The Startup Ideas Podcast

Join me as I chat with Hunter Isaacson, a successful mobile app builder who has created apps with hundreds of millions of downloads. Hunter shares his playbook for building million-dollar mobile apps, emphasizing the importance of simple experiences, strong branding, and creating effective growth loops. He discusses how to identify opportunities by adapting existing ideas to new channels and technologies.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:56 - Examples of Viral Consumer Apps
04:35 - Hallow Deep dive 
10:14 - Locket Deep dive
13:51 -  NGL’s Deep Dive
15:08 - Don’t reinvent the wheel
17:27 -  Hunter’s $1M/Month App Playbook
21:28 - Building a Brand People Love
24:44 - Creating a simple experience
25:26 - The importance of core action and North Star Metric
26:33 - How to create growth loops
31:28 - Additional Good Practices 
33:13 - Opportunities in AI-enhanced app experiences
36:38 - Future technology trends Hunter is excited about

Key Points:

• Hunter Isaacson shares his framework for building successful mobile apps, including NGL (250M downloads) and Bags
• The importance of creating simple experiences with strong branding that people can understand and resonate with
• How to identify core metrics and growth loops that drive user engagement and viral sharing
• Leveraging new platform features (like widgets, live activities) to create innovative app experiences

1) Hunter's framework for building viral, profitable apps is SURPRISINGLY simple:

• Build a brand people love
• Create a simple experience
• Get users on quickly (even just 100)
• Select ONE core action
• Maximize % of users completing that action

Let's dive deeper...

2) On building a BRAND PEOPLE LOVE:

"Keep it short and find a slang term" - Hunter's secret sauce for naming apps.

NGL = "not gonna lie" (obvious to Gen Z)
BAGS = crypto slang for holdings

The best names are OBVIOUS, resonate with your audience, and set the right vibe.

3) Creating a SIMPLE EXPERIENCE is crucial!

Hunter designs ALL his apps himself (started with PowerPoint, now Figma)

His approach: "What's the bare bones MVP that solves the problem?"

Don't overcomplicate. ONE user flow is better than branching journeys.

4) The NORTH STAR METRIC changes everything.

For each app, Hunter picks ONE metric that matters above all:

• Wink: % of users getting a match on day 1
• NGL: % sharing link + replies
• BAGS: % funding account + making first trade

Aim for 90%+ completion!

5) GROWTH HACK: Build sharing into your core experience!

"If you drop in 1000 people and 50% share, that's 500 people who've now shared your app"

Hunter spent less than $10K marketing NGL to get 250M downloads! 

The key? Seed it just enough to activate the viral loop.

6) You DON'T need to reinvent the wheel!

Hunter on NGL: "Anonymous messaging apps have been around forever"

The innovation? Using Instagram's new link feature as a growth channel.

Look for EXISTING IDEAS that could work in NEW CHANNELS.

7) On SEEDING your app:

• Test content formats before launch
• Work with creators in different niches
• Pay small amounts ($50-100) to influencers
• Look for that ONE viral video to ignite growth
• Build an authentic voice on social

8) TRENDS to watch according to Hunter:

• Live Activities on iPhone (underutilized)
• Lock screen widgets (not fully explored)
• AI + consumer apps (CalAI's approach)
• Crypto going mainstream
• AR glasses (future)

Massive opportunities in each!

9) For YOUNG FOUNDERS, Hunter recommends:

"Take a lot of swings. Have a lot of at-bats."

Consumer mobile apps over B2B/SaaS when starting out:
• More fun
• Reach global audience
• Better psychology understanding
• Tools getting better every day

Notable Quotes:

"I think that it's more about looking for frameworks than it is for looking for ideas. The framework, I feel like, is more important because now it's really easy to just framework X with audience Y." - Hunter Isaacson

"You don't really need to reinvent the wheel... it's a new channel, right? If anonymous messaging has worked on the internet, it's worked on apps, it's worked on different platforms, why wouldn't it work with Instagram as the growth lever?" - Hunter Isaacson

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND HUNTER ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/hunterjisaacson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterjisaacson/

Join me as I chat with Niels Klement, CMO of Perspective, we discuss how agencies are building highly profitable productized services using AI. He explains that the most successful approach involves focusing on a specific industry niche, creating a repeatable funnel template that delivers consistent results, and using AI to automate fulfillment. The discussion covers funnel optimization techniques, the importance of mobile-first design, and how interactive elements like quizzes significantly improve conversion rates.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:44 - Overview of productized services and funnel building
03:21 - How to build a niche-focused service
07:59 - Implementation of funnel templates and ads
11:10 -  Funnel Strategies in 2025
14:43 - How to make a great VSL
18:54 -  Funnel Strategies in 2025 pt2
21:05 - Where to use funnels
23:51 - Demonstration of Perspective funnel building
29:48 - Using funnels to validate startup ideas

Build your next sales funnel: https://try.perspective.co/4i8i3dkviavy

Key Points:

• Agencies are building highly profitable productized services ($10K-100K/month) by focusing on specific niches and using AI and funnel tools like Perspective
• The most successful agencies target industries that aren't tech-savvy and focus on business-critical services like recruiting and lead generation
• High-converting funnels use interactive elements, personalization, and quiz formats to achieve 26-28% conversion rates on cold traffic
• AI can automate much of the service delivery, allowing small teams or solo founders to scale to significant revenue

1) The Productized Service Revolution

Agencies are shifting from service-heavy to product-heavy models using AI + automation.

Some are scaling to $1M/MONTH with 80% profit margins by:
• Targeting specific niches (bakeries, lawyers, etc)
• Delivering business-critical results
• Using ONE killer funnel template

The best part? You can run this with just 1-2 freelancers + AI agents.

2) The Two Most Profitable Service Models

Across thousands of agencies using Perspective, two business models consistently outperform:

A) RECRUITING FUNNELS
Help businesses find talent through automated systems

B) LEAD GENERATION FUNNELS
Deliver qualified prospects to businesses

3) The "One Funnel, Sell Twice" Strategy

The most successful agencies:

• Pick ONE industry (preferably not tech-savvy)
• Create ONE funnel template that delivers results
• Use AI to customize it for each client
• Automate fulfillment with AI agents

Top agencies in Perspective convert at 26-28% on COLD traffic! 

4) What Makes High-Converting Funnels Work?

The best performing funnels focus on:

• SPEED: Pages loading less than 1 second convert 2.5X better
• INTERACTIVITY: Quiz elements that create engagement
• PERSONALIZATION: Tailoring content based on responses
• CONSISTENCY: Matching ad messaging to landing page

These elements create a "dopamine hit" similar to social feeds.

5) The VSL (Video Sales Letter) Framework

For creating high-converting video content:

• Focus intensely on the HOOK (first 5 seconds)
• Provide genuine EDUCATION and value
• Show PROOF that builds credibility
• Create a natural progression to the OFFER

6) How To Build Your First Funnel

The process is simpler than you think:

1. Start with a mobile-first approach (95% of paid social traffic is mobile)
2. Use quiz elements to qualify leads
3. Personalize follow-up based on responses
4. A/B test continuously (Perspective makes this easy)

7) The Startup Validation Strategy

1. Build an audience on social
2. Create a funnel to test messaging
3. Send organic traffic to validate
4. Collect quiz data to understand pain points
5. THEN build your product

KEY TAKEAWAY:

The future of services is PRODUCTIZED.

With tools like Perspective + AI, you can build a highly profitable, low-overhead business by:
• Focusing on one niche
• Delivering one critical result
• Using one killer funnel
• Automating with AI

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND NIELS ON SOCIAL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nielsklement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsklement/

Join me as I chat with Nick Huber to discusses how "boring" businesses like storage, lawn care, and service companies often create more reliable paths to wealth than tech startups. He shares his personal journey from a college storage business that sold for $1.75 million to purchasing and improving self-storage facilities worth millions. The conversation explores various low-tech business opportunities with high profit potential and minimal competition.

00:00 - Intro
02:08 - Nick's Sweaty Startup journey
05:20 - Self-storage facility investments and returns
07:31 - Examples of profitable service businesses
13:13 - Sweaty Startup Idea: Night Nurse Marketplace
18:49 - Value of a Good Domain Names
22:25 - The AI + Sweaty Startups Opportunity

Key Points

• Nick Huber shares his journey building "boring" but profitable businesses, including Storage Squad and self-storage facilities
• Sweaty startups (service-based local businesses) often have less competition and higher success rates than tech startups
• Simple marketing tactics like sidewalk chalk, bandit signs, and local networking can be highly effective for service businesses
• Domain names are valuable digital real estate worth investing in for business credibility and growth

1) The WEALTHY people in your town aren't tech founders

They own boring businesses:
• Underground utilities
• Surveying companies
• HVAC businesses
• Real estate development

While everyone's dreaming of being the next Elon, these folks are quietly building wealth.

2) Nick's first million came from... college student storage! 

He built Storage Squad with:
• $1500 Craigslist cargo van
• $2200 box truck
• SIDEWALK CHALK as his only marketing

Grew to $2.2M in revenue, sold for $1.75M in 2020.

No tech, no VC money, just hustle.

3) Self-storage facilities = GOLD MINES 

Nick bought a neglected facility for $625K with:
• 40,000+ square feet
• 180+ units
• Only making $4K/month

Another facility they bought for $1.5M now generates $40K/month and is worth $4.5M!

4) "Sweaty startups" are EVERYWHERE making serious money:

• Lawn care: $100K+ working 9 months/year
• Mobile detailing: $17K revenue/$10K profit PER MONTH
• High-end transportation: Consistent 6-figure income
• Tree removal: $3K for 4 hours of work (2 people)

All with minimal startup costs!

5) The DOMAIN NAME lesson that most miss:

Nick paid $450K for [Somewhere.com](http://somewhere.com/) and says it's already delivered MORE value than that.

"People will spend millions on physical real estate but balk at a few thousand for digital real estate - the home of your business."

6) The COMPETITION ADVANTAGE of sweaty startups:

Would you rather compete against:
• Stanford CS grad with $20M in VC funding
OR
• Local business owner who doesn't answer phones on Monday afternoons?

Choose your competition wisely!

7) BEST BUSINESS IDEA from the pod: Night Nurse Marketplace

• Domain available for $13K (or $1,100/month lease-to-own)
• Target new parents needing overnight baby care
• Build directory + blog with AI
• Charge $1K finder's fee to match families with nurses

$20K+ monthly potential!

8) The AI + SWEATY STARTUP opportunity:

The best AI companies might start as sweaty startups first.

Build the customer base and trust with a service business, THEN layer in tech and AI solutions.

This is how you build something valuable without competing with 1000 other AI startups.

Notable Quotes:

"The wealthy people that I know, the ones with giant beach houses in the outer banks and private jets at the local airport, almost all of them did something boring." - Nick Huber

"Do you want to compete against LeBron James or a fifth grade girl in basketball? I play against the fifth grade girl every time because my odds of having a win and making money are higher." - Nick Huber

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND NICK ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/sweatystartup
Nick’s New book: https://www.sweatystartupbook.com
Sweaty Startup Ideas: http://Sweatystartup.com/ideas
Bolt Storage: http://boltstorage.com
Somewhere: http://somewhere.com

Use agents https://www.lindy.ai/greg (thanks to Flo for hooking us up with 50% off and you can get started for free)

Join me as I chat with Flo Crivello, founder of Lindy AI, where he demonstrates how to build AI agents that can automate various business processes without coding. The conversation showcases practical applications including meeting recording, scheduling, recruitment, competitive analysis, and customer support. Crivello emphasizes that there's currently a significant gap between what's technically possible with AI agents and what most businesses are implementing.

Built your first AI Agent with Lindy: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ai-agents

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:08 - Demo 1: Meeting Notes
04:41 - Demo 2: YouTube comment scraping
06:49 - Meeting Notes Continued
08:27 - Demo 3: Outbound Phone Calling
10:16 - Demo 4: Meeting Prep
10:25 - Agent Swarms Explained
11:25 - Meeting Prep Continued
13:31 - Demo 5: Meeting Scheduler
15:04 - How to start using Lindy
15:52 - Live Building of a Recruitment Agent
17:57 - When should you loop in a human
18:37 - Building of a Recruitment Agent continued 
20:34 - Demo 6: Sales Prospecting 
22:44 - Why start using AI Agents
26:00 - Overview of template categories and use cases
28:52 - Demo 7: Elon Lindy
30:12 - Demo 8: Competitive Analysis
32:58 - Demo 9: CRM and Networking Manager
34:50 - Final Thoughts

Key Points:

• Lindy is a no-code platform for building AI agents that can automate business processes
• Users can create their first agent in 10 minutes and automate significant portions of their business
• The platform features "Agent Swarms" that can handle multiple tasks in parallel with greater reliability
• Lindy offers thousands of integrations with various platforms and services

1) Meeting Assistant Agents

The most universal use case for AI agents? Meeting management!

Lindy can:
• Record and transcribe your meetings
• Create searchable notes in Google Docs
• Organize notes by person (incredible for context)

Flo: "I just had to dig up Google Docs and send him everything we've ever talked about with this person."

2) The Agent vs Workflow Difference

Unlike Zapier which connects isolated steps, Lindy creates TRUE AGENTS that:

• Understand context between steps
• Can recover from mistakes
• Let you speak to them in natural language
• Don't need every step configured

The magic? You're basically telling an AI to execute a sequence of connected actions.

3)  Agent Swarms = GAME CHANGER

This new feature lets you deploy multiple agents simultaneously!

• Send personalized outreach to hundreds of leads
• Research multiple people in parallel
• Execute tasks reliably without losing coherence

Think Agent Smith in The Matrix - your agent duplicates itself to handle massive workloads FAST.

4)  Real-World Examples That Blew My Mind

Flo's Lindy made a restaurant reservation BY PHONE 

The hilarious part? The restaurant was using an AI receptionist!

"It's already happening - AI agents are working together in the wild"

His AI also schedules meetings, preps him for calls, and manages his network.

5) Building a Recruiter Agent LIVE

In just 2 minutes, Flo built a recruiting agent that:
• Takes job criteria
• Searches for matching candidates
• Researches them on Perplexity
• Sends personalized outreach emails

All with human approval built in when needed!

"There's a huge gap between what's possible and what people are actually doing."

6) The "Elon Lindy" = Middle Management Killer

This agent:
• Calls every team member weekly
• Asks what they accomplished
• Compiles everything into a report for the CEO

One customer deployed this to 1000+ employees, essentially "replacing the middle management layer"!

7) Competitive Intelligence on Autopilot

Flo's competitive tracker:
• Wakes up monthly
• Monitors competitors from a spreadsheet
• Tracks employee count, traffic, funding, etc.
• Sends reports on who's pulling ahead

8) The MASSIVE Opportunity Right Now

"There is a HUGE arbitrage between what's possible and what people are actually doing."

Companies exploiting this gap are EXPLODING:
• One AI ad generator hit $5M ARR in months with just 8 people
• Small teams can now operate like they have 30-50 people

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND FLO ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/Altimor
Lindy: https://www.lindy.ai

Join me as I chat with Riley Brown to explore various opportunities in AI, from image generation to rebuilding essential software tools, while debating the future of content creation, customer support automation, and the concept of "vibe coding/marketing." 

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:05 - ChatGPT 4.0 image generation capabilities
07:30 - Rebuilding calendars, inboxes and CRMs
11:02 - Component Animation Library
12:59 - The "spaghetti video" and AI video progression
19:41 - Customer support automation
22:01 - The biggest trap for founders
24:43 - Sketching is the future of AI building
26:15 - Build Consumer AI Mobile Apps 
27:42 - AI Market Dynamics
29:01 - Rebuilding traditional products with AI advantages
30:51 - AI tools and AI Agents will be cheaper than humans
31:56 - Vibe Marketing is a huge opportunity
35:41 - AI will replace the homepage
36:56 - AI's impact on education and entrepreneurship

Key Points:

• ChatGPT 4.0's image generation capabilities will birth thousands of vertical software businesses
• Calendars, inboxes, and CRMs will be completely rebuilt with AI within three years
• AI-generated video has progressed dramatically and will transform content creation
• Most customer support will be fully automated within 36 months, including complex issues
• Mobile-first AI apps represent the next wave of $100M+ consumer applications

1) ChatGPT 4.0 ImageGen is as REVOLUTIONARY as the original ChatGPT launch

It will birth 1000+ vertical software businesses worth $1-100M each.

Riley: "It's incredible for generating gradients, components, character sprite sheets..."

The window to build these businesses is NOW.

2) Every calendar, inbox, and CRM will be COMPLETELY REBUILT in the next 3 years

Not just AI-enhanced — fully rethought from scratch.

We're talking about a $700B+ industry transformation.

Look at Micro HQ approach: turning email into a smart dashboard with intelligence baked in.

3) The "Will Smith eating spaghetti" video evolution shows how FAST AI video is advancing

739 days ago: Hilariously bad AI video
Today: Nearly perfect realism

In another 739 days? Full movies created with prompts, perfect dialogue, and integrated music.

The content creation landscape is about to be UNRECOGNIZABLE.

4) Most customer support will be fully automated within 36 months

Not just basic tier-one tickets — we're talking complex, multi-step resolutions that currently require senior staff.

The days of frustrating support calls may finally be ending as AI gets better at solving our problems instantly.

5) "The worst thing that can happen to your startup is mediocre success"

Enough to keep you going, but not enough to change your life.

Many founders get trapped in routines with projects they aren't passionate about.

The key? Pivot to something that excites you to wake up every day.

6) The SKETCHING economy is the real AI revolution

When anyone can turn rough sketches into production-ready designs, taste and ideation become the only scarce resources.

Greg's insight: "I've been sketching more myself... if I sketch a thumbnail and throw it into GPT-4.0, I might get twice the engagement.”

7) Consumer mobile is BACK in full swing

We went from:
• Desktop-first apps (Facebook)
• Mobile-first apps (Instagram)
• Now AI-first mobile apps (Cal AI)

The next wave of $100M+ apps will start mobile-first with AI baked in from day one.

8) AI is creating winner-take-most markets OVERNIGHT

The window to establish yourself as the go-to solution in a specific vertical?

9) AI will kill the homepage as we know it

Interfaces will be replaced by entry points that change based on who you are, what you need, and when you show up.

Just as ads became hyper-personalized, websites and apps will adapt to each visitor in real-time.

10) Schools won't be disrupted by AI — they'll be DISINTERMEDIATED

Smart teens will skip formal education to build audiences and run experiments.

Kids say they want to be creators, but creators are becoming entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship is becoming the safest "job" in an AI-powered world.

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND RILEY ON SOCIAL

Vibe Code App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vibecode/id6742912146
X/Twitter: https://x.com/rileybrown_ai
Instagram: https://x.com/rileybrown_ai

Join me as I chat with Justin Mares, Founder of Kettle and Fire, as he explains his methodical approach to validating Kettle and Fire before fully launching it in 2014-2015. He created a basic landing page with a PayPal checkout to test if people would pay $29.99 for bone broth, achieving a 30% conversion rate despite having no actual product. The conversation highlights how modern AI tools have dramatically lowered barriers to entry for entrepreneurs testing new business ideas

Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:05 - The Scale of Kettle and Fire
• 01:20 - The Initial Idea and Inspiration
• 02:16 - Validating Market Demand
• 04:03 - Addressing Skepticism on Market Research
• 06:00 - Testing Pricing and Demand
• 08:48 - Bing Ads and Early Revenue
• 12:22 - Leveraging AI for Business Today
• 13:42 - Finding Passion-Driven Problems
• 15:28 - Identifying Trends and Tools
• 20:15 - ChatGPT 4o for Initial Product Design

Key Points

• Justin shares how he validated and launched Kettle and Fire, now a nine-figure bone broth business
• He used a minimal landing page, Fiverr logo, and Bing ads to test market demand before creating the product
• The validation process focused on identifying if enough people wanted the product and if they would pay enough

1) The "Day Zero" validation strategy that worked:

Justin wanted bone broth for his own health but couldn't find it online. Before creating anything, he asked two critical questions:

• How many people actually want this?
• Will they pay enough to make it a viable business?

Smart validation = less risk.

2) Finding your TRUE market size:

Justin didn't rely on gut feeling. He went where his potential customers hung out:

• Paleo forums
• CrossFit communities
• Reddit threads
• Mark's Daily Apple

He found FANATIC engagement around bone broth recipes, sourcing, and benefits

3) The Google Trends hack 

Justin checked macro trends to confirm his micro observations.

He wasn't looking to build a 9-figure business at 24 - just wanted to make $10K/month with his brother.

Simple math: A few thousand customers spending a few hundred dollars a year = viable business.

4) The $15 MVP that ACTUALLY validated demand:

• $9.99 domain ([bonebroths.com](http://bonebroths.com/))
• $5 logo from Fiverr
• Basic landing page on Unbounce

No product. No fancy design. Just a simple page highlighting benefits that his target audience cared about:

- Healing leaky gut
- Convenience
- Organic ingredients

5) The GENIUS pricing strategy:

Justin priced at $29.99 for 16oz - 6X MORE than grocery store broth!

His thinking: "If people will pay this much for a product they've never tasted from a sketchy landing page, they REALLY want it."

High price = strong signal of demand.

6) The checkout flow was HILARIOUSLY janky:

"Order Now" button → Justin's personal PayPal

That's it. That was the entire checkout.

And guess what? PEOPLE STILL BOUGHT IT! 

After spending just $100 on Bing ads (yes, Bing!), he made nearly $500 in revenue.

7) The honest follow-up that built trust:

After validating demand, Justin emailed every customer:

"We don't have the product yet. I can either refund you in full or give you 50% off when we ship in a few weeks."

Most chose the discount, giving him runway to actually create the product.

8) From validation to execution:

It took 8 months to figure out production and scaling.

But because he KNEW people wanted it and would pay for it, he had the confidence to push through the hard parts.

9) How would he do it TODAY with AI tools?

• Better landing pages using tools like Bolt.new
• Sentiment analysis across Reddit/Twitter
• AI-generated product designs (as shown in the podcast)

10) The bigger lesson for aspiring founders:

Focus on problems YOU care deeply about.

The best ideas come from the frontier where you're already spending your time.

11) AI is LEVELING the playing field:

One person with strong conviction + AI tools can now build products that previously required entire teams.

12) Want to find YOUR startup idea?

Justin's advice:
• Find a problem that lights you up
• Circle that problem until you find interesting solutions
• Validate with real customers willing to pay
• Use AI to accelerate everything

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JUSTIN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/jwmares
His Blog: https://justinmares.com/

Join me as I chat with Jacob Posel where he explains his viral method for creating professional ads using ChatGPT 4o and reference images. Jacob demonstrates that effective ad creation with AI relies more on providing quality inspiration images than complex prompting. The episode includes four example ads and two live demonstrations, showcasing how marketers can experiment with different audiences and styles at scale to improve conversion rates.

Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Intro
• 02:01 - Best practices and the importance of inspiration images
• 05:52 - Using Reference Images vs. No Reference 
• 09:07 - Exploring Sora for Prompt Inspiration
• 13:33 - Another example of reference image + product image
• 16:20 - More Ad Examples (Ridge Wallet)
• 18:14 - More Ad Examples (Replit)
• 19:12 - Where to find Ad inspiration
• 20:00 - Live Ad Creation for LCA
• 33:37 - Ad Concept Development for LCA
• 37:37 - Finalizing the Ad and Next Steps

Key Points:

• Jacob Posel demonstrates how to create high-quality ads in minutes using ChatGPT, focusing on using reference images rather than complex prompts
• The process involves providing inspiration ads and product images to ChatGPT, which can then generate customized, conversion-ready advertisements
• Using well-known brands requires less specific prompting as the AI already understands them, while lesser-known products need more reference images
• The speakers demonstrate live ad creation for Late Checkout Agency (LCA), showing the iterative process and prompt refinement techniques

1) The Secret to Great AI-Generated Ads

Forget complex prompting - the REAL magic is in your reference images!

Jacob revealed: "The important thing in creating good ads are the inspiration images and product images that you provide."

ChatGPT understands intent better than other AI image tools.

2) The Simple Framework

Here's the basic formula Jacob uses:
• Find an inspiration ad you like
• Add your product image
• Give simple instructions
• Let ChatGPT work its magic

The model is SMART enough to understand what you want without elaborate prompts.

