feeling frustrated with the stagnation of your company? In this episode, I, Tiago, the host and co-founder of Podsqueeze, share my own experiences and insights. Despite the difficulties, I realize that our achievements are impressive. I discuss a conversation I had with a Portuguese entrepreneur and investor, where we delve into marketing strategies and the struggle to reach the early majority. As the year comes to an end, I reflect positively on my financial stability and encourage listeners to take a break during the holiday season. Stay tuned for the next episode! Links Timestamps Tiago's Busy Schedule and Tasks (00:00:13) Tiago discusses his busy schedule and the tasks he needs to complete before Christmas. Challenges of Entrepreneurship and Stagnation (00:01:32) Tiago talks about the challenges of entrepreneurship and the stagnation they are experiencing with Pod Squeeze. Realization of Achievements and Frustration (00:02:55) Tiago shares his realization that their achievements with Pod Squeeze are actually impressive, despite feeling frustrated. The challenges of entrepreneurship and reaching a plateau (00:09:08) Tiago discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship and the stagnation they are experiencing with Pod Squeeze. Marketing strategies for early adopters and early majority (00:10:13) Tiago talks about the different marketing strategies needed for early adopters and early majority, and how they have reached a plateau. Strategies for growth and going viral (00:12:44) Tiago discusses the limited resources of a bootstrapped company and explores strategies for growth, including SEO, YouTube, and going viral. Tiago's Busy Schedule and Tasks (00:17:08) Tiago discusses his busy schedule and the tasks he needs to complete before Christmas. Challenges of Entrepreneurship and Stagnation (00:17:08) Tiago talks about the challenges of entrepreneurship and the stagnation they are experiencing with Pod Squeeze. Realization of Achievements (00:18:26) Tiago shares his realization that their achievements with Pod Squeeze are actually impressive, despite feeling frustrated. | |||
| #321 - How to go from $100K to $1M with My Indie Business? | 12 déc. 2023 | 00:29:10 | |
In this episode of "The Wannabe Entrepreneur," we will be exploring a range of topics. I will start by discussing the challenges of buying a new home and the art of gift-giving, sharing my personal experiences. Then, I will delve into the world of influencer marketing and compare working cultures in Portugal and Germany. I will express my frustrations with the bureaucratic process in Portugal and reflect on my entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, I will reveal how my company reached a major milestone of earning over $100k and discuss our future growth plans. I will emphasize the importance of strategic thinking, automation, delegation, and long-term marketing strategies. Finally, I will invite you, the listeners, to join our private community for indie makers. Let's dive in! Links Tiemstamps The Millennial Dream (00:00:11) Tiago talks about acquiring a home and the excitement of owning a place in the current real estate market. The Frustration of Buying Gifts (00:02:37) Tiago expresses his lack of excitement for receiving expensive gifts and his thoughts on the point of gift exchanges like Secret Santa. Measuring Branding and Influencer Impact (00:05:41) Tiago discusses the challenge of measuring the impact of branding and influencers on a company and shares his experience with tracking user acquisition sources. The frustration with rules and regulations (00:12:00) Tiago discusses the frustration with rules and regulations in Germany and Portugal, and the lack of trust in the government. The challenges of understanding fiscal law (00:13:10) Tiago talks about the frustrations of navigating fiscal law in Portugal and the lack of guidance from accountants. The gray area of interpreting the law (00:15:10) Tiago discusses the ambiguity and interpretation of laws, using the example of setting up a company in Dubai and the varying interpretations of what it means to have a connection to a country. Scaling from 100k to 5 million (00:23:45) Tiago discusses his goal of scaling his business from 100k to 5 million and his plans to automate processes and hire freelancers. Short-term thinking and marketing gap (00:24:43) Tiago reflects on the mistake of short-term thinking and not planning for the gap between cold emailing and other marketing strategies like SEO and brand marketing. Preventing fires and strategic thinking (00:25:45) Tiago emphasizes the importance of preventing fires as an entrepreneur and the need for strategic thinking, including investing in SEO and planning features ahead of time. | |||
| #320 - Interviewing Andrew Gazdecki About How To Sell a Bootstrapped Startup | 01 déc. 2023 | 01:24:00 | |
Have you ever wondered about the process of selling startups? In this podcast episode I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrew Gazdecki, the founder of Acquired.com. We dive into his experience of scaling his company and the significance of having a distribution mindset and a strong team. Join us as we explore the importance of delegation, hiring the right people, and understanding the buyer's perspective when selling a business. Plus, Andrew shares some fantastic marketing strategies and emphasizes the importance of creativity and uniqueness. Links Timestamps The world of selling startups (00:01:20) Discussion about the nuances and misconceptions of selling startups, including the common belief of multiplying revenue by ten as the selling price. Branding and marketing techniques (00:02:29) Exploration of the importance of brand awareness and marketing techniques that may not bring immediate customers, and how to measure their effectiveness. Entrepreneurial background and early businesses (00:04:46) Andrew's upbringing in a beach town, his curiosity about wealth, and his early experiences starting businesses as a means to acquire money and the things he desired. Financial Literacy and Parental Money Management (00:10:40) Discussion on the lack of financial literacy and the challenges faced by parents in managing money. Possibility of Wealth for Individuals from Poor Backgrounds (00:11:54) Exploration of whether it is possible for anyone from a poor family to become wealthy, highlighting the importance of taking action and not making excuses. Mental Resilience and Problem-solving in Entrepreneurship (00:13:33) The impact of overcoming hardships on building mental resilience and problem-solving skills in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the ability to love and work through challenging situations. The shift to white labeling and distribution strategy (00:20:16) The speaker discusses how they partnered with an agency in Switzerland to white label their software, leading to a boom in sales and a shift in target customers. Transition from selling to small businesses to selling to agencies (00:21:25) After the partnership with the agency, the speaker's company started selling packages of mobile apps to agencies, resulting in a significant increase in sales and a shift in the sales process. Importance of distribution mindset and building a team (00:26:26) The speaker emphasizes the shift from product development to distribution mindset and the importance of building a team to handle various aspects of the business, such as marketing, sales, customer support, and product development. The importance of realistic entrepreneurship portrayal (00:31:06) Discussion on the shift in entrepreneurship coverage and the need for a more realistic view. Selling a goal, lifestyle, and viewpoint (00:33:05) Exploration of the power of selling beyond the product, using Nike as an example. Defining success and the role of teams (00:36:34) Reflection on the different paths to success and the choice to work alone or with a team. The topic of delegating tasks (00:41:22) Discusses the importance of delegating tasks that hold you back and that you dislike, in order to focus on high-impact activities within the business. The topic of hiring engineers (00:42:15) Shares a personal experience of hiring engineers through a job board and Upwork, emphasizing the importance of trust and recommendations when evaluating talent. The topic of valuing and selling a business (00:44:14) Explores the possibility of selling a business, evaluating its worth based on what someone is willing to pay and considering the buyer's perspective. Discusses the complexities of valuations, financial buyers, and the importance of running a competitive process to maximize valuation. The terms of selling a business (00:51:18) Discussion on the terms of selling a business, including the desire for a clean break, all cash on close, and quick due diligence. The process of selling a business (00:53:56) Exploration of the process of selling a business, including lowballing the initial valuation, attracting buyers, and creating urgency through a deal schedule. Benefits of buying bootstrap businesses (00:56:50) Explanation of why buyers are interested in acquiring bootstrap businesses, such as cleaner cap tables, niche products, profitability, and capital efficiency. Financial Buyers (01:01:35) Financial buyers are interested in profitable businesses with low churn and reliable recurring revenue. Strategic Buyers (01:01:37) Strategic buyers look for products that can help them enter new markets or add to their product suite for cross-selling. Private Equity Firms (01:02:45) Private equity firms, like the one mentioned, acquire startups every week and may cross-sell products or hold profitable businesses. Valuing a business based on profitability (01:11:53) Discussion on how buyers value a business based on profitability rather than revenue. Measuring the impact of branding (01:15:11) Discussion on measuring the impact of branding, including tracking Google searches and the importance of word of mouth marketing. | |||
| #319 - From Cheating at a Podcast Festival to Sponsoring It | 24 nov. 2023 | 00:24:06 | |
Let me take you on a rollercoaster journey through my experiences. This week, I've experienced both the highs and lows of this exciting world of indie hacking. Join me as I share the challenges of running PodSqueeze and managing co-founder relationships. I will also speak about our most recent sponsored event and gaining recognition in the Portuguese market. Links Timetsamps Tiago's sister starts her podcast (00:01:23) Tiago's sister starts her own podcast during the pandemic and receives positive feedback for her comedic content. Tiago hacks the podcast festival website (00:04:37) Tiago hacks the website of a podcast festival to increase his sister's chances of winning an award. Pod Squeeze sponsors the podcast festival (00:06:44) Pod Squeeze, Tiago's company, sponsors and organizes events at the podcast festival, leading to networking opportunities and potential clients. Tiago's Oscars Speech (00:10:34) Tiago talks about his sister being nominated for a podcasting prize and giving a speech at the awards ceremony. Ungrateful Prize Winner (00:12:18) Tiago discusses the incident where the prize winner publicly stated that they didn't need the prize, causing frustration. Conflict with Co-Founder (00:16:06) Tiago explains the conflict between him and his co-founder regarding the importance of networking and measuring success. The overwhelmed feeling of being bootstrapped (00:19:57) Tiago discusses feeling overwhelmed with the various aspects of his business and the frustration of not being able to move forward due to the lack of resources. The growth of the indie hacker movement (00:20:50) Tiago talks about the positive development of the indie hacker movement, its increasing popularity among entrepreneurs, and the interview of an indie hacker on a Portuguese TV show. Tiago's interview on a Portuguese podcast (00:22:03) Tiago shares his happiness about being interviewed for a Portuguese podcast and being able to discuss his work and experiences with his family. | |||
| #318 - How Makers Take the Most Out Of a Tech Conference | 17 nov. 2023 | 00:24:02 | |
