This week, I ran into two very interesting instances of platform risk in my own software business. I will share what happened, what I did, and how I intend to combat them in the future. https://share.transistor.fm/s/be2432c6 And before I dive into the nitty gritty details, be aware that this episode might get a bit technical. … Continue reading Two (Surprisingly Scary) Tales of Platform Risk
Zeno Rocha — From Bootstrapping to YCombinator
Zeno Rocha (@zenorocha) went through YC to build Resend, yet he still acts and thinks like a bootstrapper. In a world of polarized opinions about venture funding and not raising money, Zeno is both "one of us" and "one of them" — for both sides! Today, we talk about overcoming purism and embracing pragmatic entrepreneurship, starting … Continue reading Zeno Rocha — From Bootstrapping to YCombinator
Indie Hackers’ Myopic View of AI
AI has an image problem among founders, particularly indie hackers and within the online communities that we frequent. In the builder community, we are constantly inundated with shallow copies of the same kinds of tools. There are GPT wrappers, social media auto repliers, AI starter kits, boilerplates, AI search, AI coding tools, AI, AI, AI… … Continue reading Indie Hackers’ Myopic View of AI
Tim Schumacher — The Bootstrapper’s Mindset
Tim Schumacher (@TimSchu), the mastermind behind SEDO and Adblock Plus, now leads the SaaS Group to new heights. With $60 million ARR, 20 thriving businesses, and 300 employees, Tim shares his incredible journey from a coder to an influential entrepreneur in scaling businesses. From his strategic focus on developer and online marketing tools to his … Continue reading Tim Schumacher — The Bootstrapper’s Mindset
The Power of the Dream Customer List
I recently learned of the “Dream Customer List” approach to sales and marketing, and I love it. The idea behind this list is simple: you think about who your best possible customer is, and you add a hundred real-world examples of them to a list. And by best customer, I really mean “dream big”: if … Continue reading The Power of the Dream Customer List
Noah Kagan — Early Stage Founder Hurdles & How to Jump Them
Noah Kagan (@noahkagan) has made AppSumo a massive success — and he's spilling the beans on how to launch, build, and grow a successful software business. Noah likes to keep things weird, and our conversation is proof of that: from Taco T-shirts to failing at entrepreneurship, we walk through the ups and downs of a wild … Continue reading Noah Kagan — Early Stage Founder Hurdles & How to Jump Them
Unexpected Downtime: Stress as Enhancement vs. Stress as Panic
My therapist recently introduced me to the concept of stress as enhancement in exposure therapy. The basic idea is that a little bit of stress can focus you to a point where you make new neural connections and realize new (and beneficial) insights that help you change for the better. Well, I was able to … Continue reading Unexpected Downtime: Stress as Enhancement vs. Stress as Panic
Dr. Jessica Gold — Emotional Resilience and Self-Care for Founders
Dr. Jessica Gold (@blissscience) helps founders live an intentional and passionate life — which ultimately impacts their entrepreneurial success. She wants to put intentional self-care back on the map in a field obsessed with productivity and tracking metrics. In our conversation, we dive deep into vulnerable places: from romance, passion, and love to dealing with stressful … Continue reading Dr. Jessica Gold — Emotional Resilience and Self-Care for Founders
My SaaS Server Exploded (& How I Salvaged It)
Earlier this week, I finally found time to work on a large code change. When I deployed it, things got worse quickly. Here's what happened, why it happened, and how this changed my approach to working on a complicated software project. One thing became apparent: while it may look like a waste of time to … Continue reading My SaaS Server Exploded (& How I Salvaged It)
Louie Bacaj — Betting Small to Win Big
Louie Bacaj (@LBacaj), once a Walmart engineer, made a bold career shift into the unpredictable world of venture capitalism and entrepreneurship. Now a co-leader of a thriving community for bootstrapped entrepreneurs, Louie reveals how the 'small bets' philosophy guides individuals toward financial freedom and fulfillment. Together with Daniel Vassallo, he has created a unique space … Continue reading Louie Bacaj — Betting Small to Win Big