3) When to Use Reference Images vs. When Not To

KEY INSIGHT: ChatGPT already knows popular brands!

"It knows Nike, Adidas, Ridge wallets really well," Jacob explains.

For well-known brands: Simple prompts work fine
For newer/smaller brands: ALWAYS provide reference images

This saves you tons of time!

4) Pro Tip: Where to Find Ad Inspiration

Jacob's go-to sources for ad inspiration:
• Creative OS
• Foreplay
• Icon

These tools pull from Meta's ad library and make it searchable.

Finding the right reference ad is HALF the battle!

5) The Hidden Goldmine Nobody's Talking About

ALPHA ALERT: Check out Sora's explore page!

"This is a piece of alpha that people do not know about right now," Jacob revealed.

It shows you the EXACT prompts people used for successful images.

Perfect for learning how to prompt effectively!

6) Crucial Prompting Tips

If your first attempt isn't perfect:
• DON'T continue in the same chat
• Start a fresh conversation
• Make adjustments to your prompt there

"You generally get through a cycle of worse and worse rather than improving" if you keep going in the same chat.

7) Real-World Example: The LCA Ad

We created a luxury-style ad for Greg’s innovation agency in real-time!

Process:

1. Screenshot website elements
2. Find vintage Rolex ad as inspiration
3. Simple prompt explaining the brand vibe
4. Iterate in a NEW chat for improvements

Took less than 10 minutes! 

8) The Future of Advertising

This technology enables:
• Personalized ads at scale
• Rapid response to trending moments
• Testing different audiences/demographics
• Experimenting with creative directions

As Jacob puts it: "The ad is the targeting" - and now you can do it at SCALE.

Notable Quotes:

"Marketers have this saying nowadays that the ad is the targeting and this is just a way that you can actually do it at scale." - Jacob Posel

"The important thing I found in creating good ads are actually the inspiration images and the product images that you provide." - Jacob Posel

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JACOB ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/jacob_posel

Build your business with beehiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com/greg-isenberg?utm_campaign=Q22025-greg-isenberg-partnership&utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=podcast&utm_source_platform=podcast&via=greg-isenberg-Q22025&utm_marketing_tactic=awareness&utm_creative_format=podcast&utm_content=greg-isenberg&utm_term=greg-isenberg

Join me as I chat with Tyler Denk, co-founder of Beehiiv, to discuss how to grow a newsletter to 100,000 subscribers. He demonstrates Beehiiv’s platform features including customizable websites, subscriber data collection, automated welcome sequences, and multiple monetization options. Tyler emphasizes there's no "silver bullet" for growth—success comes from combining multiple strategies that each contribute incrementally to building a valuable audience asset.

Get the 5-step guide to 100K subscribers: www.gregisenberg.com/beehiiv-business

Timestamps
• 00:00 - Intro
• 02:58 - Overview of newsletter growth potential
• 04:03 - Website building and email capture features
• 15:00 - Subscriber data collection and welcome automations
• 25:00 - Cross-promotion and "Boost" network for growth
• 38:06 - Lead magnets and referral programs
• 55:00 - Customized email collection based on content  
• 1:08:35 - Monetization strategies (sponsorships, paid subscriptions)
• 1:10:55 - Final thoughts on consistency and getting started

Key Points
• Beehiiv’s all-in-one platform includes website building, email capture, subscriber data collection, referral programs, and monetization tools
• Multiple growth channels work together: lead magnets, email gating, referral programs, and cross-promotion with other newsletters
• Monetization comes through direct sponsorships, Beehiiv’s ad network, and the "Boost" feature where newsletters pay each other for subscriber referrals

1) Website & Email Capture Strategy

Beehiiv gives you a full website builder where you can create:
• Custom landing pages
• Email capture forms
• Pop-ups targeted by traffic source
• Different signup flows

The key? Create MULTIPLE entry points that convert 15-20% of visitors to subscribers.

Tyler's Windows 98-themed site stands out because it's INTENTIONALLY different!

2) The Subscribe Flow Magic

This is GENIUS:

After someone subscribes, Tyler shows:
• Sponsored newsletter recommendations
• A quick survey collecting demographic data
• A welcome page with popular content

This data helps him:
• Sell premium sponsorships
• Create targeted content
• Understand his audience (60% founders!)

3) Network Effects & Passive Growth

Tyler gets 200-300 FREE subscribers weekly through Beehiiv’s recommendation network!

How it works:
• Other newsletters recommend his in their subscribe flow
• He recommends others in his flow

"It's like getting $400-600 of value weekly just for existing on the platform" 

4) The Boost Network (Paid Acquisition)

Tyler spends $2-3K monthly buying subscribers through Beehiiv’s Boost marketplace.

• He pays $2.50 per subscriber
• Only pays for subscribers who ACTUALLY ENGAGE
• Has autopause features to cut off low-quality sources
• Manages 155+ acquisition sources in one dashboard

It's like a vending machine: put in $2.50, get $4 back!

5) Lead Magnets That Convert

Tyler shared his seed deck on Twitter (100K views) with a simple signup form.

The magic:
• Created a custom landing page in Beehiiv
• Set up a different signup flow (no recommendations)
• Built an automation to deliver the deck instantly
• Added new subscribers to his newsletter

Pro tip: Get sponsors for your lead magnets to fund MORE promotion!

6) The Referral Program (1% of growth)

Tyler built Morning Brew's referral program (led to 1M+ subscribers) and implemented a simpler version:

- 1 referral = Access to Series B deck (digital, zero cost)
• 3 referrals = $10 off merch (dropshipped, zero cost)

7) Monetization (The Engine)

Tyler makes $20-30K monthly through:

- Direct sponsorships ($7K per placement)
• Boost network referrals ($2-4 per subscriber)
• No paid subscription (though many make $100K+/year this way)

Beehiiv’s sponsorship storefront lets advertisers book directly with just a $10 transaction fee!

Notable Quotes:

"Writing weekly and sharing my thoughts online has probably been the highest leverage thing that I've done in my entire career. It's opened so many doors to angel investing, meeting other founders, meeting people who are doing really cool shit." - Tyler

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND TYLER ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/denk_tweets
Big Desk Energy: https://www.bigdeskenergy.com

In this episode, host I test Manus AI's ability to function as an AI co-founder by asking it to develop a million-dollar business idea focused on AI. The system analyzes Y Combinator startups and Reddit trends to identify opportunities, ultimately recommending an AI-powered micro-consulting platform for small businesses. Manus delivers a comprehensive business proposal including market validation, pricing strategy, and even designs a functional landing page.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:41 - Initial Prompt: Ideas for $1M Startup in 18 Months
03:24 - Manus AI Processing Prompt
06:25 - Alternative Use Cases of Manus AI
13:14 - Results from First Prompt
15:19 - Prompt 2: Focus on Niche Startup Opportunities 
17:46 -  Results from Second Prompt
23:15 - Prompt 3: Validate Ideas with data and trend analysis
27:00 - Prompt 4: Refining data and trend analysis
29:0` - Prompt 5: Creating a Landing Page with Manus
34:23 - Reviewing results from Business Proposal
37:35 - Results from Fifth Prompt
39:25 - Final Thoughts on Manus AI and Startup Ideas

Key Points:

• I explore Manus AI's multi-agent capabilities to generate a viable startup idea that could make $1 million in 18 months
• Manus AI analyzes YC's latest batch, Reddit trends, and market opportunities to identify niche AI business concepts
• The AI recommends "AI-powered micro-consulting for SMBs" as the most promising opportunity
• Manus creates a complete business proposal including landing page design, pricing strategy, and go-to-market plan

1) I challenged Manus AI (a multi-agent AI system) to develop a complete business plan for an AI startup that could make $1M in 18 months.

The goal: See if AI can identify REAL market trends and opportunities better than humans can.

2) What makes Manus different from ChatGPT?

• Multi-agent capabilities (can browse while chatting)
• Can analyze multiple sources simultaneously
• Performs complex research tasks independently
• Creates actual code/designs, not just concepts

3) The COOLEST use cases Greg discovered while testing Manus:

• Converting unstructured data into organized tables
• Analyzing financial reports like a JP Morgan analyst
• Contract review (saving $1500+ lawyer fees)
• Creating highlight reels from podcast audio
• Building websites from scratch

4) The AI identified these KEY TRENDS in the AI startup landscape:

• Vertical-specific AI solutions for regulated industries
• AI agents for specialized workflows
• Infrastructure tools helping others deploy AI
• No-code/low-code AI accessibility solutions

5) The WINNING IDEA Manus proposed: "Spark Console AI" - an AI-powered micro-consulting platform for small businesses.

The problem it solves? SMBs need expert consulting but can't afford $150-500/hour traditional services.

The solution? $49-500/month AI consulting agents.

6) What impressed me most: Manus VALIDATED the idea with ACTUAL DATA:

• 47% growth in r/smallbusiness subscribers
• Direct quotes from Reddit showing pain points:
"I'd love expert advice but can't justify $200 consultants"
"Generic AI tools don't understand my industry challenges"

7) Manus even built a COMPLETE landing page with:
• Eye-catching design
• Lead generation forms
• Interactive business assessment
• Pricing tiers

All without Greg needing to write a single line of code! 

8) The LIMITATIONS Greg found:

• You still need to ask the right questions
• It's more like a "junior employee" than a true co-founder
• Takes 10-15 minutes for complex tasks
• You need to push back on some recommendations

9) My takeaway: We're entering an era where the COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE isn't coding ability - it's knowing which QUESTIONS to ask AI.

The winners will be those who can identify trends and direct AI to build solutions that ride those tailwinds.

Notable Quotes:

"In a world where anyone could create software... figuring out what is the brand, what is the landing page, what is the product, and what is the trend... is gonna help you actually build a business, not just build a product." - Greg

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

Join me as I chat with Andrew Wilkinson, Co-Founder of Tiny, as we discuss investment and startup ideas in the current AI landscape. We explore how AI is simultaneously lowering barriers to entry while increasing competition, making it easier to build "million-dollar businesses" but harder to create sustainable long-term ventures. We share specific startup ideas leveraging AI, including secure data integration platforms, automated web design services, and AI-powered lending.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:25 - Business building in AI
08:13 - Media Business Opportunities and AI 
18:18 - The future of GPT wrappers
21:20 - Automation and AI tools we use
29:14 - Startup Idea 1: MCP and Financial Analysis
34:49 - Startup Idea 2: AI Web Design Agency 
37:06 - Startup Idea 3: Message Maxing
43:43 - Startup Idea 4:  AI-Based Lending Solutions
49:43 - Andrew's Stealth Startup 

Key Points

• AI is making it easier to build businesses but harder to maintain competitive advantages as tools become widely accessible
• Distribution, data advantages, and network effects are becoming the primary moats in the AI era
• Media businesses with high-value niches present opportunities for entrepreneurs to build audiences before layering AI tools
• Secure AI applications (particularly around financial data and personal communications) represent potential sustainable business models

1) The AI Paradox: It's never been EASIER to build a $1M business, but never HARDER to build sustainable value.

Why? Because anyone can "vibe code" your product in a weekend.

Distribution and network effects are the new moats. Tools alone won't cut it anymore.

2) Where are the ACTUAL opportunities?

Andrew & Greg agree: Buy or build MEDIA businesses first, then layer AI on top.

• Focus on High-value niches not mass audiences
• Build community BEFORE tools
• Example: Buy TechCrunch or event series like South by Southwest

3) AI tools they're actually using RIGHT NOW:

• Gumloop - For sales lead intelligence
• Lindy - Email processing & calendar management
• Manus AI - For candidate screening (saved Andrew hours!)
• Vercel V0 - Rebuilt Andrew's pressure washing website in 30 SECONDS

4) Startup Idea 1: "Secure MCP"

Model Context Protocol (MCP) lets LLMs access your data securely.

Andrew built a custom system to analyze his company finances across multiple businesses.

Opportunity: Build the "1Password of MCP" - where security is the selling point.

5) Startup Idea 2: "Message Maxing"

An app that analyzes your text messages to identify:
• Which friends exhibit toxic traits
• How YOU come across in messages
• Who you're neglecting

Perfect for viral TikTok marketing. Could be the next CalAI!

6) Startup Idea 3: AI-powered web design agency

• Use V0 to auto-redesign ugly local business websites
• Reach out with "I already built you a better site"
• Charge $500 + $20/mo hosting
• Scale with automation

Low-hanging fruit for your first million!

7) Startup Idea 4: "Bank of Vibe Coding"

AI-powered lending platform for vibe coders:
• Quick approval for developers with traction
• Take % of profits instead of interest
• Criteria: X followers, Stripe integration, etc.

Sahil Lavingia's $100K offer proves demand!

8) The BIG question: Are these Cal AI businesses (make $1M then die) or sustainable?

Andrew's take: "Almost all these businesses will be zeros in 5 years."

Greg's counter: "It's so hard to predict even 5 months from now!"

What do YOU think? Are you building for the short or long term?

The MOST VALUABLE insight: The businesses that are easiest to start are often the worst businesses to be in long-term.

But that doesn't mean you shouldn't start one! Making your first million with a "Cal AI business" is still a win.

Notable Quotes:

"It's never been easier to build a million dollar business and it's never been easier to lose all your equity value." - Andrew

"Distribution is the new moat, anyone could create anything." - Greg

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire — a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND ANDREW ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/awilkinson
Never Enough: https://www.neverenough.com
Tiny: https://www.tiny.com

I’m joined by Ashwinn Krishnaswamy, an expert in launching and growing consumer brands, where we discuss how he evaluates market opportunities and creates unfair advantages. We discuss various tools for market research including Ahrefs for keyword analysis, Particl for competitor sales data, and AI tools for product design. Ashwinn emphasizes that entrepreneurs should work backward from distribution channels rather than focusing solely on product development.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
03:45 - Ahrefs tool for keyword research
15:08 -  Particl for analyzing competitor sales data
18:52 - Why start a CPG brand
21:05 - How to stand out in crowded categories
24:57- Opportunities in Branding for Older Adults
28:40 - Bootstrapping Your Product Idea
33:56 - Researching Your Market and Competitors
36:52 - Manus AI for automating market research
39:58 -  Distribution is everything.

Key Points:

• Ashwinn shares tools and strategies for evaluating market opportunities for physical products and brands
• Tools like Ahrefs and Particle provide valuable data on search volume, competition, and sales trends
• AI tools like Manis can now automate much of the market research process that previously cost thousands
• Distribution strategy should come before product development, not vice versa

1) First, understand that DISTRIBUTION is everything.

"First-time founders focus on product, second-time founders focus on distribution."

The hard truth? Many subpar products CRUSH IT because they nail distribution and operational excellence.

Always work BACKWARDS from how you'll acquire customers!

2) Use Ahrefs to evaluate category demand and competition 

Type any keyword to see:
• Monthly search volume (market size)
• Keyword difficulty (competition level)
• Seasonal trends
• Geographic distribution

This helps you VALIDATE demand before building anything!

3) Look for geographic OPPORTUNITIES in the data 

When Ashwinn checked "electrolytes" he found:
• 74% of searches from English-speaking Western countries
• Only 3% from India, Philippines

This reveals potential to build "Element for Germany" or other untapped markets where trends haven't diffused yet!

4) For physical products, use Particle to spy on competitors

This tool shows:
• E-commerce sales data for brands
• Best-selling SKUs
• Category trends

Crucial insight: Often 90% of revenue comes from just 4 SKUs!

5) The REAL opportunity in physical products?

They force you to become EXCEPTIONAL at marketing.

"The bleeding edge of marketing happens in consumer products because it's SO HARD to get attention and convince someone to part with their dollars."

It's a marketing masterclass in real-time.

6) How to stand out in crowded categories:

Study the competition obsessively! Ashwinn showed how most magnesium supplements look generic and medical.

But brands like Moon Juice and Lemme differentiate through:
• Distinctive packaging
• Custom bottles
• Clear positioning
• Targeting specific demographics

7) The BIGGEST opportunity right now?

Find UNDERSERVED demographics!

Most brands target coastal millennials or Gen Z because that's who creates them.

But what about products for older adults with:
• More disposable income
• Less saturated marketing channels
• Different aesthetic preferences

8) AI is your UNFAIR ADVANTAGE for research

• Competitor analysis
• Market sizing
• Customer needs
• Design trends

"It's putting together a report Nielsen would charge $20K for!"

99% of people aren't using AI this way yet.

9) Before building ANYTHING, become a "relentless researcher":

• Study every competitor's positioning
• Read all the 1-2 star reviews in your category
• Visit stores and talk to owners
• Contact potential customers directly

Notable Quotes:

"First time founders focus on product, second time founders focus on distribution." - Ashwinn

"Building a physical product business is very hard and by most people probably just shouldn't be done on a whim. But if you can do it in a somewhat low stakes way or low risk way... I think it is a phenomenal way to get really good at marketing." - Ashwinn

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire — a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND ASHWINN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/Shwinnabego
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shwinnabegobrand
Brand Brothers Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wgTQ7mXBngdiNzcJ2cUJZ

How to build an audience in 2025: https://www.startupempire.co/build-an-audience

I’m joined by Jonathan Courtney to jam on how to  build an audience in 2025. We explore various tactics including finding your unique format, implementing consistent systems, and measuring progress against clear goals.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:58 - The ACP Framework
04:06 - Step 1: Identify Who You're Creating For
10:05 -  Step 2: Find Your Format
19:43 -  Step 3: Build Systems That Stick
24:52 - Step 4: Pick ONE Primary Goal
28:08 - Where to Begin? The Reply Guy Strategy
31:08 - WHY Building an Audience Matters

Key Points:

• ACP framework for building an audience in 2025: Audience (people passionate about your niche), Community (hardcore followers), and Product (what you sell)
• The four-step playbook includes identifying your audience, finding your format, creating systems, and setting goals
• Starting as a "reply guy" on platforms like X (Twitter) is recommended as a low-pressure way to begin building an audience
• Building an audience serves as an "insurance policy" that provides options for future business opportunities

1) The ACP Framework: Your Foundation

A = Audience (people passionate about your topic)
C = Community (your hardcore followers)
P = Product (what you sell to them)

The KEY insight: Start with audience FIRST, then community, then product.

Why? Because audience-first gives you OPTIONS and CONFIDENCE when you launch.

2) Step 1: Identify Who You're Creating For

Don't just create random content. Be strategic!

• Focus on people interested in YOUR specific niche
• Understand what they're NOT getting from others
• Find your unique "sauce" (Greg gives away ALL his startup ideas)
• If not getting engagement, start one level broader than your niche

Example: Jonathan's company wanted to be known for design sprints, but started with broader UX content to build audience first.

3) Step 2: Find Your Format

Your format is HOW you deliver your content. This is CRUCIAL but often overlooked!

• Test one format each business day
• Look for formats OUTSIDE your niche (don't copy what's saturated)
• Consider what's working platform-wide (short-form video in 2025)
• Focus on what feels NATURAL (or you'll quit)
• Test for 90 days and let data guide you

Remember: Formats have lifecycles! What works today might not work in 6 months.

4) Step 3: Build Systems That Stick

The difference between creators who quit and those who succeed? SYSTEMS.

System breakdown:
• Build a "creative faucet" routine (what gets your ideas flowing?)
• Create an ideas capture system (Greg uses Apple Notes)
• Schedule weekly time to turn ideas into content
• Be strategic with timing (post when your audience is active)

5) Step 4: Pick ONE Primary Goal

Don't try to do everything at once!

• Choose ONE metric (100K followers? 25K email list? $1M in sales?)
• Measure your formats against this goal every 90 days
• Optimize for your goal, not vanity metrics
• Remember: attention is SCARCE - build it as an asset

The BEST advice: Just start! Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis.

6) Where to Begin? The Reply Guy Strategy

Feeling overwhelmed? Start as a "reply guy" on X:

• Less pressure than posting on your own profile
• Lets you experiment with formats
• Builds connections with established creators
• Gives you confidence before going solo

7) WHY Building an Audience Matters

An audience is your INSURANCE POLICY:

• Gives you clarity into your niche
• Creates a pool of potential customers/users
• Provides job opportunities during recessions
• Allows you to monetize when needed

Notable Quotes:

"The audience first approach gives you so many options, also gives you so much confidence when you release something and people actually use it." - JC

"I think the number one reason why anyone should create an audience is to have something to fall back on, period. It's like an insurance policy." - Greg

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

I’m joined by Ras Mic to explain MCPs. Mic breaks down how MCPs essentially standardize  how LLMs connect with external tools and services. While LLMs alone can only predict text, connecting them to tools makes them more capable, but this integration has been cumbersome. MCPs create a unified layer that translates between LLMs and services, making it easier to build more powerful AI assistants.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:39 - The Evolution of LLMs: From Text Prediction to Tool Use
07:51 - MCPs explained
11:11 - MCP Ecosystem Overview
13:59 - Technical Challenges of MCP
15:18 - Conclusion on MCP's Potential
16:00 - Startup Ideas for Developers and Non-Technical Users

Key Points:

• MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standard that creates a unified layer between LLMs and external services/tools
• LLMs by themselves are limited to text prediction and cannot perform meaningful tasks without tools
• MCP solves the problem of connecting multiple tools to LLMs by creating a standardized communication protocol
• The MCP ecosystem consists of clients (like Tempo, Windsurf, Cursor), the protocol, servers, and services

1) What are MCPs and why should you care?

MCPs are NOT some complex physics theory - they're simply STANDARDS that help LLMs connect to external tools and services.

Think of them as universal translators between AI models and the tools they need to be truly useful.

This is HUGE for making AI assistants actually capable!

2) The Evolution of LLMs: From Text Prediction to Tool Use

Stage 1: Basic LLMs can only predict text
• Ask ChatGPT to send an email? "Sorry, I can't do that"
• They're glorified text predictors (if I say "My big fat Greek..." it knows "wedding" comes next)
• Limited to answering questions, not DOING things

3) The Current State: LLMs + Tools

Stage 2: LLMs connected to tools
• Companies like Perplexity connect LLMs to search engines
• This makes them more useful but creates problems
• Each tool = different "language" the LLM must learn
• Connecting multiple tools = engineering NIGHTMARE

This is why we don't have Jarvis-level assistants yet! 

4) Enter MCPs: The Game-Changer

MCPs create a UNIFIED LAYER between LLMs and external services.

Instead of your AI speaking 10 different "languages" to use 10 different tools, MCPs translate everything into ONE language.

Result? LLMs can easily access databases, APIs, and services without massive engineering headaches.

5) The MCP Ecosystem Explained

The MCP system has 4 key components:

• MCP Client: User-facing apps like @tempoai, Windsurf, Cursor
• Protocol: The standardized communication method
• MCP Server: Translates between client and services
• Service: The actual tool (database, search engine, etc.)

Brilliant move by Anthropic: SERVICES must build MCP servers!

6) Why This Matters For Builders

For technical folks:
• Opportunity to build tools like MCP app stores
• Easier integration between services
• Less engineering headaches

For non-technical folks:
• Watch closely as standards evolve
• When standards finalize, new business opportunities will emerge
• Think of MCPs as Lego pieces you'll stack to build powerful AI apps

Notable Quotes:

"LLMs by themselves are incapable of doing anything meaningful... The only thing an LLM in its current state is good at is predicting the next text." - Ross Mike

"Think of every tool that I have to connect to make my LLM valuable as a different language... MCP, you can consider it to be a layer between your LLM and the services and the tools." - Ross Mike

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire — a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND MIC ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/rasmickyy
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rasmic

I’m joined by Min Choi to test if Manus AI can replace your AI tech stack. Throughout the episode, we test Manus AI's capabilities by asking it to create a DocuSign clone, research startup ideas, and analyze website SEO.
Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 02:18 - What is Manus AI?
• 03:58 - Project 1: DocuSign clone
• 16:54 - Project 2: Research Greg’s top startup ideas
• 27:09 - Security concerns with Manus AI 
• 30:16 - Manus bug and reboot 
• 32:06 - Deploying DocuSign Clone
• 39:42 - Project 3: SEO Optimization 
• 44:14 - Discussion of Manus’s Limitations and Scaling issues
• 48:23 - Project 4: Build a Flight Simulator Video Game
• 49:48 - AI companies facing scaling issues
• 52:05 - Where does Manus excel? 
• 53:48 - What Manus was able to accomplish during the episode

Key Points:

• Testing Manus AI by asking it to autonomously research, plan, and execute complex tasks
• Having Manus create a DocuSign clone, research startup ideas, and analyze website SEO
• Manus AI functions as a multi-agent system that can browse websites, write code, and deploy applications with minimal prompting
• The tool has limitations including context windows, deployment issues, and daily usage limits

1) What makes Manus AI different?