What it's like to attend a major tech conference like the Web Summit? Well, in this episode, I'll be sharing my personal experiences from the event. Despite all the controversy and big tech companies dropping out, the turnout was massive! I'll be discussing my networking strategies, like using the event app to connect with people and finding a quiet area for meetings. I'll also open up about my struggles with social anxiety at networking events. Plus, I'll emphasize the importance of business cards and share some interesting interactions with industry professionals. Links Timetsamps Finding Success at Web Summit (00:01:23) Tiago discusses his experience at the Web Summit tech conference, including controversies, ticket acquisition, and preparation tips. The Overwhelming Nature of Web Summit (00:02:33) Tiago describes the overwhelming size and structure of the Web Summit, with multiple pavilions, talks, booths, and an app for networking. Networking and Scheduling at Web Summit (00:06:38) Tiago shares his strategy for networking at the conference, including using the app to connect with people, scheduling back-to-back talks, and finding a quiet meeting area. Blushing and Social Anxiety (00:10:31) Tiago discusses his experience with blushing and social anxiety, how it affects his interactions, and the potential connection to anxiety or phobia. Awkward Networking Events (00:11:29) Tiago talks about feeling awkward during networking events, particularly when approaching people and breaking the ice. Interactions and Insights from Podcasters (00:12:20) Tiago shares his interactions with podcasters and people in the industry, discussing the struggles of podcasting, learning about Spotify's role, and offering help and advice. The card is an effective networking tool (00:19:31) Tiago discusses how he used his business card to approach someone and make a connection. Offering a discount on the card (00:20:18) Tiago explains how his business card also includes a discount and information about his product. The podcast has a strong and supportive community (00:21:03) Tiago expresses gratitude for the listeners and mentions the active community of indie makers who support the podcast. | |||
| #317 - This Was Probably My Biggest Mistake Ever | 10 nov. 2023 | 00:27:02 | |
Have you ever made a critical mistake that had a significant impact on your business? In this episode, I'll be sharing my own experience as the co-founder of Podsqueeze. Blocking the upload feature to combat fake accounts seemed like a good idea at the time, but it ended up causing a decrease in user engagement and revenue. I'll be discussing the importance of data-driven decisions and monitoring metrics. Plus, I'll be sharing my frustrations with high taxes and corruption in Portugal, and why I believe in advocating for change rather than relocation. Links Timetsamps Blocking the Upload Feature (00:02:42) Tiago discusses his decision to block the upload feature on Pod Squeeze to prevent fake accounts and the impact it had on reducing the number of fake accounts. Revenue Decline Concerns (00:07:02) Tiago and Joanne express their worries about the declining revenue of Pod Squeeze and discuss the possible reasons behind it. Increase in Empty Accounts (00:09:19) Tiago analyzes the increase in empty accounts on Pod Squeeze after blocking the upload feature and realizes that it may have negatively impacted conversion rates. The Mistake (00:10:23) The speaker discusses a mistake they made by not testing a feature, resulting in a decrease in conversion rates. The Confusion (00:12:13) The speaker discusses their confusion about the unexpected increase in conversion rates despite fewer people trying out their product. The Changes and Decisions (00:16:27) The speaker talks about rolling back changes, allowing one upload per free account, and the importance of plotting and monitoring metrics. The taxes in Portugal (00:20:28) Discussion about the complexity and high rates of taxes in Portugal for entrepreneurs. Corruption scandal in Portugal (00:21:39) Frustration and powerlessness regarding the corruption scandal involving the prime minister and ministers in Portugal. Interviews and podcast updates (00:23:50) Mention of an interview with Dagobert about mental health and an upcoming interview with Andrew Decky. Also, mention of Mark selling his business and his AMA episode. | |||
| #316 - Interviewing Dagobert About How to Avoid Burnout as a Founder | 04 nov. 2023 | 01:36:52 | |
Have you ever experienced burnout and its impact on your health? Well, Dagobert shares his personal experience with burnout and how it led to a significant shift in his work-life balance. We also dive into the importance of therapy for mental health and how it played a crucial role in Dagobert's recovery. Links Timetsamps The challenges of becoming official (00:04:43) Tiago and Dagobert discuss the process of becoming an official company and the frustrations and complexities they faced with the tax system. The benefits of using Lemon Squeezy (00:06:57) Dagobert explains how using Lemon Squeezy as a merchant of record can simplify the tax burden and accounting process for online businesses. The complexities of the tax system (00:10:16) Tiago and Dagobert discuss the complicated nature of the tax system, including the different tax rates in different countries and the deductions that can be made to reduce taxes. The burnout and realization of goals (00:11:21) Tiago discusses his burnout and how he became obsessed with reaching a monthly income of $10,000, only to realize it didn't solve all his problems. The risks and peace of mind (00:12:09) Tiago talks about the peace of mind he feels with his recurring income, although there is a small chance it could go to zero. The collapse and symptoms of burnout (00:18:10) Dagobert describes the moment his body broke down due to burnout, experiencing symptoms such as racing heart, tingling sensations, and anxiety. The burnout realization (00:22:24) Speaker 2 discusses how he initially dismissed the idea of burnout but eventually realizes that it is the cause of his symptoms. Impact on the business and relationship (00:25:16) Speaker 2 explains how his burnout affected the business and caused stress for his partner, leading to the collapse of the business. Living in constant stress (00:27:43) Speaker 2 reflects on how he got used to living in constant stress and denial as an entrepreneur, leading to his burnout. The challenges of relying on Twitter for income (00:31:59) Speaker 2 discusses the stress and pressure of depending on Twitter for income and the need to go viral. Dealing with burnout and self-care (00:33:02) Speaker 2 shares their experience of burnout and the steps they took to address it, including meditation, journaling, and therapy. Transitioning to a job and financial stability (00:34:04) Speaker 2 talks about the decision to find a job for financial stability and the relief it brought to both themselves and their partner. The trust and autonomy in the new job (00:42:46) Speaker 2 talks about being given complete autonomy in their new job as a product manager and the trust placed in them by the company. The value of experience and skills (00:44:16) Speaker 1 and Speaker 2 discuss how the skills and experience gained over the years have made Speaker 2 valuable in their current role. Success and recognition in the startup (00:49:41) Speaker 2 reflects on how their past failures and experiences in building startups have been recognized and valued by the founders of the current startup they work for. The beginning of the entrepreneurial journey (01:00:17) Tiago discusses the criteria that would make him sell his business and the challenges he may face in the future. Lucy's current situation (01:02:06) Dagobert talks about how Lucy is still trying to make the business work and the financial struggles she is facing. Differences in moving on (01:05:46) Dagobert explains how he has moved on from the business while Lucy is still trying to find a way to make it work, despite the challenges she faces. Recognizing and Preventing Burnout (01:10:35) Discussion about the importance of recognizing burnout and tips for preventing it, including the recommendation of therapy. The Importance of Finding the Right Therapist (01:11:36) Speaker 2 shares his skepticism about therapy and the importance of finding a therapist who understands the body and can provide a different perspective. Unlocking Stuck Energy in the Body (01:17:12) Explanation of how therapy can help unlock stuck energy in the body, leading to more clarity and the ability to make decisions. The decision-making struggle (01:20:00) The speakers discuss the struggle of decision-making and how it can be influenced by fear and hesitation. The importance of therapy for founders (01:21:06) They discuss the benefits of having a therapist by your side as a founder, helping to provide clarity and objectivity in decision-making and potentially saving time and avoiding ego-driven decisions. Couples therapy for co-founders (01:23:14) They explore the idea of co-founder therapy and how it can help address issues and improve communication between co-founders, potentially preventing mistakes and improving the overall success of the startup. Regaining Power and Mental Support (01:29:30) Tiago compares being an entrepreneur to being an athlete and discusses the importance of mental support in achieving success. Learning Soft Skills and Balancing Work (01:30:50) Dagobert talks about learning soft skills, finding balance, and prioritizing health and enjoyment in his work. New Powers and Taking a Different Approach (01:33:03) Dagobert shares his new perspective on work, focusing on having productive and meaningful hours rather than overworking himself. | |||
| #315 - How to Sponsor a Conference with your Indie Business | 26 oct. 2023 | 00:30:38 | |
Have you ever sponsored a conference to grow your business? In this episode, I, an indie maker, and my co-founder Joao, dive into our experience sponsoring a conference in Berlin for our company, Podsqueeze. We were initially worried about being scammed, but we ended up sealing a sponsorship deal for $700. I chat about the perks of attending such events, like networking and potential client acquisition. However, we also faced challenges, like feeling uncomfortable with aggressive self-promotion. Despite the setbacks, we made valuable connections. Tune in as I reflect on the importance of having an official presence and the value of networking at conferences. Links Timetsamps Introduction to sponsoring a conference (00:01:30) The host explains why he and Joao decided to sponsor a conference in Berlin and the importance of marketing. Finding a conference to sponsor (00:02:48) The host discusses the difficulty of finding affordable conferences to sponsor and how they discovered Pod Fest Berlin. Preparing for the conference (00:09:15) The host talks about their preparations for the conference, including designing t-shirts and getting flyers and banners ready. The organization of the event (00:12:09) The speaker discusses the lack of effort in organizing the event and the disappointment of not having many podcasting-related activities. Meeting other sponsors (00:13:07) The speaker talks about meeting the other sponsors of the conference, including representatives from Prodigy and McKee. Feeling ignored and demotivated (00:17:48) The speaker shares their frustration with being ignored by some podcasters and feeling demotivated after a long day of networking. Distributing the Flyers (00:21:33) The host talks about his experience distributing flyers at the conference and the mixed reactions he received from people. Creating an Official Pod Squeeze Booth (00:22:18) The host describes how they set up a table with their laptop and flyers to create an official booth for Pod Squeeze, which changed the way people perceived them. Exploring Partnerships (00:23:12) The host discusses their efforts to close partnerships with other companies, including discussing a potential API integration with Podigee and exploring a collaboration with Mackie for a giveaway. | |||
| #314 - Interviewing Daniel about the Ups and Downs of Building Wundertax | 23 oct. 2023 | 01:13:34 | |
I am interviewing Daniel, the CEO of Wundertax. He takes us on a journey from Hong Kong to Germany, sharing his experiences in entrepreneurship and the creation of Wundertax. We dive into the challenges of starting a business, securing funding, and navigating co-founder dynamics. Daniel also shares insights from his time in Amsterdam and how Wundertax focuses on customer needs and market trends. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on startups, entrepreneurship, and the complexities of tax filing. Checkout Wundertax Links Timestamps The Ups and Downs of Daniel's Journey [00:00:30] Daniel, the CEO of Wundertax, shares his experiences and challenges as a founder. Wunndertax: Making Taxes Simple [00:01:27] Daniel introduces Wonder Tax, a tool that simplifies the tax process, and discusses its benefits. From Hong Kong to Germany [00:02:05] Daniel talks about his background, growing up in Hong Kong, studying in Germany, and his experiences working for Rocket Internet and Foodpanda. Pressure from families and the issue of affordability in Hong Kong [00:09:51] Discussion about the pressure from families and the high cost of living in Hong Kong, leading some young people to move to other countries. Entrepreneurial background and first business idea [00:11:05] Conversation about Daniel's family background and his early interest in entrepreneurship and building things. Building the first version of the tax tool and its success [00:13:50] Explanation of how they built the minimum viable product (MVP) using an Excel sheet and freelancer, and the subsequent viral success of the tool. The problem is more important than the solution [00:20:20] Discussion on the importance of focusing on solving customer problems rather than coming up with innovative solutions. The process of building a business and product people want [00:22:13] Talk about the importance of having a vision but also considering the needs and wants of customers when building a business. The marketing mix and peak revenue during tax deadline [00:26:09] Explanation of the marketing strategies used, including Facebook marketing and Google ads, and the significant increase in revenue during the tax deadline period. Building Monetization [00:29:02] Daniel discusses the decision to introduce monetization to their platform and the positive response from customers. Raising Series A Funding [00:32:05] Daniel talks about the ease of raising funding after implementing monetization and the process of negotiating with investors. Growing the Team and Spending Money [00:37:48] Daniel describes how they used the funding to hire more employees, expand their office, and throw parties, while also feeling pressure to deliver on their promises. The decision to become CEO [00:38:38] The speakers discuss how the CEO is typically the more outgoing and investor-facing role in a company, while the COO is more inward-facing. The challenges of growth and profitability [00:39:36] The speakers talk about the pressure to continuously raise funds and grow, and how some companies struggle to become profitable. The decision to part ways with the co-founder [00:44:22] The speakers discuss the conflicts and disagreements between the CEO and co-founder that led to the decision to no longer work together. Daniel's move to Amsterdam [00:48:31] Daniel discusses his decision to move to Amsterdam for four years and work on a moving platform. The challenges of raising the next round [00:50:22] Daniel talks about the difficulties he faced in raising the next round of funding for his startup. The downfall of the company [00:52:56] Daniel explains the challenges faced by his co-founder and the company, leading to the departure of the CEO and most of the employees. Starting Wonder Tax [00:57:57] Daniel discusses the initial meeting with the team from Wonder Tax and their confusion about his ideas. Growing the Company [00:59:00] Daniel talks about the changes they made when he became CEO, including hiring more staff and launching new products. Addressing the Fear of Taxes [01:05:30] Daniel explains how Wonder Tax tries to address people's fear of doing their taxes by providing easy-to-understand content and a user-friendly tool. The design and competition dilemma [01:08:04] Discussion on how to navigate competition in terms of design and following other companies' paths. The importance of mobile experience [01:10:02] Exploration of the significance of mobile experience for easy tax cases and the focus on improving the mobile app. Considering market demand and strengths [01:11:07] The CEO emphasizes the need to consider customer and user preferences while also focusing on the company's strengths and current customer base. | |||
| #313 - This Is Going To Be a Huge Marketing Bet | 12 oct. 2023 | 00:14:04 | |
I have some exciting news to share - our company has decided to sponsor a podcasting conference in Berlin as part of our marketing strategy. I'll be discussing our experimentation with different approaches like cold emails and automation, as well as our current focus on sponsoring conferences. Join me as I talk about my goals for attending the conference, the frustrations of non-business tasks, and the constant feeling of dissatisfaction that entrepreneurs often experience. Plus, I'll be sharing a new feature we've developed and inviting you to join me at an upcoming event in Berlin. Links Timestamps The conference sponsorship [00:01:29] Thiago discusses the marketing strategy of trying different channels and scaling successful ones, including sponsoring a podcasting conference. Testing conferences as a marketing strategy [00:02:37] Thiago explains the decision to test sponsoring smaller conferences to reach target users and evaluate the return on investment. Challenges with company infrastructure and bureaucracy [00:07:01] Thiago expresses frustration with setting up the company infrastructure, dealing with taxes, and the complexity of bureaucratic processes. The worry of losing it all [00:10:57] Thiago discusses the common concern among entrepreneurs about the fear of losing their money and success, even when they have achieved significant wealth. The excitement and frustrations of being an entrepreneur [00:11:54] Thiago reflects on the excitement and fulfillment of working for himself, but acknowledges the frustrations that come with being an entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of loving what you do in order to succeed. Introducing the new video clips feature [00:12:59] Thiago announces a new feature on their platform: video clips. He explains that this feature has the potential to attract more traffic and shares his excitement about its potential success. However, he mentions that he currently lacks the time and energy to fully focus on it. | |||
| #312 - How To Hire Top Freelancers for Your Indie Company | 27 sept. 2023 | 00:19:33 | |
Have you ever wondered what it's like to hire new team members for a bootstrapped company? Well, in this episode, I'll be sharing my personal experience with hiring for my company, PodSqueeze. It all started when I hired a content agency to write ebooks, which turned out to be a success. But when we needed blog posts for SEO, we reached out to them on Twitter and decided to work on a freelance basis. Then came the time to hire a freelance developer, and the response on Twitter was overwhelming. After careful consideration, I selected Reeshav from India. Tune in to hear about my positive hiring experience and the progress we've made with Reeshav. And don't forget to support the podcast and join the indie maker community! Links Timestamps Hiring a Content Writer [00:01:23] Discussion about the need to hire a content writer for SEO purposes and the unsuccessful attempt to find a cheap writer on Fiverr. Working with a Content Agency [00:03:30] Exploration of the decision to work with a content agency for ebook writing and the positive experience with the agency Knitting and its partners, Nithin and Kartik. Hiring a Freelance Developer [00:06:42] The host's desire to hire a freelance developer and the process of finding potential candidates through a simple tweet on Twitter, including the filtering process based on skills and rates. Finding the right vibe [00:10:12] Tiago discusses the importance of finding someone with a nice vibe and who is uncomplicated to work closely with. The bias in video applications [00:11:03] Tiago reflects on the bias in the video applications he received, with only one application from a woman and a majority of applications from men. Selecting the candidates [00:12:58] Tiago talks about selecting two candidates, one from India and one from Italy, for interviews and discusses the importance of having in-person chats to understand each other's goals and expectations. | |||
| #311 - The Most Uncertain Times: Navigating the Ups and Downs of PodSqueeze | 22 sept. 2023 | 00:10:42 | |
I'll be reflecting on the ups and downs of our journey so far, including the initial success and growth of our company. But I also have concerns about the market and AI trends. I'll be sharing my three conditions for deciding whether to continue with PodSqueeze, and expressing my unwavering passion for this project. Oh, and I'm thrilled to announce the release of our new video feature! Plus, I can't wait to tell you about my upcoming holiday plans. Connect with me on Twitter and if you're an entrepreneur looking for a supportive community, check out our select-based community. Let's dive in! Links Timestamps The initial success and traction [00:01:32] Discusses the excitement and rapid growth experienced after launching PodSqueeze, reaching milestones, and the initial momentum in the AI market. The slowing down of growth and concerns about the market [00:02:47] Addresses the decrease in growth rate, the decline in AI trend popularity, and the uncertainty about the future of PodSqueeze in a shrinking market. The release of the new video feature and upcoming holiday [00:08:00] Mentions the development and release of a video feature, the stress and excitement surrounding it, and the upcoming holiday plans. Initial success and traction [00:10:01] Tiago mentions the initial success and traction experienced after launching PodSqueeze. Slowing down of growth [00:10:01] Tiago discusses the slowing down of growth for PodSqueeze. Concerns about market and AI trends [00:10:01] Tiago expresses concerns about the market and AI trends and how they may impact PodSqueeze. | |||
| #310 - How To Legally Create an Indie Company and Minimize Taxes | 17 sept. 2023 | 00:41:26 | |
Have you ever wondered what it takes to set up your own company? In this podcast episode, I share my personal journey of starting UserQuest and the obstacles I encountered along the way. One of the biggest challenges was finding accountants who truly understood my software-as-a-service business model and the complexities of taxation. It was frustrating to navigate through the options for managing taxes, such as setting up the company in Estonia, only to realize the potential risks involved. Join me as I share my experiences and insights, and hopefully, you'll find inspiration for your own entrepreneurial journey. Links Timestamps Setting up a company [00:02:04] Tiago discusses the process of setting up a company, specifically in Portugal or Europe, and shares his experience and learnings. Challenges with finding an accountant [00:04:05] Tiago talks about the difficulties they faced in finding an accountant who understood their business model and could provide accurate tax advice. Reducing taxes [00:06:48] Tiago explains the research and efforts they made to try and reduce their taxes, as they were being taxed at a high rate that didn't align with their online business model. The frustrations of setting up a company [00:07:46] Tiago discusses the frustrations he faced when seeking advice on setting up a company and the simplicity that others claimed it to be. Investigating options in Singapore [00:08:44] Tiago explores the idea of setting up a company in Singapore, including the lower taxes and the requirement for a stakeholder to live in Singapore. Exploring Madeira as an option [00:09:45] Tiago considers Madeira as a potential location for their company, the concept of fiscal paradises, and the need to live in Madeira for tax benefits. Setting up a company in Estonia [00:15:37] Discusses the options and tax implications of setting up a company in Estonia, including paying taxes on dividends and profits. Double taxation and treaties [00:17:42] Explains the issue of double taxation when living in one country and having a company in another, and how treaties can help mitigate this problem. Legal concerns and hiring a lawyer [00:19:39] Details the decision to hire a lawyer to determine the legality of having a company in Estonia while living in Portugal, and the potential consequences of not paying taxes in the correct jurisdiction. Deciding on Estonia or Portugal [00:23:16] Tiago discusses the pros and cons of setting up a company in Estonia and Portugal, including the risks and potential benefits. Affordability of fines [00:25:29] Tiago reflects on the ability to afford fines and how it influenced the decision to choose Portugal for their company. Challenges with company registration in Portugal [00:27:20] Tiago shares the frustrating process of registering a company name in Portugal, including the slow bureaucracy and issues with the registration tool. Setting up the company [00:30:14] The speaker discusses the challenges they faced while trying to set up their company and the decision to physically go to the finance department. Setting up a business bank account [00:31:09] The speaker talks about the process of setting up a business bank account and their decision to go with Revolut, an online bank. Managing company expenses and taxes [00:33:06] The speaker explains the concept of minimizing company profits to reduce taxes and discusses strategies to take money out of the company as expenses. Lessons learned from the process [00:38:22] Tiago discusses the importance of doing your own research and asking questions when it comes to finances and taxes. The value of consulting a lawyer [00:39:30] Tiago explains the benefits of seeking professional advice from a lawyer who understands the law and can provide reliable information. Utilizing Chat GPT for assistance [00:40:30] Tiago shares how they used Chat GPT for calculations and comparisons, emphasizing its helpfulness in testing different scenarios. | |||
| #309 - Tips for Indie Makers Perform at The Highest Level | 09 sept. 2023 | 00:32:34 | |