Unlike ChatGPT or Claude, Manus is a TRUE AGENT system that:
• Researches, plans, and executes simultaneously
• Controls browsers to gather information autonomously
• Creates full applications from simple prompts
• Deploys working code with minimal guidance

"It's the closest thing to AGI yet" - Min Choi

2) The DocuSign Clone Experiment 

With just a 4-WORD PROMPT ("create a DocuSign clone"), Manus:
• Researched DocuSign's core features
• Created a complete project structure
• Built login, document upload & e-signature functionality
• Generated deployable code

All without templates or boilerplate code!

3) Human-in-the-loop capabilities 

One of the MOST IMPRESSIVE features:
• You can interrupt Manus WHILE it's working
• Refine requirements mid-process
• Add constraints or pivot direction

When they narrowed focus to "just e-signature features," Manus immediately adjusted its plan without starting over.

4) Multi-agent workflow 

Manus feels like having MULTIPLE EMPLOYEES working simultaneously:
• A researcher gathering information
• A PM creating specifications
• A developer writing code
• A marketer analyzing opportunities

It's like an entire team in one tool!

5) Beyond coding: Marketing & Growth 

Manus can also:
• Analyze websites for SEO improvements
• Target specific audiences (like executives)
• Create content strategies
• Scrape data for market research

It's not just about building - it's about GROWING your business too.

6) Current limitations

Manus isn't perfect (yet):
• Context length limitations on complex tasks
• Deployment issues with sophisticated apps
• Daily usage limits (currently ~10 sessions)
• Server load causing errors as popularity grows

It's still beta, but even with limitations, it's REVOLUTIONARY.

7) Security considerations

Since Manus is a Chinese company, there are valid concerns:
• Be mindful of what data you share
• Don't connect personal accounts or payment systems
• Use for learning & experimentation

Min's advice: "Always be careful with the data you share online."

The BIG TAKEAWAY: We're witnessing a fundamental shift in how businesses will be built.

What used to take weeks now takes MINUTES.
What required TEAMS now needs just ONE PERSON with AI.

This is just the beginning of the agent AI revolution.

Notable Quotes:

"I think that we're getting closer and closer to sort of the glimpse into what the AGI is gonna look like." - Min Choi

"It feels like we have like four employees working at the same time... We've got this marketing person. We've got this researcher. We've got this cracked PM slash developer." - Greg Isenberg

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND MIN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/minchoi

Im joined by Cody Schneider to jam on 3 trends/business ideas that will blow your mind. We analyze three main trends: the "buy it for life" movement (anti-consumerism focused on quality products), AI landing page builder for marketers, and TikTok templates. For each trend, we outline specific business models, monetization strategies, and tactical approaches to implementation.

Timestamps: 
00:00 - Intro
01:51 - Trend 1: The Buy It For Life
22:59 - Trend 2: AI Landing Page Builder
29:49 - Trend 3: TikTok Template Aggregator 
34:48 - Why we are in the Golden Age of Online Business Opportunities

Key Points:
• We discuss the "buy it for life" trend and how to build a directory website monetized through affiliate marketing
• We explore opportunities in AI landing page builders for digital marketing agencies
• We analyze the TikTok template trend and potential for creating a newsletter sharing viral formats
• We emphasize how easy it is to build online businesses in the current environment using AI tools
• We discuss strategies for building audiences on different platforms

1) The "Buy It For Life" Trend

69,000 monthly searches for people seeking products that LAST FOREVER instead of cheap disposables.

The subreddit r/BuyItForLife is EXPLODING with consumers sharing durable products across categories.

Here's the opportunity:

Build a directory website with:
• Beautiful UI (unlike Reddit's clunky interface)
• Filters by category
• Price drop alerts for premium products

Monetize through:
• Affiliate commissions
• Newsletter with exclusive deals
• Premium membership for instant alerts

Marketing strategy? Create value-packed Reddit posts with subtle domain signature.

2) AI Landing Page Builders

Digital marketers DESPERATELY need landing pages that match ad keywords.

Current tools are clunky and time-consuming.

The opportunity:

Create an AI tool where you:
• Input brand aesthetics
• Generate landing page templates instantly
• Deploy to subdomains with one click
• Modify with point-and-click

Target audience? Digital marketing agencies running paid ads who need SPEED.

"But what about Webflow and Shopify adding AI?"

Cody: "That's VALIDATION! Lead Pages does $50M/year. It's a MASSIVE category with room for many players."

3) TikTok Template Trend

98,000 monthly searches from creators hunting for viral TikTok formats.

The opportunity:

Create a newsletter showing:
• This week's viral TikTok templates
• How brands can adapt them
• One-click editor access

Acquisition? Twitter threads breaking down viral formats with newsletter CTA.

Monetization:
• Free weekly version
• Premium daily version
• Eventually build video editor tech

BONUS IDEA: Reinvent Scott's Cheap Flights as a simple email newsletter with flight alerts from specific airports.

Cody's FINAL WISDOM:

"This is the GREATEST time ever to start online businesses. In an hour, you can have a company live with people on the website."

"Don't buy a laundromat during the greatest gold rush of all time."

Notable Quotes:

"I don't think people understand the moment that we're in right now. Like this is the greatest time ever to start online businesses." - Cody

"In an hour, you can have a company live and people on the website... We had it live in an hour. And then I put a tweet out and we drove, I think so far over like 20,000 people have gone to the website and we validated the idea." - Cody

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND CODY ON SOCIAL
Cody’s startup:  https://www.landingcat.com
X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7
LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r

In this episode, I test Polymet AI, an AI product designer tool, by creating a YouTube analytics prediction SaaS concept inspired by a viral tweet about predicting tweet performance. I compare Polymet AI with V0, keep in mind that while Polymet required multiple prompts and offered less feedback during the design process, both tools ultimately produced usable designs. 

Timestamps: 
00:00 - Intro
02:33 - First Impressions of Polymet
03:57 - Startup Idea: Predicting YouTube Engagement
05:03 - Initial Design Prompt
10:11 - Polymet’s First Design Output: TubePredict
11:04 - UI and Functionality Issues and Debugging
16:08 - Polymet’s Second Design Output
17:44 - Debugging pt 2
20:48 - Prompting v0 
22:30 - v0’s Design Output 
23:41 - Polymet’s Third Design Output
24:49 - Comparing v0 and Polymer and Final Thoughts on Design Outputs
27:36 - Conclusion and Recommendations for AI Design Tools

Key Points

• I test Polymet AI, a new AI product designer tool, that claims to help non-designers create production-ready designs
• I compare Polymet AI with v0 by having them design a YouTube analytics prediction tool
• Both tools produced functional designs, but with different user experiences and output quality

1) First impressions of Polymet AI:

• Clean interface similar to ChatGPT
• Includes voice input (huge plus!)
• Image upload capability for reference designs
• Credit-based system (250 free credits to start)
• 50 credits per page generation

2) The design process with Polymet was... interesting.

PROS:
• Named the product "TubePredict" automatically
• Created decent landing page copy
• Saved version history

CONS:
• Slow generation (2+ minutes)
• No progress indicator (frustrating!)
• Initial designs missed the mark completely 

3) After 3 attempts with increasingly specific prompts, Polymet finally delivered:

• Clean, modern interface
• Detailed A/B testing dashboard
• Statistical confidence indicators
• AI suggestions for optimization

But the communication was ONE-WAY. No feedback loop!

4) Meanwhile, v0 showed its strengths:

• Real-time reasoning as it designed
• Conversational approach ("I'll create a SaaS that...")
• Faster FEELING process (transparency helps!)
• Ability to ask clarifying questions

The difference in experience was NIGHT and DAY.

5) The final designs were surprisingly similar in quality!

Polymet's strengths:
• More detailed product features
• Hover states built in
• Actual code generation

v0's advantages:
• Slightly more polished visually
• More "glassy" as requested
• Better feedback loop

6) MAJOR INSIGHT: The future isn't about finding ONE perfect AI design tool.

It's about using MULTIPLE tools strategically:
• Generate initial concepts in one
• Refine in another
• Mix and match their strengths

Just like we do with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.

7) The REAL lesson? Knowing design terminology matters!

When I specifically requested "glassmorphism" instead of just saying "glassy," both tools performed MUCH better.

The more precise your design vocabulary, the better your AI design results.

8) Would I recommend these tools? YES - but with expectations in check.

Two years ago this would have been MIND-BLOWING.
Today, our standards are higher.

But for quick prototyping or inspiration, both tools deliver value in different ways.

Notable Quotes:

"Two years ago, if I would have seen this, I would have been like, 'Oh my God, everything has changed.' And now our bar for all these AI products is so high that the output needs to be incredible for you to really use it in your workflow."

"How do you get the most out of them is just you use all of them, you realize what's best for each individual product... There's these nuances that make these products better."

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

In this episode I share my exact framework for identifying profitable AI SaaS business opportunities by focusing on manual workflows that could be automated. We focus on export buttons and other manual processes in enterprise software as indicators of workflow breakdowns that AI could solve. The framework breaks down to solving niche problems, charging immediately for solutions, and focusing on quantifiable ROI.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:50 - The Export Button Theory of AI Opportunity
04:03 - Step 1: Identifying Repetitive Pain Points
08:31 - Step 2: Adding Intelligence to Manual Processes
10:53 - Step 3: Identifying Data Silos that Need Bridging
12:47 - Step 4: Finding Missing Connections Between Tools
14:12 - Step 5: Start Small, Grow Naturally
16:55 - Exploring Additional Manual Buttons for Startup Ideas
19:03 - The QuickBooks Export Gold Mine
20:43 - Your First 30 Days: Getting Started with Your AI SaaS Startup
24:02 - Final Thoughts on AI Startup Opportunities

Key Points:
• The "Export Button Theory" - Every export button in software represents a business opportunity worth $10,000-30,000/month
• Five-step framework for finding AI SaaS opportunities
• Manual buttons in software (like "generate report," "schedule meeting," "upload CSV") represent AI automation opportunities

1) The Export Button Theory of AI Opportunity 

Every time a user clicks "export" in software, they're signaling:
• A workflow breakdown
• Manual labor that could be automated
• A potential $10-30K/month feature

2) The 5-step framework for finding these opportunities:

Step 1: Identify repetitive pain points 

Watch how people use enterprise software daily:
• Exporting data to reformat it (Salesforce → Excel → PowerPoint)
• Copying between tools (Jira → Slack)
• Building the same reports weekly
• Maintaining spreadsheets manually

3) Step 2: Add intelligence to manual processes 

Every manual task is an LLM opportunity:
• Turn Stripe exports into AI-powered revenue analysis ($50-100K MRR)
• Convert CRM data into AI-formatted presentations ($80-120K MRR)
• Generate sentiment trends from support tickets ($30-70K MRR)

4) Step 3: Bridge data silos 

Look for phrases like:
"I need to pull this data every week"
"I wish I could see this alongside that"
"We keep this in a separate spreadsheet"

5) Step 4: Find missing connections between tools 

Watch for "I wish these two things worked together":

• HR system + Payroll → AI opportunity: automatic sync with anomaly detection
• CRM + Marketing automation → AI opportunity: bi-directional sync with AI prioritization

6) Step 5: Start small, grow naturally 

The MOST successful AI SaaS businesses:
• Pick a specific niche big players ignore
• Focus on ONE painful workflow
• Make it 10x better with AI
• Let AI suggest next actions
• Charge immediately (if solving real pain, people will pay day one)

 7) Beyond the export button, look for these manual buttons in software:
• "Generate Report" → AI opportunity: automatic insight generation ($2.5B market)
• "Schedule Meeting" → AI opportunity: context-aware scheduling ($1.8B market)
• "Upload CSV" → AI opportunity: intelligent data processing ($3.2B market)

8) The QuickBooks goldmine 

• 250M financial reports exported annually
• Each export = 45-90 mins of manual work
• Value of time: $75-150 per export
• Total addressable market: $12-18B annually

This is just ONE platform with massive opportunity!

9)  Your first 30 days roadmap:

Days 1-5: Select software with high export volume, research communities
Days 6-10: Interview power users about export habits
Days 11-20: Build minimal prototype (using V0, Lovable, Bolt, etc.)
Days 21-30: Get 3-5 PAYING beta users

Notable Quotes:
"Every export button in software represents a business opportunity. When a user clicks export, what are they saying to us? They're basically saying this software doesn't do what I need to, so I'm taking my data elsewhere to do manual work."

"The best AI opportunities aren't where everyone is looking. They're hiding in these mundane, repetitive tasks that knowledge workers are doing every single day."

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

David Park, founder of Jenny AI, details his step-by-step approach to building a profitable AI startup that reached $10 million in annual recurring revenue. He emphasizes starting with organic short-form content and influencer marketing before moving to SEO and paid advertising. Park attributes much of Jenny AI's success to finding viral content formats that could be repeated with variations, working with the right influencers regardless of follower count, and focusing on retention metrics as the company scaled.

Timestamps: 
00:00 - Intro
03:00 - Organic Short Form Content
08:25 - The Power of Fresh Accounts in Influencer Marketing
11:17 - Case Study: MengMengDuck and Influencer Partnerships
18:01 - New Creator Guidelines
25:57 - Order of Virality: Steps to Achieve Success
30:55 - Finding Influencers
36:21 - Outreach Strategies
40:34 - Negotiating with Influencers
44:50 - Content posting strategy
49:15 - Final UGC Tips 
51:52 - SEO Strategy
57:00 -  Paid Ads Playbook
59:53 - David's final advice:
01:02:08 - From $5M to $10M

1) ORGANIC SHORT-FORM CONTENT 

David's shocking truth: Fresh accounts with 1 follower can OUTPERFORM accounts with millions!

The algorithm rewards quality, not history.

2) The "Fresh Account" Strategy:

• Create new accounts specifically for your product
• Find creators to be the face of these accounts
• Pay them to create consistent content
• Focus on hooks that resonate with your audience

3) The Viral Series Formula 

Find ONE format that works, then repeat it with slight variations.

Example: "POV: You have an essay due" videos for Jenny AI generated 300M+ views and $500K+ in revenue!

4) INFLUENCER MARKETING 

Don't waste time with mega-influencers charging $20K per post.

Instead:
• Find creators whose audience matches your users
• Create a new account with them as the face
• Pay for consistent content (not one-offs)
• Let them maintain their authentic style

5) How to find the RIGHT influencers:

• Ask your users which creators they follow
• Create a "scout" account that only follows relevant creators
• Let the algorithm suggest similar accounts
• Look for creators with high engagement (not just followers)

6) Outreach hack that WORKS:

Send money via Venmo to influencers you want to work with!

They'll get a push notification and respond out of curiosity.

7) Negotiation strategy:

• Start by asking for their HIGHEST price point (all features)
• Remove elements you don't need to lower the price
• Negotiate bulk deals (20% off for multiple videos)
• Split payment between upfront and performance-based

NEVER pay based on follower count - that's outdated!

8) Content posting strategy:

• Post 1+ videos DAILY to test different hooks
• Trust creators to maintain their authentic style
• Create systems that let influencers work autonomously
• Don't be afraid of videos looking like ads - they convert BETTER

Scale to a video every few hours!

9) David's final advice:

"I'm a non-technical founder, a college dropout, not from Silicon Valley. If I can build this, YOU CAN TOO." - David Park

"The truth? Only 1% of people reading this will implement these strategies for a full year." - David Park

Notable Quotes

"We had one video that got 20 million views that had almost a negligible effect on conversions that day for Jenny. It was as if we got zero views, like nothing really happened that day. And yeah, it's just important to create content for people that actually want to convert and want to actually use your product." - David Park

"I'm a non-technical person. I'm a non-technical founder doing an AI startup. I am a college dropout. I would not say I'm like one of those cracked people. I'm not from Silicon Valley... and I was able to kind of build this company." - David Park

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND DAVID ON SOCIAL

Jenni AI: https://jenni.ai
X/Twitter: https://x.com/Davidjpark96
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paviddark/

Today’s episode  features Jake Knapp (creator of the Design Sprint), Jonathan Courtney (Founder and CEO of AJ & Smart). We explore how to evaluate and build successful AI products. They use Jake's Foundation Sprint framework to analyze JC's concept for an app that helps entrepreneurs balance content consumption with creation. The conversation demonstrates how to move from initial idea to clear differentiation strategy, emphasizing the importance of first principles thinking before technical implementation.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - Startup Idea: Hit Me App
04:28 - The Foundation Sprint Overview
05:16 - Step 1: Customer
07:50 - Step 2: Problem
12:25 - Step 3: Capability
15:20 - Step 4: Insight
23:34 - Step 5: Motivation
31:44 - Step 6: Competitors 
38:57 - How to use AI in the Development Process
41:55 - Differentiation Analysis
51:58 - Reviewing Foundation Sprint 

Click Book: https://www.theclickbook.com

Key Points:
• Introduction to the Foundation Sprint framework for evaluating startup ideas
• Discussion of building AI wrappers and product differentiation
• Exploration of a case study: “Hit Me” - an app for controlling digital consumption
• Detailed walkthrough of the basics canvas: customer, problem, capabilities, insights
• Analysis of differentiation strategies and competitive positioning

1) The Foundation Sprint Framework:
• Start with the basics
• Define clear differentiation
• Map possible product forms
• Test & validate assumptions

Key insight: Most founders skip this critical planning phase! 

2) The Basics Framework includes:

• Customer identification
• Problem definition
• Special capabilities
• Key insights
• Core motivation
• Competitor analysis

Pro tip: Write these down BEFORE touching any code!

3) Real Example Breakdown:
JC pitched his “Hit Me” app idea:
• Target: Entrepreneurs (25-40)
• Problem: Digital overconsumption
• Insight: Consumption vs Creation balance
• Motivation: Personal struggle with anxiety
• Competition: Self-control & existing blockers

4) Key Differentiator Exercise:
Plot your product on scales:
• Speed (not important)
• Intelligence (basic)
• Ease of use (very easy)
• Price (free)
• Focus (targeted)

The goal: Find your unique position in the market 

5) Major Insight:
Most digital wellness apps focus on REMOVING distractions
The opportunity: Build tools that REPLACE consumption with creation
This is the kind of differentiation that makes marketing easy! 

6) Framework Benefits:
• Clarifies fuzzy ideas
• Forces first principles thinking
• Reveals hidden opportunities
• Saves time & resources
• Prevents building "Homer's Car" 

Notable Quotes:
"It's hard to build when your hands are on fire." - Greg
"If you don't have clear differentiation, you need to be a god tier marketer to sell something." - JC

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com

FIND JAKE ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/jakek
Website: https://jakeknapp.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-knapp/

Get Greg’s Deep research research notes: https://www.gregisenberg.com/deep-research-ideas

I compare in real-time ChatGPT's and Perplexity's deep research capabilities for developing startup ideas. Both platforms were prompted to generate AI agent business ideas with specific revenue targets ($1M Y1, $3M Y2, $5M Y3). The results showed that Perplexity provided faster, more concise responses, while ChatGPT offered more detailed, comprehensive analysis but took longer to generate responses.

Key Points:
• Comparison between ChatGPT Pro ($200/month) and Perplexity Deep Research (free/~$20/month) for startup ideation
• Both platforms were tested with identical prompts for creating AI-based startup ideas
• Comparison of response speed, depth, and quality between the two platforms
• Practical demonstration of how to use AI tools for business planning and market research

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:33 - Defining the Startup Prompt
02:29 - Initiating Research with ChatGPT
05:05 - Initiating Research with Perplexity
09:13 -  Perplexity results (Legal Contract AI)
15:44 - ChatGPT results (AI Sales Outreach Assistant)
26:10 - Comparing Perplexity and ChatGPT Outputs
27:55 - Follow-Up Prompts and Further Exploration
31:55 - Perplexity's Follow-Up results
34:43 - ChatGPT's Follow-Up results 
37:07 - Where to get Greg’s Deep research research notes
37:31 - Conclusion: Choosing Between Tools

1) THE SETUP:
• Testing ChatGPT Pro ($200/mo) vs Perplexity Deep Research ($20/mo)
• Same prompt: Build a defensible AI agent startup
• Target: $5M ARR in 3 years
• MVP budget: $5K

2) PERPLEXITY AI WINS ON SPEED 
• Completed research in ~2 mins
• Analyzed 34+ sources
• More concise, actionable insights
• Free tier available!

3) CHATGPT WINS ON DEPTH 
• Longer, more detailed analysis
• Comprehensive playbooks
• Better market context
• More examples & case studies

4) BEST STARTUP IDEAS GENERATED:

Legal Contract AI (Perplexity):
• $2.4B market opportunity
• Auto-redline contracts
• Defensible through learning
• Clear path to $5.4M ARR

AI Sales Assistant (ChatGPT):
• Virtual SDR automation
• Network effect moat
• Product-led growth strategy
• $100M+ potential

5) MVP INSIGHTS:

For $5K budget:
• Use existing APIs (OpenAI/GPT-4)
• Start with Chrome extension
• Focus on single workflow
• Manual fallback for quality
• Self-serve freemium model

6) KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Both tools are INSANELY good
• Perplexity = Fast, concise, free tier
• ChatGPT = Deeper analysis, more context
• Both provide actionable insights
• Worth integrating into workflow

7) PROTIP:
For best results:
• Be specific with constraints
• Ask follow-up questions
• Double-click on interesting areas
• Cross-reference competitor insights

Bottom line: These AI research tools are an unfair advantage for founders right now.

Notable Quotes:
"Distribution is the new moat" - Greg
"This is an unfair advantage right now" - Greg regarding AI research tools

Conclusion: Both platforms demonstrated valuable capabilities, with Perplexity offering speed and efficiency while ChatGPT provided more comprehensive analysis. The video suggests both tools can be effective for startup planning, with the choice depending on user preferences for depth versus speed.

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

Join us for an engaging conversation with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder and CEO of Swell AI, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities with detailed analysis of market opportunities, implementation strategies, and potential revenue models.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and technical setup
01:31 - Startup Idea 1: Lightroom Preset SaaS
04:41 - Startup Idea 2: Domain Portfolio for Lead Gen
10:56 -Startup Idea 3: E-commerce newsletter AI tools
15:19 -Startup Idea 4: High-LTV SaaS Services
20:08 - Startup Idea 5: Productized Service  Agency
28:11 - Startup Idea 6: Dog park bar concept
32:53 - Startup Idea 7: Micro app Studio

Key Points:
• Detailed discussion of an AI-powered Lightroom preset subscription business opportunity
• Analysis of e-commerce newsletter AI tools and market potential
• Exploration of physical business concept: Dog park combined with bar
• Discussion of micro-apps trend and opportunity in riding viral waves

1) Lightroom Preset SaaS

Photographers spend $$$ on presets. Time to disrupt.
• Build AI tool to generate Lightroom presets from sample photos
• Convert XML packets at scale
• $29/month subscription model
• Target Adobe users on FB ads

Infinite margins. Just code.

2) Domain Portfolio for Lead Gen

Law firms do it. Now apply it everywhere.
• Buy 1000+ exact-match domains for niche keywords
• Rank organically (still works!)
• Bundle leads to specific industries
• Sell entire portfolio to PE firms

40k+ per lead in some niches 

3) AI for Ecomm Newsletters

People hate coding email templates.
• AI chat interface for newsletter design
• Product storytelling automation
• Holiday campaign generation
• Template modification without code

Klaviyo users desperate for this.

4) Lalo Agency Play

New CRM taking music industry by storm.
• Help artists build fan lists
• Run targeted merch giveaways
• Geographic targeting for tours
• Less than $1 cost per signup

All major labels switching over 

5) Dog Park Bar Concept

The millennial country club is here.

• Combine dog park + bar
• Add app for daily dog updates
• Target high-income dog owners
• Members-only model potential

4pm is packed every day 

6) Micro AI Apps Studio

Text-behind-image went viral. More coming.