Are you an indie maker looking to perform at your best? In this episode, I dive into strategies for reaching the highest level of productivity. Discover the power of structuring your day and finding a routine that suits you. As a fellow night owl, I emphasize the importance of working with your natural body and brain rhythms. Plus, I reveal the benefits of sleep, cold showers, and intermittent fasting. Learn how to boost productivity, conquer distractions, and find relaxation through meditation. And don't forget to share your tips and suggestions for future episodes! Reach out to me today. Links Timestamps How to Perform at the Highest Level [00:01:13] Discussion on the importance of structuring one's day to perform at the highest level, drawing parallels with athletes and other professions. Being a Night Owl [00:04:23] Tiago shares his experience as a night owl and the benefits of accepting and working with one's natural sleep patterns. The Benefits of Cold Showers [00:07:09] Tiago talks about the benefits he has experienced from taking cold showers, including improved tolerance to cold, potential immune system boost, and a mindset shift. Reducing Calorie Intake and Productivity [00:10:10] Tiago discusses how he reduces his calorie intake by practicing intermittent fasting and how it affects his productivity. Importance of Food and Productivity [00:12:03] Tiago talks about how the food he eats affects his productivity and how eating less helps him stay focused and avoid feeling tired or sleepy. Managing Distractions and Increasing Productivity [00:13:02] Tiago shares strategies for managing distractions while working, including taking breaks to do minor tasks and avoiding the temptation to use social media or browse the internet. The importance of meditation [00:19:27] Meditation as a tool for stress relief and problem-solving. Balancing work and personal life [00:20:32] Struggles with knowing when to stop working and the never-ending tasks. The value of rest and prioritizing mental health [00:21:42] Recognizing the need for rest, setting priorities, and avoiding burnout. The value of your hour [00:29:38] Tiago discusses the importance of assigning a monetary value to your time and making decisions based on that value. Making smart investments [00:30:44] Tiago explains how to make calculated decisions by exchanging tasks based on their value and ensuring they don't exceed the value of your time. Supporting the podcast [00:31:50] Tiago shares ways to support the podcast, including becoming a member of the community, which costs $10 per month. | |||
| #308 - Interviewing Taylin Simmonds Founder of Ghostlii | 02 sept. 2023 | 00:46:29 | |
I had the pleasure of interviewing Taylin Simmonds, the co-founder of Ghostlii, a content marketing agency. Have you ever wondered how to find success as an entrepreneur while staying true to your artistic vision? Well, Talyn shares his incredible journey as an indie maker and entrepreneur, exploring the fascinating intersection of art and business. We dive deep into topics like finding product-market fit, thriving in saturated markets, and the power of building an audience and brand. About Taylin Podcast Links Timestamps Finding Product-Market Fit [00:02:38] Dylan talks about the importance of finding product-market fit and how Ghostly shifted their focus from growing social media followers to building a valuable brand and audience. Artistic Entrepreneurship [00:03:34] Dylan discusses his perspective on the intersection of art and entrepreneurship, highlighting how entrepreneurship can be a vehicle for artistic impact and creating something incredible. Selling Art and Managing Expectations [00:05:14] The conversation explores the challenge of balancing artistic integrity and commercial success, with Dylan sharing insights on how musicians can find a niche that appeals to both artistic expression and market demand. The journey to $10k per month [00:10:20] Dylan shares how he reached $10k per month in just 30 days and discusses the importance of lead generation. Building relationships through content [00:12:14] Dylan explains his approach to networking by creating high-value content that attracts the attention of industry leaders. The importance of skill stacking and failures [00:15:55] Dylan emphasizes the importance of acquiring skills and experiencing failures before finding success in entrepreneurship. The mindset shift after reaching success [00:18:44] Discussion on how reaching success can challenge one's identity and mindset, causing anxiety and pressure. The journey of building a successful business [00:19:33] Exploration of the challenges faced in scaling a business and the personal growth required to sustain success. Using psychedelics for personal transformation [00:23:11] The guest shares his experience with ayahuasca and MDMA therapy as tools for personal transformation and identity change. Psychedelic experiences and personal growth [00:25:08] Dylan discusses how psychedelic experiences can open doors to new thoughts, states of being, and personal growth. Imposter syndrome and embracing failure [00:27:03] Dylan shares his thoughts on imposter syndrome and how it is a natural part of trying new things and embracing failure as a way to learn and iterate. Goals and priorities in indie companies [00:32:05] Dylan talks about his goals and priorities in his indie company, emphasizing the importance of viewing businesses as stepping stones for learning and growth. Scaling as a Self-Improvement Vehicle [00:32:53] Discussion on the benefits of scaling a business for financial and location freedom, but recognizing that it may not be the ultimate goal. Passion for Educating and Creating [00:33:53] Desire to transition into e-learning and decentralized education, and the challenge of being a creator and capturing attention. Finding Clarity and Direction [00:34:49] Importance of having clarity on the direction of one's business and being open to iterating and testing different paths. The pursuit of growth [00:41:05] Dylan discusses different motivations for entrepreneurship and the desire for growth in business and personal life. The need for constant growth [00:42:09] Dylan argues that while businesses don't always need to grow, individuals should always be growing in some domain, and for many, that domain is business. The desire to keep pushing oneself [00:43:27] Dylan explains how once money stops solving problems, the next challenge becomes finding fulfillment and enjoying life, which can be achieved through pushing oneself in business. Mentions Ayahuasca (psychedelic): Mentioned at 00:24:03 Joe Dispenza: Mentioned at 00:25:08 MDMA therapy: Mentioned at 00:25:08 Peter Levels: Mentioned at 00:28:31 "12 and 12" mindset: Mentioned at 00:28:31 Hermosa: Mentioned at 00:30:16 (unclear if it refers to a person or a concept) Elon Musk: Mentioned at 00:31:06 Mark Zuckerberg: Mentioned at 00:31:06 Bootstrapping: Mentioned at 00:31:06 Indie hacking: Mentioned at 00:31:06 Monkey Ran: Mentioned at 00:32:05 (unclear if it refers to a person or a company) Topic: Books and Authors Mark Manson: Mentioned in the context of trying on different beliefs. (Timestamp: 00:36:18) Topic: Lifestyle and Success Symbols McDonald's: Mentioned in the context of working at a job with no leverage. (Timestamp: 00:39:31) Topic: Education and Learning E-learning: The speaker expresses interest in e-learning businesses and decentralized education. (Timestamp: 00:33:53) Topic: Conversations and Interactions Tony Dean: Mentioned as someone the speaker had a conversation with about maintaining lifestyle and freedom while growing a business. (Timestamp: 00:40:41) | |||
| #307 - What I wish I’d known when I started Indie Hacking | 26 août 2023 | 00:41:26 | |
Have you ever wondered how to navigate the world of indie hacking? Well, today I'll be discussing the importance of learning and experimenting in indie hacking, the significance of having a financial runway, and the need to prioritize mental health. We'll also explore the audience-first approach, finding product-market fit, and the importance of time as an indie maker's biggest asset. So, let's dive in and discover the keys to success in the world of indie hacking! Links Timestamps The decision to quit job or side hustle [00:00:12] Reflecting on the personal decision of whether to quit a job or side hustle while starting a business. Learning entrepreneurship and time commitment [00:01:37] The importance of dedicating 100% of time to learning entrepreneurship and building a product from scratch. The importance of financial stability and mental health [00:04:18] The recommendation to have at least one year of savings and prioritize mental well-being when starting a business. The Audience First Approach [00:11:12] Starting with an audience instead of an idea, understanding their problems, and creating products for your own crowd. Finding a Problem [00:14:22] Identifying problems within your own audience, exploring new technologies, and brainstorming solutions. Product Market Fit [00:20:36] When your product solves a market problem and people are willing to pay for it, leading to high user traction. Finding Product-Market Fit [00:21:36] The speaker discusses the importance of finding a product that immediately gains traction and has enthusiastic users. Killing Unsuccessful Projects [00:22:35] The speaker advises to kill a project if it doesn't gain traction after 2-3 months and shares the difficulty of killing a project with existing users. Maximizing Time as an Indie Maker [00:26:45] The speaker emphasizes that time is the biggest asset for indie makers and suggests trying multiple projects within a shorter timeframe to increase chances of success. Launching Your Product [00:31:09] Tips for doing a big launch on social media or Product Hunt, including ensuring everything is working properly beforehand. Operational Challenges [00:34:03] The shift in dynamic and energy once a product becomes mature and the challenges of setting up a company, finding better services, and understanding taxes. Importance of Co-founders [00:36:14] The benefits of having a co-founder, including sharing the journey, complementing each other's strengths, and open communication to resolve issues. | |||
| #306 - I Don't Know How To Run A Business | 18 août 2023 | 00:25:00 | |
In this episode, I, Tiago, an indie maker and entrepreneur, share my journey and the challenges I face in navigating the business side of things. From setting up a company to handling taxes and hiring professionals, there's a lot to learn. I discuss the lack of discussion around these less glamorous aspects and the fear of making mistakes. I also share my hiring process for a community manager, emphasizing the importance of trust and fit. Plus, I contemplate the need for a lawyer to define contract terms. Tune in for all the insights! Links Timestamps The phase of adulthood [00:01:24] Tiago discusses the different phases of a business's life, comparing it to the stages of a person's life. Setting up a company and address [00:04:53] Tiago talks about the challenges of setting up a company, including the decision of what address to use and the option of a virtual office. The frustration of bureaucratic tasks [00:09:07] Tiago expresses frustration with the bureaucratic tasks involved in running a business, such as finding the right services, interviewing professionals, and dealing with taxes. The hiring process [00:12:26] Tiago discusses his first ever hiring process and the importance of finding the right person for the role. Understanding wealth and taxes [00:16:30] Tiago reflects on his changing definition of wealth and the realization that minimizing profits can reduce taxes. The importance of understanding taxes [00:23:35] Tiago emphasizes the significance of understanding the tax system as an entrepreneur and how it can lead to success. | |||
| #305 - How Success Changes The Way You See Yourself | 11 août 2023 | 00:31:33 | |
Have you ever wondered how success can change a person? In this episode, I'll be reflecting on this concept, and using I'll be sharing my own experiences with success through my company, PodSqueeze. From childhood dreams of being an entrepreneur to taking my profession seriously, I'll discuss the impact success has had on me. We'll also touch on the challenges of building a company, including tax considerations and the possibility of starting a business in a country with lower taxes. Managing taxes and expenses properly is crucial for scalability and growth. Links Timestamps Success and Change [00:01:23] Discussion on why people change with success, using Elon Musk as an example. Validation of Success [00:03:52] The narrator's experience of how success has changed their interactions and engagement on social media. Pursuing Dreams [00:10:19] The narrator's journey of pursuing entrepreneurship as a dream and how it changed their perspective on their career path. The coping mechanism of coding at the beach [00:12:29] The speaker discusses how they used to feel anxious about not being productive during beach holidays and how they started using coding as a coping mechanism. Accepting and embracing their entrepreneurial personality [00:13:31] The speaker talks about gaining confidence in their way of seeing life and accepting their entrepreneurial personality, despite being different from others. Challenges and frustrations of building a company [00:17:42] The speaker shares their frustrations with the managerial and organizational aspects of building a company, including decision-making, meetings, and dealing with taxes. The tax deductions dilemma [00:24:14] Explains the difference in expenses that can be deducted in a company and the gray areas surrounding deducting business trips. Challenges of starting a company in Portugal [00:26:22] Discusses frustrations and delays in registering a company name in Portugal, highlighting the need for change. Hiring a community manager [00:28:22] Shares the process of hiring a community manager, including receiving video applications and the excitement of having someone to help manage the community. | |||
| #304 - Don't do business with people you don't trust | 02 août 2023 | 00:17:28 | |
In this episode, I'll be sharing my recent experiences with my business partner and landlord. From struggles with onboarding business partners who seemed to take control of the conversation, it's been quite a journey. I'll also be discussing my personal experience with our rented flat in Lisbon. Join me as I reflect on these experiences, contemplate changes to my business model, and invite your suggestions. Let's dive in! Links Timestamps Trying to find a business partner [00:02:40] Tiago discusses his experience with trying to onboard business partners to sell their product, but it hasn't been successful so far. Concerns about a potential business partner [00:03:51] Tiago and Joe discuss their conversation with a potential business partner from France and express concerns about losing control of their company and lifestyle. Unexpected housing situation [00:07:05] Tiago shares his experience of renting a flat in Lisbon and how their landlord unexpectedly refused to renew their contract, leading to the realization of the importance of trust in business dealings. Tiago's Thoughts on the Community [00:11:56] Tiago discusses the purpose of the community and whether it should focus on making friends or providing value. Considering a Change in Business Model [00:13:00] Tiago contemplates changing the subscription-based business model to a one-time payment model for the community. Exploring New Ideas for Monetization [00:14:51] Tiago explores the idea of converting his guides into an ebook and potentially creating a fund for indie hackers. | |||
| #303 - Interviewing Tony Dinh on how to run a successful indie businesses | 26 juil. 2023 | 00:45:08 | |
In this podcast episode, Tiago interviews Tony Dinh, a successful indie hacker, about the challenges and goals of running an indie company. They discuss their own experiences and the importance of finding the right co-founder. They also talk about the different phases of being an indie hacker and the goals that come with each phase. Tony shares his approach to design and marketing, while Tiago talks about his transition from struggling to finding success with his startup. They also discuss profitability margins, lifestyle priorities, hiring freelancers, managing tasks and deadlines, and competing with bigger players in the industry. Links Timestamps The challenges of running an indie company [00:01:12] Tiago discusses his challenges of running an indie company, including hiring and setting goals. Finding product-market fit and gaining credibility [00:02:17] Tiago and Tony discuss the importance of finding product-market fit and how it can lead to credibility and success. The different phases of being an indie hacker [00:09:08] Tiago and Tony talk about the roller coaster journey of being an indie hacker and the different phases and goals that come with it. The profitability margins [00:12:03] Discussion about the profitability margins of the company and the impact of having employees on revenue. Goals as an indie hacker [00:12:40] Discussion about short-term and medium-term goals as an indie hacker, including reaching the level of other successful indie hackers. Prioritizing lifestyle over money [00:15:32] Discussion about the preference for a lifestyle with more freedom and independence over having a lot of money. The hiring process and working with freelancers [00:23:17] Discussion on the benefits of hiring freelancers, the types of tasks they can handle, and the decision-making process of when to hire them. Trusting freelancers and managing their hours [00:28:10] Exploration of the trust factor in hiring freelancers, giving them access to code, and managing their hours and invoicing. Transitioning a freelancer to a full-time employee [00:30:07] The process of hiring a freelancer as a full-time employee, starting with a specific role and expanding their responsibilities based on their skills and willingness to help. No deadlines [00:34:05] Discussion on the absence of deadlines in the company and how tasks are allocated and managed without them. Managing freedom and goals [00:36:41] Exploration of the paradox of wanting to achieve goals and beat competitors while maintaining freedom and not setting deadlines. Dealing with competition [00:41:14] Discussion on how the speaker manages competition and believes there is still a place for their product in the market. Links and Mentions Marketing: Product Hunt: 00:06:02 Twitter: 00:06:02 Instagram: 00:06:02 Communication and Task Management: Telegram: 00:34:47 Linear: 00:35:13 Slack: 00:43:45 References: My First Million podcast: 00:36:54 | |||
| #302 - My Company is Making $10K Per Month | 22 juil. 2023 | 00:28:08 | |
Is money a synonym for success? I'm thrilled to announce that we've reached a milestone of $10,000 in revenue. Plus, I recently bought a used car and the response on Twitter was amazing. Join me as I discuss the importance of freedom over money for indie makers and explore a potential product idea for a search engine for podcast episodes. I'll also reflect on my growth as an entrepreneur and how success has changed my self-perception. Lastly, I invite you to join our community and share this podcast with others in the indie maker community. Let's connect and learn together! Links Timestamps The milestone celebration [00:02:13] Tiago discusses reaching a significant milestone of $10,000 in revenue and plans to celebrate with a special dinner. Twitter monetization rumors [00:05:31] Tiago talks about the recent buzz on Twitter about content creators getting paid and their own experience with trying to monetize their account. Imposter syndrome and the journey of an indie company [00:09:50] Tiago reflects on their imposter syndrome and the mixed feelings about the future of their company, sharing insights from interviews with other successful entrepreneurs. Freedom vs Money [00:10:49] Tiago discusses the importance of freedom over money and asks the audience to choose between working hard for $1 million or having full freedom with less money. Creating a Podcast Search Engine [00:11:58] Tiago shares their idea of creating a search engine for podcasts to make it easier to find specific episodes and discusses using OpenAI's embeddings for smart searches. Building a Search Engine for Podcasts" [00:13:55] Tiago explains the benefits of having a search engine for podcasts and the potential for creating a landing page for each episode, while acknowledging the challenges of monetizing the idea. Tiago's self-confidence and validation [00:21:22] Tiago reflects on how their self-confidence and ego have changed with success, and how they are now seen as a reference by others. The stages of believing in a dream [00:22:29] Tiago discusses the stages of believing in a dream, from thinking it's impossible to realizing it's possible through persistence and hard work. The importance of passion and challenging oneself [00:27:03] Tiago emphasizes the importance of passion and challenging oneself, sharing examples of successful individuals who continue to work hard and pursue their passions despite already achieving financial success. Mentions Changeit app: 00:00:12 Twitter: 00:05:31 GPT-4: 00:07:38 OpenAI: 00:11:58, 00:13:00 Trello: 00:10:49 Spotify: 00:11:58 Wagyu beef: 00:14:57 Coldplay Concert: 00:24:39 - 00:25:54 Community for Entrepreneurs: 00:27:03 | |||
| #301 - Why Do We All Live The Same Life? | 12 juil. 2023 | 00:29:48 | |
Have you ever wondered about human achievements, societal norms, and different lifestyles? Today, I'll be reflecting on these topics, specifically in the context of indie hacking. I'll also share my thoughts on two inspiring documentaries that showcase individuals living extraordinary lives, and question why society often discourages deviating from the norm. We'll then dive into my own indie hacking journey, discussing my product, PodSqueeze, and the challenges I faced with fake accounts. I'll touch on my involvement in a community project and share my thoughts on changing the monetization model. Finally, I'll discuss my lack of motivation and energy for certain projects, emphasizing the importance of quitting something that no longer brings joy. Links Timestamps The discovery of a new exoplanet [00:00:12] Tiago discusses the recent discovery of a new exoplanet and how humans were able to find it by studying a star. Societal norms and expectations [00:01:39] Tiago explores why most people live life in a similar manner, attributing it to social norms and the pursuit of growth and power in Western societies. Different lifestyles and admiration for extraordinary individuals [00:04:15] Tiago reflects on the fascination with individuals who live different lifestyles, such as chefs turned travelers and mountaineers, and how they are celebrated despite societal pressure to conform. The competition and fake accounts issue [00:14:15] Tiago discusses their desire to see their project grow and the annoyance of fake accounts. Changing restrictions on free users [00:15:16] Tiago explains the decision to limit certain features to paid users to combat the issue of fake accounts. Reducing customer support and implementing AI agent [00:18:50] Tiago talks about implementing features to reduce the need for customer support, including creating folders and an unsubscribe button, as well as introducing an AI agent for customer support. Lack of motivation and considering giving up [00:26:50] Tiago discusses their lack of motivation to work on certain projects and considers giving up on them. Quitting is not a failure [00:27:45] Tiago emphasizes that quitting or giving up on something is not a failure, but rather a natural part of life and pursuing other interests. Promotion of user desk and call for feedback [00:28:47] Tiago mentions user desk and encourages listeners to check it out, providing a link in the show notes. They also mention that feedback would be appreciated and provide contact information for the creator. Mentions with timestamps: Exoplanet: 00:00:12 Netflix: 00:04:15 Anthony Bourdain: 00:05:48 "The Alpinist": 00:05:48 Elon Musk: 00:07:04 Mr. Beast: 00:07:04 Casey Neistat: 00:07:04 Obama: 00:07:04 Taekwondo: 00:10:51 Tony Dinh: 00:13:10 PodSqueeze: 00:14:15 ChatGPT: 00:18:50 User Desk: 00:21:20 Notion: 00:21:20 User Desk website: 00:21:20 Luca's products: 00:21:20 User Desk.io: 00:21:20 User Desk: 00:28:47 Luca's Twitter: 00:28:47 Tiago's Twitter: 00:28:47 | |||
| #300 - Sailing Against the Tide | 06 juil. 2023 | 00:20:06 | |
Have you ever participated in a quiz with friends and suddenly realized how little general knowledge you actually have? That's exactly what happened to me recently. So, I've decided to study flags to improve my knowledge in that area. On another note, I'm really passionate about sailing, but navigating the strong tides and currents of the river in Lisbon can be quite challenging. It has taught me the importance of patience and waiting, which I find parallels with my entrepreneurial journey. While I'm grateful for the stability in my business, I'm also yearning for something new and dreaming of creating a collaborative working environment. Links Timestamps Participating in quizzes [00:00:12] Tiago's recent quiz participation with friends, their two wins, and his realization of his lack of general knowledge. Studying flags [00:01:25] Tiago's interest in flag study, noticing design patterns across regions, and the idea of a sitcom about friends bonding over quizzes. Sailing and dealing with tides [00:03:39] Tiago's passion for sailing, challenges of strong tides in Lisbon river, and a recent experience sailing against the tide, emphasizing patience and waiting for change. Tiago's mindset shift and embracing stability in his entrepreneurial journey [00:11:37] Tiago's desire for something new and creating a positive work environment [00:12:41] Tiago's dream of collaborating with other indie hackers and potential plans for a co-working space [00:14:55] | |||
| #299 - Podsqueeze just hit $100,000 in annual revenue! | 29 juin 2023 | 00:27:54 | |