- Build simple, focused AI tools
• Ride viral trends
• Credit pack monetization
• $7/week pricing psychology

Adobe does this. Why not you?

7) High-LTV SaaS Services

Find tools people pay for but barely use.
• Target Klaviyo, HubSpot, Sage
• Build productized service
• Create digital assets/templates
• Add custom plugins

25k+ customer LTV 

Notable Quotes:
"Labels are like a bank. That's all they turned into." - Cody Schneider

"Find trends. That's a very hard thing, I think, for the average person to do. But I think to that point, I think it's gonna get easier and easier to see these trends that are occurring." - Cody Schneider

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND CODY ON SOCIAL
Cody’s startup: https://www.swellai.com/
X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7
LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r

Get the exact system used to build profitable local directories: https://www.gregisenberg.com/directory

The episode features Frey Chu explaining his methodology for building profitable directory websites, using dog parks as a case study. He demonstrates how to identify opportunities through keyword research, validate ideas through social proof, and implement a basic yet effective directory structure. The discussion emphasizes that even simple directory websites can generate significant passive income through various monetization methods, while also serving as a foundation for larger business opportunities.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
03:40 - Examples of Profitable Directories and their traffic
10:35 - Why Build Directories
12:23 - Finding and validating directory ideas
26:44 - Data collection and enrichment
42:21 - WordPress implementation
46:36 - Monetization strategies

Key Points:
• How to identify profitable directory website opportunities using keyword research and competition analysis
• Step-by-step process for validating directory ideas using Reddit and social listening
• Data collection and enrichment techniques for building comprehensive directories
• Simple implementation strategy using WordPress or other CMS platforms
• Monetization strategies including AdSense, affiliate marketing, and potential SaaS opportunities

1) First, find your niche:
• Use Ahrefs "near me" searches
• Look for 30-100K monthly searches
• Target keyword difficulty under 20
• Avoid seasonal/branded keywords
• Find niches with fragmented search intent

2) Validate your idea:
• Check competition on Google
• Look for basic/outdated directories
• Browse Reddit discussions
• Confirm real user pain points
• Set a "bounty" on weak competitors

3) Data Collection Strategy:
• Use Google Maps scraping tools (like Outscraper)
• Focus on exact category matches
• Collect key data points:

- Name, address, phone
- Reviews & ratings
- Hours & location links
- Street view images

4) Data Enrichment 
• Add unique features competitors lack
• Include amenity details (shade, benches, etc)
• Use AI tools to automate enrichment
• Focus on solving specific user problems
• Make data actually USEFUL

5) Building The Directory:
• Start with simple "static pillar pages"
• Target city-specific keywords
• Include:

- Table of contents
- Location details
- Embedded maps
- Reviews
- Internal linking structure

6) Monetization Options 
• Display ads (most passive)
• Affiliate partnerships
• Lead generation
• Data collection/email lists
• Potential SaaS upsell

Notable Quotes

"AdSense has been the closest thing that I've ever experienced to passive income." - Frey Chu
"People are monetizing directories wrong. They're just putting AdSense... The opportunity is actually to build software on top of these directories." - Greg Isenberg

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND FREY ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/freychu
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreyChu
Frey’s Newsletter: https://shipyourdirectory.kit.com

In this episode, Ayman Al-Abdullah, former CEO of AppSumo, shares his framework for scaling businesses from seven to nine figures. The conversation focuses on the importance of customer retention, strategic hiring, and proper incentive structures. Ayman shares insights from his experience scaling AppSumo from $3M to $84M in revenue, emphasizing the transition from founder to CEO mindset.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and background
02:47 - Discussion of the Nine Steps framework
08:13 - Team building and executive compensation
10:35 - The Reality of Startup Valuations
14:36 - The importance of setting a strong foundation
15:59 - Focus on Retention Before Growth
22:26 - Evaluating Opportunities and Thinking Big
29:47 - Examples of Successful Founders that Ayman admires
31:35 - The Importance of Focus in Business
33:26 - Build Skyscrapers, Not Strip-malls 
36:01 - The importance of being the best in the market
37:54 - Where to double down in your business
40:22 - Testing and Investing in Business Strategies
42:05 - Identifying Bottlenecks in Your Business
44:39 - Finding Your Zone of Genius

Key Points:
• The "Nine Steps to Nine Figures" framework divides business growth into three phases: startup, scale-up, and grow-up
• Focus on retention and customer loyalty before aggressive growth
• Use the "Test Then Invest" framework with 80% resources on core business and 20% on experiments
• Structure executive compensation with a 50-50 split between top-line and bottom-line metrics

1) The "Nine Steps to Nine Figures" Framework:

Breaks down into 3 phases:
• Startup (Product Market Fit)
• Scale-up (Company Creation)
• Grow-up (Legacy Protection)

Most founders get this wrong from day 1...

2) RETENTION over GROWTH 

"Building a business without focusing on retention is like building a skyscraper on sand"

Every 3% increase in net revenue retention = DOUBLES company valuation

Stop chasing growth before you nail retention!

3) The 80/20 Marketing Rule:

• 80% of resources on proven channels
• 20% on experimental channels

Real example: AppSumo tested switching from credits to cash payments for referrals → Became 8-figure revenue channel

4) The Shield vs Sword Framework for Decision Making:

Rate every opportunity 1-5 on:
• Impact (Sword)
• Effort (Shield)

Only pursue 8+/10 total score opportunities
Ignore the rest - they're distractions

5) On Building Your Executive Team:

Two core functions:
• Sales (CRO)
• Delivery (COO)

Pro tip: Hire first in YOUR zone of genius
Why? You'll know what excellence looks like

6) The Triple, Triple, Double, Double Path to $100M:

Year 1: $3M → $9M
Year 2: $9M → $27M
Year 3: $27M → $54M
Year 4: $54M → $108M

This is how you hit 9-figures in 5 years 

7) REVOLUTIONARY Compensation Framework:

Forget traditional equity!
Instead:
• Set total comp package
• Let employees choose cash vs equity split
• Makes equity REAL by forcing skin in the game

8) CEO Evolution:

"The founder is the hardest working person
The CEO should be the laziest"

Your job: Think 3-5 quarters ahead while your team executes

 Key Takeaway:
Focus on retention first
Build processes before hiring
Think in 5-year blocks
Execute with intention

Notable Quotes:
"Product market fit is when it feels like you're wearing a meat suit in a dog park - you just have more leads than you know what to do with." - Ayman
"Every 3% increase in net revenue retention doubles a company's valuation." - Ayman

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND AYMAN ON SOCIAL

Ayman’s Website: https://aymanalabdullah.com
X/Twitter: https://x.com/aymanalabdul
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aalab003/

Greg's step-by-step guide to building a startup using AI workflows: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ai-startup

In this episode, Omar Choudhry, a serial entrepreneur, shares the exact prompting sequences he uses to combine multiple AI tools to create products people actually want to buy. Watch us build a custom avatar business live. You'll learn the exact process: from crafting the perfect prompts in ChatGPT, to generating images in Leonardo AI, to animating with Kling AI, all the way to automated fulfillment with Printful. This isn't theory - it's a complete blueprint you can copy today.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and overview
04:22 - Technical, Audience, and Cultural Shifts
10:12 - Explanation of sequential prompting
14:15 - How to create an AI Avatar using ChatGPT and Leonardo AI
26:18 - Startup Idea 1: Custom AI Greeting Cards
36:43 - Teenie Tales MVP showcase
43:10 - How to animate AI Avatar’s using Kling AI 
52:50 - Startup Idea 2: Personalized AI Sticker’s

Key Points:
• Detailed walkthrough of creating AI avatars using sequential prompting across multiple AI tools
• Exploration of business opportunities in personalized greeting cards and educational materials
• Discussion of automated workflows combining ChatGPT, Leonardo AI, and Kling AI
• Integration strategies with print-on-demand services like Printful for physical products

1) The Big Shift in Business Models:

Traditional path:
• Raising VC $$$
• Years to launch
• Large teams
• Office space needed

New AI-First path:
• Build instantly
• Low cost
• Zero employees
• Remote-first

2) The Sequential Prompting Framework 

Omar's genius method:
• Use ChatGPT to create prompts
• Feed prompts to specialized AI tools
• Chain outputs together
• Build user-friendly frontend

Example flow:
ChatGPT → Leonardo AI → Kling AI → 11Labs

3) Business Idea #1: AI-First Greeting Cards 

The $400M Moonpig-killer:
• Upload photos → Get AI avatars
• Generate personalized scenes
• Add animation & voice
• Print physical cards

Monetization:
• $7-10 per card
• $10-15 monthly subs
• Gift upsells

4) Business Idea #2: Educational AI Stickers 

Target market: Schools & Teachers

The product:
• Custom teacher avatars
• Personalized student stickers
• Achievement celebrations
• Classroom decorations

Distribution:
• Direct mail to principals
• School district partnerships

5) The Technical Stack 

Tools needed:
• ChatGPT for prompts
• Leonardo AI for images
• Remove.bg for backgrounds
• Printful API for fulfillment
• Zapier/Make for automation

CAC potential: $15/customer

6) Marketing Strategy 

Guerrilla tactics:
• Find faculty directories
• Create custom samples
• Direct mail campaigns
• Social media DM outreach
• Leverage virality in schools

Pro Tip: Start manual, perfect the process, then automate!

7) BONUS INSIGHT 

The real opportunity isn't just in the tools - it's in the UX layer on top.

Build specific solutions for specific problems.
Create branded experiences.
Make it dead simple to use.

The tools are commodities. The experience is the moat.

Notable Quotes:
"We're building full workflows today using AI avatars. I'm going to have a ton of business ideas that you can start immediately with zero employees." - Omar

"By the end of this episode, you'll be able to assemble an AI SaaS product that can literally print you cash." - Omar

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND OMAR ON SOCIAL

5 Day Sprint - Build with AI: https://www.skool.com/5-day-sprint/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omarchoudhry/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/OmarChoudhry
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarchoudhry/?originalSubdomain=uk

In this episode, Sari Azout, Founder and CEO of Sublime,  explores various startup ideas and business concepts. The discussion centers on the evolving nature of startups in the AI era, emphasizing the importance of focusing on specific, well-defined problems rather than broad solutions. Sari shares multiple business ideas, from parental control services to creative tools, while discussing the philosophy behind building successful products in today's market.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and setup
00:57 - Startup Idea 1: DrScreenTime
06:39 - Startup Idea 2: Business-in-a-box ideas
13:34 - What becomes scarce in an AGI world? 
14:38 - Founders and Their Approaches
16:10 - Akio Morita Simplicity Principle 
17:01 - Startup Idea 3: Podshot 
22:10 - Discussion on micro-startups 
25:53 - Testing Ideas and Positioning
29:03 -  Feedback and Intuition
33:04 - Startup Idea 4: Meme generator 

Key Points:
• Discussion of several innovative startup ideas including "DrScreenTime" (parental control franchise), PodShot, and meme generator 
• Exploration of business-in-a-box concepts and the future of trades/crafts
• Analysis of micro-startups vs. traditional startup approaches

1) The "Franchise for Parental Controls" Idea 

Parents are desperate for help managing screen time. Current solutions = messy.

Opportunity: In-home screen time consultants who:

- Set up controls
- Create family rules
- Recommend apps/tools

Revenue model:
• $2K setup fee
• Recurring affiliate revenue
• Think "Dr. Screen Time" 

2) The "Business in a Box" Trend 

Big insight: What becomes scarce in an AI world?
Answer: People doing things with their hands!

Opportunity: Modern craft business franchise
• Partner with local artists
• Supply chain + education
• Target: offline-first experiences
• Status = disconnecting from screens

3) The Trade School Revolution 

Huge opportunity in modernizing trade education:
• Lambda School model for trades
• Zero upfront tuition
• Revenue share after job placement
• Bundle with business tools/marketing
• Focus: plumbing, electrical, etc.

Why? Trades becoming MORE valuable in AI era

4) The Micro-Startup Strategy 

Modern startup playbook:

1. Have a 10-year vision
2. Unbundle into micro-products
3. Start with easiest/viral pieces
4. Build distribution first

Key insight: "Nobody searches for an inspiration engine"

5) Product Development Philosophy 

Two types of founders:
• Artists (creative vision driven)
• Scientists (iteration driven)

Choose your path but stick to it.

Sari’s 2024 goal: "Take less feedback, trust intuition more"

6) The Meme Generator Opportunity 

Final killer idea: Long-form to meme converter
• Input: articles, presentations, links
• Output: culturally relevant memes
• Train on curated meme library
• Potential $10M+ SaaS business

Why? No idea goes mainstream without memes 

Key Takeaway:

2024 startup strategy:

1. Build close to OR far from AI
2. Focus on what becomes scarce
3. Start micro, think macro
4. Distribution not Product

Notable Quotes:
"No idea will become mainstream if it's not captured in a meme." - Sari Azout
"Screenshots are the new bookmarks." - Greg

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND SARI ON SOCIAL

Sublime: https://sublime.app
X/Twitter: https://x.com/sariazout
Substack: https://sublimeinternet.substack.com

Greg's DeepSeek Cheetsheet: From Installation to Expert Prompting: https://www.gregisenberg.com/deepseek

Ray Fernando, a former Apple engineer, gives an in-depth tutorial on DeepSeek AI and local model implementation. The conversation includes detailed guide for setting up local AI environments using Docker and OpenWebUI, and how to implement DeepSeek on mobile using the Apollo app.

Key Points:
• Comprehensive overview of DeepSeek AI and its reasoning capabilities
• Discussion of data privacy concerns when using Chinese-hosted models
• Detailed tutorial on running AI models locally using Docker and OpenWebUI
• Comparison of different AI model providers (Fireworks, Grok, OpenRouter)
• Mobile implementation of AI models using Apollo app

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
02:34 - Overview of DeepSeek
05:29 - Data privacy concerns with Chinese-hosted models
08:02 - Running Models Locally with OpenWebUI
10:06 - Comparing Hosting Providers: Fireworks and Groq
16:54 - Cost Comparison of using/running AI Models
18:35 - Improving Prompts for Better Outputs
22:41 - Running AI Models Locally: A Step-by-Step Guide
37:09 - Mobile AI implementation discussion
45:27 - Future implications and closing thoughts

1) DeepSeek's R1 Model - What's the big deal?

• On par with ChatGPT's reasoning capabilities
• Open source & free to use
• BUT hosted in China (data privacy concerns)
• Incredible for analysis and content generation

2) Alternative Ways to Use DeepSeek:

• Fireworks AI ($8/million tokens)
• OpenRouter
• Grok API
• Local hosting (safest for sensitive data)

3) Running AI Models Locally 

Step-by-step setup:
• Install Docker
• Use OpenWebUI
• Download models via Ollama
• Configure API connections

Pro tip: Takes 5 mins to set up, saves hours of worry about data privacy

4) Mobile AI is HERE!

• Apollo app lets you run models locally on phone
• Download smaller, optimized models
• Works offline
• Perfect for quick analysis on the go

5) Temperature Settings Explained:

High temp (0.8-1.0) = Creative mode
Low temp (0-0.3) = Logical mode

Choose based on your needs!

6) FUTURE PREDICTIONS 

• Watch-based AI coming soon
• Emergency response applications
• Real-time negotiation assistance
• Advanced audio analysis

7) Getting Started Tips:

• Start with public data on DeepSeek
• Experiment with different models
• Use temperature settings wisely
• Focus on practical use cases

Notable Quotes:
"We're in this new deep-seek world where if you figure out the model that works for you and the tasks that you want to accomplish, you might be able to out-compete whoever you're competing against." - Greg

"Please don't be fearful or don't feel like you're left behind. If you're just finding out about this, you're not that far behind. We're all actually still trying to understand what this intelligence can give us." - Ray Fernando

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND RAY ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/RayFernando1337
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RayFernando1337
Ray's Website: https://www.rayfernando.ai

Meet David Senra, the guy who turned his obsession with reading about successful people into a million-dollar podcast. He's read over 300 books about the world's biggest entrepreneurs and shares all the best bits on his show, Founders. In this episode, David breaks down exactly how he finds golden nuggets of wisdom in these books, building deep relationships with founders, and insights from meetings with figures like Charlie Munger.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro and Founders Origin Story 
07:10 - The importance of Naming and Branding
14:56 - Energy Transfer in Relationships and Cities 
19:51 - How to become World-Class
25:03 - Startup Idea 1: Founders for Kids
26:52 - The Value of Biographies
31:28 - The Power of Long Attention Spans
37:42 - You’re never too late
39:32 - Innovative ways entrepreneurs monetized their business
44:05 - Work - Life Balance Problems with High Achievers
48:38 - Meeting with Charlie Munger
55:22 - Monetization strategy and business model of Founders 
1:01:28 - Biography recommendations and reading strategies
1:08:55 - Career Advice from Charlie Munger

1) On Building a World-Class Podcast:

"Find what you're meant to do and let time carry the weight"

David's moat: 375+ books read, connecting historical figures across episodes. To compete, you'd need to read all those books first.

And he keeps going. 

2) On Business Models:

Fascinating approach to podcast monetization:
• Only 2 long-term partners (2-year contracts)
• Focus on brand partnerships vs CPM
• Deep relationships with founders first
• Think Nike/Tiger Woods, not traditional podcast ads

3) On Learning from History:

"Biographies are the closest thing to finding a cheat code in real life"

Every great entrepreneur studied other great entrepreneurs:
• Elon read Franklin, Ford, Tesla
• Edison read every bio in Detroit library
• Jobs studied Edwin Land

4) On Work Ethic & Balance:

Key insight: Almost every legendary figure sacrificed balance for greatness

One exception: Ed Thorpe (Episode 222)
• Built first quant hedge fund
• Amazing father/husband
• Stayed in shape
• Lived a thrilling life

5) On Memory & Knowledge:

It's not natural talent - it's "maddening repetition"

David's method:
• Rereads highlights daily
• Re-listens to old episodes
• Updates/re-edits past content
• Constantly connects historical figures

6) STARTUP IDEA 

"Founders for Kids" - Comic book-style biographies teaching entrepreneurship to children

Why it works:
• Proven model (worked for @SamParr)
• Huge educational value
• Underserved market
• Scalable content

7) Key Quote Worth Remembering:

"Money comes naturally as a result of service" - Henry Ford

The best entrepreneurs don't chase billions - they chase excellence in service.

8) Final Wisdom:

Want to be world-class? The competition isn't as fierce as you think.

Most people:
• Never try
• Quit quickly
• Lack patience

Notable Quotes:
"I think podcasting is building relationships at scale." - David Senra

"Money comes naturally as a result of service." - Henry Ford (quoted by David Senra)

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND DAVID ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/FoundersPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@founderspodcast4055
Founders Podcast: https://www.founderspodcast.com/

Jonathan "Jicecream" Courtney believes that in 2025, basic marketing still outperforms everything: a simple 90-minute webinar turns 200 attendees into 20 buyers, even with just 2,500 subscribers. The framework is dead simple - 20 minutes on your story, 15 minutes on the solution, 20 minutes showing the transformation, then offering them a choice between DIY or done-for-you. He goes into it in this episode.

Key Points:
• Detailed breakdown of successful webinar funnel structures and challenge funnels
• Discussion of basic marketing fundamentals that still work in 2025
• Exploration of how software companies can use traditional funnel marketing techniques

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
03:17 - Greg’s New Year Reflections
11:19 - JC's transition from CEO to an advisory role
22:07 - How to make deals with influencers
25:10 - Detailed breakdown of webinar funnels
30:28 - The structure of webinar funnels
37:07 - How to use funnels for SaaS products and challenge funnels explained 
47:25 - Product recommendations and wrap-up

1) The Basic Funnel Formula Still Works:
• Email list → Webinar → Product sale
• Even with just 2,500 subscribers
• Live training converts WAY better than direct email
• 90-min webinar can turn 200 attendees into 20 buyers

2) Perfect Webinar Structure (by Russell Brunson):
• 20min: Your story & struggles
• 15min: The "vehicle" (solution you discovered)
• 20min: Impact & transformation
• Present options: DIY vs accelerated path
• Close with clear next steps

3) Challenge Funnels Are Underrated:
• Perfect for SaaS & digital products
• 30-day format with daily support
• Free trial + structured program
• Examples:

- Notion + Second Brain challenge
- Fitness apps + weight loss challenge
- Meditation apps + mindfulness challenge

4) The Warm-Up Step is CRUCIAL:
• Direct pitching rarely works
• Need a middle step to build excitement
• Options:

- Webinars
- Challenges
- Info sessions
- Live trainings

5) List Partnerships Done Right:
• Never cold pitch for list access
• Build relationships first
• Consider paid partnerships ($10k can be worth it for 1M+ list)
• Focus on value alignment

KEY TAKEAWAY:
Basic funnels still work incredibly well in 2024, but you need:

1. A list (even small)
2. Warming step (webinar/challenge)
3. Clear transformation story
4. Tactful execution

Notable Quotes:
"Most of the real basics work so goddamn well today. Like 2025, we can launch a product using basically just the same webinar. Just email your list, send them to a webinar." - JC

"When a company is doing well, they don't want me involved... They want the strategic advice. They want access to connections." - Greg Isenberg

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

Nicolas Cole delivers a comprehensive masterclass on writing with AI, demonstrating how to combine human expertise with AI capabilities to create high-quality content. The discussion covers practical frameworks for content creation, including how to structure articles, generate hooks, and test ideas. Cole emphasizes that AI should be viewed as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human writers, and success comes from understanding fundamental writing principles first.

Learn how to use AI to create high-quality content: https://www.gregisenberg.com/write-with-ai

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - Why Learn to write with AI
05:06 - Choosing a Content Topic
07:38 - Framework for idea development
12:40 - The role of AI in the Idea generation process
16:39 - The Editor-in-Chief approach to writing with AI
18:53 - Creating a Compelling Hook
28:28 - Framework for structuring an article
34:13 - The "10 Magical Ways" framework
45:54 - Collaborating with AI for improving output
49:37 - The Power of Education in the Digital Age

Key Points:
• Framework for using AI as a writing tool while maintaining quality
• How to effectively prompt AI for content ideation and refinement
• The "10 Magical Ways" framework for structuring content
• The importance of making strategic decisions before writing begins

1) The biggest mindset shift:
AI isn't replacing writers - it's AUGMENTING them.

Just like Photoshop didn't kill designers, it created 1000x more designers.
Just like Instagram didn't kill photographers, it made everyone a photographer.

2) Key Framework: The Editor-in-Chief Method 

Don't treat AI as a writer - treat it as your junior staff writer.
YOU are the editor making high-level decisions.
AI helps execute your vision.

3) Writing Process Revolution:

- Don't start writing immediately
- Make key decisions BEFORE writing:
- Clear headline promise
- 3 main tangible points
- Format for each section

90% of value comes from these decisions!

4) The "10 Magical Ways" Framework:

Every piece of content can be broken down into:

- Tips
- Steps
- Lessons
- Stats
- Examples
etc.

Pick your format FIRST, then structure accordingly.

5) Pro Tip: Use AI Conversationally

Two approaches:

1. Chunk-by-chunk dialogue
2. Massive single prompt

Most people fail by sitting in the middle.
Start conversational, then compress into mega-prompts.

6) Quality Control Method:

1. Generate multiple versions
2. Apply your taste/judgment
3. Refine best options
4. Test against goals

Remember: AI suggestions need human curation!

7) The Education Leverage Play:

Learning frameworks = AI superpowers

What took experts years to master can now be:

1. Learned quickly
2. Taught to AI
3. Scaled infinitely

This is the real opportunity!

8) Bottom Line:

The future belongs to "orchestrators" - people who:

- Understand frameworks
- Make high-level decisions
- Use AI as a tool
- Maintain quality control

Don't fight the future - leverage it! 

Notable Quotes:
"AI is not a silver bullet. On some level, you do have to have a baseline understanding of how the thing is supposed to work so that you can prompt AI in order to do it." - Nicolas Cole

"90% of the value is not in the writing. It is in the fact that you said what you're going to give [the reader]." - Nicolas Cole

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND COLE ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/Nicolascole77
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicolascole77/featured
Write with AI: https://writewithai.substack.com

Join me as I chat with Paddy Galloway, a veteran YouTube strategist who has worked with major creators like MrBeast, where he shares a comprehensive blueprint for YouTube success. The discussion covers everything from initial channel strategy to advanced content packaging techniques, emphasizing the importance of consistent posting, strategic ideation, and effective thumbnail design. Galloway presents a structured approach to growing a YouTube channel over 12 months, with specific benchmarks and goals for each phase.