Hey there! Have you ever wondered what it's like to reach a major milestone in your startup? Well, in this episode, I'm excited to share with you the recent achievement of my own startup, Pod Squeeze, hitting $100,000 in annual revenue. But it's not all smooth sailing. I'll be diving into the challenges we faced, including a decline in monthly recurring revenue and a 20% churn rate. To combat this, I'll be discussing the introduction of yearly plans with a discount. Join me as I reflect on the financial implications and potential valuation of the company. Plus, I'll be sharing an awkward moment with my co-founder and the valuable lesson I learned about navigating disagreements and leveraging each person's expertise. Tune in as I highlight the importance of discussions and compromises in co-founder relationships. Links Mentions Tools, websites, links, books, and videos mentioned in the podcast episode: Twitter: 00:01:24, 00:10:40 Podsqueeze: 00:01:24, 00:13:47, 00:14:49, 00:16:04, 00:17:07, 00:18:20, 00:19:30 Stripe: 00:04:01 Descript: 00:14:49 Zen Caster: 00:14:49 Spotify: 00:14:49 AppSumo: 00:18:20 Timestamps Implementing features to mitigate churn [00:02:48] Discussion on the implementation of features to understand and mitigate the 20% churn rate. Introducing yearly plans [00:06:06] Explaining the decision to introduce yearly subscription plans and the initial success of attracting subscribers. First yearly agency plan [00:09:21] Excitement over the first agency plan subscription, with a user committing to pay $1300 upfront for the product. Reaching $100,000 in annual revenue and the potential valuation of the company [00:10:40] Tiago discusses the recent milestone of his startup, Pod Squeeze, reaching $100,000 in annual revenue and speculates on the potential valuation of the company. Comparing the financial benefits of entrepreneurship to a 9 to 5 job [00:11:46] Tiago compares the financial benefits of running his own company and potentially selling it to the salary he could make in a 9 to 5 job. Considering the possibility of selling Pod Squeeze and the reasons behind it [00:13:47] Tiago discusses the advice he received from a friend about selling Pod Squeeze, the competitive nature of the industry, and the potential threats from big companies creating similar products. Navigating Awkward Moments in a Partnership [00:20:42] Tiago discusses the challenges of navigating awkward moments and the importance of growth in a partnership. Managing Expectations and Autonomy [00:21:54] Tiago reflects on his initial desire for his co-founder to focus solely on their startup and the need for both of them to have autonomy in their respective roles. Defining Roles and Trust in a Co-founder [00:24:25] Tiago discusses the importance of defining roles and trusting each other's expertise in order to make their startup succeed. | |||
| #298 - Our MRR is Going Down 😱 | 22 juin 2023 | 00:33:59 | |
In this episode of my podcast, "Wannabe Entrepreneur," I share some valuable insights on the challenges and realities of being an indie hacker. As an indie hacker myself, I understand the importance of finding a balance between financial stability and pursuing your passion. I discuss the need to sometimes take on freelance work to make ends meet and the importance of having a side job to support oneself while pursuing indie hacking. I also share success stories from the indie community, including Luca, who was able to make money from his indie project and eventually sell his company. I finish by telling our tale to find the perfect API transcription provider for Podsqueeze. Links Mentions Dagobert's tweet about quitting his startup Timestamps Indie News [00:02:40] Tiago talks about the recent shutdown of indie startup Legality by Dagobert and the challenges of being an indie hacker. Success and the Indie Lifestyle [00:08:16] Tiago reflects on the ups and downs of being an indie hacker and how success is not a happy ever after, but a lifestyle with its own perks and downsides. Tiago's Freelance Gig [00:09:32] Tiago discusses how being an indie hacker is a lifestyle and how he has taken on a freelance gig to help pay the bills. The Importance of a Side Job [00:10:36] Tiago discusses the importance of having a side job as an indie hacker to reduce anxiety and boost ego. Iterating and Dropping Projects [00:14:06] Tiago emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind and being flexible as an indie hacker, iterating and dropping projects that do not have early success. Finding a New Transcription Provider [00:17:24] Tiago shares the story of finding a new transcription provider for his podcast, negotiating prices and testing different providers before making a decision. Transcription Issues [00:20:27] Tiago discusses the challenges of finding a reliable transcription service for his podcast and the issues he faced with different providers. Vacation and Revenue Drop [00:28:46] Tiago talks about his recent vacation and the challenges of being an indie hacker, including a drop in monthly recurring income due to a big client churning. Decreasing Churn [00:30:00] Tiago discusses implementing annual plans and working on ways to decrease churn in order to improve revenue for his indie startup. Tiago's plans for the future [00:30:59] Tiago discusses his desire to replicate the success of his current project, Pod Squeeze, and his plans to learn more about marketing and scaling through interviews. Podcast growth and call to action [00:32:00] Tiago shares the growth of his podcast and encourages listeners to share it with friends and join his community for indie makers. Unusual company training in the US [00:33:06] Tiago briefly mentions the need for active shooter training in some US companies. | |||
| #297 - Interviewing Yossi and Simon About TinyKiwi Acquisition | 14 juin 2023 | 01:15:57 | |
Have you ever wondered what it's like to sell or acquire a company in the indie scene? In this podcast episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Simon, the founder of Feedhive, and Yossi, the founder of Tiny Kiwi, as they discuss the acquisition of Tiny Kiwi by Feedhive. We delve into the process of selling and acquiring a company in the indie market, as well as the benefits and challenges of being an indie entrepreneur. We also touch on the importance of balancing work and personal life. Tune in for valuable insights into the world of indie entrepreneurship and the potential for growth in the market. Links Timestamps Introduction [00:00:12] The host introduces the guests, Simon and Yossi, and explains that they will be discussing the acquisition of Tiny Kiwi by Feedier. Selling a company in the indie scene [00:02:32] The host and Yossi discuss the market of selling a company in the indie scene and how it differs from the startup and VC scene. Yossi's background and shift to indie hacking [00:05:36] Yossi talks about his background as a developer and his shift to indie hacking, inspired by the Building Public community on Twitter. Indie Founder Stories [00:10:13] The speakers discuss the toxic starts of good founder stories and the importance of setting your own rules as an indie founder. Managing Work Addiction [00:14:53] The speakers discuss the potential for work addiction as an indie founder and how they manage their work-life balance. Description of Tiny Kiwi [00:18:00] Simon describes Tiny Kiwi as a minimalistic and easy-to-use image editing tool for creating beautiful designs quickly. Building Tiny Kiwi [00:18:51] Yossi describes the inspiration behind building Tiny Kiwi as a tool for indie developers to share beautiful screenshots of their work quickly and with more control. Selling Tiny Kiwi [00:21:11] Yossi explains how he decided to sell Tiny Kiwi to Feedier after realizing he no longer had the time to work on it. He also discusses his lack of experience in selling companies. Attachment to Products [00:25:24] Yossi and Simon discuss the emotional attachment that comes with building and selling a product, as well as the different levels of attachment when buying a product. They also discuss the impact of having paying customers on the attachment to a product. The Canva Integration [00:27:55] Simon and Yossi discuss their failed attempts to integrate Canva into Feedier and their search for an alternative tool, which led them to Kello/Vista Create. Brand Bird Integration [00:32:14] The founders discuss their experience integrating Brand Bird into Feedier and the challenges they faced with users having to pay for the tool separately. Acquiring Tiny Kiwi [00:34:39] Simon and Yossi discuss the acquisition of Tiny Kiwi by Feedier and how it solved a problem for Feedier's image creation tool. Trust in the Acquisition [00:36:37] Yossi and Simon discuss the process of selling and acquiring a company in the indie scene, and the importance of trust in the process. Code Quality Concerns [00:38:09] Yossi expresses concerns about the quality of his code and the potential for negative feedback from Simon, while Simon discusses his expectations for the tech stack and code quality. Importance of Code Manageability [00:43:09] Simon discusses the importance of code manageability and compatibility with his team's tech stack, while also acknowledging the functionality and usability of Tiny Kiwi's code. Tech stack for indie makers [00:46:11] Yossi discusses the tech stack used for Tiny Kiwi, including Next.js with React, JavaScript, and Superbase, and how it was deployed on Digital Ocean. Choosing a tech stack for acquisition [00:49:33] Simon and the host discuss the importance of choosing a tech stack that is matchable and easy to migrate when acquiring a company, and the advice for indie makers building products to consider using a generic tech stack. Due diligence in the acquisition process [00:52:02] Yossi talks about the due diligence process in the acquisition, including sharing access to the Github repository and the nervousness he felt about showing the actual code. The Sale Process [00:53:52] Yossi and Simon discuss the process of selling and acquiring a company in the indie scene, including the potential for deal breakers and the excitement of the experience. Managing Multiple Priorities [00:57:43] Simon discusses the stress of managing multiple priorities, including the acquisition of Tiny Kiwi, while also launching a new tool and dealing with personal life events. Indie Community and Acquisitions [01:02:11] The host discusses the increasing trend of indie companies being sold for large sums of money and what it means for the indie community. The Indie Market [01:02:58] Discussion on the indie market of selling and buying side projects, including marketplaces like MicroAcquire and Site Projects, and the potential for indie makers to build and sell profitable products. Acquiring Tiny Kiwi [01:06:22] Simon discusses the process of acquiring Tiny Kiwi, including the challenge of transferring subscriptions from Paddle to Stripe, and the value of the acquisition even if the company was not profitable. The Future of Indie Acquisitions [01:08:34] Simon and Yossi discuss the evolution of the indie community and the potential for small bootstrapped indie companies to acquire other small bootstrap tools, pointing towards a future where indie acquisitions become more common. The Indie Community [01:12:56] The host discusses the indie community and its growth, mentioning some well-known names in the community. Selling and Acquiring Companies [01:12:07] Simon and Yossi discuss the process of selling and acquiring a company in the indie scene. Consider Selling Your Project [01:14:38] The host encourages listeners to consider selling their projects if they are feeling tired or want to build something else, and mentions platforms that allow for selling SaaS. Links & Mentions Github Gist (mentioned by Simon at 00:41:37) Symfony (mentioned by Tiago at 00:46:11) Next.js with React (mentioned by Yossi at 00:46:20) JavaScript (mentioned by Yossi at 00:46:20) Database and authentication with Superbase (mentioned by Yossi at 00:46:20) Plausible for analytics (mentioned by Yossi at 00:46:20) Digital Ocean (mentioned by Yossi at 00:46:40) AWS (mentioned by Simon at 00:47:06) Google Cloud Platform (mentioned by Simon at 00:47:06) Palomi (mentioned by Simon at 00:47:06) GraphQL (mentioned by Simon at 00:47:06) Firebase (mentioned by Simon at 00:47:06) TypeScript (mentioned by Simon at 00:49:03) Svelte (mentioned by Simon at 00:51:29) Micro Acquire (marketplace for buying and selling companies) - mentioned at 01:02:58 Site Projects IO (marketplace for buying and selling side projects) - mentioned at 01:02:58 Paddle (tool for managing subscriptions) - mentioned at 01:06:22 Stripe (tool for managing payments) - mentioned at 01:06:22 Upwork (platform for outsourcing work) - mentioned at 01:09:25 Fiverr (platform for outsourcing work) - mentioned at 01:09:25 | |||
| #296 - We are getting on each other's nerves... | 08 juin 2023 | 00:29:14 | |