Growth guides to turn your startup into a money printer

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/growth-guides

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
03:41 - Why YouTube
09:26 - Evergreen Content vs Timely Content
11:54 - The Value of Comments and Engagement
14:44 - YouTube's Unique Position in Content Consumption
15:26 - Monetization Potential on YouTube
17:14 - The Challenge of Mastering YouTube
19:36 - YouTube's Popularity Among Younger Audiences
20:35 - Algorithm Stability on YouTube
30:27 - Depth vs. Discovery on YouTube
36:51 - The 12-month growth strategy breakdown
1:17:38 - Content ideation framework discussion
1:32:26 - Thumbnail and packaging strategies

Key Points:
• Success requires a 12-month commitment with specific phases: establishment (months 1-4), improvement (months 5-8), and optimization (months 9-12)
• Content ideation should follow a 0-100-10-1 framework: start with zero, generate 100+ ideas, filter to 10 strong ones, develop 1 final concept
• Thumbnails and packaging are crucial, with recommendation to create 3 distinct thumbnails per video and follow the "three focus area rule"

1) First, understand what YouTube really is:

• It's NOT social media - it's a streaming platform
• 60-70% of views come from TV screens
• It's the biggest streaming service worldwide
• Videos = digital real estate that appreciates over time

2)The 12-Month YouTube Growth Plan:

Months 1-4 (Establishment Phase):
• Find your niche using triple Venn diagram:
1. What you love
2. What you're good at
3. What people want to watch
• Post 2x per week consistently
• Don't overthink quality yet

3) Months 5-8 (Improvement Phase):
• Generate 100 video ideas weekly
• Make 3 thumbnails per video
• Study outlier content in your niche
• Switch to 1 high-quality video per week
• Focus on packaging (title + thumbnail)

4) Months 9-12 (Optimization Phase):
• Analyze your top 10% performing videos
• Double down on what works
• Spend 4 hrs/week studying YouTube
• Make small 1% improvements each video
• Build systems for consistent output

5) The Golden Rule of Audience Overlap:

Each video should have 80%+ audience overlap with your other content. If someone watches one of your videos, they should want to watch MOST of your other videos too.

6) Thumbnail Psychology:

• Use the "3 Focus Areas" rule
• Pass the "Glance Test" (1-second viewability)
• Max 4-5 words of text
• Make it bright and clear
• Being good at graphic design ≠ good at thumbnails

7) Smart Title Strategy:

• Keep under 60 characters
• Use simple, universal language
• Include superlatives when possible
• Write for humans, not algorithms
• Grade A readability score (7-8 year old level)

8) The CCN Framework for Ideas:

Every video should appeal to:
• Core audience
• Casual viewers
• New viewers

9) The Video Idea Pipeline:

Start with 100 ideas → Filter to 10 strong ones → Pick the best one

10) The ROI reality:

• Expect 12 months minimum before seeing real returns
• Need 50+ videos to find your groove
• Success = Volume + Quality + Consistency
• Best converting platform after email
• Worth the long-term investment

Remember: YouTube is a game of marginal gains.

Notable Quotes:
"YouTube is not a video platform... before making a video, you need to understand what video to make, the strategy behind choosing ideas, packaging." - Paddy Galloway

"If you're going to do something for 12 months on YouTube, you have to be willing to eat shit for a long time before it might pay off." - Paddy Galloway

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND PADDY ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PaddyG96
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@paddygalloway8780
YouTube Job Board: https://ytjobs.co

In this episode we dive deep into modern marketing strategies with Cody Schneider, focusing on the concept of "digital gravity" versus traditional marketing funnels. The discussion covers comprehensive tactics for both B2B and B2C companies, including detailed strategies for content creation, distribution, and monetization. Special emphasis is placed on leveraging AI tools, programmatic SEO, and multi-channel marketing approaches to build sustainable growth engines.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
01:23 - Digital gravity concept and content strategy
10:00 - B2B marketing tactics and implementation
38:45 - B2C marketing strategies and case studies

Key Points:
• Comprehensive breakdown of modern B2B and B2C marketing strategies
• Detailed explanation of "digital gravity" concept vs traditional marketing funnels
• Step-by-step guide for building media presence and content distribution
• Technical insights on email marketing, ad targeting, and influencer partnerships

1) The Digital Gravity Model 

Forget marketing funnels. Think orbits.

People don't move linearly through funnels - they orbit your brand, coming closer until they convert.

More digital mass = more gravitational pull = more customers naturally drawn in.

**2) B2B Marketing Stack:**

• Scrape target emails ([Apollo.io](http://apollo.io/), $99/mo)
• Run AI avatar ads (Heygen + ElevenLabs)
• Cold email at scale (MailReef)
• Launch industry podcast
• Turn podcast → social content
• Monetize audience w/sponsorships

Cost per click? Often less than $0.01 vs $5+ on ads.

3) The Content Engine 

Record customer convos → podcast episodes
↓
Turn into blog posts
↓
Create social clips
↓
Make whitepapers
↓
Email newsletter

One piece of content = 10x distribution points

4) B2C Growth Stack:

• Pick HUGE TAM
• Run FB/TikTok conversion ads
• Price at $70.99/week ($29/mo psychology)
• Use multiple creator accounts
• Clone best UGC with AI
• Add affiliate program

Key: $5 CPM or less = profitable

5) The SEO Playbook 

• Wait for DA 40+
• Scrape top ranking content
• AI generate 10k articles
• Human edit winners
• CTA every scroll frame
• Pop-up at 25-50% depth

Focus on long-tail keywords nobody fights for.

6) Why This All Works:

Traditional marketing = campaigns (start/stop)
Modern marketing = always-on systems

You're not "doing marketing"
You're "marketing"

Big difference

Notable Quotes:
"Marketing isn't something you did, it's something you're doing. You're constantly doing marketing." - Cody Schneider

"The closer your ad is to content on the platform, the less you're going to have to pay for it." - Cody Schneider

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND CODY ON SOCIAL
Cody’s startup: https://www.swellai.com/
X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7
LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r

Join me as I chat with  Dr. Tyler Lemco, known for co-founding Epic Mealtime (600M+ views), where we discuss strategies for building an internet audience from scratch. The conversation covers practical advice for content creators, including bio optimization, platform selection, and content strategy. We explore the balance between algorithmic success and authentic content creation, while emphasizing the importance of starting small and scaling gradually.

Episode Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:54 - Transitioning from Creative for Hire to Solopreneur 
• 07:29 - AI as a Thinking Partner
• 09:03 - How to position yourself within your niche
• 14:22 - Crafting a Compelling Bio
• 26:28 - YouTube Growth Strategies
• 41:30 - AI Tools for Content Production

Key Points:
• Transitioning from being a creative-for-hire to building your own audience
• Framework for effective content creation and social media growth
• Importance of platform focus and consistency in content creation
• Strategy for building audience before community before product

Content Strategy Framework:

1. Pick a platform to focus on
2. Identify what you love doing
3. Study what algorithms favor
4. Find gaps in your niche
5. Commit to consistency

Platform-Specific Insights:
• YouTube Shorts: Good for subscriber growth, lower monetization
• Long-form content: Best for overall revenue and engagement
• Live streams: Excellent for community building, poor for new audience growth

Key Takeaways:
• Start fresh when pivoting content direction
• Focus on audience building before community development
• Test and iterate content strategy
• Be willing to experiment publicly
• Utilize AI tools like Descript for content production

1) The Creative-for-Hire Trap

• Good money but no equity upside
• Easy to get stuck helping others win
• Key is transitioning to building YOUR OWN assets
• Start small, think big

2) Framework for Content That Works:

• Pick ONE platform to focus on (seriously)
• Do what you genuinely love creating
• Study what algorithms reward
• Fill gaps in your niche
• Commit to consistency

3) The YouTube Revenue Reality:

• Shorts: 3M views = $418 (+12k subs)
• Long-form: 1.3M views = $13,580
• Livestreams: 100k views = $1,926

Strategy: Use shorts for growth, long-form for revenue

4) The ABC Growth Framework:

A) Build an Audience first
B) Convert to Community
C) Create Products/Services

Don't try all at once. Master each phase!

5) Social Bio Formula:

• Show Credibility
• Create Intrigue
• Clear Value Prop

Pro tip: Write for non-followers, not existing ones

6) Starting Fresh vs Legacy Account:

• 94 engaged followers is better than 31,000 dead ones
• Algorithm favors engagement %
• Don't let ego stop you from starting over
• Fresh start = clean slate

7) Content Market Fit Truth:

• Takes 6-24 months to find
• Must experiment publicly
• Embrace the uncomfortable
• Better to ship than perfect

Bonus: For creators starting out - just START. You figure it out by doing, not planning.

The only difference between launching and not launching is deciding you've launched.

Notable Quotes:
"The goal of every solopreneur should be to not be a solopreneur." - Greg
"The only difference between launching and not launching is deciding that you've launched." - Tyler Lemco

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses [https://www.startupempire.co](https://www.startupempire.co/)

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND TYLER ON SOCIAL

Tyler’s Website: https://www.tlem.co/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/tlemco
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tlemco

In this episode, I share comprehensive guide to launching profitable newsletter businesses in 2025, focusing on niche markets and proven monetization strategies. The episode covers various newsletter concepts ranging from local news to B2B decision-makers, with detailed implementation steps and revenue projections for each model. Special emphasis is placed on using newsletters as a foundation to build larger businesses through multiple revenue streams.

Timstamps: 
• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:54 - Newsletter Idea 1: Marketing newsletter for global talent
• 08:03 - Newsletter Idea 2: Platform-based educational newsletters
• 11:24 - Newsletter Idea 3: Unofficial sports team coverage
• 13:03 - Newsletter Idea 4: Local real estate investor news
• 20:55 - Newsletter Idea 5: B2B decision maker
• 25:01 - Newsletter Idea 6: Niche ad examples for media buyers
• 26:37 - Newsletter Idea 7: Meme-based news coverage
• 29:23 - Newsletter Idea 8: Industry-specific AI tips
• 31:12 - Newsletter Idea 9: Leadership lessons and profiles
• 34:38 - Newsletter Idea 10: Local community newsletters
• 37:14 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Link Mentioned: 

Matt’s full article: https://www.newsletteroperator.com/p/10-newsletter-business-ideas

Matt’s Twitter/X: https://x.com/JMatthewMcGarry

Key Points:
• Detailed breakdown of 10 different newsletter business models with monetization strategies
• Focus on building profitable newsletters with low startup costs and high scalability
• Emphasis on combining paid acquisition (Facebook ads) with organic growth
• Strategy for turning newsletters into larger businesses (software, marketplaces, agencies)

1) Marketing Newsletter for Global Talent 

• Target overseas marketers seeking US jobs
• Cost: $0.25-0.50 per sub via FB ads

• Structure:
1) Remote job listings
2) Digital marketing news
3) Marketing tutorials

Monetization path to $28k/mo:
• Job board ($18k/mo)
• Recruiting blasts ($10k/mo)

2) Platform-Based Newsletter 

Pick ONE tool (Figma, Notion, Perplexity AI) and go deep.

The gold mine here:
• 20-50% recurring affiliate commissions
• Sell premium templates
• Potential acquisition by the platform
• Build & sell SaaS tools to your audience

3) Local Real Estate Investor Newsletter 

The math:
• 5-10k subs
• $2 CPA
• $7.5k/mo in ad revenue
• $50k from seminars
• $50k from premium subs

Total: $190k/year with just 10k subscribers!

4) B2B Decision Maker Newsletter 

The secret sauce:
• Need only 2k subs (if they're the right people)
• Target C-suite in specific industry
• Collect detailed subscriber data
• Charge premium for targeted access

5) Visual News & AI Newsletters 

Two massive opportunities:

A) Meme-based news
• 2-4 stories/day
• Prosumer focus (tech/finance)
• Visual over Text in 2024

B) Industry-specific AI tips
• Target specific verticals
• Focus on time/money saving
• $200/year subscription model

6) Local Community Newsletter 

The playbook:
• Focus on positive news
• Thursday "Weekend Plans" format
• $0.50 CPA possible
• Target high-LTV local sponsors

Real example: Naptown Scoop makes $400k/year in one city!

7) The bigger opportunity? 

Don't just think "newsletter"
Think "audience building machine" that can spawn:
• Software products
• Marketplaces
• Agencies
• Communities

Start with newsletter, expand into empire.

Pro tip: for ANY of these:
• Use pre/post CTAs on social
• Build one social channel alongside
• Collect subscriber data beyond email
• Think paid first, organic second

Pick one and start this weekend! 

Notable Quotes:

"Newsletter businesses are a cheat code... you can build a marketplace, you can build an agency, you can build so much on top of a newsletter."

"You don't need 100,000 subscribers to make $100,000 a year. With 5-10,000 subs, you can make $190,000 a year."

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

Join me as I chat with Avi Schiffmann, Founder and CEO of friend.com, as we discuss technical challenges in AI memory systems and broader startup philosophy. Avi emphasizes the importance of creating new categories rather than competing in existing ones, while advocating for personal growth and confidence as crucial elements of entrepreneurial success. The discussion covers both technical aspects of AI development and philosophical approaches to startup building.

Episode Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Introduction and discussion of memory systems
• 02:04 - Advice for Founders, Competition, Critique of YC 
• 06:02 - Entrepreneurship vs Innovation
• 15:52 - Thoughts on Raising VC Funding and Bootstrapping
• 18:52 - Discussion on Confidence and Personal Growth
• 27:58 - Work Life Balance Discussion
• 31:18 - Startup Idea 1: Memory as a Service

Key Points:
• Discussion of memory systems for AI chatbots and the need for "memory as a service"
• Exploration of startup philosophy and the importance of creating new categories
• Emphasis on personal confidence as a key factor in startup success
• Critique of conventional startup wisdom and YC methodology

1) First, a HUGE opportunity in AI:

Memory as a Service (MaaS) for AI chatbots 
• Current memory systems rely on RAG
• No good solution exists yet
• Companies would pay $$$ to solve this
• Critical for AI relationship products

2) On building in existing categories:

The real advantage of startups?
• Fresh slate in people's minds
• Ability to define new categories
• Instant category leadership

3) MINDSHARE is the only true moat 

Example:
• Claude is better than ChatGPT in quality
• But ChatGPT owns mindshare
• Google trends: ChatGPT = 100, Claude = ~0

Lesson: Better product ≠ Winning product

4) On raising VC:
"The real way you raise is when it becomes about the deal, not what you're working on"
• VCs invest in YOU, not your product
• It's a social game
• They care about who else is in
• Focus on being good at "yapping"

5) The REAL key to startup success:

Personal confidence over YC advice

How to build it:
• Get out of tech bubble
• Build real relationships
• Have experiences
• Travel
• Live life

"No one great ever thought they couldn't be great"

6) On working style:

"You don't need to be at your computer to be working"

• Best ideas come in shower/walks
• Live life, let ideas brew
• Focus on right direction not working hard
• Think through ideas in different places

7) Final wisdom:

"You have a short bubble of consciousness while alive. Don't waste it working on something you're not confidently proud about."

Stop preparing.
Start building.
Be confident.
Make art.

Notable Quotes:
"If you view your work as art, you have no competition and you have no fear of failure."
"It's easier to create a new category than to try and win in an existing category because if you create your own category, you immediately crown yourself king."

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND AVI ON SOCIAL

Friend: https://friend.com
X/Twitter: https://x.com/AviSchiffmann

My comprehensive year in review covering personal achievements, business developments, and investment strategies in 2024. I share a detailed breakdowns of my wealth allocation, business portfolio performance, and social media growth. The review emphasizes a shift toward business simplification, increased focus on AI and technology integration, and the importance of building sustainable, scalable ventures.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:38 Biggest wins
05:54 Biggest losses and lessons
11:47 - Q&A from social media
18:00 - Growth across social platforms
25:00 - Wealth breakdown and investments
33:03 - Business updates
48:16 - Productivity gains
50:48 - New insights and learnings

Key Points:
• Personal milestone of having first child and significant net worth achievement
• Business portfolio performance across Late Checkout Agency, Boring Marketing, and other ventures
• Portfolio breakdown: 75% stocks, 16% private equity, 7% real estate, 2% crypto
• Platform growth across YouTube (11K to 146K subscribers), X/Twitter (361K to 420K followers)
• Strategic shift toward simplification and focus on building "skyscrapers, not strip malls"

1) BIG WINS 2024:

• Had a baby 
• Started lifting consistently (+15-20 lbs muscle)
• Grew podcast into major platform
• Hit personal net worth milestone

2) Portfolio breakdown (fascinating):

• 75% stocks
• 16% private equity
• 7% real estate
• 2% crypto

Top holdings:
• 10% Berkshire
• 10% SPY
• 8% Apple
• 7% Amazon

3) Business Updates:

Late Checkout Agency (LCA):
• Found their niche: AI interfaces + community products
• Booked solid with major brands
• Started taking equity deals with billion-dollar companies

 Boring Marketing & Boring Ads:

• Both crushing it
• $100M+ in ad spend managed
• 76 meetings booked in next few weeks
• Unbundling tools for DIY customers
• Created Boring Holdings umbrella company

5) Key productivity unlocks:

• Switched to Yerba Mate for afternoon energy
• Simplified from Notion to Apple Notes
• Using Things app for to-do lists
• Less tools, more focus

6) Platform Growth 2024:

YouTube: 11K → 146K subs
X: 361K → 420K followers
LinkedIn: 82K → 149K
Newsletter: 72K → 120K subs
Podcast: 360K → 575K downloads

7) Best decision framework:

"Friday Afternoon Test"

- Only make big decisions Friday PM when tired
- If it still feels right then, it's probably right
- Prevents caffeine-fueled impulse choices

8/ MAJOR hiring insight:

"Day Zero Integrity Test"
• Give unclear instructions for small task
• See if they ask questions or just guess
• Reveals everything about future behavior

9/ Key lessons:

• Trust but verify (especially with remote teams)
• Simple over Complex
• Double down on what's working
• Build skyscrapers, not strip malls
• Tech investment over immediate profits

10) 2025 Focus:

• Finding long-term business partners
• Building more proprietary tech
• Simplifying business structure
• Going harder on current opportunities
• Scaling what works

Notable Quotes:
"If this scales, do I want to be in that business? If not, what is the business that I want to be in?"
"My main mission is to build skyscrapers, not strip malls."

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses [https://www.startupempire.co](https://www.startupempire.co/)

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg

Join me as I chat with  Daniel Dalen, CEO and Founder of Ecomflow, as we explore various startup ideas and business opportunities, focusing on embeddable businesses and the Shopify ecosystem. We discuss the potential of credibility badges, analyzing both successful and unsuccessful business concepts while sharing insights on product development, aesthetics, and bootstrapping versus venture capital approaches.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:39 - Startup Idea 1: Best Product Plaques for Credibility
09:00 - Startup Idea 2: Embeddable Businesses
31:49 - Startup Idea 3: Shopify ecosystem opportunities
45:53 - Building sustainable businesses
59:47 - Content creation strategy discussion

Key Points:
• Discussion of embeddable businesses and their potential in 2025
• Analysis of credibility badges/plaques as a business model
• Deep dive into Shopify ecosystem opportunities
• Insights on aesthetic vs luxury software products

1) First startup idea: "Best Product of Year" Certification Business

• Similar to Better Business Bureau model
• Sell digital badges + physical plaques to startups
• ~$200/year subscription model
• 99% margins, pure SaaS play
• Key challenge: Need massive distribution to create credibility

2) Second concept: "Embeddable Businesses"

• Greg built http://offerbutton.com as an example
• Place buttons/widgets on other people's websites
• Own digital real estate across the web
• Similar to "Sent with Superhuman" model
• Massive distribution potential through viral embedding

3) Fascinating insight on software categories:

Luxury Software is DEAD
Aesthetic Software is the FUTURE

• Users care more about design than status
• Example: People use Superhuman for its clean UI
• Shows they value design-thinking
• Growing trend in 2024+

4) On building Shopify apps:

• Massive opportunity in DTC ecosystem
• Need to deeply understand specific pain points
• Niche down (ex: CRO for specific industries)
• Can charge premium as money constantly flowing
• Avoid competing with Shopify's core features

5) Building mindset insights from Daniel Dalen:

• Bootstrap over VC if possible
• Focus on cash flow positive businesses
• Build with people who share your values
• Success = freedom to choose your projects
• Document over promote when building in public

6) Hot Take from Greg:

"The wealthiest people have the least amount of recurring meetings"

True wealth = control of your time
Automation over Meetings
Clear calendar = Clear mind

7) Key lesson on content:

Stop asking for likes/subs
Start asking for genuine feedback
Let quality speak for itself
Focus on documenting the journey
Real value drives real engagement

Notable Quotes:
"I feel like luxury software is old, and the new wave is gonna be aesthetic software." - Greg Isenberg
"The wealthiest people have the least amount of recurring meetings." - Greg Isenberg

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND DANIEL ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/danielvandalen
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danieldalen/videos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danieldalen/

I share my experience growing from zero to 145,000 LinkedIn followers in 14 months, generating millions in revenue. I detail specific strategies for LinkedIn growth, including leveraging the new video tab, creating engaging story posts, and utilizing infographics. The presentation explains how to properly monetize a LinkedIn following through strategic content posting and lead magnet implementation.

This talk was given at Andrew Wilkinsons IP2 conference

Learn more about IP3
Andrew's Newsletter: https://neverenoughnewsletter.kit.com/signup
Andrew's Twitter/X: https://x.com/awilkinson
Andrew's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeverEnough2024

Episode Timestamps: 

00:00 - Intro
02:05 - The ACP Funnel Explained
02:50 - Case Study: BoringMarketing.com
04:42 - Tactical Tips for Going Viral on LinkedIn
06:10 - Leveraging Video Content on LinkedIn
08:10 - Crafting Compelling Stories for Engagement
09:46 - Using Infographics to Boost Engagement
10:31 - Monetizing Your LinkedIn Audience
12:16 - Creating Effective Lead Magnets

Key Points:
• LinkedIn in 2024 is comparable to Twitter in 2020 for viral growth potential
• Three main strategies for LinkedIn growth: video content, storytelling posts, and viral infographics
• Monetization through strategic lead magnets and post-editing techniques
• Building the ACP (Audience-Community-Product) funnel for business growth

1) The ACP Framework:
• Audience first
• Convert to Community
• Build Product for them
Example: Boring Marketer → Free community → $8M ARR SEO tool business

2) Why LinkedIn in 2025?
"LinkedIn right now is 2020 Twitter - it's fishing with dynamite"
Greg grew 125K followers in 14 months with just 15 hours of work 

3) LINKEDIN HACK #1: Video Content 

LinkedIn just added a video tab. Nobody knows this yet.
Two options:
• Faceless content with AI voiceover (use @elevenlabs)
• Record yourself

Pro tip: Videos are getting INSANE reach right now

4) LINKEDIN HACK #2: Stories that Convert
• Get someone to interview you
• Extract 15 career stories
• Focus on vulnerable moments
• MUST pair with photo of yourself
• Use storytelling frameworks

5) LINKEDIN HACK #3: Viral Infographics
• Find previously viral infographics
• Repost with credit
• Add universally agreeable caption
• Example: "This year's gonna be great" → 151K likes

6) THE MONETIZATION STRATEGY
Don't put links in original posts!
Secret sauce:
• Post content
• Wait 4 hours
• If more than150 likes, EDIT post to add link
• LinkedIn won't suppress it

7) LEAD MAGNET MASTERY:
Don't sell directly. Create valuable free content.
Example:
• Made startup ideas database
• 5,000 downloads in 30 days
• Segment in ConvertKit
• Nurture → Monetize later

8) KEY TAKEAWAY:
2025 will be HUGE for LinkedIn.
Start now while organic reach is insane.
Even 15 hours can build a massive following that drives millions in revenue.

Notable Quotes:
"LinkedIn is fishing with dynamite right now." - Greg
"I grew from zero to 125,000 followers with probably like 15 hours of work in 14 months." - Greg

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

Join me as I chat with Mike Hudack, CEO of Sling Money, as we deep dive into AI startup strategy by discussing frameworks for building AI companies, product development approaches, and go-to-market strategies. The conversation covers practical advice for entrepreneurs considering AI ventures, from choosing between B2B and B2C models to pricing strategies and competition analysis. Hudack shares insights from his experience at Facebook and current venture Sling Money.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:12 - AI agent framework and startup ideas
08:19 - Discussion of successful AI companies
16:20 - B2B vs B2C strategy
19:28 - Product development philosophy
25:20 - How to think about Competitors 
28:40 - Go-to-market strategies
33:46 - Pricing and monetization discussion
39:16 - Mark Zuckerberg's Perspective on AI

Key Points:
• Framework for AI agents: single clear action, instant feedback, bounded decisions, zero friction
• Three promising AI companies discussed: Greenlight (fin-crime), Granola (note-taking), Gradient Labs (customer service)
• B2C vs B2B strategy: B2C has higher potential but higher risk, B2B offers more predictable outcomes
• Product development approach: focus on solving genuine pain points and building with meaning

1) On picking AI startup ideas:

Look for repetitive, time-consuming tasks that:
• Have clear actions
• Provide instant feedback
• Make bounded decisions
• Create zero friction

Examples: Flight booking, restaurant reservations, scheduling

2) The most promising AI companies right now:

• Green Lite - Automating financial compliance
• Granola - AI-powered collaborative note-taking
• GradientLabs - Next-gen customer service
• Domu - AI debt collection with empathy

All solving specific, manual problems with tight feedback loops.

3) Framework for choosing what to build:

Run a "regret minimization" exercise:
• Imagine yourself 5-10 years in the future
• Consider all possible outcomes
• Pick something meaningful you'd be proud to work on
• Must be excited to wake up for it every day

4) On B2B vs B2C products:

B2B:
• Easier to validate
• Clear path to revenue
• Lower failure rate
• Smaller outcomes

B2C:
• Bigger potential upside
• Harder to get right
• Need to catch lightning
• More glory (if it works)

5) On pricing AI products:

Formula:
(Human labor cost saved + Emotional damage prevented) × (20-50% discount) = Your price

Pro tip: You CAN raise prices later if you build something people truly love.

6) Go-to-market strategy for AI products:

• Build in public
• Create early waitlists
• Find your core believers
• Let them help shape the product
• Focus on native content for your audience's platform

7) On competition:

Don't be afraid to copy primitives (basic features everyone needs)

BUT:
• Stay true to your vision
• Keep a mental tab on competitors
• Don't get sucked into being reactive
• Maintain consistent narrative

Most important lesson: Build something YOU deeply care about. The most successful products come from genuine passion, not just market opportunity.

Notable Quotes:
"We don't make services to make money, we make money to make better services." - Mike Hudack (citing Walt Disney/Facebook)
"If you build a thing which is beautiful and people love and has a place in their lives, you can charge more for it later." - Mike Hudack

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND MIKE ON SOCIAL

Mike’s Website: https://hudack.com/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/mhudack
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhudack/
Sling Money: https://sling.money/

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into various lead generation strategies. Jonathan shares his strategies and frameworks for building a client pipeline without having a large online following. 

00:00 - Intro
03:13 - The Dream 100 Strategy
11:01 - The Canvas Strategy (for reaching out)
18:12 - Go Where Your Audience Lives
27:21 - The Power of Strategic Gifting
36:33 - Content Creation (if you choose to)
40:47 - Key Mindset Shift around Content Creation

1) The Dream 100 Strategy:
• Make a list of 100 people/orgs who already talk to your target audience
• Research their platforms, reach, content
• Focus on building relationships with them
• Can start with just 10-20 names

Example: Web design agency targeting founders? Start with podcast hosts, community leaders

2) The Canvas Strategy (for reaching out):
• Don't just ask for favors
• Focus on providing extreme value first
• Make thoughtful, detailed pitches
• Show you've done your homework
• Be patient and play the long game

3) Go Where Your Audience Lives:
• Join paid communities ($149/mo is nothing if you land 1 client)
• Lurk in Reddit threads
• Answer Quora questions in detail
• Participate in Discord servers
• Be the MOST valuable member

No promotion, just pure value.

4) The Power of Strategic Gifting:
• Doesn't need to be expensive ($5-50 can work)
• Make it personal and meaningful
• Think long-term relationship building
• One mentor landed a huge deal with a $50k guitar gift
• Small gestures = big memories

5) Content Creation (if you choose to):
• Focus on MASSIVE value over production quality
• Create 5+ hour detailed tutorials
• Answer common questions exhaustively
• "Low quality, high effort" is the new formula
• Example: mastering . com's 11-hour tutorials

6) Key Mindset Shift:

Stop obsessing over:
• Social media metrics
• Personal branding
• Complex marketing funnels

Start focusing on:
• High-leverage relationships
• Direct value creation
• Being present where your audience is

7) The ROI is INSANE:
• Single partnerships can generate millions
• One webinar can outperform months of ads
• Relationship-based leads convert better
• More sustainable than viral marketing
• Less stressful than being an "influencer"

Pro Tip: Review your Dream 100 list every quarter. Most businesses forget this and focus on low-leverage tasks instead.

Links Mentioned: 

The Dream 100 Google Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1a7d1GSZoJq_pT2Ptbvc9HsZWPxNsQDhRcUvT6d1V2Jw/edit?gid=0#gid=0

The Canvas Strategy Ep: https://youtu.be/fr5xG_bTV44

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

Join me as I chat with Zach Yadegari, Co-Founder of Cal AI, as we discuss his frameworks and strategies for building and scaling viral AI Apps. Learn his step-by-step formula creating viral apps. 

00:00 - Intro
01:40 - Concept Behind Dr. AI and App Feature Overview
05:37 - Designing the User Experience
08:42 - Inspiration and Primitives in App Design
11:10 - User Experience and Simplicity
16:05 - Gamification and User Engagement
17:26 - Shareability and Marketing Potential
20:07 - History Feature and User Retention
21:14 - Symptoms Quiz Design
23:58 - Incorporating Sources and References
24:39 - Chatbot Functionality
25:33 - Marketing Strategy and Influencer Outreach
28:34 - Prompting for AI Responses
33:15 - Go-to-Market Strategy Discussion
37:14 - Identifying Target Influencers
41:04 - Pricing Structure and Revenue Models

1) The Core App Features:

• Skin scan for diagnosis
• Symptoms quiz
• Medical chatbot
• History tracking

Key insight: Keep it SIMPLE. Basic features done well better than complex features done poorly.

2) UX Design Strategy:

- Start with basic wireframes
• Copy "primitives" from successful apps
• Design for influencer marketing
• Put app name on key screens
• Make results instantly digestible

Pro tip: Design screens thinking about how influencers will showcase them in content.

3) Growth Strategy:

Target audience = concerned parents
Best channels:
• Mom influencers
• Family content creators
• Parenting communities

Look for creators with 250k+ views/video
Budget: $4-5k per 1M views

4)Monetization Structure:

Weekly pricing model works best:
• $4-7/week
• No free trial initially
• A/B test different prices
• Optimize for repeat users

Strategy: People will delete/resubscribe when needed

5) Technical Implementation:

- Use ChatGPT API with custom prompts
• Bypass medical disclaimers creatively
• Build clear diagnosis displays
• Include danger levels (1-5)
• Add sources for credibility

6) Marketing Angles:

- Target anxious parents
• Focus on peace of mind
• Show quick diagnosis stories
• Emphasize "should I see a doctor?" use case
• Leverage influencer storytelling

7) Key Success Factors:

• Heavy disclaimers
• Accurate diagnostics
• Simple UX
• Clear value prop
• Strong retention hooks

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND ZACH ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/zach_yadegari

In this episode, I am joined by Dan Shipper, co-Founder and CEO of Every, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro
01:12 - Startup Idea 1: Advanced Voice Notes 
08:59 - Startup Idea 2: N of 1: Personalized Data Science Marketplace 
16:12 - Startup Idea 3: Great Books Reimagined
28:28 - Trend to Watch: Voice-First Products 
34:33 - Distribution Strategy for AI Apps

1) Advanced Voice Notes 

Imagine voice notes you can actually talk to!
- Record your thoughts while walking
• AI creates smart summaries
• Team members can "interview" the recording
• Get deeper context without endless follow-up questions

The future of media might be media you can talk to.

2) N of 1: Personalized Data Science Marketplace 

Remember Netflix's $1M algorithm challenge?
Now ANYONE can be a data scientist with GPT-4.
- Post personal/business datasets
• Set bounties for predictions
• Perfect for health tracking
• New way to do personalized science

Market size: Think Kaggle but for everyone.

3) Great Books Reimagined 

Classic literature is valuable but hard to digest.

The opportunity:
• AI-powered modern translations
• Format classics for specific audiences
• Create multimedia versions
• Add interactive elements

Two markets:
- Students (massive TAM)
- Business intellectuals (high willingness to pay)

4) The Luxury AI Paradox 

Key insight: As AI makes things cheaper, human-made becomes luxury.

Examples:
• Broadway shows
• Handmade clothing
• Mechanical watches

Opportunity: Look for what AI is making cheap, then create premium human-made alternatives.

5) Voice-First Products 

Huge trend: Kids growing up with voice interfaces (Apple Watch + Siri)

Opportunities:
• Voice-first travel booking
• Conversational commerce
• Voice-native discovery engines

TAM: Could capture 1-5% of existing markets just by being voice-first.

6) Distribution Strategy for AI Apps 

Dan's approach:
• Build media presence first
• Target like-minded audience
• Use early adopters for feedback
• Start with YouTube → funnel to email
• Product-led growth after initial traction

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND DAN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/danshipper
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danshipper/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EveryInc/videos
Every: https://every.to
Spiral: https://spiral.computer/
Sparkle: https://makeitsparkle.co

Join me as I chat with Jacky Chou, a serial entrepreneur, as we dive deep into growth hacking opportunities. Jacky shares his strategies and frameworks for how to growth hack businesses using SEO and keyword research.

Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:46 Most AI companies are leaving money on the table
11:04 Paid Ads for InteriorAI
15:04 Jacky's million dollar SEO plan with Reddit
21:13 Other Neglected Platforms to beat VC-funded startups
24:57 Startup Idea 1: NSFW AI O.F. 
35:31 Community Building in 2024

1) Most AI companies are leaving money on the table

Case study: InteriorAI (by Pieter Levels)

- Missing out on ~50K/month
- Could monetize through affiliate content
- Should create blog targeting high-value keywords
- Opportunity for "retail rank & rent" ($1-2K/month per placement)

2) Jacky's million dollar SEO plan with Reddit:

- Find keywords where Reddit ranks #2 (tons right now!)
- Share your product as a "user" (no links!)
- Target all related long-tail keywords
- Look at AI-related terms (massive growth)
- Replicate across Quora, Medium, LinkedIn

3) Keyword Research Gold:

"AI video generator" trends:

- Search volume is exploding
- Reddit ranking #2 consistently
- CBC around $1.50
- Huge opportunity for indie hackers
- Most big players ignoring UGC platforms

4) Dark Horse Opportunity: Adult AI Market

- Extremely low keyword difficulty (KD: 2)
- High search volume
- Most competitors doing poor execution
- AI chat + OF management tools needed
- Mid 6-7 figures/month potential
(Not for everyone, but opportunity exists)

5) Community Building in 2024:

- @JackieChou hitting $80K/month
- Built from 15K YouTube subs
- Key: Sell transformation, not just community
- Focus on membership benefits
- Bundle partnerships/tools

Key Takeaway:

To win in 2024: Do what VC-funded startups won't:

- Target neglected platforms
- Create authentic content
- Build real communities
- Ignore "brand concerns" early
- Focus on actual user value

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JACKY ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/indexsy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacky-chou/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@indexsy/videos
Advise: https://advise.so/apply/

Join me as I chat with Omar Choudhry, a serial entrepreneur, as we dive deep into how to build and scale directories. Omar shares his strategies and frameworks for how to use AI and SEO to build and scale cash flowing directories.

Episode Timestamps
00:00 Intro
04:26 Overview of GuiltyChef.com
06:56 The Power of Schema in SEO
14:04 Traffic 
18:07 Monetization Potential
24:34 Overview of bestdubai.com
32:09 Live Cooking Session: Building a Directory
35:47 Using Apify for Data Scraping
39:54 Using Claude for organizing information and data
44:01 Setting Up Zapier for Automation
55:26 Formatting data on Claude 
1:06:42 Building a Comprehensive Directory

1) First directory: GuilteyChef.com

- AI-generated recipes from top restaurants
- Went from 0 to 100k monthly visitors in 7 months
- Built in ONE week as a side project
- Already monetizing with $2.99 recipe packs

Key insight: People want to recreate restaurant dishes at home

2) Second directory: BestDubai.com

- Bought domain for $1.2k (incredible deal)
- Competing with TripAdvisor in just 30 days
- AI-generated reviews & scores
- Automated everything

Smart move: Added referral tags to outbound links = restaurants see traffic source

3) The Tech Stack 

- Webflow for website
- Zapier for automation
- Claude AI for content
- Apify for data scraping
- Google Sheets as input
- Python snippets for formatting

No coding experience needed!

4) The Secret Sauce: Schema markup
Omar uses AI to generate perfect schema for each page

Why it matters:
- Helps Google understand content
- Gets rich snippets in search
- Ranks above established sites
- Most competitors do this wrong

5) The Process:

1. Get place ID from Google Maps
2. Scrape data using Appify
3. Format data for Claude
4. Generate content with AI
5. Push to Webflow CMS
6. Auto-generate everything

One place ID = complete page with images, content & SEO

6) Monetization strategies:
- Premium recipe packs
- Restaurant partnerships
- Ingredient affiliate links
- Sponsored listings
- Brand partnerships
- Custom AI tools

Pro tip: Let restaurants find YOU through analytics

7) Key Learning:
You can now compete with giants like TripAdvisor using:
- Smart AI automation
- Proper schema markup
- Geographic targeting
- Language optimization
- Clean UX design

Budget needed: Under $2k 

The future of directories is here. Time to build!

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND OMAR ON SOCIAL

5 Day Sprint - Build with AI: https://www.skool.com/5-day-sprint/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omarchoudhry/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/OmarChoudhry
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarchoudhry/?originalSubdomain=uk

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into Black Friday Campaign strategy. Jonathan shares his strategies and frameworks for leveraging Black Friday regardless of what type of business you run. 

Episode Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
01:15 - The Importance of Black Friday for Businesses
04:21 - Types of Black Friday Sales
05:01 - Case Study: Endel's Renewal Strategy
08:49 - Comparing Strategies: MagicMind and AG1
12:48 - Apple's Unique Approach to Black Friday
14:25 - Creative E-commerce Strategies
20:12 - Bundling Products for Black Friday
22:51 - Startup Idea 1:  Black Friday Agency
27:55 - Gamifying Promo Codes
29:59 - Our Black Friday Buys
31:41 - Live Streaming as a Sales Strategy

1) The Store Credit Hack
Instead of basic "20% off" - tell customers they have $21.63 in store credit expiring soon

Why it works:
• Feels like "their money"
• Specific numbers boost authenticity
• Creates urgency

2) The Premium Play
How luxury brands do Black Friday:
• No discounts
• Give gift cards with purchase
• Example: Apple gives $200 credit
Keeps brand prestige while driving sales 

3) The Bundle Builder
Four Sigmatic's genius approach:
• Interactive bundle builder
• Unlocks bigger discounts at $59/$99
• Shows real-time savings
• Makes shopping fun
Steal this for your store 

4) The Bonus Stack
MagicMind's approach:
• Start with core discount
• Add digital product access
• Include physical gifts
• Stack more bonuses as week progresses

Psychology: Value over Discount

5) The Subscription Push
SaaS playbook:
• Offer renewal discounts
• Add exclusive bonuses
• Example: Endel does 50% off + premium gifts
• Works for any subscription business

6) The QVC Strategy
Modern twist:
• Run 12-hour livestream sales
• Show limited quantities
• Create FOMO
• Add exclusive bundles
• Perfect for influencer brands

7) The Campaign Timeline
Smart businesses:
• Plan 6 months ahead
• Start ads 3 days before
• Build waiting lists
• Layer in bonuses
• Peak on Friday

8) The Profit Reality
Truth bomb:
• Could make 1-2 months revenue in 1 week
• Some brands make yearly revenue
• Even "bad" years saved by Black Friday
• Ignoring it = leaving millions on table

Remember: Black Friday isn't just a discount day.
It's a strategic revenue event that can make your entire year.
Don't flub it

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

In this episode, I am joined by Shahed Khan, co-founder of Loom, as we explore innovative startup ideas, and his frameworks for finding and building startups

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:50 Startup Idea 1: The Modern Travel Guide 
19:25 Startup Idea 2: The anti-social social network
34:06 Startup Idea 3: Time Capsules of Shared Memories

1) The Anti-TripAdvisor Traveler 
Problem: Millennials & Gen Z hate cookie-cutter travel experiences
Solution: TikTok-inspired travel app with curated, local gems

Key features:
• City-specific guides (coffee shops, bookstores, etc.)
• Video carousels showing vibes
• Monetize by unlocking full guides ($0.99)

How to build MVP:
1. Use TikTok API to pull trending local videos
2. Transcribe with Descript or Google Speech-to-Text
3. Clean up with ChatGPT
4. Auto-post to WordPress via Zapier
Pro tip: Start hyper-niche (e.g., coffeesnobs.xyz) then expand

2) The New "Path" - Dunbar's Social Network 
Problem: We've lost connection with our REAL friends
Solution: Reinvent Path for 2024 - ultra-private social network
Key features:
• Max 150 connections (Dunbar's number)
• Location-based updates
• Simple, minimalist design

Why it could work:
• People crave intimate, ad-free spaces
• AI makes building faster & cheaper
• Charge $20-30/year subscription
Marketing angle: "The anti-social social network"

3) Time Capsules of Shared Memories
Problem: "Shared albums are where memories go to die"
Solution: Physical, ephemeral time capsules of shared experiences

Key features:
• Pull from connected social accounts
• Curate personalized memory boxes
• Make it EASY to send as gifts

Monetization:
• Subscription for curation
• Charge per physical time capsule sent

Inspiration: Remember Klout? Leverage nostalgia!
Bonus insight: People don't change. Our needs stay the same.
Products evolve, but human nature is constant. Study the past!

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND SHAHED ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/_shahedk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahedkhan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shahedk/

In this episode, I am joined by Michael Girdley, Chairman and CEO of Girdley Enterprises, as we discuss how to build a HoldCo. Michael shares his frameworks and best practices for structuring HoldCo’s.

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
02:25 What is HoldCo
07:22 Types of HoldCo
09:45 Why go HoldCo
12:56 Types of HoldCo Pt 2
15:27 Frameworks for structuring your HoldCo
19:16 7 steps of starting a HoldCo
23:47 Why HoldCo’s are awesome
36:12 HoldCo’s are antifragile 
43:16 Make sure HoldCo’s are right for you
45:16 HoldCo Conference

1) What's a Holdco?
It's owning multiple businesses but not running any of them day-to-day.
Think Warren Buffett lite - you're the maestro orchestrating a portfolio of companies.

2) Why go Holdco?
• Diversify risk
• Create asymmetric bets
• Design your ideal lifestyle
• Leverage your passions
Girdley: "I tap dance to work every day, even when things are sucky."

3) Types of Holdcos:
• Roll-up (same biz, diff locations)
• Platform (related businesses)
• Pure Holdco (unrelated businesses)
• Conglomerate (big daddy version)
Pick your flavor based on your interests & expertise!

4) How to start your Holdco journey:
1. Have a plan
2. Define your goals
3. Design your org structure
4. Consult lawyers & tax pros
5. Build your all-star advisory team
6. Execute & iterate
7. Optimize for happiness!

5) The secret sauce? 🤫
• Low-cost tech makes it easier than ever to incubate new businesses.
• Girdley: "You can do that same business they built off the ground for a few $1000"
• Asymmetric bets FTW!

6) Centralize or nah?
• Depends on your asset types & personal strengths.
• Girdley keeps it "radically decentralized" - know thyself!
• "Don't try to do things that I know I suck at."

7) Who's it for?
Not everyone! But if you:
• Love variety
• Hate micromanaging
• Want to build long-term wealth
• Crave a custom-designed career
...Holdco life might be your jam!

8) Ready to dive in?
Start with ONE successful biz, then expand.
And if you're serious, check out Girdley's Holdco conference in Utah next spring!

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND MICHAEL ON SOCIAL
Michael Girdley’s Website: https://www.girdley.com/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/girdley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgirdley/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Michael-Girdley

In this episode, I am joined by Arvid Kahl, CEO and Founder of Podscan, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
04:09 Startup Idea 1: AI Co-Founder
21:07 Startup Idea 2: Silent Refactoring as a Service
37:00 Startup Idea 3: Niche-specific AI-powered content curation

1) AI Co-Founder: Your 24/7 virtual partner with ZERO equity 
• Trains on your business data
• Handles marketing, sales, strategy
• Interacts with other AI agents for fresh ideas
• Potential pricing: $50-100/month to start

2-4) AI Co-Founder cont'd:
• Customizable personality (Elon-like? Thiel-like?)
• Reduces co-founder drama
• Ideal for solo founders wearing multiple hats
• Scalable SaaS model with potential for AI-AI interactions

5) Silent Refactoring as a Service: Your code's guardian angel 
• Constantly analyzes and improves your codebase
• Runs simulations to test performance
• Suggests optimizations based on future roadmap
• Fully tested, commented code delivered via PRs

6-7) Refactoring Service cont'd:
• Pricing models:
A) Per repository
B) Frequency of experiments
C) Value-based (replacing 3 full-time devs)
• Start at $50-100/month, scale with capabilities

8) Niche-specific AI-powered content curation 
• Aggregate data from various sources (podcasts, social, magazines)
• Summarize for specific industries (e.g., medical, equestrian)
• Personalize content format (text, audio, video) per user
• Potential for paid newsletters or SaaS products

9) Content curation tips:
• Choose a niche you're already part of
• Leverage AI for summarization and personalization
• Start with free content, add premium features
• Use as a wedge to build industry-specific SaaS later

10) Key takeaway: AI enables solo founders to tackle bigger problems! 

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND ARVID ON SOCIAL
Podscan: https://podscan.fm
X/Twitter: https://x.com/arvidkahl
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6s-V1Ls4vc_mXEF-4Lz_Q

Join me as I chat with Joseph Choi, Founder of Viral App Founders Community, as we discuss his frameworks and strategies for finding and building profitable Consumer Apps. Learn his step-by-step formula to building and growth hacking apps. 

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
04:01 Ecom Marketing Strategies applied to Consumer Apps
11:07 TikTok Shop Affiliate Center  = goldmine for app ideas
22:16 Profitable Niches that are Underserved
33:26 Influencer Marketing 2.0
40:58 Capitalize on internet "cults" & movements

1) TikTok organic = BIGGEST underpriced distribution channel right now
- Cost of creating & distributing content = low
- Potential reach for consumer apps = high
- Time to leverage this opportunity! 

2) E-commerce tactics are invading the app world
- Remember Tabs Chocolate? 0 to $10M/year with mass UGC creators
- Now these tactics are being used for consumer SaaS 
- Higher margins + better exit multiples = Bigger Opportunity

3) Carousels perform better than Short-form video on TikTok?!
- Surprising trend: Photo carousels are CRUSHING IT
- Easier to create + more scalable than talking head vids
- Pro tip: Use Midjourney for quick, eye-catching visuals 

4) TikTok Shop Affiliate Center = goldmine for app ideas
- Find top performers in any niche
- Build apps to help them sell better
- Get free marketing from influencers

Win-win-win situation! 

5) High LTV niches are UNDERSERVED on TikTok
Think: Golfers, poker players, niche sports
Example: Golf swing analysis app

- 10k downloads / month
- $70k revenue / month
- Huge potential for more!