Have you ever wondered if remote work is as productive as working from an office? In this podcast episode, I, Tiago, an indie hacker and entrepreneur, share my experience with remote work and the benefits of working from a co-working space with my co-founder, João. I believe that remote work can be productive, but it depends on the type of work and how long you are doing it. In my opinion, a hybrid mode of work could be the best balance. I also discuss the challenges of running a startup and dealing with customer churn. Join me in supporting the indie hacker community and listening to this podcast. Links Timestamps Working from a co-working space [00:01:15] Tiago discusses the benefits of working from a co-working space and how it helps with loneliness and productivity. Remote work productivity [00:03:18] Tiago talks about the productivity of remote work and how it can decrease over time due to distractions. Finding a good co-founder [00:08:11] Tiago shares his experience with finding a good co-founder and how it can make or break a project. Tiago's Entrepreneurial Journey [00:09:13] Tiago shares his experience of starting out as an entrepreneur and how he connected with a successful entrepreneur who became his mentor. Importance of Compromise in Business Partnership [00:10:58] Tiago discusses the importance of compromise in his business partnership with Sean and how they deal with disagreements. Challenges of Running a Tech Product [00:13:49] Tiago talks about the challenges of running a tech product, including high churn rates and customer complaints, and the importance of putting oneself in the other person's shoes to communicate effectively. Bug prioritization [00:17:22] Tiago discusses the need for prioritizing bugs and tasks in his company and how they handle them. Churn problem [00:18:21] Tiago talks about the churn problem in his company and how they are trying to solve it by asking users for feedback. Risk and uncertainty [00:20:12] Tiago discusses the risks and uncertainties of running a business, including platform risk and competition, and his personal philosophy on living life on his own terms. Capitalism and Indie Hacking [00:25:37] Tiago discusses the negative effects of capitalism on business and how indie hacking can be a more pure way of making money. Indie Hacker Conference [00:26:34] Tiago talks about his idea of creating an indie hacker conference in Lisbon and asks for feedback from his co-founder. Focus on Pod Squeeze [00:27:25] Tiago reflects on his current focus on his project Pod Squeeze and wonders about his future projects. | |||
| #295 - Can I Build a Successful Company Only by Bootstrapping? | 01 juin 2023 | 00:40:05 | |
Have you ever started a company and had to pay taxes? In this episode, I, Tiago, the host of "Wannabe Entrepreneur", share my personal experiences of setting up a company in Portugal. I talk about the challenges I faced with the complicated tax system and how I found ways to reduce the taxes my business had to pay. I also reflect on the decision of whether to raise money through venture capital or continue bootstrapping my company. Plus, I share the benefits of hiring a cleaning service and discuss my company's affiliate program and the creation of a special case called "business partners". Links Timestamps Living in Germany [00:01:30] Tiago talks about his experience living in Germany for seven years and how it changed his perspective on rules and cultural differences. Tax System in Portugal [00:06:30] Tiago discusses the complicated tax system in Portugal and his decision to hire an accountant to properly set up his company and navigate the high taxes. 50% Taxes in Portugal [00:08:57] Tiago expresses his frustration with the high taxes in Portugal, which he calculates to be more than 50% of his revenue, and his belief that it is too much even though he supports contributing to the country. Overview [00:09:56] Tiago talks about his experience living in Portugal and Germany, and his decision to hire an accountant to properly set up his company and navigate the complicated tax system in Portugal. Types of Taxes [00:10:43] Tiago explains the different types of taxes in Portugal, including VAT and taxes on profits, and how to reduce them by declaring expenses. Gray Area of Expenses [00:11:47] Tiago discusses the gray area of what can be considered an expense in Portugal, and how it can be difficult to prove that certain expenses are related to the job. Bootstrapping vs VC [00:18:55] Tiago discusses the pros and cons of raising money through venture capital versus bootstrapping, and how it aligns with his company's values and lifestyle. Making Decisions as a Bootstrapped Company [00:21:00] Tiago talks about how every decision they make as a bootstrapped company needs to align with their lifestyle and values, and gives an example of how they turned down a lifetime deal with AppSumo. Savings and Life-Changing Money [00:25:14] Tiago shares how they were able to save enough money to cover a minimal wage in Portugal just by changing providers, and reflects on how this amount of money can be life-changing for many people. Hiring a cleaning service [00:27:09] Tiago talks about his experience hiring a cleaning service and how it changed his perspective on the value of time and money. Applying logic to hiring [00:31:01] Tiago discusses his approach to hiring someone for a task and how he calculates the value of his time and money. Making a difference [00:34:50] Tiago expresses his desire to contribute to society and help people by raising money to hire more people and pay them better. Pod Squeeze's business partners [00:36:01] Tiago explains how Pod Squeeze's business partners work and how they can represent the company in their markets. Upcoming interview release and community invitation [00:37:59] Tiago announces the upcoming release of an interview with Simon and Yosi and invites listeners to join the community to support the podcast. | |||
| #294 - Can Millennials Really Accomplish Anything They Want? | 25 mai 2023 | 00:34:54 | |
Have you ever wondered what the millennial generation is capable of achieving? In this episode of "The Wannabe Entrepreneur," I discuss the potential of millennials to accomplish great things and the importance of pursuing our dreams. I also share personal stories about a volleyball game and my experience working at a co-working space in Lisbon. Additionally, I talk about unexpected events that happened to my business, including hiring an influencer that did not generate as much traffic as I had hoped and trying to switch to a cheaper API provider that did not work as expected. Links Timestamps Introduction [00:00:14] Tiago introduces himself and his podcast, which is about bootstrapping a company. He talks about his journey and the indie community. Millennial Generation [00:01:36] Tiago discusses the millennial generation and how they were taught that they could accomplish anything. He talks about the criticism that millennials face and how they are starting to accomplish things that were never accomplished before. Volleyball Game [00:09:01] Tiago shares a personal anecdote about a volleyball game he watched, where his cousin's team made a comeback and won in the last minute. Lesson from a Volleyball Game [00:11:15] Tiago shares a personal anecdote about a volleyball game he watched and the lesson he learned from his 12-year-old cousin. Sponsorship from an Influencer [00:12:28] Tiago and Joe receive an email from an influencer offering to do a sketch for them for only $100, and they discuss whether it's legit or spam. The Video is Online [00:19:10] Tiago shares that the video made by the influencer is well-made and explains their product, but they realize that the influencer's audience is not interested in AI tools. Changing API Providers [00:22:42] Tiago talks about finding a cheaper API provider for transcription and the excitement of waiting for the new model to be in production, only to be disappointed when it didn't work. Celebrating Too Soon [00:27:03] Tiago shares his frustration with a transcription model that didn't work after celebrating too soon and trusting the team behind it. Office Day [00:29:28] Tiago talks about his desire to work outside of his home and his plan to convince his co-founder to have an office day at a co-working space, specifically Selena in Lisbon. Co-working space and exploring Lisbon [00:31:03] Tiago talks about his experience working in a co-working space in Lisbon and exploring the city with his friend. One day per week to work from a coffee place [00:31:53] Tiago suggests the idea of having one day per week to work from a coffee place or co-working space and invites listeners to join him in Lisbon. Supporting the podcast and community [00:33:27] Tiago encourages listeners to support his podcast by joining his community for indie makers, which costs 10 bucks per month and offers access to events and support from people all over the world. | |||
| #293 - Living Life on My Own Terms | 18 mai 2023 | 00:33:56 | |
Have you ever felt like you're living life on someone else's terms? In this episode, I'll be discussing some important topics, including societal biases around gender roles, my journey as an indie hacker, and my idea of sharing profits with partners who believe in a company. I'll also be reflecting on the challenges of being a leader without a clear hierarchy and the importance of being true to oneself. As Frank Sinatra said, "I did it my way." So, let's dive in and explore how we can all live life on our own terms. And of course, thank you for tuning in - I can't wait for you to hear the next episode! Links Timestamps Pablo Escobar's portrayal in Narcos [00:00:27] Tiago talks about the TV series Narcos and how it portrays Pablo Escobar as an empty hero in the first season, and how it changes later on. Macho culture and its effects [00:02:50] Tiago discusses the macho culture that exists in society and how it affects both men and women. Escobar's desire for respect and fear [00:10:19] Tiago discusses why Pablo Escobar didn't stop his criminal activities even though he had enough money to live a comfortable life, and how it relates to the alpha culture and the desire for respect and fear from others. Tiago's goal [00:12:16] Tiago talks about his initial goal of making enough money to pay his bills and how it changed after the success of his product. Bringing people to help [00:17:14] Tiago discusses his idea of bringing more people to help with marketing and conquering new markets, but faces the challenge of not being able to pay them. Sharing profits [00:20:16] Tiago proposes the idea of sharing profits with partners who help them conquer new markets, but acknowledges the risks involved for both parties. The Challenge of Living Outside Society's Rules [00:26:41] Tiago discusses the challenges of living outside society's rules and how it affects decision-making and work culture. Ignoring Negative Comments and Criticism [00:29:36] Tiago talks about the exercise of not letting negative comments and criticism affect him and how it helps him live a happier life. Ending with Frank Sinatra's "My Way" [00:31:27] Tiago ends the episode by reading the lyrics of Frank Sinatra's "My Way" as a poem. Pablo Escobar in Narcos [00:32:31] Tiago discusses how Pablo Escobar was portrayed in the TV series Narcos. Macho culture [00:33:50] Tiago talks about the macho culture that exists in society and how it affects both men and women. Alpha culture and desire for respect [00:36:45] Tiago discusses why Escobar didn't stop his criminal activities even though he had enough money to live a comfortable life, and how it relates to the alpha culture and the desire for respect and fear from others. | |||
| #292 - The Good, The Bad, and The Spammy: My 2023 Cold Email Guide | 10 mai 2023 | 00:38:48 | |
Have you ever wondered how technology and communication have evolved over the years? In this episode of "WBE Entrepreneur," I reflect on this topic and share my insights on the effectiveness of cold emailing. I discuss how my cold email strategy has contributed to the success of my current venture, Podsqueeze, and share my recipe for a successful cold email. Additionally, I explain how email providers determine whether a message is spam or not and the process of warming up a new email server to gain trust from potential recipients. Tune in to learn more about the power of cold emailing in today's digital age. Links Timestamps The days before the internet [00:01:21] Tiago reflects on the times before the internet and computers, and how he used encyclopedias and attended a computer course during his childhood. The rise of email [00:04:34] Tiago discusses the introduction of email and how it changed the world, allowing people to send letters in seconds. Email as a crucial tool for Pod Squeeze [00:09:45] Tiago talks about how email marketing is the main source for new customers for his current venture, Pod Squeeze, and how cold emailing can be effective with the right product. Evolution of Cold Emailing [00:10:44] Tiago discusses the success of cold emailing and how he filtered a list of 5 million emails to 500,000. He also explains the recipe for a successful cold email. Email Marketing and Spam [00:17:16] Tiago explains how email marketing works and how SMTP servers communicate with each other. He also discusses how email providers use public and internal lists to filter spam. Reputation and Deliverability [00:20:34] Tiago explains how email providers use reputation to determine whether a message is spam or not. He also discusses how difficult it is to get off an internal list once you're on it. How email servers determine spam [00:21:23] Tiago explains the technical indicators that email servers use to determine if a message is spam or not. Options for sending cold emails [00:29:35] Tiago discusses three options for sending cold emails: lying to email service providers, creating multiple domains and email accounts, or creating your own server. Creating your own email server [00:30:42] Tiago shares his experience creating his own email server using a virtual machine and Mail Cow. Warmup process [00:31:39] Tiago explains the warmup process, which involves sending a small number of messages to other email accounts to gain trust and avoid being marked as spam. Mail Reach service [00:32:38] Tiago mentions Mail Reach, a service that helps warm up email servers and provides information on how many emails went to spam. Impact of GPT on education [00:35:25] Tiago shares his experience introducing GPT to English teachers and discusses how it could change education, including the idea of using it to recreate a student's room. Links & Mentions Emails and Email Services: List of emails of people that have podcasts: 00:10:44 Gmail: 00:19:26 Yahoo: 00:19:26 Zoho: 00:19:26 SendGrid (email or transaction email service): 00:26:42 Amazon SES: 00:26:42 Mailgun: 00:26:42 Gmail: 00:28:39 Outlook: 00:30:42 Zoho: 00:30:42 Yahoo: 00:30:42 Mailcow (service that uses Docker to install): 00:31:56 Mail Reach (website): 00:32:38 Podcasting Tools and Services: AI tool to help podcasters repurpose their audio content and generate titles, show notes, timestamps, posts, mentions with just one click: 00:13:50 PodSqueeze: 00:13:50 Mailchimp: 00:28:39 Woodpecker: 00:28:39 Spam Emails: Public lists for spam emails: 00:20:34 Internal lists for spam emails: 00:20:34 Other Mentions: "The Warmup" (process): 00:31:39 GPT (tool): 00:35:25 Mid Journey (website): 00:36:17 Tiago's Twitter handle (@wbe_tiago): 00:37:25 Tiago's email (tiago@podsqueeze.com): 00:37:25 | |||