6) Myth: TikTok users are all young
- Reality: Diverse demographics, especially in niche content
- Serve content to underserved niches = Underpriced reach

7) Rethink influencer marketing for TikTok
- Old way: Pay for followers
- New way: Hire creators as ACTORS, not for their audience
- TikTok algorithm favors good content, not follower count 

8) Capitalize on internet "cults" & movements
Examples:
- Looksmaxing (YouMax app)
- Make money online (Crayo app)
1. Find passionate communities without products
2. Build the app they need 
3. Profit 
Bonus tip: Product quality is CRUCIAL
Nail your metrics before scaling marketing efforts!

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co/

Stop Building Websites That Look Good But Don’t Sell: https://www.designscientist.com/design-store?b=https://www.designscientist.com/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JOSEPH ON SOCIAL
Viral App Founders Community: https://whop.com/viral-app-founders/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/JosephKChoi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/choi-joseph/

Join us for an engaging conversation with John Coogan, Entrepreneur in Residence at Founders Fund, as we explore a wide range of moonshot ideas from Cybersecurity to moon Colonization to humanoid military robots

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:57 Startup Idea 1: Cybersecurity for AI companies
11:37 Startup Idea 2: Moon-focused space startup
21:33 Startup Idea 3: Kid-friendly smartphone alternative 
36:02 Startup Idea 4: Humanoid military robots 

1) Cybersecurity for AI companies 
• AI models = new high-value digital assets
• Estimated $500M to train GPT-4
• Potential for theft/espionage
• Opportunity: Build Fort Knox-level security for AI weights
• Think Chainalysis, but for AI

2) Moon-focused space startup 
• SpaceX focused on Mars, opportunity on the Moon
• Easier access, always visible from Earth
• Ideas: Moon tourism, mining, asset placement
• Leverage SpaceX's falling launch costs
• Be the "Varda" or "Planet Labs" of the Moon

3) Kid-friendly smartphone alternative 
• Parents want device control, kids need connectivity
• Opportunity: Build ruggedized, fun, limited-feature phone
• No addictive apps, basic communication + learning tools
• Counter-position against Apple's sleek designs
• Target millennial parents via Instagram ads\

4)  Humanoid military robots 
• Combine trends: AI, robotics, defense tech
• Controversial but attention-grabbing
• Potential uses: Tele-operated missions, security
• Ethical concerns, but tech seems inevitable
• Opportunity to lead in emerging field

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co/

Stop Building Websites That Look Good But Don’t Sell: https://www.designscientist.com/design-store?b=https://www.designscientist.com/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JOHN ON SOCIAL
John’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2L6WMqY3GUPCGBD0dX6p00?si=7TdH3TuJQWmsTt53e9s7Rg&nd=1&dlsi=ab2bcd252c4847cc
X/Twitter: https://x.com/johncoogan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacoogan/

Join me as I chat with Blake Anderson, Co-Founder of Apex, as we discuss his frameworks and strategies for building and scaling viral AI Apps. Learn his step-by-step formula creating viral apps. 

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
02:59  Why build AI Apps
04:58 Startup Idea 1: Career AI
08:19 Blake's framework for building Viral AI Apps
10:38 Finding influencers
13:23 Product Development
17:25 Startup Idea 2: Journal AI
24:01 Paywalls and Payment Strategy
29:03 Startup Idea 3: Language AI
24:01 How to find more AI app ideas

1) Career AI: The all-in-one career advancement tool
• Combines resume analysis, career quizzes, & job application tips
• Use AI to create a 6-factor rating system for resumes (like Madden ratings)
• Design viral hooks: "I'm a senior and it says I should study CS!"

Distribution strategy:
• Target students on IG, TikTok, LinkedIn
• Partner with ed-tech influencers
• Split test different hooks across niches

2) Journal AI: Your AI-powered second brain
• Branded as a journal, functions like an emotional support assistant
• Provides productivity insights, relationship analysis, and emotional support
• Uses ChatGPT with enhanced memory storage
Key insight: People already use ChatGPT as a journal. This makes it official.
Naming tip: Consider friendly names like "Juni" or "Journey" instead of "AI"

3) Language AI: The Duolingo disruptor
• Create a dynamic, AI-powered language learning app
• Leverage newest AI voice-to-voice models as they become cheaper
• Update content dynamically, unlike Duolingo's static modules

Why it could work:
• Even 1% of Duolingo's market = $100M company
• High-intent users willing to pay
• Established players move slower than scrappy startups

4) Blake's framework for building viral AI apps:
1. Iterate on virality from day one
2. Split test hooks, influencers, and product features
3. Build personal relationships with influencers (don't use marketplaces)
4. Design around both functionality AND virality
5. Use tools like Superwall for easy paywall testing

5) Pricing strategy: Optimize for (users^n * profit per user), where n is greater than 1
• This prioritizes growth and market dominance over short-term profits.
• Blake's hot take: The "evil" onboarding flow that works

1. Get users to input personal info for "customization"
2. Hit them with a paywall at the end

• It's effective, but Blake admits it feels morally questionable. Use at your own risk.

6) Bonus tip: Create burner social media accounts to immerse yourself in your target niche.
• Curate your feed around your app's topic to truly understand your audience.

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co/

Stop Building Websites That Look Good But Don’t Sell: https://www.designscientist.com/design-store?b=https://www.designscientist.com/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND BLAKE ON SOCIAL
Blake’s startup: http://apex.inc/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/blakeandersonw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeandersonw/

Join us for an engaging conversation with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder and CEO of Swell AI, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:46 Startup Idea 1: AI-Generated UGC Ads 
16:10 Startup Idea 2: AI Infographic Generator 
21:14 Startup Idea 3: AI Journaling App 
30:10 Startup Idea 4: Novel DTC products 
36:39 Startup Idea 5: Creator Business Model 2.0
44:13 Startup Idea 6: AI Receptionist 

1) AI-Generated UGC Ads 
• Use AI avatars + scripts to create UGC-style ads at scale
• Test 100s of variations quickly and cheaply
• Use for paid ads AND organic social content
• Huge arbitrage opportunity right now

How to distribute:
• Run as Facebook ads to conversion event
• Post across multiple burner accounts on TikTok/Reels

2) AI Infographic Generator 
• 9,000 searches/month for "AI infographic generator"
• Turn blog posts into visually appealing infographics
• Save time and money for businesses

Distribution:
• SEO - exact match domain already acquired
• B2B sales - infographics proven to increase engagement

3) AI Journaling App 
• 8,100 searches/month, trending up fast
• Voice recording + transcription + AI insights
• Daily habit tracking + ability to query past entries

Growth strategy:
• Partner with journaling YouTubers (200+ videos, affiliate commissions)
• TikTok/Instagram influencer sponsorships

4) Creator Business Model 2.0 
• Short-form content → Lead magnet → Email list → Long-form YouTube
• Monetize through ads, sponsorships, and newsletter
• Scale to multiple channels/niches

Pro tip: Use community to ideate products for your audience

5/ AI Receptionist 
• Huge demand, especially for specific industries (dentists, etc.)
• Answers FAQs, schedules appointments, integrates with CRMs
• Outperforms human receptionists in many cases

Target market: Local businesses struggling to hire front desk staff

6) Novel DTC products 
• Create daily-use products with novel formats (e.g., toothpaste cubes)
• Focus on "clean living" trends
• Design for TikTok virality

Key: Make it a consumable for repeat purchases

7) AI-powered outbound calls 
• Use APIs like VAPI for managing calls
• Applications: Lead qualification, debt collection, appointment reminders
• Massive efficiency gains for businesses

Tip: Don't reinvent the wheel - find existing categories and remix with AI

Remember: Don't try to be too creative. Find validated markets and apply new tech to solve old problems better, faster, cheaper.

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

Stop Building Websites That Look Good But Don’t Sell: https://www.designscientist.com/design-store?b=https://www.designscientist.com/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND CODY ON SOCIAL
Cody’s startup: https://www.swellai.com/
X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7
LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r

I’m joined by Jordan Mix, Operating Partner at Late Checkout, to discuss how to build swipe files and how to remix successful strategies. Jordan breaks down why these marketing funnels work and the anatomy of a successful funnel.

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:27 Why build Swipe Files
04:00 Example 1: Tweets
08:40 Example 2: DTC Product
12:10 Example 3: Thumbnails
14:47 Example 4: Landing Page
18:46 The Anatomy of a Funnel
22:22 Example 5: Email Followup
26:13 Example 6: Digital Lead Magnet
28:57 Example 7: IRL Lead Magnet
30:26 Creating a Got Got Swipe File
31:14 Innovating on Pricing
31:33 Micro SaaS idea: AI Agent Funnel Scraper

1) We see 4,000-10,000 ads daily. Turn that consumption into creation with a swipe file.
The best way to learn how to sell? Study how YOU got sold.
Create a "got got" file - save anything that makes you take action (click, share, buy).

2) Use My Mind to easily save & organize inspiration:
• Chrome extension for quick saves
• Tag system for easy retrieval
• Serendipity feature to surface random inspo
Beats bookmarking tweets you'll never see again!

3) Look for pattern interrupts & scroll-stoppers.
Example: Not Fried chicken ice cream
Lessons:
• Combine unexpected elements
• Use high contrast visuals
• Mix hot & cold concepts
Apply this thinking to your digital products!

4) Anatomy of a killer funnel:
• Top: Free value (content, lead magnets)
• Middle: Nurture (email sequences, surveys)
• Bottom: Convert (calls, buy buttons)
Key: Top should be ALL about THEM. Only talk about yourself at the bottom.

5) IRL to URL: Don't forget offline lead gen!
Tiago Forte's "Building a Second Brain" book:
• Bonus chapter accessed via URL in book
• Segments readers for targeted offers
Think: How can you bridge physical & digital worlds?

6) Innovation isn't just about product. Consider:
• Marketing innovation
• Pricing model innovation
Example: Sublime app's "pay what you want" model
Could this work for your biz?

7) Micro SaaS idea: AI Agent Funnel Scraper
Automatically collect & analyze:
• Email sequences
• Sales funnels
• Marketing tactics
Build a searchable database of winning strategies to remix!

8) Remember: Everyone's seeing "cool stuff" daily. You just need to train yourself to notice & capture it.

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

Stop Building Websites That Look Good But Don’t Sell: https://www.designscientist.com/design-store?b=https://www.designscientist.com/
FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JORDAN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/jrdnmix
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-mix1/

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into how to build million dollar sales funnels. Jonathan shares his strategies and frameworks for creating sales funnels that will 10x your conversion rate

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
03:04  Sales Funnels explained (Websites vs Funnels) 
15:53 Ugly funnels convert better!
17:52 The magic formula and example 1
25:28 What businesses should use funnels
34:11 Example 1 continued 
44:58 Pixeling + retargeting = marketing gold
50:15 Example 2: Book Funnel
56:27 The MIFGY secret (Most Incredible Free Gift Yet)

1) Websites are not Funnels
Websites = brochures
Funchannels = $$$ machines
Most businesses confuse the two. Don't make that mistake!

2) The magic formula:
Facebook/YouTube ads → Landing page → Free valuable content → Call booking
This simple funnel structure has generated MILLIONS for AJ&Smart

3) Ugly funnels convert better! 
Jonathan's "ugliest" funnel:
• 4 years old
• Looks terrible
• Generated $20M+ revenue
Lesson: Done is better than perfect. Launch fast, iterate later.

4) The power of long-form content:
1-hour training video → Deeper engagement → More qualified leads
People who invest time watching = more likely to buy

5) Pixeling + retargeting = marketing gold
Track visitors, show them targeted ads across platforms.
Build an inescapable marketing web!

6) Email marketing isn't dead, it's EVOLVING
Capture emails → Drip feed value → Segment based on behavior → Targeted offers
Smart email funnels = predictable revenue

7) Physical products STILL WORK in digital age
Free book funnel = game changer
People love holding something tangible. Use it to your advantage!

8) The MIFGY secret (Most Incredible Free Gift Yet)
Stack one-time bonuses on your offer. Create FOMO.
Even high-end brands use this. It just WORKS.

9) Key takeaway: Funnels aren't sleazy, they're ESSENTIAL
Top brands like Eight Sleep, AG1, and Whoop all use these tactics.
It's not about tricking people. It's about guiding them to solutions they need.

10) Want to dive deeper?
Read "Expert Secrets" and "DotCom Secrets" by Russell Brunson
Study Facebook Ad Library to reverse-engineer competitor funnels

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Community Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses: http://communityempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

Join me as I chat with Sarah Lacy, Co-Founder of The Best Book Store , as we discuss  a variety of EdTech startup ideas.  Sarah also shares her the lessons she learned from studying Mark Zuckerberg and her advice for networking and storytelling

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:46  Startup Idea 1: Pre-MBA Entrepreneurship Program for Tween Girls
23:53  Networking and Storytelling as Key Skills
31:13 Lessons Learned from Mark Zuckerberg
36:33 Startup Idea 2: AI-Powered Author Coaching Bots

1) Startup Idea 1: Pre-MBA Entrepreneurship Program for Tween Girls
Why it's HOT:
• Tackles confidence drop in adolescence
• Teaches negotiation, self-worth, ideation
• Potential to transform female leadership

Key features:
• Online curriculum for schools
• Real-world challenges with local businesses
• Focus on digital marketing, not outdated door-to-door sales

Monetization strategy:
• Sell to schools (public & private)
• Sponsorships from big brands (Nike, anyone?)
Pro tip: Use storytelling to sell to sponsors. Remember the water charity campaign? ONE story can lead to big numbers.

2) Startup Idea 2: AI-Powered Author Coaching Bots
Problem: People buy self-help books but struggle to apply the lessons long-term.

Solution: Daily prompts & coaching from an AI avatar of the author!

 How it works:
• Personalized daily check-ins
• Reminders to apply book concepts
• Voice & look of the actual author

Potential authors to target:
• James Clear (Atomic Habits)
• Adam Grant
• Brené Brown

 Business model:
• Partner with publishers
• Drive book pre-orders (10k = NYT Bestseller!)
• Offer exclusive access to early adopters

3) Zuckerberg Insight 👀

What made young Zuck unique? EXTREME HUMILITY + self-awareness.

"He knows when he doesn't know something, and he doesn't just go in to learn it. He gives himself... a position of extreme humility." - Sarah Lacy

4) Key takeaway: NETWORK + STORYTELLING = Startup success

Remember: It's not just WHO you know, but HOW you pitch your idea! 

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Community Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses http://communityempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND SARAH ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/sarahcuda
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcuda/
The Best Book Store: https://bestbookstore.com/

Join me as I chat with John Rush, a serial entrepreneur, as we dive deep into how to build and scale directories. John shares his strategies and frameworks to for how to use AI and SEO to build and scale cash flowing directories.

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:12  Why directories
02:59 How to find directory ideas
08:43 Building your directory
19:47 Promoting your new directory:
23:27  SEO for Directory
29:53 Data/Content for Directory 
34:25 How to monetize Directory 
42:29 What are the multiples for Directory 
45:20 How large can a directory became

1) Why directories are hot right now:
• More content online = higher need for curation
• People trust well-curated directories
• Less SEO competition than other niches

2) How to find directory ideas:
• Use Google Keyword Planner
• Look for high search volume, low competition keywords
• Find available domain names that match or are close to target keywords

3) Building your directory:
• Use no-code tools (like Unicorn Platform) for speed
• Start simple - focus on listing items, not features
• Use AI to generate initial content and structure

4) Promoting your new directory:
• Share on relevant Reddit threads (carefully!)
• List your directory in other directories
• Engage on social media, especially Twitter
• Focus on SEO after initial validation

5) SEO strategy for directories:
• Start with ~10 high-quality articles
• Use tools or AI to generate SEO-optimized content
• Focus on internal linking and site structure
• Add trending items quickly to capture search traffic

6) Monetization strategies:
• B2B sponsorships and featured listings
• Affiliate links (especially for high-ticket items)
• Sell anonymized data or insights
• Charge for premium listings or access
• Brand sponsorships for established directories

7) The power of directories for SaaS:
• Easier to win SEO traffic than direct SaaS marketing
• Use directories to funnel traffic to your main product
• Consider buying relevant directories for instant traffic

8) Realistic expectations:
• $5K MRR achievable as a side project
• Up to $20K MRR with focused effort
• Million-dollar potential exists (but rare)

9) Why start with directories:
• Lower failure rate than SaaS
• Faster dopamine hits (traffic, first sale)
• Great way to learn digital product development

Pro Tip: Don't fall in love with one idea. Launch multiple directories, see what sticks after 30 days, then double down on winners!

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers [BoringMarketing.com](http://boringmarketing.com/)

Community Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses http://communityempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JOHN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/johnrushx
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrushx/
John’s directory guide: https://johnrush.me/directory-guide/

Join me as I chat with Anu Atluru, startup builder, angel investor, and writer, as we dive deep into how to build and scale premium dating apps, and Anu shares her thoughts on how to leverage status to position and growth hack your startup. 

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:27  Startup Idea 1: Premium Dating App for Niche Markets
20:51 Startup Idea 2: AI Girlfriends/Boyfriends for Niche Demographics 
27:23 Startup Idea 3: "Riz-maxing" app
30:55 Startup Idea 4: Report cards for life
35:15  Pricing strategy shift
39:10  Content format discussion

1) The League 2.0: Dating app for modern status symbols 
- Original League app sold for $30M+ to Match Group

a) Charged up to $2,499/month (!) for premium memberships
b) New version could filter by:

- YC founders
- Follower counts
- Who follows you

Key insight: Status markers have evolved beyond just education/job

2) Why now for League 2.0? 
- Cheaper than ever to launch dating apps

a) More distribution channels to hack growth
b) People desperate for new ways to find partners
c) Premium/niche dating apps are HOT

Example: Lox Club for Jewish singles crushing it

3) Controversial idea alert: AI girlfriends/boyfriends for niche demographics 
- Huge financial opportunity (but ethically questionable)
- Google Trends shows massive spike in interest
- Could target specific ethnicities, religions, etc.

Opportunity for brave founders, but proceed with caution!

4) "Riz-maxing" app: Charisma coach in your pocket 
- AI listens to your convos & scores social skills
- Gives feedback on awkwardness, charisma, etc.
- People crave honest social feedback

Think: Looksmaxxing app, but for personality

5) Report cards for life: Huge untapped opportunity 
- We're conditioned to want feedback from school days
- Adults still crave knowing how they measure up
- Combine with personality tests, IQ tests, etc.

People LOVE data about themselves!

6) Pricing strategy shift: Death of monthly subscriptions? 
- One-time payments
- Lifetime subscriptions
- Annual plans
- Pay-what-you-want models

Monthly feels like a "situationship" - users want commitment or freedom!

7) Content creation pro tip: Iterate on format until you find your groove 
- Don't get stuck on what you "should" do
- Experiment with:

a) Live vs. async
b) Solo vs. group
c) Short-form vs. long-form
d) Audio vs. video

Find your emotional center & natural aptitude!

8) Challenge: Create more novel content formats! 
Ideas:
- Tech/culture Daily Show
- Startup Cribs (MTV-style home tours)
- Live, unscripted breakdowns
Push to extremes - avoid the crowded middle!

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Community Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses http://communityempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND ANU ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/anuatluru
Newsletter: https://www.workingtheorys.com

Join me as I chat with Andrew Wilkinson, Co-Founder of Tiny, as we explore innovative startup ideas, and his frameworks for finding and building startups

Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:55 Startup Idea 1: Robot Lawn-mowing Service/Directory
17:54 Startup Idea 2: CPAP alternatives for Sleep Apnea
26:24 Startup Idea 3: Computer Vision for Small Biz 
32:03 Startup Idea 4: Negotiating as a Service 
36:48 Startup Idea 5: Sperm Freezing Made Easy 
42:50 Startup Idea 6: Community Building as a Service 

1) Robot Lawnmower Revolution 
• Buy robot mowers, geofence yards
• Start a mowing company with ZERO labor
• ROI beats solar panels (6-12 month payback)
• Opportunity: Review site for mowers (affiliate $$$)

2) Sleep Apnea Gold Rush 
• Apple Watch can now diagnose sleep apnea
• 80-90% of cases undiagnosed
• Opportunities:
a) Buy sleep clinics
b) DTC alternatives to CPAP
c) App using Apple Watch data
d) Financing for CPAP machines
• Sleep tech is about to EXPLODE

3) Computer Vision for Small Biz 
• Mount an old iPhone in your store
• Get heat maps, customer behavior insights
• Identify repeat vs. new customers
• Enterprise-level tech now accessible to SMBs

4) The Ultimate Negotiator 
• Most employees HATE negotiating
• Idea: Outsourced negotiation for EVERYTHING
• Houses, cars, software, office supplies
• Take a % of savings

5) Sperm Freezing Made Easy 
• Older fathers = higher risk of complications
• Current process is awkward and clinical
• Idea: At-home kit, ship back with dry ice
• ZERO Google Ads competition (for now)

6) Community Building as a Service 
• EO/YPO Forum model: Monthly deep discussions
• Build trust, solve problems, forge friendships
• Opportunities beyond just business groups
• "Secular church" concept

7) Bonus: Undiagnosed Illness Detection 
• Smartwatches can detect more than sleep apnea
• AFib, hypertension, stress/anxiety
• Huge market for early, non-invasive detection
• The future of healthcare is on your wrist

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Community Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses =http://communityempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND ANDREW ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/awilkinson
Never Enough: https://www.neverenough.com/
Tiny: https://www.tiny.com/

Join me as I chat with Romain Torres, Co-Founder of Arcads AI, as we discuss his frameworks and strategies for finding and building profitable AI Apps. Learn his step-by-step formula to building and growth hacking apps. 

Episode Timestamps
0:00 Intro
00:49 Introduction to AI Apps and User Acquisition
10:38 Product-Led Growth
13:30 ASO (Apple Search Optimization)
21:13 Organic Social Growth Hacks
33:51  Paid Ads Strategy
40:30 Creating Ads at Scale with AI Tools

1) Three main strategies to grow mobile apps:
• TikTok/Instagram organic growth
• Paid ads (FB, TikTok, Google)
• Apple Search Optimization (ASO)
• Each has its pros and cons.

2) ASO (Apple Search Optimization) 101:
• Find keywords with high volume, low competition
• Put keywords in app title
• Optimize app store page conversion rate
• Get reviews & high initial download velocity
• Pro tip: Use AppFigures to research keywords & opportunities

3) Organic social growth hack:
• Create native-looking content (not ads)
• Integrate app naturally into videos
• Post consistently across platforms
• Leverage micro-influencers for reach
• Example: Travel buddy app crushing it with wanderlust reels 

4) Paid ads strategy:
• Test THOUSANDS of ad variations
• Use AI to scale ad creation (tools like @ArcAdsAI)
• Iterate on winning formats
• Localize ads for different markets
• Key insight: AI makes testing 1000s of ads feasible for small teams

5) Case study: 17yo dev makes $400k/mo with AI calorie tracking app 
• Found trend on Reddit/TikTok
• Built simple AI-powered app
• Leveraged micro-influencers for organic growth
• Iterated on viral formats
• Lesson: Sometimes "overdone" ideas + AI + great marketing = $$$

6) Monetization hack: Niche down existing app ideas
• Examples:
a) Dating apps for specific demographics
b) Bible app for women
c) Plant identifier for specific countries
• Smaller audience, but higher conversion rates & less competition

7) AI is leveling the playing field:
• Easier to build MVP with ChatGPT
• Faster ad creation & testing
• Quick localization for global markets
• You don't need VC $ to compete with big players anymore!

8) Key takeaway: Success = Product-Market Fit + Execution
• Find proven demand (ASO, trends)
• Add AI "sizzle" to existing concepts
• Execute relentlessly on product & marketing
• Test, iterate, scale

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership.

You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more!

Spots are limited.

https://www.communityempire.co/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND ROMAIN ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/rom1trs 
Arcads AI: https://www.arcads.ai/

Join me as I chat with Samir Chaudry, Co-Founder of Colin and Samir, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of content creation, technology, and the future of media. 

Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:20 AR glasses
10:46 The future of Content in an attention economy
15:15 Samir’s Youtube and content strategy
21:50 Content Formats
29:56 Why it’s hard to standout on Youtube
33:58 Samir’s thoughts on Monetization
45:20 VR vs. AR
50:35 Creators should build software
56:58 Advice from Tim Ferris

1) AR glasses: The next big thing? 
•  Meta's Orion AR glasses left a big impression. Samir thinks they could replace smartphones... but not as soon as Zuckerberg predicts.
•  Greg’s timeline: 2035-2040 for mainstream adoption. Start experimenting NOW.

2) Content creation is evolving FAST 
• YouTube's push for connected TV means:
• 30+ minute videos
• Organized into series
• Netflix-like UI

3) The "Exit Velocity" problem 
• On YouTube, if 70% of viewers are still watching after 5 minutes, you're CRUSHING IT.
• Reality check: Audience retention is harder than ever. Hook them FAST or lose them forever.

4) Monetization strategy: Value Prop Extension 
• Don't just chase any sponsorship. Ask:
• What's my core value proposition?
• Which brands align with that mission?
• How can I extend that value to my audience?
Authenticity = $$$

5) The future might value INEFFICIENCY 🤯
• As AI makes everything hyper-efficient, there will be a premium on verifiably human experiences.
• Example: Paying $$$ for a live concert vs. streaming for free.

6) Events are the next big opportunity for creators 🎉
• Build community
• Create unforgettable experiences
• Solve the "loneliness problem" for your audience

7) VR vs. AR: Place your bets 
• Samir's not sold on VR. He believes AR/mixed reality has a brighter future.
• Why? People still want to be part of the real world, not fully immersed.

8) The creator's dilemma: Opportunity rich, time poor 
• Biggest challenge? Finding operators who can maintain quality as you scale.
• Lesson: Your content is still your #1 product. Everything else comes second.

9) Final wisdom from Tim Ferris
•  Separate the rewards of podcasting:
a) The conversation itself
b) The performance/results
• Enjoy the process, not just the metrics!

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership.

You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more!

Spots are limited.

https://www.communityempire.co/

📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free:

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To improve your rankings your business on Google and using AI for SEO, sign up to

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND SAMIR ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/samirchaudry
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColinandSamir/videos
Workshop: https://courses.colinandsamir.com/50-ideas-in-5-days-waitlist
Publish Press: https://www.thepublishpress.com/

In this episode, we dive deep into my process for naming my startups and businesses. I share my 4-step guide for coming up with memorable names for startups and how you can apply these principles to come up with your own scroll stopping name. 

Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:09 types of names
01:53  Naming Strategy 1: Descriptive 
03:11 Naming Strategy 2: Phrases 
05:39  Naming Strategy 3: Funny
08:17 Bad Name Examples
12:19 Good Name Examples
16:53 Tofu Name Examples
18:10 Hack your way to a novel name
20:25 Use AI for brainstorming
22:22 Greg's personal name list

1) 3 types of names:
• Bad names
• Good names
• "Tofu" names (bland, forgettable)

2) 3 winning name strategies:
• Descriptive (e.g. @somewhereilive)
• Phrases (e.g. Boss Babe)
• Funny (e.g. You Probably Need a Haircut)

3) Bad name examples:
• WhatsApp (fails telephone test)
• GameStop (negative connotation)
• Google Bard (sounds like barf) 

4) Good name examples:
• Perplexity (matches brand promise)
• Bump (action-oriented)
• Autopilot (clear value prop)

5) Hack your way to a novel name:
• Create "Name Game" note on your phone
• Jot down catchy words/phrases
• Check handle availability bi-weekly
• Test with friends/family
• Create logo mockups

6) Use AI for brainstorming:
• Prompt Claude: "I'm brainstorming names around [your topic]. What are some interesting, clear, direct names that speak to this community?"

7) Greg's personal name list sneak peek:
• AfterParty
• PrettyPerfect
• InvitationOnly
• InCred

8) Pro tip: It's okay to have bad names on your list. Keep refining!

9) Remember: A great name can be the difference between viral growth and crickets.

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

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Join me as I chat with Chris Josephs, Co-Founder of Autopilot, as we discuss his frameworks and strategies for growth hacking startups. Learn his step-by-step formula to building and converting attention, affinity, and authority into brand loyalty and startup growth. 

Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
03:20 Chris’s Viral Formula Overview
08:13  Step 1: Build Niche Meme account with Authority 
14:36 Step 2: Find Creative ways to build loyalty and vitality
19:18  Step 3: Getting free press
23:54 UFC Sponsorship Retrospective
28:23 How Chris would build a meme account
40:49 Startup Idea: Twitch for Online Shopping
46:52 SIP success stories 

1) Chris doesn't see himself as a marketer or growth guy. He's a SOCIAL ENGINEER.
•  His focus? Reverse engineering virality and creating formulas for content that EXPLODE on social media. 

2) The Pelosi Tracker origin story:
• Built meme pages with millions of followers
• Focused on politician stock trades
• Translated virality into a real product (Autopilot app)
Key insight: Memes + Authority = Powerful combo 

3) Chris's framework for building viral meme pages:
a) Create an account with a clear, catchy name
b) Engage as a "reply guy" on relevant topics
c) Do deep, investigative journalism to build credibility
• Marry memes with authority to become THE go-to account in your niche. 

4) The UFC sponsorship case study:
• Sponsored the event (base layer of credibility)
• Sent a fake Nancy Pelosi to the fight
• Drove a Cybertruck with "Pelosi 2024" around Vegas
•  Goal: Maximize surface area for virality and build brand loyalty

5) Chris's viral formula:
• Each additional stunt increases chances of going viral:
a) UFC sponsorship alone = 10% chance
b) +Fake Pelosi = 15% chance
c) +Cybertruck stunt = 20% chance
•  Keep adding elements to boost your odds! 

6) Key to monetizing meme pages:
• Don't just post funny content. Mix in authority-building posts to be taken seriously.
• High engagement does not mean High monetization
• Authority + Engagement = winning formula

7) Startup idea alert: Live shopping streams for Gen Z women 
• Imagine: The Twitch of online shopping, where influencers livestream their browsing & purchasing decisions.
• Huge potential here. Who's gonna build it? 

8) Growth hack: Build relationships with journalists
• Create an email list of reporters in your niche
• Regularly send them high-quality, relevant info (no selling!)
• Become their go-to source for stories
• Free press = Priceless marketing 

9) Remember: Consistency is key in building your brand.
• Find your angle (like Autopilot's "Pelosi 2024 - Invest like a politician") and double down on it.
• Create moments, build loyalty, make people LOVE your brand. 

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

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Join me as I chat with Luke Sophinos, Founder & CEO of CourseKey, as we discuss the frameworks and strategies for building a successful vertical SaaS business. Learn how to find, validate, and launch SaaS opportunities!

Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:51 Why Vertical SaaS?
05:46  How to pick your vertical
11:05 Understand the industry inside-out
19:11 Analyze existing solutions
22:02 Automating the ideation and validation process with AI
35:04 Go-to-market strategy is CRITICAL
40:19 The power of the wedge product
49:35 Pricing framework

1) Why Vertical SaaS?
• Market often overlooked by VCs chasing unicorns
• Opportunity to build enduring businesses with strong retention
• Still massive potential in 2024, even in "boring" industries

2) How to pick your vertical:
• Focus on industry, not idea
• Look for:
a) Large market size ($1B+)
b) Fragmented (many SMBs)
c) Mix of small, mid-market, enterprise

3) Understand the industry inside-out:
• Map end-to-end operations
• Get hands on P&Ls
• Follow the money - where are they spending?
• Identify areas still using pen & paper

4) Analyze existing solutions:
• Look for legacy providers
• Identify where they're using horizontal solutions
• Find gaps where AI/FinTech could add value

5) The power of the wedge product:
• Your "get in the door" offering
• Should be:
a) Easy to implement
b) Solves a critical problem
c) Ideally free or low-cost
• Example: Roofer․com's proposal tool

6) Go-to-market strategy is CRITICAL:
• Many industries require relationship-based sales
• Product-led growth is ideal (but rare)
• Get creative: Industry newsletters, memes, etc.

7) The payments opportunity:
• Owning the transaction can 10x your market size
• Build before/after transaction, then capture it
• Example: Toast in restaurants

8) Pricing framework:
• Understand current spend on problem you're solving
• Price based on ROI you deliver
• Aim for 20-50% of value created

9) Keys to success:
• Only build products that:
• Increase revenue
• Decrease costs
• Prevent churn
• Maintain compliance

10) Validating ideas:
• Don't just Google search
• Talk to actual businesses
• Offer to buy lunch and shadow operations

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Luke’s vSaaS Bible: https://verticalsaasbible.com

Join me as I chat with Nick Huber, a serial entrepreneur and real estate investor, as we dive into the art of going viral on social media. Nick reveals his proven formula for creating engaging content that’s reached millions and helped him grow a massive following. If you're looking to boost your social media game and learn strategies that truly work, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

Timestamps: 

00:00 Intro
01:36 The mindset
02:39 The structure of a viral tweet / Example 1
08:42 Example 2
11:38 Example 3
15:51 Example 4 (video content) 
16:59 Example 5
17:35 The importance of priming the algorithm
19:28 Example 6
22:37 Example 7

1) The mindset:
• Don't try to make everyone like you
• Be willing to look silly sometimes
• Have thick skin - you can't please everyone

2) The structure:
• Start with a "wow" statement that sounds unique
• Take a hard line on one side - no nuance
• Back it up with strongly written copy

3) The hook:
• You have 1/8 of a second to grab attention
• Make people laugh, strike emotion, or teach something
• Use numbers and specific details for added humor

4) The controversy:
• Say something different than what most people hear
• Take an un-nuanced stance on a debatable topic
• Trigger people who disagree (respectfully)

5) The follow-up:
• Double down in your second tweet
• Add more context or examples
• Don't backpedal or soften your stance

6) The visuals:
• Use video when possible - algorithms favor it
• Catch attention in the first second

7) The mix:
• Blend personal content, entertainment, and value
• Prime the algorithm with high-engagement tweets
• Follow up bangers with business-related content

8) The authenticity:
• Tweet things you actually believe
• It's okay if not everyone agrees
• Spark good conversations and critical thinking

9) The strategy:
• Build a following of smart people and entrepreneurs
• Use the "jab, jab, jab, right hook" approach
• Leverage high-engagement tweets for business asks

10) The lesson: Nuance doesn't go viral. But thoughtful, controversial takes that make people think?

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

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My notes on mr beast's LEAKED 36 page leaked "how to succeed in mr. beast production" document

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:12 Initial Thoughts
02:38 Clarity of the Goal
03:27  YouTube is eating all media:
04:27 A, B, C player framework
05:15 How to go viral
08:21 Why isn’t MrBeast building the Y-Combinator of Creators? 
09:12  He defines his own language. ie: lull, reengagement 
11:26 Startup Idea 1: Audience and Engagement Insights Software for YT 
12:32 Obsession is a prerequisite 
13:13 Bias for Action
14:01 Grounds Himself
15:54 Constraint Fuels Creativity
17:39 Always have a Backup Day
18:54  Communication is key
19:37 Leverage Experts
21:55 "No does not mean no" can get toxic
22:43 Meritocracy 
23:27 His numbers are HUGE
28:02 Keep things simple
27:15 Work Life Balance Debate  
28:20  What is the goal of our “content”
29:37 Ads as Content
30:18 Does his culture scale 
31:12 His incentive structur  
32:28 Final thoughts

1) YouTube is eating all media:
• 99% of TV shows would flop on YouTube
• Platform-specific content is crucial
• MrBeast: "We are not Hollywood"

2) A-player mentality:
• Only hire obsessive, coachable people
• B-players can be trained, C-players must go
• "There's only room for A-players here"

3) Re-engagement strategy:
• Hook viewers at 3-minute mark
• Use spectacles that only MrBeast can do
• Example: Carl watching Josh in prison video

4)  Data-driven content:
• Creators are data scientists, not just entertainers
• 60M views = same as presidential debate
• Obsess over audience retention graphs

5) Constraints fuel creativity:
• Don't rely on big budgets
• Example: Year's supply of Doritos is more engaging than $20k cash
• "Creativity is the answer, not money"

6)  Communication is key:
• Define when to use in-person, email, or text
• No excuses, move on mentality
• "Late" isn't in MrBeast's dictionary

7) Consultants are cheat codes:
• Leverage expert knowledge
• Example: Call previous world record holder
• "Consultants are a gift from God"

8) Brand deal integration:
• Make ads part of the content
• Avoid boring, scripted brand mentions
• Goal: No viewer realizes it's an ad

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

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Join me as I sit down with Oren John, the internet's creative director who's worked with major brands like Red Bull, Ciroc, Grey Goose, and YRB. Together, we explore the game-changing potential of TikTok Shop and how creators are using the platform to build thriving businesses. Oren shares his expert insights on the role of luxury, craftsmanship, and storytelling in product design, and how these elements can elevate your brand. If you're curious about using TikTok to grow your business, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways!

Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
00:55 Startup Idea 1: Collectible Pokemon iPhone Case
10:22 TikTok Shop is a game-changer
15:10 The power of creator communities
18:38 TikTok Shop success formula
21:40 Oren’s tech stack and tools
24:37 YouTube vs TikTok
26:29 Oren's content creation philosophy

1) Startup Idea 1: Collectible Pokemon iPhone Case
• Combines collectibility and utility
• A product’s utility is the best way to standout on the interet
• Tap into current trends to leverage the zeitgeist

2) TikTok Shop is a game-changer:
• Scale through affiliate creators
• Brands pay $1,500-$2,500/month retainer
• Creators earn 20% commission on sales
"Kids aged 20-25 are making 10-25k/month off these commissions" - Oren

3) The power of creator communities:
• Discord channels like "Your First Dollar"
• Brands recruit creators for TikTok Shop
• Learn video creation, hooks, and editing
Pro tip: Brands can find pre-trained creators here 

4) TikTok Shop success formula:
• Wide demographic reach
• Multiple creators across age/race/gender
• Leverage Amazon for fulfillment
Example: Goalie (gummy brand) offering Rolex, Lamborghini as affiliate incentives 

5) Content creation golden rule:
• Provide saveable, shareable value
• Entertain (replace Netflix experience)
• Or fail
"So many people fall in that third bucket because they go say, I'm going to talk about my brand story" - Oren

6) TikTok vs Youtube:
• TikTok algo allows for hyper-specific targeting
• TikTok has wider reach than YouTube for niche products
• Youtube is a less direct sales driver
• Youtube is great for brand building
• Long-form content still valuable
Hot take: "YouTube as a primary sales driver for most businesses" is outdated

7) Oren's content creation philosophy:
• 1) Value 2)entertainment 3)brand story
• Tell stories, not just facts
• Create content people want to bookmark
• Focus on your area of expertise
"I want your director to drop it in the Slack channel and be like, why aren't we doing this?" - Oren

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

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I’m joined by Jonathan Courtney, as we deep dive on how to set up million dollar sales funnels. 

1) Startup Idea 1: Paid Ads Agency
• Huge market for one-person ad consulting businesses
• Target specific verticals (e.g., hair salons, female info product owners)
• Take a cut of revenue instead of charging upfront

2) Facebook ads still crush it (for 40+ demo):
• Still effective for 40+ demographics
• AJ&Smart spends $80k/month on FB ads
• 318% ROI in June ($252k revenue from $80k spend)
"Meta ads are only dead for people under 35" - Jonathan

3) Funnel basics:
• Opt-in page → Free training video → Call booking
• Use ClickFunnels for quick tests
• Use Framer for validated funnels
Pro tip: Automate everything possible in your funnel

4)  The book funnel strategy:
• Offer free digital + physical book
• Lose money upfront to get email addresses
• Monetize later with other offers
Example: http://workshopperplaybook.com/

5) Copywriting hacks:
• Focus on increasing status (even for B2B)
• Use pain vs. pleasure framework
• Adjust tone based on economic conditions
Key insight: Status increase drives purchases, even in corporate training

6) Jonathan's funnel philosophy:
• Don't obsess over tracking every conversion source
• Focus on overall company growth
• Prioritize Facebook ad spend ROI
"You have your monthly P&L. You just make sure your company is growing" - Jonathan

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Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

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Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
06:41 Startup Idea 1: Paid Ads Agency
26:19 Funnel Hacking and Conversion Optimization
34:34 AJ & Smart Funnel breakdown
44:27 Copywriting Hacks

I’m joined by Marc Lou, a serial entrepreneur and indie hacker legend, as we explore innovative startup ideas, and his frameworks for content marketing, gamification, and pricing

1) Sell Digital Products
• Create courses/ebooks on what you know
• Focus on life-changing hacks (e.g. better sleep)
• Use gamma.app for slick lead magnets
Pro tip: Share your personal journey, not just advice

2) Document your journey publicly:
• Share what you're working on (Twitter, YouTube, etc.)
• Creates initial traction & builds audience
• Find your authentic voice over time
Key: Use "I" statements, not "you should" when starting out

3) Smart pricing strategies:
• Always use a paywall
• Don't undervalue your work
• Research competitor prices
• Test one-time vs. subscription models
"When it's cheap, people will undervalue the product." - Mark 

4) Harness the power of gamification:
• Inspired by Pokemon Sleep's $100M success
• Apply to habits: sleep, diet, workouts
• Use leaderboards, points, rewards

5) Gamify GitHub commits for devs!
• Combine Github commits with credit card point system
• Create leaderboards and scorecards for commits
• Leverage word of mouth and social for growth

6) Stripe Atlas alternative for indie hackers 
• Legal setup & tax optimization
• Simplify global business setup
• Explore international business structures
• Premium support services
"It's the #1 question I receive on every YouTube video." - Mark on legal advice!

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marc-lou
Marc Lou: https://marclou.com

Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
03:26 Startup Idea 1: Sell Digital Products
10:32 Framework for Content Marketing
16:21 Framework for Pricing Products
24:07 Framework for Gamifying Apps/Life
30:37 Startup Idea 2: Gamify GitHub commits for devs!
33:07 Startup Idea 3: Stripe Atlas alternative for indie hackers

I’m joined by Jason Fried, Co-founder and CEO of 37signals, as we deep dive on innovative startup ideas, our frameworks to building products people love, and our thoughts on the current software landscape. 

1)  The "Scratch-off Ad" app idea:
• Full-screen ad you scratch off with your finger
• Blow into mic to clear "dust"
• Chance to win prizes/coupons
• Global, once-a-day experience
Potential: Massive user base, high engagement 

2) "Shower Door Sketch" app concept:
• Simulates drawing on steamy shower glass
• Ephemeral canvas that fogs up & clears
• Add shower sounds for immersion
• Screenshot to save ideas
Perfect for creative brainstorming!

3) Key insight: Bring real-world experiences to digital
• Leverage mystery, surprise, uncertainty
• Create moments that can't be replicated
• Tap into universal human experiences
"There's some sort of deeper universal things to tap into here." - Jason

4)  The power of limitations in software:
• Time-based experiences (HQ Trivia)
• Visit-once websites
• Apps with "open hours"
Creates scarcity & increases perceived value 

5) Hobbyist ethos missing in modern software:
• Early internet had more quirky, fun projects
• Less focus on monetization, more on exploration
• Need for "weirder" apps and experiences
Challenge: How can we make the internet weird again? 

6)  Cozy software movement:
• Make apps feel warm, comfortable
• Contrast to clinical, cold modern design
• Focus on user experience & delight
Goal: Create software people genuinely enjoy using 

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

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37signals: https://37signals.com/

Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
02:17 Startup Idea 1: The "Scratch-off Ad" app 
18:44 Startup Idea 2: "Shower Door Sketch" app concept:
33:43 Frameworks for building products people love

Join us for an engaging conversation with Brian Dean, Co-Founder of Exploding Topics I, as we explore a wide range of startup ideas and business opportunities

1) AI Content Updater for Publishers 
• Automatically finds & updates outdated content
• Fixes broken links, outdated stats, irrelevant info
• Integrates with CMS for seamless updates
• Target: Large publishers with 1000s of posts
•  Potential: $1k-$10k/month per enterprise client 

2) Uber Black of Meal Delivery 
•  Chef-prepared, high-end meals ($50-$75 per meal)
• Beautifully presented, like an "Apple product"
• Target: Tech cities with high-income professionals
• Potential: Multi-million dollar business in select markets
• Key insight: There's always a market for premium versions

3)ADHD Brand & Community 
• Position ADHD as a potential superpower
• Create content, products, and community
• Start with social media to build audience
• Expand into apps, tools, coaching services
• Opportunity: No clear market leader in ADHD space yet
• Pro tip: Name it after a historical figure with ADHD

4) Content Repurposing Service 
• Turn blog posts into videos, podcasts, newsletters
• Target: Content marketers at larger brands
• Pricing: Per-update model to avoid subscription fatigue
• Potential: 8-figure agency if executed well

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

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Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
02:11 Startup Idea 1: AI Content Updater for Publishers
08:25 Startup Idea 2: Uber Black of Meal Delivery 
18:08 Startup Idea 3: ADHD Brand & Community 
26:28 Startup Idea 4: Content Repurposing Service

Join us for an engaging conversation with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder and CEO of Swell AI, as we explore a wide range of startup ideas and business opportunities

1) Canva  Agency 
•  Create tutorials on how to use Canva
• Build an audience through YouTube
• Offer design services to viewers
• Hire offshore talent for execution
• Monetize through ads, affiliate links, and services
• Potential: $80K/month with 80% margins 💰

2) AI-Generated Type Beats 
• Use AI to create thousands of "type beats"
• Upload to YouTube with SEO-optimized titles
• Monetize through streaming, licensing, and beat sales
• Top producers making $60K/month
• Distribution strategy: YouTube + beat marketplaces

3) Digital Influencers for DTC Brands 
• Create AI-generated influencers owned by brands
• Craft narratives and drama for engagement
• Cheaper and more controllable than human influencers
• Becomes a digital asset on balance sheets
• Use tools like Midjourney, DALL-E 2, Stable Diffusion

4) AI Email HTML Generator 
• Solve the pain of writing email HTML
• Create an AI-powered tool with visual preview
• Target keywords like "email HTML generator"
• Distribution: AI directories, Google Ads, content marketing
• Potential: $20K MRR, sellable for $1M+

5) Newsletter Service for Short-Form Creators 
•  Help creators monetize through newsletters
• Creator records 30-min video, you create newsletter
• Build targeted B2B email lists
• Monetize through ads and sponsorships
• Potential: $20K/month per newsletter

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership.

You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more!

Spots are limited.

https://www.communityempire.co/

📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free:

https://www.gregisenberg.com/

70,000+ people are already subscribed.

To improve your rankings your business on Google and using AI for SEO, sign up to

http://boringmarketing.com/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

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Cody’s startup: https://www.swellai.com/
X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7
LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r

Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
01:44 Startup Idea 1: Canva Agency 
10:53 Startup Idea 2: AI-Generated Type Beats 
19:37 Startup Idea 3: Digital Influencers for DTC Brands
33:44 Startup Idea 4: AI Email HTML Generator 
37:31 Startup Idea 5: Newsletter Service for Short-Form Creators 

I’m joined by Adam Robinson who has bootstrapped startups to millions of dollars in revenue, as we deep dive on how we would validate and grow a startup idea.

1) The Yonder Phone Pouch market is exploding
• Locks phones away to create "phone-free spaces"
• Already in schools, concerts, comedy shows
• Huge potential for innovation (charging, remote unlock, etc.)
• Adam predicts 98% of middle schools will require in 10 years

2) How to validate & launch a Yondr competitor:
• Target affluent customers first (Elon approach)
• Have 100s of conversations before building
• Look for "eyes lighting up" as signal
• Prototype only after strong validation

3) Growth strategy: Micro-influencer UGC
• Outreach to 1000s of relevant micro-influencers
• Send free product, ask for honest posts if they like it
• No monetary incentives needed for authentic content
• Aim for breadth of coverage, not mega-influencers

4) Copywriting Framework
• Study successful brands in similar space (e.g. Jolie)
• Use AI (Claude, ChatGPT) to adapt their style
• Remember: Don't copy, but get inspired and make it your own

5) The "third way" of building startups:
• Combine Rework's bootstrapping principles with Y Combinator's focus on product excellence
• Result: Profitable growth without VC dependency
• If product is truly excellent, word-of-mouth drives growth

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership.

You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more!

Spots are limited.

https://www.communityempire.co/

📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free:

https://www.gregisenberg.com/

70,000+ people are already subscribed.

To improve your rankings your business on Google and using AI for SEO, sign up to

http://boringmarketing.com/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/