| #291 - I am taking the fight to a whole other level | 03 mai 2023 | 00:31:24 | |
Have you ever started something from scratch and worked your way up? As someone who practices Muay Thai, I can attest to the importance of gradual improvement in both martial arts and entrepreneurship. In this episode, I'll be sharing my personal experience and how it relates to building a business. I'll also be discussing my financial goals for PodSqueeze and how I plan to balance creating a product that is both enjoyable and useful for podcasters while also generating revenue. Additionally, I'll be diving into the two main focuses of my business: marketing and product improvement. Links Consistent Release Schedule [00:00:12] Tiago apologizes for not sticking to a consistent release schedule for his podcast and pledges to release new episodes every Wednesday. Martial Arts Journey [00:02:11] Tiago talks about his experience practicing Muay Thai, a martial art, for the past year and how it has humbled him. Entrepreneurial Journey [00:07:49] Tiago relates his journey as an entrepreneur to his experience in martial arts, acknowledging that he still has much to learn and that he is now in uncharted territory with a business that is actually paying the bills. Reaching financial goals [00:09:52] Tiago discusses his financial goals for his business and how he plans to achieve them. Selling the company [00:13:08] Tiago talks about the possibility of selling his company and the factors that go into valuing a company. Balancing work and enjoyment [00:17:03] Tiago discusses his desire to build and grow his business while also enjoying life and pursuing other projects that bring value to the community. Marketing and CRM [00:19:29] Tiago discusses the two sides of their business, marketing and product improvement, and how they are focusing on creating their own CRM to improve B2B sales. Cold emailing and potential SEO strategies [00:21:40] Tiago talks about how cold emailing has been successful for their business and potential SEO strategies they can implement, such as using user-generated content for their podcast. Attending a conference [00:26:35] Tiago and Joan discuss the pros and cons of attending a conference as exhibitors or visitors, and how it can help them make connections with big companies in the podcasting world. Tiago's conference plans [00:29:39] Tiago talks about his plans to attend a conference and how it will provide great content for his podcast. Tiago's Spanish live stream [00:31:12] Tiago mentions that he and his team will be doing a live stream in Spanish, despite not speaking the language, which he finds interesting. | |||
| #290 -To AppSumo or Not to AppSumo. What shall we do? | 26 avr. 2023 | 00:26:54 | |
What should you consider when negotiating a deal? In this podcast episode, I share my experience playing football in Portugal and how owning a ball made me popular among my friends. I then dive into my business, PodSqueeze, and the process of finding the right transcription service. João and I tested various services and found a partner that reduced our costs significantly. I also talk about my decision not to go for a deal with AppSumo for PodSqueeze. My partner and I considered whether we had enough information about our business to ensure a good deal. Tune in to learn more about my journey as an entrepreneur. Links Timestamps Playing Football in Portugal [00:00:12] Growing up in Portugal, I loved playing football with my friends. Having the ball made me popular among my peers, and we would spend hours playing and practicing our skills. Negotiating API Prices for PodSqueeze [00:07:00] As the founder of PodSqueeze, I faced the challenge of negotiating prices for APIs for my business. Finding the right provider was crucial, and I had to carefully consider the costs and benefits of each option. Interviewing API Providers [00:08:54] During my search for the right API provider for PodSqueeze, I interviewed with different companies. It was important to me that they made me feel wanted as a client and understood the unique needs of my business. Transcription Accuracy [00:10:53] One of the challenges I faced when transcribing an interview was accurately identifying speakers and removing filler words. It was crucial to ensure the accuracy of the transcription to avoid any misunderstandings. Negotiating with AppSumo [00:15:18] When negotiating with AppSumo, a lifetime deal marketplace, I had to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of offering a one-time payment deal for PodSqueeze. It was a tough decision, but ultimately, we decided to go for it. Crunching the Numbers [00:17:31] To predict the potential profits and risks of the AppSumo deal, I crunched the numbers and analyzed the data. Negotiating better pricing could make the deal more profitable, so I had to carefully consider all the options. Negotiating with API Sales Representative [00:21:17] As the founder of PodSqueeze, I had to negotiate with an API sales representative to ensure that we were getting the best deal for our business. It was a challenging process, but we were able to come to an agreement that worked for both parties. Benefits and Downsides of Having a Bootstrap Company [00:22:11] As the founder of a bootstrap company, I have experienced both the benefits and downsides of investing our own money and not having to justify our decisions to investors. It's a unique experience, but one that I wouldn't trade for anything. Growing a Bootstrap Business [00:24:00] To grow our bootstrap business, we are doubling down on our marketing efforts and exploring new opportunities. It's a challenging process, but one that we are excited to take on. | |||
| #289 - Everything Is Changing And I Like It | 21 avr. 2023 | 00:34:01 | |
Have you ever felt lost in your career journey, unsure of what job you truly love? In this episode, I share my personal journey through different jobs and how it led me to my current project, Podsqueeze. I reflect on my experiences working at Trivago and Weekend, and how they shaped my perspective on entrepreneurship. As I continue to grow and develop Podsqueeze, I am exploring new avenues to reach a wider audience. One possibility is launching Podsqueeze on AppSumo, a platform that helps entrepreneurs promote and sell their products. I discuss the excitement of reaching product-market fit with Podsqueeze, and the challenges of running a bootstrapped company. Despite the difficulties, I am passionate about my indie projects and the potential they hold. Links | |||
| #288 - Hey, have you heard about the power of ProductHunt? | 13 avr. 2023 | 00:31:36 | |
Have you ever wondered what it takes to launch a successful product on Product Hunt? Well, let me tell you about my experience with launching my own product, Podsqueeze. As the founder, I understand the importance of optimizing processes and conversion rates before launching on ProductHunt. In this podcast episode, I share my journey of scaling up my product and turning it into a proper company. Running a business comes with its own set of challenges, such as high costs for services. However, I am determined to expand into non-English speaking markets and have already developed a new feature for Podsqueeze. Links Timestamps Product Hunt Launch [00:02:34] I remember when we launched our product on Product Hunt. It was a nerve-wracking experience, but it ended up being a game-changer for us. The audience on Product Hunt is incredibly engaged and passionate, and we saw a significant increase in traffic and sales after our launch. Timing is also crucial, and we made sure to launch at a time when our target audience was most active. Soft Launch [00:07:29] Before launching on Product Hunt, we did a soft launch to test our product and optimize conversion rates. It was essential to get feedback from early adopters and make any necessary changes before the big launch. This helped us ensure that we were putting our best foot forward and presenting our product in the best possible light. Launching on Product Hunt [00:09:21] When we launched on Product Hunt, we saw firsthand the impact it can have on a product. Being in the top five versus the top two can make a significant difference in terms of exposure and sales. It's essential to have a solid strategy in place and to engage with the Product Hunt community to maximize your chances of success. Scaling up Bot Squeeze [00:15:52] As we worked to scale up our product, Bot Squeeze, we focused heavily on customer feedback and support. We knew that our customers were our biggest advocates, and we wanted to make sure they were happy with our product. By listening to their feedback and addressing their concerns, we were able to improve our product and build a loyal customer base. Connecting with Customers [00:16:57] One thing that sets us apart from our competitors is our approach to customer support. We strive to create a personal connection with our customers and make them feel valued. By doing so, we've been able to build a strong community around our product and establish ourselves as a trusted brand. Product prioritization [00:17:55] Prioritizing features based on user feedback has been crucial to our success. We want our customers to feel heard and valued, and we believe that by addressing their needs, we can build a better product. Being approachable and transparent with our customers has helped us gain their trust and loyalty. Reducing costs [00:18:54] We've faced challenges with the high costs of our product, but we're always looking for ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Finding providers with better pricing has been one way we've been able to do this, and we're constantly exploring new options to make our product more affordable for our customers. Expanding sales team [00:20:46] Our goal is to expand to non-English speaking markets, and we're exploring different options for doing so. Translating our website and using affiliates are just a few of the strategies we're considering. We know that expanding our sales team will be crucial to our success in these markets, and we're excited about the opportunities ahead. Engaging affiliates [00:23:39] Keeping affiliates engaged is essential to our success, and we're considering creating a community for podcasters and affiliates. By doing so, we can build stronger relationships with our affiliates and provide them with the support they need to be successful. New features [00:26:26] We're always working on new features to improve our product, and we're excited about a new feature we're developing to apply tuning prompts automatically to new episodes. We believe this will be a game-changer for our customers and help them save time and improve the quality of their podcasts. Developing a new feature [00:27:13] Developing a new feature for Podsqueeze was a challenging experience, and it caused a lot of anxiety. But we knew that it was essential to keep innovating and improving our product. We're excited about the new feature and can't wait to see how our customers respond to it. Community and podcast updates [00:29:34] We're heavily involved in the WBE community and are always looking for ways to support our podcast. We believe that building a strong community around our product is essential to our success, and we're excited about the opportunities ahead. Creating a plugin for Twitter [00:31:07] Creating a plugin that replaces the Doge logo on Twitter was a fun project, and we were thrilled to launch it on Product Hunt. It was a great way to showcase our creativity and engage with the Product Hunt community. We're always looking for new ways to innovate and stand out from the crowd. Background Music Music: https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ | |||