Nikonomics - The Economics Of Small Business podcast

#Entrepreneur #Business #Nikolas Hulewsky #Acquisitions #Business Deals #Scale #Hustle #Entrepreneurship #Million #Marketing #Growth

21:04

Step into the mysterious and visually stunning world of The Electric State as host Francesca Amiker takes you behind the scenes with the creative masterminds who brought Simon Stålenhag’s dystopian vision to life. In this premiere episode, directors Joe and Anthony Russo, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, and producers Angela Russo-Otstot and Chris Castaldi reveal how they transformed a haunting graphic novel into an epic cinematic experience. Watch The Electric State coming to Netflix on March 14th. Check out more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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Welcome to Nikonomics—the show for entrepreneurs and Wantrapreneurs, ready to tackle the toughest roadblocks to their first million.
Nik brings firsthand experience, having bought and sold over a dozen businesses, achieved multiple 7-figure exits, and generated over $100 million in revenue.
Each week, he blends humor with real insights from successful entrepreneurs, sharing growth strategies, deal insights, and unique business ideas you won’t find elsewhere.
Ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Hit play and let’s get to work.

Follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/CoFoundersNik or @CoFoundersNik

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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

updated πριν περίπου 21 ώρες

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Follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/CoFoundersNik or @CoFoundersNik

160 επεισόδια

#Entrepreneur #Business #Nikolas Hulewsky #Acquisitions #Business Deals #Scale #Hustle #Entrepreneurship #Million #Marketing #Growth

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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

1
SPECIAL EPISODE - WTF is Going On with Nikonomics??? 5:53

πριν 21 hours5:53

5:53

A quick update from Nik: exciting guests are on the way, and the show is evolving. Nikonomics is going all-in on AI for boring businesses —plus a sneak peek at a new community (maybe?) and a potential AI incubator. Subscribe to my newsletter to get other, custom insights: 🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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158 - AI SERIES: 8 - How Different AI Models Excel in Specific Use Cases with Jake Colling 20:03

πριν 2 μέρες20:03

20:03

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Jake Colling (https://x.com/JacobColling). We dive into the exciting world of AI and automation and how it's reshaping the way businesses operate. Jake, a software developer and founder of the startup Carrot, shares his insights on building and deploying easy-to-use AI workflows. We discuss the rise of different AI models like Gemini from Google, Claude, and OpenAI's ChatGPT, and explore which models excel in different use cases, from document processing to coding and even content creation. Jake also gives us a sneak peek into how Carrot simplifies AI integration for non-technical users, drawing parallels with tools like Zapier and N8n, but with an AI-native approach. We even touch on the productivity gains AI tools like Cursor are bringing to software development. Questions This Episode Answers: What's the easiest way to build and use AI-powered workflows? Which AI models are surprisingly effective for specific business tasks like document processing? How can businesses leverage AI to automate everyday tasks like lead follow-up? What makes AI-native platforms different from traditional automation tools? How is the increasing use of AI impacting the speed of software development? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Unexpected Connection with Sam Parr 02:57 Building Sam's List: The Business Model 05:49 Navigating the Relationship with Sam Parr 09:09 The Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 11:56 The Growth of Sam's List and Its Impact 14:55 The Journey of an Entrepreneur: Lessons Learned 24:00 The Decision to Leave Corporate Life 30:11 Building Sam's List: The Early Days 35:59 Navigating Challenges and Growth 42:01 SEO and Content Strategy for Success…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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157 - She Was Catfished by Sam Parr Then Launched Sam's List with Kimi Green 48:30

πριν 3 μέρες48:30

48:30

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Kimi Green (https://x.com/NotGoKGreen). We dive into the unexpected journey of building Sam's List, a platform connecting individuals with financial professionals. Hear the quirky story of how a random text from Sam Parr of My First Million fame turned into a promising business venture. We explore the importance of authenticity in business and the evolution of Kimi's entrepreneurial role. Questions This Episode Answers: How did Kimi Green initially think she was being catfished by Sam Parr? How did a side project selling newsletter ads and a run club marketplace lead to co-founding Sam's List? How did Sam's List transition from a side hustle to a full-time commitment? How was the decision made for Kimi Green to become the CEO of Sam's List? How has the focus on content and SEO become crucial for the growth of Sam's List? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Unexpected Connection with Sam Parr 02:57 Building Sam's List: The Business Model 05:49 Navigating the Relationship with Sam Parr 09:09 The Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 11:56 The Growth of Sam's List and Its Impact 14:55 The Journey of an Entrepreneur: Lessons Learned 24:00 The Decision to Leave Corporate Life 30:11 Building Sam's List: The Early Days 35:59 Navigating Challenges and Growth 42:01 SEO and Content Strategy for Success…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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156 - AI SERIES: 7 - She Shut Down a $1M Biz—Then Built an AI Brain to Replace It, with Abbi Perets 36:28

πριν 4 μέρες36:28

36:28

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Abbi Perets (https://x.com/abbiperets in this insightful episode. We dive into Abbi's fascinating journey from the early days of freelance writing before Google, navigating the tech boom in Silicon Valley, and her experiences with the evolution of content. We also explore her current perspective on how AI is reshaping the writing landscape and how she leverages tools like Claude in her daily work helping experts uncover their hidden value. Hear her practical tips and unique insights on building a successful writing career and adapting to technological changes. Questions This Episode Answers: How did you figure out how to get paid as a freelance writer in the late 90s? What seemingly simple business practice significantly set you apart in the freelance world? How did you decide what to write about when you were first starting your freelance career? What was your initial reaction to AI being seen as a replacement for writers? How do you set up project instructions in Claude to make it a valuable assistant? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:53 Freelance Writing Journey 05:38 Balancing Family and Career 08:40 Impact of AI on Writing 14:00 Exploring AI Tools 20:40 Using Claude for Writing 21:43 Integrating Personal and Professional Life with AI 21:33 Choosing Claude Over ChatGPT for Content Creation 22:43 Setting Up Projects in Claude 23:19 Detailed Project Instructions and Guidelines 24:50 Writing Style and Preferences 27:20 Using AI for Decision Making and Feedback 33:00 Leveraging AI for Personal and Professional Organization 35:26 Project Knowledge and Capacity in Claude 36:10 Conclusion and Contact Information…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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155 - Can AI Replace Your Sales Team? I Tested It with John Long 37:39

πριν 5 μέρες37:39

37:39

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview John Long of Thynk.AI. We dive into the fascinating world of AI agents and how they're being used to automate crucial business processes like communication with customers. John shares the story behind Thynk.AI, revealing how they use AI to help other businesses leverage this powerful technology. We even get a live demonstration of their AI agent, Eric, in action! It's a look at the present and future of AI in business that you won't want to miss. Questions This Episode Answers: What is your business? What models do you use and for what purposes? Has the AI agent technology progressed and gotten better? Is there kind of like an ideal customer that this works for? How is the podcast done? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Think.ai 01:53 AI Models and Use Cases 02:45 AI in Podcasting 05:55 The Origin Story of Think.ai 07:47 Capabilities Beyond Sales 08:49 AI Integration and Customer Interaction 17:30 The 10-80-10 Principle 18:40 Live Demo of Think.ai 19:58 CRM System Overview 20:19 AI Interaction Demonstration 22:05 Training AI Agents 23:20 Live AI Call Test 29:35 AI's Future in Business 29:59 Integration with High Level 32:13 Adoption and Growth of AI 37:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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154 - Which AI Tools Are Worth Your Time? Use Cases and Future Potential with Chris Koener 37:10

πριν 8 μέρες37:10

37:10

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ) in a fascinating conversation diving into the practical applications of AI for businesses. We explore the landscape of Large Language Models (LLMs), uncovering which ones entrepreneurs are actually using and for what. We also touch upon surprising insights into tools that work alongside these AI models and even debate the potential biases within ChatGPT. Plus, stick around as we brainstorm innovative marketing strategies, including the bold move of using billboards for podcast promotion and the challenges of tracking their impact. Questions This Episode Answers: What's the most popular LLM right now? What are people mainly using ChatGPT for? Which LLM is actually used by more people in aggregate? What's a surprising AI tool many developers are raving about? How do you even begin to track the success of a billboard ad for a podcast? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Exploring AI Use Cases in Business 03:01 Comparing Popular LLMs: ChatGPT, Claude, and More 05:57 The Role of AI in Coding and Project Management 08:52 Sales and Revenue Generation with AI 11:48 AI's Unbiased Nature and Its Implications 15:09 Using AI for Personal and Relationship Insights 18:01 Innovative Marketing Strategies with AI 21:03 The Future of AI in Business and Mediation…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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153 - AI SERIES: 6 - How to Automate Content Creation with Pranav Ghatraju 34:27

πριν 9 μέρες34:27

34:27

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Pranav Ghatraju (https://x.com/PranavGhatraju). In this episode, I had a fascinating conversation with Pranav, a chemical engineer turned AI automation expert. We dove deep into the world of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude, exploring how he uses them in his daily work and for his AI automation agency. We discussed practical applications of AI for content creation, streamlining business operations, and boosting efficiency. Pranav even gave me a sneak peek into an interview bot he's building to automate content generation. It was eye-opening to see how AI is being used to augment capabilities and create new possibilities for businesses. Questions This Episode Answers: What LLMs do you use and what do you currently use them for? What are you using Perplexity for exactly? What do you use Claude for? When did you start your AI automation agency? How are you using AI in your business today? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 AI Tools and Their Applications 07:09 Transitioning from Engineering to AI Automation 10:01 Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency 20:09 Innovative Content Generation with AI…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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152 - Claude vs. ChatGPT: A Real-World AI Showdown with Elizabeth Knopf 39:40

πριν 10 μέρες39:40

39:40

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Liz Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside) about the wild week in AI, from Grok releasing image editing software to OpenAI's phenomenal advancements in the same space. We dive into how these tools are becoming incredibly easy to use and their potential impact on various aspects of business. Liz shares her initial thoughts on ChatGPT's new features and how they might overshadow even giants like Google. We also explore practical applications, such as transforming social media content for different platforms and generating compelling ads. Later in the episode, we shift gears to discuss the power of automation using tools like Make.com, offering a glimpse into how businesses can streamline their workflows by connecting different software. We even touch upon leveraging AI to process meeting transcripts from platforms like Google Meets to gain valuable insights. Questions This Episode Answers: How can AI simplify the creation of professional-looking marketing materials? What are some practical applications of AI in sales and marketing? How can automation tools like Make.com save time and improve efficiency in business operations? What is a basic example of how Make.com can automate a series of tasks? How can AI be used to extract valuable information from recorded meetings? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Impact of AI Tools 03:04 Image Editing Revolution 05:50 AI in Marketing and Content Creation 09:08 Claude vs. ChatGPT: A Comparative Analysis 11:56 Visualizing AI News 15:07 The Future of AI in Daily Life 17:51 Automation with Make.com…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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151 - AI SERIES: 5 - How Non-Technical Entrepreneurs Can Get Started with AI with Matthew Mellinger 25:28

πριν 11 μέρες25:28

25:28

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Matt (https://x.com/MattMelli) a digital entrepreneur with his hands in local SEO through Local SEO Partners, SEO Analytics with SEO Gits, and a local newsletter, the Cookville Buzz. We dive deep into Matt's practical applications of Artificial Intelligence in his daily business operations. He shares his experiences with different AI models like Claude, ChatGPT, and Midjourney, revealing why he prefers specific tools for tasks like copywriting, analytics, and even generating unique images for client websites. Discover how Matt is leveraging AI to streamline website development using platforms like WordPress and experimenting with no-code tools like Lovable to prototype and iterate faster, ultimately impacting his agency's efficiency and client offerings. Questions This Episode Answers: What do you do? What models do you use currently and what do you use them for? Why are you not a fan of Grok? How did you build these websites? How much is Lovable a month? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Power of AI in App Development 03:02 Exploring AI Models for Marketing and SEO 05:55 Leveraging AI for Content Creation 08:51 Building Websites with AI Tools 11:45 Enhancing Client Interactions with AI 15:06 The Future of AI in Business 17:58 Maximizing Efficiency with AI 20:51 Advice for Non-Technical Entrepreneurs…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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150 - Silicon Valley to Silicone Manufacturing: An AI-Powered Evolution with Dan Thompson 56:12

πριν 12 μέρες56:12

56:12

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Dan Thompson (https://x.com/DanThompsonIV) from a family-owned silicone manufacturing company in Texas. We dive into his fascinating journey from a 20-year career as an executive at Microsoft to leading a traditional manufacturing business and how he's leveraging the power of AI in unexpected ways. Discover how this seemingly old-school industry is being revolutionized with cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency, empower employees, and gain a competitive edge. We explore real-world applications of AI, from internal chatbots that democratize knowledge to sophisticated systems that analyze crucial business processes like quoting and sales pipelines. Get ready to be inspired by this unique blend of manufacturing expertise and tech innovation! Questions This Episode Answers: How can a small manufacturing business utilize AI to improve efficiency? What are some practical applications of custom AI chatbots within a company? How can AI be used to analyze and understand business process data? What's a cost-effective way for small businesses to start experimenting with AI? How can AI help bridge the technology gap for family-owned businesses? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction to Silicone Manufacturing and AI Opportunities 02:50 The Role of Silicone in Various Industries 06:12 Challenges and Opportunities in Manufacturing 09:07 Navigating Tariffs and AI Solutions 12:00 Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency 15:09 Creating Custom AI Solutions for Internal Use 18:03 Enhancing Sales and Customer Interaction with AI 20:51 The Future of AI in Manufacturing and Education 28:06 Exploring API Integration with Flowwise 30:03 Utilizing AI Models for Enhanced Analysis 32:56 Democratizing AI for Small Businesses 35:48 Automating Sales Processes with AI 39:32 Real-Time Reporting and Process Analysis 43:47 Custom Software Development with AI 49:34 Building Efficient Workflows with AI 54:20 The Future of AI in Small Businesses…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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149 - How to Build a Business with AI Image Technology with Chris Koerner 38:54

πριν 15 μέρες38:54

38:54

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ). In this episode, we dive into the mind-blowing world of AI image generation and how it's completely changing the game, with Chris sharing some truly wild examples using Chat GPT 4.0. We then brainstorm some seriously cool business ideas you could launch right now leveraging this tech. But it's not all about the future; we also get into a fascinating discussion about the best path to entrepreneurship: should you jump in headfirst like Chris, or take a more measured approach? We also explore the crucial concept of having a competitive advantage and spot some surprising business opportunities in unexpected places, like the growing trend of rucking. Questions This Episode Answers: What's so different about the new AI image generation capabilities? Could you really build a business just based on this new AI feature? Is it better to learn a trade through experience or by working for someone else? What's more important for a successful business: a great idea or great execution? What are some potential business opportunities in the surprisingly popular activity of rucking? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Rise of Image Generation Technology 02:59 Ashton Hall: The Viral Sensation 05:52 Innovative Business Ideas in the AI Space 08:46 Monetizing Podcasts and Visual Resumes 12:03 The Future of Photography and AI 14:59 The Barbell Strategy in Entrepreneurship 17:54 Competitive Advantage in Business 20:52 Navigating Entrepreneurship: Experience vs. Action 23:51 Rucking: A New Trend in Fitness 27:13 The Business of Rucking and Influencer Marketing…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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148 - AI SERIES: 4 - How Fear and Regulation Impact AI in Finance with David Kaylor 18:51

πριν 16 μέρες18:51

18:51

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview David Kaylor (https://x.com/David__Kaylor) from Alchemy Technology . We dive into the current state of AI adoption within the traditional banking sector, exploring the gap between the hype and actual implementation David , who works on implementing digital banking services for credit unions and banks shares his firsthand perspective on how these legacy businesses are approaching new technologies like AI . He also walks us through some fascinating personal and professional use cases for AI , from building a fun monster-slaying game on Replit to automating team time tracking with Google Apps Script. We also discuss the specific AI models he finds useful, such as Gemini for Google Apps Script and Grok for basic scripting. Questions This Episode Answers: What's it like working at a tech company servicing older, legacy businesses regarding AI adoption? Why is the banking industry a "slow follower" when it comes to utilizing AI ? What AI models does David currently use and for what specific purposes? How can someone with limited coding knowledge automate tasks using AI and tools like Google Apps Script ? What is Google Apps Script and how can it be used for business automation? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 AI in Everyday Work Life 02:52 The Role of AI in Banking 06:13 Personal AI Applications and Tools 09:06 Creating with AI: Game Development 12:04 Automating Tasks with Google Apps Script 14:58 Exploring Automation Opportunities…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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147 - How to Overcome AI Intimidation and Automate Your Workflow with Elizabeth Knopf 32:39

πριν 17 μέρες32:39

32:39

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Liz Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside) diving into the exciting world of AI for entrepreneurs! We cut through the noise to explore how business owners can actually use artificial intelligence to boost their businesses through automation. Liz, a seasoned tech expert and VC, shares her insights on the current state of AI and, more importantly, provides a sneak peek into the practical tools and strategies that can be implemented right now. Get ready to learn how AI isn't just for big tech anymore! Questions This Episode Answers: Where are we with the state of AI right now? What are APIs and why are they important for AI? What's the best way for a beginner to get started with AI tools? What's a common painful business task that AI can help solve? Can AI really help automate tasks like taking meeting notes and sharing information? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction to AI in Business 02:57 Understanding AI Tools and APIs 05:47 Exploring AI Models and Their Applications 09:04 Integrating AI into Workflows 11:59 Overcoming Challenges with AI Adoption 14:48 Automation Tools for Efficiency 18:12 Building Effective AI Workflows 20:54 Data Management and Cleanup with AI 23:49 Future of AI in Business…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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146 - AI SERIES: 3 - The AI Disruption: Navigating the Opportunities and Threats with Mase Graye 38:26

πριν 18 μέρες38:26

38:26

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Mase Graye (https://x.com/masegraye). In this episode, I chat with former CTO Mase , who brings his extensive experience from startups , Amazon , Oracle , and Meta to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence . We dive into his recent work on AI initiatives at Audio Eye , a company focused on digital accessibility , and explore the real-world applications of machine learning in solving business challenges. Mase shares his insightful perspective on the potential existential threats and incredible opportunities that AI presents for businesses today. Discover how companies are already leveraging AI to streamline operations and the surprising areas where it's making a significant impact. Questions This Episode Answers: What was it like leading AI initiatives at a tech company over the last three years? How did your company Audio Eye start utilizing AI in its business? What are some practical ways businesses can use AI for functions like QA ? How can small businesses begin to leverage the power of AI now? Do you think a CTO level position will become more necessary for small businesses due to AI ? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Rise of AI and Automation 02:58 Navigating AI in Business 05:52 AI's Impact on Job Markets 08:49 Utilizing AI Models Effectively 12:11 AI in Accessibility Solutions 15:05 The Future of AI in Development 17:58 Personal Applications of AI 20:51 Building Tools with AI 24:09 The Role of CTOs in Small Businesses…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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145 - AI Is Your New Employee: A Framework for Business Owners with Austin Gray 48:07

πριν 19 μέρες48:07

48:07

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I interview Austin Gray ( https://x.com/ theownerop) about the real-world applications of AI in businesses today. We dive deep into how entrepreneurs are moving beyond the theory and actually using AI to make money and streamline their operations. We explore everything from using chatbots for customer service and internal knowledge bases to automating sales pipelines and creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) . Hear firsthand examples of how AI is being used in manufacturing and service-based businesses to save time and improve efficiency. We also discuss the importance of training AI like a new employee and share practical frameworks for implementing AI in your own business, even if you're just starting out. We even touch upon creating custom GPTs and using AI to help with hiring an executive assistant . Questions This Episode Answers: How are businesses actually using AI to generate revenue today? What are some practical ways small businesses can use chatbots ? Why is it important to think of AI as a new employee in your business? How can AI help you create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for your business? What's a simple way to start using AI to document your business processes? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Embracing AI: The Inflection Point 03:08 Real-World Applications of AI in Business 05:58 Creating Knowledge Bases with AI 08:52 AI as a New Employee: Training and Onboarding 11:46 Documenting Processes for Scalability 15:06 Leveraging AI for Standard Operating Procedures 17:51 Organizing AI Workflows for Efficiency 24:22 Organizing Ideas for Podcast Preparation 25:43 Training Custom GPTs for Business Plans 27:10 Iterating on Business Plan Templates 29:31 Creating Custom GPTs for Business Insights 34:35 Leveraging AI for Business Processes 39:25 The Importance of SOPs in Business Growth 41:48 Adopting AI for Competitive Advantage 43:12 Crafting Job Descriptions with AI Assistance…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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144 - How Wearable AI Can Revolutionize Industries with Chris Koerner 33:09

πριν 22 μέρες33:09

33:09

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ) i n a fascinating discussion about the powerful intersection of entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence . We dive into how these two mega trends are creating unprecedented opportunities for building new businesses and reshaping existing industries. We explore concrete examples of how AI can be practically applied to solve real-world problems, from streamlining workflows for professionals to uncovering hidden business intelligence. We even brainstorm innovative business models centered around leveraging cutting-edge AI tools. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to understand and capitalize on the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Questions This Episode Answers: How can you start a business helping others use AI ? What are some immediate, practical uses of AI in businesses right now? Can AI really replace traditional business support roles? What kind of new service businesses can be built around AI technology? How can AI help you gain a competitive edge through better information? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Embracing Entrepreneurship and AI 02:51 The Role of AI in Healthcare 06:11 Innovative Solutions for Medical Practices 09:10 Sales Optimization through AI 12:04 Leveraging AI for Personal and Professional Growth 14:50 Deep Research and Its Applications 18:11 The Future of AI in Business 21:02 Ethics and AI in Personal Data 23:54 Conclusion and Future Directions…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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143 - AI SERIES: 2 - How to Leverage AI as Your Ultimate Business Assistant with Kirill Zubovsky 35:27

πριν 23 μέρες35:27

35:27

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I interview Kirill Zubovsky ( https://x.com/ kirillzubovsky) about his fascinating journey leveraging AI in his various business endeavors. We dive into how he's using AI not just for building new ventures like Scoudsie , which aims to empower non-technical individuals to create projects with AI , but also to supercharge his existing brick-and-mortar co-working space, Brickworks . Kirill shares some incredibly practical and almost unbelievable examples of how AI has become his go-to IT support , coding assistant, and even brainstorming partner. Get ready to have your mind blown by the sheer speed and potential that AI is unlocking for entrepreneurs. Questions This Episode Answers: What kind of brick and mortar business do you run? How are you currently using AI in your co-working space? What is Scoudsie and who is it for? How quickly were you able to build your transcription and translation website using AI ? Can you really build a website using natural language with tools like Cursor ? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The AI Revolution: Building for the Future 02:52 Entrepreneurial Journey: From Startup to AI Innovations 06:08 Real-World Applications of AI in Business 08:53 Choosing the Right AI Tools: Grok vs. ChatGPT 12:08 Creating with AI: Building Projects and Websites 15:04 The Future of AI in Business: Opportunities and Challenges 18:00 Efficiency in Coding: How AI Transforms Development 20:54 The Gold Rush of AI: Seizing Opportunities 33:50 Conclusion: Embracing the AI Wave…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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142 - How Mattress Firms Make Money Despite Empty Stores with Nick Hancock 32:20

πριν 24 μέρες32:20

32:20

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Nick (https://x.com/mattressguy_). We dive deep into the surprisingly complex world of the mattress business . Nick , owner of Direct Outlet Mattress and part of a family with stores across North Carolina shares his unique insights. We discuss everything from the less glamorous side of old mattresses, to the economics of running a mattress store even comparing his approach to giants like Mattress Firm. You'll be fascinated to hear how he's leveraging Twitter to build a successful brand and reach customers in unexpected ways. Questions This Episode Answers: How do these businesses make money? What other overhead expenses would you have besides lease? How do you acquire customers for your mattress store ? What is your approximate customer acquisition cost ? How much does it typically cost to start a mattress business ? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Mattress Business Journey 03:05 Family Dynamics in Business 05:56 Understanding the Mattress Market 08:51 Customer Acquisition Strategies 11:47 Expanding Product Offerings 15:05 The Importance of Quality 17:58 Navigating Business Challenges 20:55 Building a Brand on Social Media 23:51 Future Plans and Online Expansion…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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141 - AI SERIES: 1 - How to Prepare Your Business for the AI-Powered Future with Amanda Orson 30:10

πριν 25 μέρες30:10

30:10

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Amanda Orson (https://x.com/amandaorson) about how AI is completely changing the game for startups and established businesses alike! We dive into everything from seed strapping to using tools like Operator , Deep Research , ChatGPT , and Claude in practical ways. You won't believe how much more efficient you can be with the right AI frameworks as your thought partner ! Questions This Episode Answers: What is seed strapping ? How can AI help you decide if a process can be automated? What are the key differences between using ChatGPT and Claude for business? How can you use AI to act as a specialized thought partner ? Where should a business owner who is new to AI begin? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Rise of AI and Its Impact on Business 02:55 Seed Strapping: A New Approach to Funding 06:07 Leveraging AI for Efficiency and Growth 09:04 Using AI as a Thought Partner 11:51 Data Management and Analysis with AI 15:06 The Future of AI in Business 17:58 Practical Applications of AI Tools 21:10 Navigating AI for Business Owners…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

1
Quick Announcement! New AI Series with Real Entrepreneurs & Real Use Cases 1:48

πριν 25 μέρες1:48

1:48

I have a new AI series showcasing how Entrepreneurs are using AI in their business today! Every Tuesday and Thursday for the next 2 months I will be sharing real use cases with real Entrepreneurs who explain it to me like I'm 5 (with screen shares and other resources)! No BS or Fluff! Subscribe to my newsletter to get other, custom insights: 🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

1
140 - We Debate the Value of the SBA (I Get Demolished!) with Jon Matzner 48:41

πριν 26 μέρες48:41

48:41

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Jon Matzner (https://x.com/MatznerJon. We dive into building a strong business brand and the power of social media, especially when it comes to cutting through the noise by taking a unique approach to engaging with influencers. We also get into a lively debate about the role of the SBA and whether it truly fuels economic mobility for entrepreneurs. Plus, we explore why focusing on a well-defined niche audience with influence and affluence can be a game-changer, and how to create authentic content by sharing your real journey. Questions This Episode Answers: How can you build a memorable brand that stands out? What's a different way to think about social media to attract the right audience for your business? Is an SBA loan the best path for funding your business dreams? Why might a smaller, more focused community be more valuable than a massive following? What's the secret to creating compelling business content that resonates? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Importance of Pointy Opinions 03:04 Influencers and Satire in Business 06:02 Building a Brand Through Authenticity 09:00 The Value of Distribution and Attention 11:49 Influence and Affluence in Community Building 14:46 The Role of Authority in Marketing 18:11 The Podcast as an Intimate Medium 21:03 Debating the SBA Loan Program 24:29 Understanding the SBA: A Boomer Subsidy or Entrepreneurial Support? 26:21 The Role of the SBA in Economic Mobility 28:47 National Defense and Economic Supremacy: A Dual Perspective 30:45 The Impact of Government on Monopolies and Economic Mobility 32:34 Causation vs. Correlation in Economic Growth 34:56 Healthcare Costs and Government Intervention 36:49 The SBA's Structure and Its Implications 39:14 The Debate on Government Involvement in Business Loans 42:35 Prioritizing Government Reforms: Where Should Focus Lie? 46:30 The Importance of Personal Journey in Entrepreneurship…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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139 - Beyond ChatGPT: Exploring Perplexity and the Deep Dive Revolution with Chris Koerner 35:36

πριν 29 μέρες35:36

35:36

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ) as we dive into some fascinating tech and business talk, kicking things off with a look at some cool AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity Deep Research and debating which one comes out on top for certain tasks. We also explore the world of custom GPTs and share our experiences, the good and the not-so-good! Then, we shift gears to how AI can be a game-changer for deep research, uncovering surprising trends like the rise of banana ketchup! We also touch on the buzz around AI agents and whether they're living up to the hype. Plus, stick around for some brainstorming on down-to-earth business ideas, from gamified entertainment to retrofitting vending machines. Questions This Episode Answers: Is Perplexity Deep Research better than ChatGPT for certain research tasks? What are the practical uses for custom GPTs right now? What's a good way to start incorporating AI into my workflow? How can AI help uncover new business opportunities and market trends? Are AI agents ready for widespread autonomous use in businesses? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Rise of AI and Deep Research 05:51 Custom GPTs and Their Applications 12:05 Exploring Business Ideas Through AI 18:06 The Future of Agents and Automation 23:54 Innovative Business Models and Side Hustles…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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138 - How to Quickly Grow Your Newsletter Without Ads with Derek Kolstad 39:46

πριν 4 weeks39:46

39:46

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Derek (https://x.com/derkolstad). In this insightful episode, I dive deep with Derek, a newsletter guru who has amassed over 600,000 subscribers across his platforms – including the impressive Daily UI – all without spending a single dollar on ads! I'm on a mission to hit 10,000 subscribers for my own newsletter in just 60 days, and Derek shares his incredible journey and actionable strategies. We discuss everything from crafting the perfect message and building a distribution system to the power of lead magnets and the nuances of newsletter monetization, including ads, affiliate marketing, and selling your own products. Is my ambitious goal even possible? Derek weighs in with his expert advice. Questions This Episode Answers: Is reaching 10,000 subscribers in 60 days crazy? What's the difference between a top-down and a bottom-up newsletter growth strategy? How do you grow a massive email list without paid advertising? What are the different ways to monetize a newsletter for ongoing cash flow? When is the right time to start monetizing your email list? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Building a Subscriber Base: The Journey Begins 03:06 Monetization Strategies for Newsletters 06:01 Understanding Newsletter Metrics and Performance 08:57 Defining Your Audience and Value Proposition 11:52 Creating Engaging Content and Community 14:46 Growth Strategies: Trojan Horse Tactics 18:07 The Importance of Early Monetization 21:00 Final Thoughts and Actionable Steps…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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137 - How to Avoid Losing Money on Commissions When Selling Your Property with Amanda Orson 34:10

πριν 5 weeks34:10

34:10

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Amanda Orson (https://x.com/amandaorson) about her company, Galleon , and its mission to shake up the world of real estate . We dive into why this massive industry has remained so stubbornly outdated, clinging to practices invented over a century ago and a commission structure that seems out of sync with today's technology. Amanda shares her vision for a consumer-driven real estate transaction , drawing parallels to disruptions in other sectors, and explains how Galleon is building a free and open marketplace that cuts through the traditional gatekeepers. We also explore Galleon's unique approach to identity verification and its innovative revenue model, moving away from hefty commissions. Find out why Amanda , a multiple founder, is taking a lean, " seed strapping " approach to building this potentially revolutionary company. Questions This Episode Answers: Why do you think Galleon is different from other attempts to disrupt real estate ? What's the thing people hate the most about real estate ? Why did they set the commission rates the way that they currently are? Why haven't they been able to disrupt the real estate industry before? How does Galleon work? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The State of Real Estate Lobbying 02:57 Disrupting the Outdated Real Estate Model 05:52 Understanding the MLS and Its Gatekeeping 08:47 The Economics of Real Estate Commissions 12:01 Galleon's Unique Approach to Real Estate Transactions 14:55 Navigating the Future of Real Estate with Technology 18:10 Galleon's Marketplace and Revenue Model 21:10 The Role of Vendors in Real Estate Transactions 24:05 The Future of Galleon and Its Growth Potential…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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136 - The Never Touch Plastic Revolution: Building a Marketplace for the Concerned with Chris Koerner 36:08

πριν 5 weeks36:08

36:08

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ) in another brainstorming session packed with unconventional business ideas! We dive into how to spot emerging trends and combine them for unique opportunities, even if it sounds a little crazy at first, like the sourdough and microplastics concept. We also explore overlooked distribution channels, particularly the United States Postal Service, and how its unique economics can be leveraged for marketing. Plus, we tackle some bigger questions about government efficiency and the future of data collection with AI. Questions This Episode Answers: How can combining two mega-trends create a viable business idea? What's a surprising marketing channel that is currently being heavily subsidized? What's a potentially more effective (though harder) way to find off-market real estate deals? Why might the government not be capitalizing on its existing distribution networks for revenue generation? Could AI revolutionize the survey industry and create new income opportunities for individuals? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Government Subsidies and Marketing Channels 03:00 Innovative Business Ideas and Trends 05:52 Marketplace for Plastic-Free Products 08:48 Leveraging the Postal Service for Marketing 17:04 Surveying with Postal Service Drivers 22:50 AI and Survey Data Monetization 28:53 Exploring Longevity and Plasma Treatments…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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135 - I Lost $20K Gambling… Then Became Vegas & Built a $1M/yr Vending Empire with Ethan Kohan 50:38

πριν 5 weeks50:38

50:38

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Ethan Kohan (https://x.com/ethan_kohan). Get ready for a wild ride as Ethan shares the incredible story of his entrepreneurial journey, starting with a simple idea for a vending machine in his fraternity house selling Juul pods . We dive into the highs and lows, from making serious money quickly to losing it all in sports betting , and how that unexpected experience led him to become "Vegas" himself by starting a sports book ! We then explore the evolution of his business, Podplug , as it scaled from college campuses to bars, the challenges he faced with COVID-19 , and his current focus on building a strong foundation for franchising his smart nightlife vending machine business , now offering a diverse range of convenience items. Questions This Episode Answers: Tell me about your business? Did you have to pay rent for this machine? Have you always been a hustler? What was patentable? Why did you go away from individuals selling the dual pods and go all in on, let's just place vending machines at these locations? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 From Loss to Opportunity: The Betting Journey 14:48 The Birth of Podplug: Vending Machines and Hustling 25:21 Transitioning to Vending Machines 30:32 Scaling Operations and Revenue Growth 35:18 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19 39:07 Current Operations and Future Plans 42:23 Franchising the Business Model 49:07 Revisiting College Markets and Future Success…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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134 - How to Escape the Corporate Grind and Bet on Yourself with Brian O'Connor 40:41

πριν 6 weeks40:41

40:41

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Brian O'Connor (https://x.com/BrianFOConnor), a serial entrepreneur who transitioned from the corporate strategy world at Deloitte to building multiple successful businesses, including a fractional CMO company and a staffing company . We dive into his journey, exploring the motivations behind his entrepreneurial leap from a lucrative corporate career and the pivotal moment involving a PPP project and a memorable gift card. Brian shares insights on growth strategy , his experience with product market fit , and the key frameworks he uses, like the choice cascade from the book Playing to Win , to help businesses define their competitive advantage in both blue ocean and red ocean markets. Hear about the practical application of strategic thinking and the evolution of his ventures. Questions This Episode Answers: Why did Brian O'Connor leave a high-paying corporate job to become an entrepreneur? What is the choice cascade and how can it be used in business strategy? What's the difference between a red ocean and a blue ocean in business? How does Brian O'Connor define product market fit ? What key elements should businesses consider when building their management systems? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction to Brian's Entrepreneurial Journey 01:23 Leaving the Corporate World 02:10 Managing a Massive COVID-19 Project 03:40 The Decision to Become a Fractional CMO 05:48 Understanding Growth Strategy and Competitive Advantage 07:42 The Choice Cascade Framework 10:42 Strategic Choices for Business Success 16:41 Balancing Strategy and Execution in Early-Stage Businesses 20:47 The Evolution of Business Questions 21:46 Balancing Confidence and Speed in Business Decisions 22:07 Launching Business Units in Mexico: A Case Study 24:51 The Role of Strategy and Execution in Small Businesses 27:26 The Journey to Product-Market Fit 30:44 The Importance of Positioning and Iteration 34:56 Innovative Pricing Models in Talent Agencies 38:58 Advisory Consulting as a Competitive Advantage…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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133 - Chris Knows Who Satoshi Is! How to Disrupt Payment Systems with Chris Koerner 37:51

πριν 6 weeks37:51

37:51

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ) as we dive into a wild theory: could Jack Dorsey , the founder of Twitter and Square , actually be the elusive Satoshi Nakamoto , the creator of Bitcoin ? We explore some compelling (and quirky) evidence. Then, we shift gears to discuss a practical framework for entrepreneurs , breaking down the phases of being "in" and "on" your business , and when to strategically begin outsourcing different parts of your operation to maximize growth . We even brainstorm some unconventional marketing ideas , including the potential of using Airdrop at conferences for high-ticket offers – it gets pretty creative! Questions This Episode Answers: Why might someone as wealthy as Satoshi Nakamoto remain anonymous? What are the different phases an entrepreneur goes through as their business evolves? What's a common mistake founders make when trying to remove themselves from the day-to-day operations? How can you leverage unexpected places like conferences for unique marketing tactics? What's an "ethical bait and switch" in the context of viral growth hacks ? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Highlights 00:31 Introduction: The Entrepreneurial Mindset 00:58 The Phases of Business Growth 03:09 Avoiding Common Pitfalls 04:57 The Elon Musk Example 09:48 Innovative Business Ideas 12:49 Airdrop Marketing Strategies 19:29 Creative Marketing Strategies 20:48 Brainstorming Unique Ideas 21:43 Airdropping at Conferences 23:08 The Value of High Ticket Offers 24:49 Unveiling Satoshi Nakamoto 25:26 Bitcoin's Mysterious Origins 28:09 Jack Dorsey: The Hidden Satoshi? 33:29 The Future of Bitcoin…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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132 - How to Turn a HVAC Company into a $5 Million Business with Jack Carr 39:22

πριν 6 weeks39:22

39:22

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Jack (https://x.com/thehvacjack) on Nikonomics ! We dive into the surprisingly "sexy" world of home services , specifically HVAC and plumbing . Hear Jack 's story of leaving a comfortable corporate job managing operations for nine different wineries to acquire a sub $1 million HVAC company in Middle Tennessee in 2022 . He shares the wild ride of growing from a lean operation to a business slated to do $5-6 million this year with around 20 employees, navigating unexpected challenges like everyone quitting on day one! We also touch upon his entrepreneurial past, including an agricultural repair company and even a Bitcoin mining farm in Reno. Discover how he's leveraged both organic growth and strategic tuck-in acquisitions to rapidly scale his business and his insights on using overseas talent . Questions This Episode Answers: What's your company's current size and scope in the HVAC and plumbing industry? When did you decide to jump into owning this HVAC company? Considering you had a background in operations at wineries , why choose the HVAC space specifically? How much did you initially pay for the business you acquired? What was your immediate reaction when almost all the employees quit the day before you took over? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Highlights & Introduction 00:35 Jack's HVAC Business Overview 01:18 Jack's Entrepreneurial Journey 02:49 Bitcoin Mining Ventures 07:31 Challenges in HVAC Business 15:11 Growth Through Acquisitions 18:38 Reinvesting in Business Growth 19:10 Acquisition Strategies and Challenges 20:05 Learning the Business Inside Out 24:01 Scaling with Overseas Talent 29:44 Advice for Hiring Overseas Talent 34:20 Reflecting on the Journey…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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131 - How to Turn Data Into Dollars: The Data Shopper Story with Thomas Rudy 31:31

πριν 7 weeks31:31

31:31

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Thomas Rudy (https://x.com/rudythesnowman)! We dive deep into Thomas's fascinating entrepreneurial journey, starting way back with some rule-breaking mystery boxes on eBay in the early days of online business. We explore how he transitioned from that to the world of retail arbitrage , his surprising detour through college basketball (and almost becoming an accountant!), and ultimately his path into web development and the building of a successful performance marketing agency, 1020 , which he eventually sold to Benzinga . We also uncover the inner workings of performance marketing , the incredible growth he spearheaded at Benzinga , and his insights on the ever-evolving landscape of SEO and affiliate revenue . Finally, we delve into his latest venture, Data Shopper , a company tackling data in a whole new way, moving beyond reliance on giants like Google and Meta . It's a story of hustle, scrappiness, and constant evolution in the world of business. Questions This Episode Answers: What was your very first online business ventureHow did you transition from basic programming to building and selling a marketing agency? What exactly is performance marketing? How did your performance marketing strategies contribute to Benzinga's rapid growth? How does your new company, Data Shopper , help businesses target customers without solely relying on Google and Meta ? Enjoy the conversation! Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Highlights 00:30 Introduction to the Entrepreneur's Journey 00:52 The eBay Mystery Box Venture 04:41 Transition to Software Development 06:58 Building and Selling an Agency 07:34 Performance Marketing Explained 10:02 Success with Benzinga 19:31 Challenges in SEO and Marketing 22:06 Introduction to Data Shopper 23:50 How Data Shopper Works 28:06 Legal and Ethical Considerations 31:05 Conclusion and Future Plans…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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130 - How Our Podcast Helped Him Make $23K/Month and Quit His 9-to-5 with Chris Koerner 38:34

πριν 7 weeks38:34

38:34

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 In this episode, we feature Tyler , a listener who acted on our B2B stump grinding idea after hearing it on a previous episode, which led him to quit his 9-to-5 job . Tyler shares how he followed our advice word-for-word , testing the concept in Boise before launching in Provo . By implementing our strategies, he achieved impressive results, with $23,000 in September alone . He provides key insights into building relationships with tree trimming companies , his pricing strategy , and cold outreach techniques and more. Share your ideas with us: Nik@cofounders.com Chris@cofounders.com Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Highlights 00:37 Tyler's Journey: From B2B Sales to Stump Grinding 01:13 The Initial Spark: Discovering Stump Grinding 01:41 Building the Business: Early Challenges and Successes 02:27 The B2B Sales Connection 04:41 Testing the Market: Boise vs. Provo 06:03 First Jobs and Early Experiences 12:38 Overcoming Hurdles: Mistakes and Lessons Learned 15:44 Revenue Growth and Scaling the Business 18:18 Financing the Stump Grinder 18:13 Monthly Earnings Breakdown 20:38 Building Business Relationships 22:19 Pricing and Payment Structure 23:55 Marketing Strategies 30:10 Future Business Prospects 33:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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129 - You Aren’t Crazy! Your Phone Is Listening to You and He Makes $1M/year From It with Brad Smith 37:41

πριν 7 weeks37:41

37:41

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with Brad Smith ( https://x.com/bradsmithcoach ), founder of Automation Links . We discuss how he helps businesses automate their marketing efforts, increase their reach, systemize their processes to scale effectively, and how all of this has helped him get investment opportunities. Brad shares insights into his journey, the evolution of Automation Links, and the secrets behind his impressive 80% margin business model . We explore the critical aspects of digital marketing in the age of AI, including CRM (Customer Relationship Management), SEO (Search Engine Optimization), paid ads, and organic social content . Also, we dive deep into the somewhat controversial concept of " pixel tracking " and the power of " omnipresent advertising ". Questions This Episode Answers: • Are our phones always listening to us? • How does Automation Links simplify marketing for small businesses? • How can digital pixel tracking reduce customer acquisition costs ? • How does omnipresent retargeting boost sales and engagement? • Why is staying lean and profitable sometimes more valuable than aggressive scaling? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction to Brad and His Business 01:17 The Role of Automation Links 02:07 Revenue and Growth Insights 03:55 Investment Opportunities and Business Philosophy 10:57 Digital Marketing Channels Explained 14:19 The Power of Pixels in Marketing 17:17 Setting Up Pixels for Your Business 19:06 Targeting Your Audience Effectively 19:39 Setting Up Pixels for Better Ad Targeting 20:35 Using Ads to Boost Organic Growth 22:09 Leveraging YouTube and Google's Ad Network 22:52 Pixel Tracking for Small Businesses 24:05 Practical Examples and Tips for Businesses 26:39 Choosing the Right Channel and Content Strategy 33:36 SEO and AI: The Future of Search 35:57 Content Calendar Strategy 36:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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128 - How a Family Business Scaled from Local to National Retail (6000 Stores) with Andrew Johnson 44:31

πριν 8 weeks44:31

44:31

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I interview Andrew Johnson (https://x.com/goodefoodsfam) about Goode Foods , the family business his father started after leaving pharmaceuticals. Andrew recounts how his dad leveraged his sales skills and network to build a food brokerage, land a contract with WIC centers , and expand into retail with their own brand of canned goods. He also shares how the COVID-19 pandemic led to massive growth and the decision to remain family-owned after his father’s passing. Questions This Episode Answers: How did Andrew's father use his sales experience to start a food business ? What was the golden age of Goode Foods ? How did Goode Foods expand its retail presence? How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact Goode Foods ? How did the company scale up to meet the surge of sales during the pandemic ? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Highlights 00:31 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:43 The Origin Story of Goode Foods 01:36 Family Background and Early Influences 03:46 Transition to Entrepreneurship 05:53 Building the Business from Scratch 07:41 Expansion and Government Contracts 15:28 Entering the Retail Market 17:38 The Birth of the Goode Brand 21:57 The Birth of Goode Foods 22:36 Breaking into Retail Giants 24:00 Navigating the Complexities of Retail 28:16 The Baby Food Opportunity 29:44 Pandemic-Induced Boom 35:14 Scaling and Expansion 39:44 Post-COVID Adjustments 39:50 Family Legacy and Future Plans…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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127 - I Built a $250K Tool in 90 Minutes (NO CODING!) with Chris Koerner 36:03

πριν 8 weeks36:03

36:03

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ) as we dive into AI app builders and explore lessons learned from a billionaire . Chris shares his plan to test AI-enabled app builders like Cursor and Replit to create a calorie counter app, aiming to identify the most efficient platform. He also recounts building a tool with Replete that analyzes vast financial data, potentially boosting a company's value significantly. Lastly, Chris reflects on insights gained from spending time with a Texas billionaire , focusing on his unique office setup and long-term strategic thinking. Questions This Episode Answers: What is the potential value of using AI to analyze large financial datasets? How can documenting current business processes prepare you for integrating AI agents ? What management and decision-making insights can be gained from observing successful leaders ? How can content creation and sharing lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations? Links and Resources: https:// replit .com https://www. cursor .com Share your ideas with us: Nik@cofounders.com Chris@cofounders.com Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction to Operator Usage 01:27 Experimenting with Multiple AI Tools 04:44 Preparing for AI Agents 08:04 Building a High-Value AI Tool 14:29 Insights from a Billionaire 17:51 The Shared Office Dynamic 18:32 Overqualified Team Members 19:11 Engaging and Direct Leadership 20:23 First Impressions and Office Culture 22:45 Action-Oriented Decision Making 24:09 Open Communication and Transparency 28:41 Long-Term Vision and Thinking 30:14 Validating Through Thought Processes 33:42 Encouraging Action and Sharing 33:44 Different Paths to Success…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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126 - SMB M&A Secrets: Navigating Small Business Acquisitions with Eric Pacifici 47:29

πριν 8 weeks47:29

47:29

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with Eric Pacifici ( https://x.com/SMB_Attorney ) from SMB Law Group , about his journey and insights on navigating the M&A landscape , mistakes that first-time business buyers make, and current trends in the SMB market . Eric discusses how his law firm became a preeminent name in SMB transactions , the crucial aspects of SBA loans , and underhyped opportunities in the market. Questions this Episode Answers: How did Kevin Henderson , Eric's partner, become known as the number one M&A attorney in Texas by deal count, and what unique approach does SMB Law Group take in handling SMB transactions ?. What are the biggest mistakes first-time business buyers make, and what crucial advice does Eric offer to avoid these pitfalls? What is a confession of judgment , why is it dangerous for business buyers, and how can buyers protect themselves from this mechanism? How do sale and leaseback transactions work, and why are they an underhyped opportunity for business buyers looking to acquire businesses with real estate? What does the structure of deals with investors actually looks like in the SBA ? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Rise of SMB Law Group 02:57 Building a Business in M&A Law 05:53 Kevin Henderson: A Case Study in Success 09:12 Navigating the M&A Landscape 12:00 Systematizing the Deal Process 14:45 The Importance of Experienced Counsel 18:04 Post-Closing Support for Clients 20:55 Common Mistakes of First-Time Buyers 24:13 Understanding Confession of Judgment Mechanism 27:04 The Importance of Transition Services 30:25 Navigating the M&A Market for SMBs 33:12 Valuations and Market Dynamics 38:53 Investor Structures in Self-Funded Searches 45:45 Exploring Sale and Leaseback Transactions…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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125 - How to Build a Multi-Million Dollar Business with Nothing But Desire with Erik Kaiser 59:43

πριν 9 weeks59:43

59:43

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with Erik Kaiser ( https://x.com/ErikKaiser ), a serial entrepreneur who went from an eight-year-old struggling with confidence and focus to building a multi-million dollar empire spanning industries and continents. Erik shares his unconventional journey, highlighting the pivotal role of desire and a unique approach he calls " dot collecting ". We explore his aversion to traditional academic paths , his hands-on approach to business, and his unique perspective on constraints and profitability . Questions this Episode Answers: What drove Erik Kaiser's success : desire , and how did it shape his business approach? How does Erik Kaiser's " dot collecting " inform problem-solving and innovation? How have constraints shaped Erik Kaiser's entrepreneurial journey? Why does Erik Kaiser prioritize profitability over top-line revenue? How did Crush the Memory emerge, and what user problem does it address? What is Erik Kaiser's vision for Crush the Memory beyond a recording device? What key insight did Erik Kaiser gain from Kickstarter , and how did it impact product launches? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction and Achievements 01:19 The Power of Desire 02:16 ADHD and Entrepreneurial Traits 03:50 The Importance of Intellectual Stimulation 07:29 Constraints and Bootstrapping 11:57 Team Structure and Operations 16:49 Revenue vs. Profit 21:00 Navigating Business Ups and Downs 24:30 Incubating and Launching Brands 29:32 Challenges and Opportunities in Hardware 32:21 Navigating the Unknown: Early Challenges and Decisions 32:35 Introducing Crush: The AI Recording Device 33:52 From Idea to Reality: The Development Journey 35:16 Overcoming Technical Hurdles: Hardware and Software 39:47 The Financial Reality: Costs and Investments 43:18 Kickstarter Experience: Learning and Marketing 45:14 Market Response and Future Plans 50:33 Exploring New Markets: Healthcare and Beyond 52:22 Vision for the Future: Crush as a Social Network 58:58 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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124 - How to Piggyback Your Way to Success: AI, Med Spas, Golf Courses and More with Chris Koerner 51:38

πριν 9 weeks51:38

51:38

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ) as we explore different cool business ideas: Med Spas and Golf Courses and AI Agents . We kick things off with a lighthearted story about a raisin cane's visit and a "Think You Should Leave" t-shirt. Then, we dive into the booming Med Spa market , driven by millennials obsessed with health and aging. We discuss the potential of integrating Med Spas with golf courses and other membership-based businesses, like tennis clubs. Chris shares an idea about a sauna/cold plunge business inside a gym or country club. We then shift gears to AI agents , discussing how to leverage them for market research and opportunity identification, including how to find and extract insights from interviews. We wrap up with a review of OpenAI’s new tools, GPT Operator and Deep Research , weighing their pros and cons for business applications. Questions This Episode Answers: What makes Med Spas such a rapidly growing market, and how can entrepreneurs capitalize on this trend? How can businesses piggyback on existing establishments like golf courses or gyms to gain a competitive edge and increase revenue? Are cold plunges and saunas an oversaturated market, or is there still room for growth? How can AI be leveraged to identify ideal business locations and understand market dynamics? What are the key advantages and disadvantages of using OpenAI’s GPT Operator and Deep Research for business research and analysis? Share your ideas with us: Nik@cofounders.com Chris@cofounders.com Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Highlights 00:33 Family Outing at Raisin Cane's 01:07 The Iconic '55 Burgers' Shirt 03:11 Med Spas and Their Growing Popularity 04:50 Med Spas in Golf Courses: A New Trend? 06:25 Revenue Models and Business Strategies 10:57 Cold Plunge and Sauna Business Ideas 16:50 Leveraging AI for Business Success 24:13 Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs 27:27 Unveiling Deep Research Capabilities 28:49 Exploring Chris Crone's Profile with Deep Research 29:59 Deep Research: Asking the Right Questions 31:19 Maximizing Deep Research on a Budget 33:05 Introducing GPT Operator and Deep Research 34:43 Impact on Industry Reports and Market Analysis 37:14 Challenges and Limitations of GPT Operator 40:27 The Future of AI and Self-Driving Technology 45:04 Deep Research: Pros and Cons 48:24 Practical Applications and Early Adoption…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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123 - How I Made $150K in 3 Weeks with Christmas Lights (After a Job Selling Toothpaste) with Anne McGinty 45:19

πριν 9 weeks45:19

45:19

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Anne's Podcast: How I Built My Small Business https://www.annemcginty.com/how-i-built-my-small-business Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with Anne McGinty , who shares her journey from a demoralizing sales job selling toothpaste to building a successful Christmas light hanging business . Anne discusses her early hustle in the Bay Area , including a greeting card business and real estate investments in Jackson Hole, Wyoming . She emphasizes the importance of making connections and getting to know people in sales. Anne explains how she and her husband stumbled upon the idea for a Christmas lighting business after hearing about others making six figures doing it. She highlights their strategy of targeting price-insensitive neighborhoods like Pacific Heights and Presidio Heights in San Francisco to maximize efficiency and recurring business. Anne also touches on their focus on customer service , communication , and quality to achieve an 85% customer retention rate . Questions this Episode Answers: How can you turn a simple side hustle into a thriving seasonal business ? What are the key factors in achieving high customer retention in a service-based business? How does focusing on high-net-worth areas impact business growth and profitability? What strategies can you use to effectively market a seasonal service with a limited budget? How do you decide when it's the right time to sell a successful business and transition to passive income ? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Highlights 00:40 Introduction and Early Career Struggles 02:00 First Steps into Entrepreneurship 03:16 Real Estate Ventures and Success 06:39 Cultural Influences and Family Background 14:05 The Christmas Lighting Business 21:19 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Philosophy 25:35 Reflecting on the Journey 25:43 Launching the Business 26:20 Early Challenges and Strategies 29:17 Customer Acquisition Tactics 29:59 Unexpected Ventures and Learnings 32:46 Financial Insights and Growth 37:47 Selling the Business 42:44 Reflections and Future Plans…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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122 - TOP PICK! How to Start a Business in 2025 (Two-Step Guide) with Michael Girdley 39:39

πριν 10 weeks39:39

39:39

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with Michael Girdley ( https://x.com/girdley ), a serial entrepreneur and investor , about building a business , avoiding common mistakes, and identifying future opportunities. Michael shares insights from his diverse experiences, from Alamo Fireworks to Gertling Media, emphasizing the importance of experience and strategic business choices. We delve into overrated business opportunities and explore unconventional business models. Questions this Episode Answers: What two-step process would Michael Girdley follow to build a business in 2025, and how would he make his first million dollars? Why does Michael Girdley advise against buying a business as your first venture , especially for a young entrepreneur? What are some overrated business opportunities in today’s market, and what sectors hold promise for the future? What is Michael Girdley's contrarian belief about business, and how does it influence his perspective on career choices and entrepreneurial paths ? What unconventional business model does Michael find fascinating? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:00 Business Ventures and Investments 01:44 Current Business Scale and Operations 03:09 Starting Over in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide 05:13 The Value of Experience and Financial Safety 07:11 Starting a Low-Capex Services Business 10:01 The Reality of Online Courses 14:19 The Hold Co Conference and Learning from Failure 19:44 Sympathizing with the Struggles of Entrepreneurs 19:15 The Fine Line Between Faking It and Failing 21:22 Excitement for the Upcoming Conference 22:09 The Concept of an Unconference 23:21 Challenges and Risks in Event Planning 24:28 Innovative Business Models in Event Management 29:22 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 32:24 Contrarian Views on Business Opportunities 35:16 The Importance of Personal Fit in Career Choices 38:32 Different Paths to Entrepreneurship 39:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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121 - Is Dan Peña a Genius or a Fraud? What "The Trillion Dollar Man" Really Teaches with Chris Koerner 41:21

πριν 10 weeks41:21

41:21

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ) as we discuss the world of self-help gurus , focusing on the controversial Dan Pena . We discuss Pena's background and his claims of building a massive oil company and hosting $30,000 mastermind seminars. We unpack his extreme persona and tactics , while also trying to understand his success. We debate the value of his teachings, and the question of whether his advice is actually helpful. We also explore a real-life negotiation with a group using Pena's brand, and discuss the important difference between motivational speaking and providing a concrete business plan. We finish off by discussing AI , and the possibility of creating businesses that protect consumers from the spam resulting from new technologies. Questions This Episode Answers: Is there any real value in Dan Pena’s QLA method, or is it all just hype? How can you differentiate between a good business guru, like Alex Hormozi , and a bad one, like Dan Pena ? How can we apply the positive aspects of Pena’s extreme self-belief in a reasonable way? How can you identify emerging business opportunities by thinking of both the "disease" and the "cure," specifically in relation to new technologies like AI ? How can you think of new businesses by productizing the prompts you use in chat GPT or other AI tools? Share your ideas with us: Nik@cofounders.com Chris@cofounders.com Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction to Controversial Gurus 00:58 Meet Dan Pena: The Trillion Dollar Man 02:09 Dan Pena's Predictions and Background 03:59 Dan Pena's Business Ventures 08:32 The QLA Principles Unveiled 13:28 A Personal Encounter with Dan Pena's Team 18:05 Unshakable Belief in Entrepreneurship 18:51 The Fyre Fest and WeWork Examples 20:06 Alex Hormozi's Tactical Approach 20:47 Sales Gurus and Their Strategies 22:11 Dan Pena's Podcast Invitation 25:43 AI and the Future of Outbound Marketing 28:00 AI Tools and Consumer Defense 36:22 PhD-Level Autonomous Agents 37:52 Productizing AI Prompts 40:27 Exploring Custom GPTs…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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120 - TOP PICK! How to Build a Million Dollar Business with James Camp 45:19

πριν 10 weeks45:19

45:19

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with James Camp ( https://x.com/JamesonCamp ), a serial entrepreneur who shares his journey from doing SEO as a teen to building and exiting multiple companies. James discusses his strategy of buying "unsexy" internet businesses , emphasizing cash flow , and leveraging distribution . He also delves into his past experiences in affiliate marketing , and his thoughts on the importance of a strong personal brand . We explore his future plans, which include a potential move into investment banking and a greater focus on content creation. Questions this Episode Answers: How can early experiences in SEO and affiliate marketing shape an entrepreneurial approach? What are the advantages of acquiring " unsexy " internet businesses and focusing on cash flow ? How can distribution channels be leveraged to drive growth and find new business opportunities? What are the key differences between product-focused tech companies and those focused on customer acquisition ? How can personal brand be a competitive advantage when attracting investors and building a business? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Highlights 00:29 Introduction and Early Ventures 00:58 Transition to Unsexy Internet Businesses 03:28 Current Portfolio and Investments 06:24 Lessons from Aggregating Small Businesses 10:10 Early Entrepreneurial Journey 13:40 Nightclub Promoter to Entrepreneur 15:58 Challenges and Setbacks 18:22 Focus on Distribution and Customer Acquisition 22:12 Debating Pronunciations and Stock Market Comparisons 23:10 The Value of Distribution and Course Selling 24:56 Personal Branding and Polarizing Marketing 28:07 Financial Goals and Realistic Expectations 35:29 Investment Strategies and Business Models 40:20 The Concept of Wrappers in Business 43:32 Future Plans and Midlife Reflections…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

1
119 - How to Find High-Paying Consulting Clients (and What to Do Once You Land Them) with Sean O'Dowd 34:42

πριν 11 weeks34:42

34:42

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with Sean O’Dowd ( https://x.com/SeanODowd15 ), who runs the real estate fund Scholastic Capital . Sean shares how he went from consulting to building a fund that buys single-family homes in good school districts. He explains how he used platforms like Catalant to find high-paying consulting clients and emphasized the importance of functional skills and being a business " athlete ". Sean also discusses how he leveraged his consulting income to begin building a real estate portfolio and how Twitter became crucial for networking, fundraising, and finding legal help . We also touch on his unique strategy of building a portfolio in the upper Midwest , and targeting a $100 million valuation. Questions this Episode Answers: How can you leverage consulting to fund your entrepreneurial ventures? What strategies can you use to find high-paying consulting clients on platforms like Catalant ? How can Twitter be a surprisingly powerful tool for networking and fundraising? How to structure a real estate fund including management fees, preferred returns and investor distributions? What are the long-term financial benefits of growing a fund to over $100 million ? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Highlights 00:40 Introduction to the Real Estate Fund 01:08 From Consulting to Real Estate 01:48 The Consulting Journey 02:33 Breaking into Entrepreneurship 03:49 The Catalan Experience 04:30 Financial Success and Lifestyle Changes 12:40 Starting the Real Estate Fund 17:40 Understanding the Fund Structure 18:23 Management Fees and Team Building 19:11 GP LP Model Explained 19:39 Preferred Returns and Fund Models 20:10 Hiring and Operational Costs 23:23 Growth Strategy and Future Plans 25:45 Acquisition Strategy and Market Focus 28:23 Twitter as a Fundraising Tool 31:46 Investor Relations and Transparency 32:55 Current Performance and Market Tactics…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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118 - How to Start a High-Profit "Convenience" Business (That's Not a Scam) with Chris Koerner 29:19

πριν 11 weeks29:19

29:19

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ) as we discuss the world of sales and unexpectedly profitable business models, such as pest control , a field Chris has personal experience in. We examine how high incomes can be achieved through door-to-door sales , as well as the financial dynamics of the pest control industry. We also discuss the compensation structure of sales crews and the potential of renting out specialized licenses . We explore the idea of pest control as a convenience service rather than a necessity, and share the story of an entrepreneur who achieved remarkable success with a Christmas lighting business. Questions This Episode Answers: How can door-to-door sales lead to high income , even seven-figure earnings What are the underlying economics of a high-margin service business like pest control ? What are the less obvious revenue opportunities within established industries, such as renting out licenses ? How can one identify and capitalize on "convenience" businesses ? Share your ideas with us: Nik@cofounders.com Chris@cofounders.com Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes 03:36 The Economics of Pest Control 06:45 Insights on Sales Ethics and Practices 12:12 Personal Experiences in Pest Control 15:50 Questioning the Effectiveness of Pest Control 17:15 Revelation: Pest Control is a Scam 18:08 The Convenience Business Model 19:22 Success Story: Christmas Lighting Business 24:46 Entrepreneurial Spectrum: Different Approaches 27:02 Learning from Mistakes: The Importance of Knowledge…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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117 - How He Used Legacy Media to Build a $100M+ Business Empire with Craig Fuller 1:02:09

πριν 11 weeks1:02:09

1:02:09

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with Craig Fuller ( https://x.com/freightAlley ), a prolific entrepreneur who has built multiple successful businesses in the transportation and media industries. Craig shares his journey from trying to build a futures market for trucking to discovering the power of media and distribution . He explains how his data business, Sonar , was initially driven by his media company, FreightWaves , and how he later acquired numerous legacy media publications under the Firecrown umbrella. Craig discusses his strategy of buying established media brands with strong brand equity and loyal audiences to leverage them for non-media business opportunities, and emphasizes the value of owning distribution . He also touches on the importance of being malleable as a founder, and how his original ideas often shifted in response to new information. We also discuss his acquisition of a massive model railroad museum and his plans to create a physical experience tied to his media empire. Questions this Episode Answers: Why is distribution more important than product development? How can legacy media properties be used to drive business growth? How can entrepreneurs leverage print media in a digital world? How can owning an audience create new business opportunities? Why is it so important to own distribution when launching a business? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ 00:00 The Media Empire: Building a Diverse Portfolio 02:53 Navigating the Complexities of Media and Data Businesses 06:10 The Evolution of FreightWaves: From Idea to Execution 09:06 Understanding Market Dynamics: The Role of Data in Freight 11:57 The Importance of Distribution in Business Success 15:11 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Embracing Flexibility and Adaptation 18:02 The Power of Media: Influencing Perceptions and Driving Sales 20:53 The Role of NDAs and Trust in Business Relationships 24:07 Acquisition Strategy: Building a Media Network through Legacy Brands 30:40 Overview of Nikolas Hulewsky's Podcast and Business Insights 31:09 The Value of Legacy Print Media 32:08 Acquisition Strategies for Traditional Media 34:03 The Lindy Effect and Long-Lasting Brands 35:30 Building Community and Audience Engagement 36:54 Rapid Expansion in Media Acquisitions 39:21 Creating a Transportation Museum Experience 40:18 The Power of Physical Experiences 44:08 Framework for Identifying Media Opportunities 51:15 Leveraging Local Healthcare for Media Opportunities 56:28 The Case for Buying Sports Illustrated…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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116 - How This Mom Built a 7-Figure Business from Home and How You Can Too with Jayne Havens 49:04

πριν 12 weeks49:04

49:04

Click Here to Become a Certified Sleep Consultant Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with Jayne Havens , who built a 7-figure sleep consulting business from her kitchen. Jayne shares how she transitioned from event planning to helping parents with their children's sleep, initially through Facebook groups . She now runs an online sleep consultant certification program , which is the main source of revenue, and offers two-week virtual consultations using text and email. Jayne emphasizes the power of a strong mindset and her experience with sales, that helped her grow her business. Jayne's success is also a result of recognizing a need, having a good understanding of her customer and her service and ultimately scaling her business by creating an online training program . Questions this Episode Answers: How can you start a business from home using social media? How do you scale a service-based business by creating a training program ? How does having the right mindset influence business growth? How can a business owner create a training program that provides value for its students? How can you transition from a side hustle to a 7-figure business? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ 00:00 Introduction to Sleep Consulting Business 06:04 Understanding Client Needs 11:52 The Journey to Entrepreneurship 17:54 Service Structure and Client Interaction 26:15 Automating Communication for Efficiency 32:46 Building a Business: Time and Effort Required 39:19 Creating a Comprehensive Training Program 45:21 The Changing Landscape of Parenting and Sleep Training…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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115 - TOP PICK! The Easiest Way to Make Money with AI (No Code) with Chris Koerner 33:43

πριν 12 weeks33:43

33:43

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ) as we explore how AI is changing the world and uncover exciting AI business ideas . We discuss the rise of digital detox , the impact of po*nography addiction and phone addiction , and how these growing issues present business opportunities . We also break down the business of AI prompts , including how to sell prompts on platforms like PromptBase.com - and why a single prompt can be the foundation for an entire SaaS product . Plus, we talk about how prompts are becoming the new SEO , the power of AI wrappers in simplifying complex tools, and an AI-powered tool concept that helps entrepreneurs find great business ideas by analyzing their data and personal experiences . Questions This Episode Answers: How can you build a business around AI prompts and sell them profitably? Why are digital detox and porn addiction recovery becoming big business opportunities? How do AI wrappers make complex tools easier to use and monetize? What makes prompts the new SEO , and how can you capitalize on it? How can AI help entrepreneurs discover their next big business idea ? Links and Resources: https:// promptbase .com - Buy and sell prompts for AI tools. https:// replit .com - Make a chatbot. https://www. cursor .com - Tool that helps you coding and creating apps . Share your ideas with us: Nik@cofounders.com Chris@cofounders.com Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Exploring Business Opportunities in AI 02:52 Digital Addiction and Its Impact 06:08 The Role of po*nography in Modern Society 08:55 Creating Retreats for Digital Detox 11:46 Leveraging AI for Business Ideas 15:08 The Power of Prompts in AI 17:59 Building SaaS Products from Prompts 20:49 The Concept of Wrappers in Business 24:08 Using AI for Personal and Business Growth 26:55 Accountability and Idea Validation with AI…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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114 - TOP PICK! How This 25-Year-Old Built a $1M+ Pest Control Business with Casey McDaniel 36:15

πριν 12 weeks36:15

36:15

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with Casey McDaniel ( https://x.com/pestctrlguy ), a 25 year old entrepreneur who co-founded a rapidly growing pest control company. Casey shares his journey from door-to-door sales to building a multi-million dollar business with $1.3 million in recurring revenue , managed remotely from another state. He explains the recurring revenue model of the pest control business, highlighting its high margins and the value of route density. He emphasizes that the biggest barrier to entry is the master license, which requires 2-3 years of experience. Casey also discusses how door-to-door sales is their key customer acquisition strategy and how they've achieved gross margins around $120 on a $135 service. He shares how they started with $8,000 worth of chemicals in his garage and scaled up to a million-dollar business in 3 years. Questions this Episode Answers: How can you start a business with only $4,000 ? What is the appeal of door-to-door sales , and why is it so effective ? How do you build a high-margin business with recurring revenue ? How do you manage a remote team and keep them accountable? How to grow a business to $1 million in revenue? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ 00:00 The World of Door-to-Door Sales 10:07 Understanding Pest Control Business Models 19:59 The Economics of Pest Control 30:09 Building a Pest Control Business 35:54 Future Goals and Work-Life Balance…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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113 - How Constraints Built OpenPhone into a Thriving Business with Daryna Kulya 48:15

πριν 13 weeks48:15

48:15

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with Daryna Kulya ( https://x.com/darynakulya ), founder of OpenPhone , a business phone system empowering over 50,000 businesses. Daryna shares how her personal frustration with expensive phone bills sparked the idea for OpenPhone . She explains how it’s more than just calls and texts, focusing on stronger customer relationships through automation and team collaboration . We discuss how OpenPhone provides a user-friendly, modern alternative to enterprise systems like Ring Central , emphasizing their focus on ease of use and customer experience. Daryna also talks about how they grew through scrappy bootstrapping and using channels like Facebook groups or Reddit , and the vision of OpenPhone as it evolves to be more than a phone system and more like a CRM to provide value for business owners. Questions this Episode Answers: How did a personal frustration lead to a business idea that now helps over 50,000 businesses? What makes OpenPhone different from other phone systems , and how does that help small business owners ? How can a company grow without spending a lot of money on advertising ? Why can ' bootstrapping ' be a good thing for a startup ? How can technology (AI) help a business improve customer relationships without being complicated? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ 00:00 Intro 01:40 From Constraints to Creativity 02:59 The Evolution of OpenPhone 10:08 Blurring Lines: Phone Systems and CRMs 20:43 The Importance of Communication in Business 24:05 The Journey of OpenPhone's Creation 29:18 From Idea to Product: The Early Days 30:44 Bootstrapping vs. Raising Funds 34:03 Scrappy Customer Acquisition Strategies 40:12 Passion for Product and Customer Experience 44:58 Future Aspirations and Company Vision…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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112 - Why Marketing is MORE Important than Ever in the AI Age with Chris Koerner 40:25

πριν 13 weeks40:25

40:25

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ) as we explore the legacy of Frank Kern , the "OG" internet marketing guru. We break down his 8-step sales framework , from creating scarcity to overwhelming with value , and discuss how these strategies remain essential in the AI era . We also talk about the art of reverse-engineering marketing funnels, borrowing proven strategies, and adapting them for success. Plus, we explore two AI investment strategies - short-term "cigarette butt" opportunities vs. long-term, human-centered business models - and how trends like rebundling show how "what’s old becomes new again." Questions This Episode Answers: What are Frank Kern’s key steps for selling anything? How can you reverse-engineer successful funnels for your business? What marketing insights can we learn from pioneers like Gary Halbert and Claude Hopkins ? How can businesses prioritize human connection in the age of AI ? What opportunities arise from the cyclical nature of business trends ? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Origins of Internet Marketing and Frank Kern 10:07 Frank Kern's Eight-Step Selling Process 20:13 The Importance of Copying Successful Strategies 29:48 Investment Strategies in the Age of AI…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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111 - How to Get Started in Property Management with Peter Lohmann 36:20

πριν 13 weeks36:20

36:20

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with Peter Lohman ( https://x.com/pslohmann ), the owner of a residential property management company in Columbus, Ohio. Peter discusses his 11 years of experience managing rental homes and apartments , detailing how he grew his business to nearly 700 units and almost $3 million in annual revenue. He explains the importance of revenue per door as a key metric, the challenges of having both property owners and tenants as customers, and the three main functions of a property manager : rent collection , maintenance , and leasing . Peter shares his journey from being an engineer to a property management business owner and offers insights into how to start and grow a property management company . Questions this Episode Answers: What is Peter’s property management business and how did he get started ? What are the key metrics Peter uses to measure his business's performance ? Who are Peter’s two main customer groups and what challenges arise from this? What are the main responsibilities of a property manager? What are the key steps to starting a property management company? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Highlights 00:27 Introduction to Property Management 00:54 Revenue and Profit Margins 02:29 Understanding Clients and Tenants 03:06 Key Responsibilities of Property Managers 03:37 Profiles of Property Owners 04:29 Why Hire a Property Management Company? 05:41 Payment Structures and Fees 06:34 Company History and Growth 10:50 Remote and Local Operations 16:16 Starting a Property Management Business 19:02 Finding Your First Clients 19:29 Early Challenges and Strategies 20:47 Benchmarks in Property Management 21:50 The Importance of Community 23:27 Scaling Your Business 30:57 Operational Complexities 32:21 Opportunities in Property Management 35:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

1
110 - The Truth About Overseas Hiring with Connor Gross 38:10

πριν 14 weeks38:10

38:10

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with Connor Gross ( https://x.com/c_gro ), a serial entrepreneur who shares his experiences building multiple businesses, including his latest venture, a recruiting company called Constant Hire . Connor discusses his journey from selling an Amazon FBA brand to investing in self-storage facilities and launching an e-commerce business , detailing his passion for building scalable, profitable companies. He explains why he pivoted from his initial idea of helping baby boomers sell their businesses to focusing on recruiting and staffing , and how he differentiates Constant Hire from traditional staffing companies. Connor also shares his insights on the importance of niching down on specific roles and the value of a contingent-based payment model, as well as his views on the future of product development and distribution. Questions this Episode Answers: What are the various businesses Connor has launched , and what drove him to start them? What motivated Connor to enter the recruiting industry ? How does Constant Hire's recruiting strategy differ from traditional staffing agencies? How does Connor acquire clients for his recruiting business? What are the critical elements to consider when starting a recruiting business ? What are Connor's thoughts on the future of product development and distribution ? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ 00:00 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 03:00 Building a Recruiting Business 05:52 Challenges in the Staffing Industry 09:13 Niche Focus and Market Strategy 12:10 The Economics of Recruiting 15:05 Customer Acquisition Strategies 17:59 The Future of Talent Acquisition 20:51 The Importance of Niche Roles 24:12 Scaling and Profitability 27:08 Reflections on Business Growth 30:03 The Future of Business and Distribution…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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109 - What Viral Reels Teach Us About Business with Chris Koerner 33:29

πριν 14 weeks33:29

33:29

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ), as we explore business concepts inspired by viral Instagram content . We analyze various opportunities from experiential retail to mobile businesses and unique products , discussing how to leverage current trends for entrepreneurial success. We emphasize the importance of creating an indistractable experience and capturing consumer attention . We also discuss how to create businesses with products or experiences that parents will find difficult to say "no" to. Questions this Episode Answers: How can you blend traditional services with unique experiential components to create a standout business? In an increasingly digital world, why is there a growing appeal for physical, indistractable experiences ? What are some ways to build businesses that capture and hold consumer attention , leveraging the power of unique experiences? How can businesses design an experience to make it irresistible for parents to purchase for their children? What are some examples of unique product businesses and how can you capitalize on current trends? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Highlights & Introduction 00:58 Evaluating Instagram Business Ideas 01:37 Sandbox Coffee Shop Concept 03:33 Experiential Business Models 09:20 Cold Wet Socks Therapy 11:20 Marketing and Monetizing Simple Ideas 16:57 Micro Peas and Immaturity 17:12 Live Fish Vending Machine 19:41 Business Ideas for Kids 22:48 Mobile Bookstore Concept 27:34 Jerry Springer and Attention Economy 32:20 Parenting and Distractions…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

1
108 - Sky Lanterns and Music Festivals: Building a $10M Empire, with Spencer Humiston 43:05

πριν 14 weeks43:05

43:05

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I speak with Spencer Humiston ( https://x.com/BowTiedLimeBoss ), a lawyer turned entrepreneur who is the founder of Night Lights ( https://nightlightsevent.com ), a company that organizes sky lantern festivals across the United States. Spencer shares his journey of creating an experiential business , the legal hurdles he overcame, and the surprising pivots he made along the way. We talk about how he expanded his business from sky lantern festivals to a country music festival and a marketing and ticketing company . Spencer also provides insights into the financial aspects of his businesses and the difficulties he has encountered while scaling them. Questions this Episode Answers: How did Spencer transition from a law career to an experiential business ? What are the key legal and logistical challenges of running sky lantern festivals ? What are the different businesses Spencer has created, and how do they relate to each other? How does Spencer approach marketing, ticketing and pricing for his events? What are some of the challenges and rewards of running experiential businesses ? What does Spencer think about the future of the experience-based business space ? What advice does Spencer have for aspiring entrepreneurs ? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Highlights & Introduction 01:12 Founding Nightlights 01:32 Challenges and Misunderstandings 02:07 Expanding Ventures 02:39 Event Logistics and Revenue 03:46 Country Music Festival Collaboration 06:38 Launching Great Crowd 09:39 Sky Lanterns in America 12:04 Logistics and Legalities 15:09 Parking and Venue Challenges 22:04 The Lantern Crew: Who They Are and What They Do 22:57 Ticket Pricing and Sales Strategy 23:37 The Backend Team and Operations 25:10 Marketing and Revenue Challenges 26:04 Event Logistics and Risks 30:53 Music Festivals and New Ventures 34:05 The Anti-Conference Concept 38:25 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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107 - How This Hot Sauce Maker Got on Hot Ones with Scott Zalkind 46:35

πριν 15 weeks46:35

46:35

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I sit down with Scott Zalkind ( https://luckydoghotsauce.com/ ), the founder of Lucky Dog Hot Sauce , to explore his journey from a horticulturalist to IT professional to hot sauce entrepreneur . Scott shares his unique story, detailing how a passion for spicy food and a desire to do something creative led him to start his hot sauce company. He discusses how his background in project management, along with his scientific approach to recipe development, has shaped his business. Scott also talks about the experience of having his sauce featured on "Hot Ones" and the impact that had on his brand. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of the hot sauce business , including the challenges of production, pricing, and distribution . Scott explains why he chose to use a co-packer and how he navigates the complexities of the food industry. We also discuss his iterative approach to recipe creation, the importance of customer feedback , and the pursuit of making the "perfect" hot sauce, and how he uses the concept of "failing up" to improve his recipes. Questions this Episode Answers: How did being featured on "Hot Ones" impact Lucky Dog Hot Sauce? What is a co-packer , and why is it essential for a small-batch hot sauce company? How does Scott approach pricing and distribution in a competitive market, and what is his perspective on success? What is the philosophy of "failing up," and how does it apply to developing a hot sauce recipe? What advice does Scott have for other entrepreneurs , particularly regarding pricing and profit margins? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

1
106 - TOP PICK! How to Use AI Agents to Do the Work For You with Chris Koerner 43:59

πριν 15 weeks43:59

43:59

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ), as we discuss how AI agents can automate tasks, focusing on their potential to revolutionize both business and personal productivity. We brainstormed various ideas for using AI agents , such as making restaurant reservations and gathering quotes for wedding planning. We also considered having AI agents call businesses for market research , gather data from different industries, and build newsletters based on that data Questions this Episode Answers: How can AI agents be used to automate tasks like making calls for market research or to get quotes, and what makes this different from previous technology? What are some creative ways to productize and monetize AI agent technology, and why might focusing on a niche be a good idea? How can you acknowledge the awkwardness of AI agent calls, and why is it important to get ahead of the pause ? What are some simple ways to start a business around teaching others how to use AI tools like Chat GPT, and how can that lead to more opportunities? How can you use AI agents to collect valuable proprietary information or sentiment, and what are some revenue models that could be built around that? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction and Opening Banter 00:51 AI Agents and Restaurant Reservations 01:32 The Evolution of AI Technology 03:03 Washing Dishes and Creative Thinking 04:44 Business Ideas and Market Research 06:36 Wedding Planning with AI 11:47 The Future of AI in Everyday Tasks 15:09 Practical Uses of AI and Personal Experiences 20:08 Domain Names and Business Potential 21:06 Exploring Business Ideas: From Weddings to Parking Tickets 21:38 The Power of a Good Domain Name 22:06 AI's Transformative Potential 22:22 Teaching AI to the Next Generation 24:20 Entrepreneurial Opportunities with AI 25:00 Building a Business Around AI Education 31:47 Proprietary Information and AI Agents 34:41 The Value of Aggregated Data 39:45 Challenges and Costs of AI Agents 41:42 Final Thoughts and Future Applications…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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105 - TOP PICK! How to Build a 50k Local Newsletter in 6 Months Using AI with Jas Singh 43:18

πριν 15 weeks43:18

43:18

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ) as I sit down with Jas Singh ( https://x.com/CreatingJas ), to discuss his journey into local newsletters and how he grew his to 50,000 subscribers in just six months. Jas shares how he transitioned from an AI newsletter to a local newsletter focused on the city of Winnipeg, and how he leveraged his past experience in building a following of 35,000 followers to create a thriving community-based platform. He also explains why he chose to focus on local news, events and community initiatives instead of crime and politics. In this episode, we explore the reasons why newsletters are becoming increasingly popular, focusing on how they allow creators to own the relationship with their audience, bypassing the limitations of social media algorithms . Jas also shares his strategies for content curation , using AI tools like ChatGPT to tailor his writing style, and his approach to ad sales , including how he prices ads for local businesses, and how he has scaled his business to 50,000 subscribers in 6 months . Questions this Episode Answers: Why did Jas decide to switch from an AI -focused newsletter to a local newsletter ? How did Jas grow his local newsletter audience to 50,000 subscribers in just 6 months ? How does Jas use AI in his newsletter creation process, and what aspects of the newsletter are curated manually? What are the most effective strategies for acquiring subscribers , and how does Jas approach paid advertising on Facebook ? How does Jas monetize his newsletter, and what are some of the key selling points for advertisers ? What are the key elements of a local newsletter that make it a viable side hustle ? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Newsletter Journey and Growth 02:53 Understanding the Value of Newsletters 03:40 Local vs. Traditional Newsletters 04:40 Content and Structure of the Newsletter 06:14 Choosing the Right Newsletter Focus 10:03 Frequency and Content Management 14:55 Using AI and Manual Processes 20:01 Growing the Subscriber Base 22:52 Subscriber Acquisition Costs 23:56 Effective Ad Strategies 24:58 Subscriber Retention Insights 25:34 Exploring Acquisition Channels 30:23 Monetization Strategies 39:35 Revenue and Costs Breakdown 41:17 The Side Hustle Potential 42:54 Final Thoughts and Contact Info…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

1
104 - Why a Talent Partner is Key to Your Company's Growth with Kelie Morgan 58:33

πριν 16 weeks58:33

58:33

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ) as I sit down with Kelie Morgan ( https://x.com/keliemorgan ), founder of 10th Street Talent , an executive recruiting firm that spun out of Permanent Equity, to discuss how she built her company and how it operates. Kelie shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom and part-time fitness instructor to becoming a leader at a family-owned fitness center, then joining Permanent Equity and eventually launching 10th Street Talent. Kelie describes how the company is more of an internal talent partner than an external service provider, and that it focuses on finding transformational leaders for small to medium sized businesses in growth mode. She also explains how they utilize AI and other innovative strategies to improve the talent search process. In this episode, we explore the genesis of 10th Street Talent and their unique approach to executive search , which involves a highly collaborative, strategic process to find the best talent for their clients. Kelie also talks about the importance of a "white glove" service and building a team focused on client fulfillment. Questions this Episode Answers: How did 10th Street Talent evolve from an internal talent solution at Permanent Equity to a standalone executive recruiting firm ? What does it mean to be a "talent partner" and how does that differ from traditional executive search firms ? How does 10th Street Talent use AI and other innovative tools to enhance its search process and find the best talent? What is the ideal client profile for 10th Street Talent, and what is their service model? What does the financial structure of 10th Street Talent look like and what is Kelie's vision for the future of the company? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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103 - Is Consistency Overrated? Content, Wins & Losses, Investments, & Our 2024 Business Lessons with Chris Koerner 45:18

πριν 16 weeks45:18

45:18

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), and my business partner Chris Koerner ( https://x.com/mhp_guy ), as we dive into another episode of HoldCo Bros! We talk about our absolutely transformative 2024 . It was a year of big wins and some pretty big fails , and we're breaking it all down. Is consistency overrated when it comes to content ? We're debating that and more! We discussed the world of content creation , going from cringe to building an audience of over a million people across multiple platforms. We explore how short-form video is like a lottery ticket - a small investment that can change everything. We also discuss how building an audience can create new opportunities, such as launching our vending machine business that already did over $200k in sales, as well as getting into some unsexy but profitable businesses. Of course, we're also talking about some tough lessons learned from our crypto business and other ventures that didn't work out. Plus, we're sharing our exciting plans for 2025 . Chris's YouTube: http://tkopod.co/p-yt Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Reflecting on a Chaotic Year 01:22 Quitting the Job and Embracing Entrepreneurship 02:31 The Power of Content Creation 03:59 Building an Audience and Exploring Opportunities 05:33 The Impact of Short Form Video 07:46 Turning Ideas into Reality 15:14 The Value of Consistency and Passion in Content 23:49 Exploring the Fun of Reporting 24:22 Big Wins and Validations 26:42 Building a Sales Team 29:05 Launching Repeat Leads 30:20 Investing in Communities and Businesses 37:25 Challenges and Failures 42:58 Looking Forward to 2025…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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102 - EBITDA vs. SDE: What Every Business Buyer Needs to Know with Dennis Unrein 42:20

πριν 17 weeks42:20

42:20

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ) as I sit down with Dennis Unrein ( https://x.com/dennis_unrein ), a micro VC and SMB -focused investor, to discuss the evolving world of micro private equity and self-funded searchers . Dennis shares his journey from JP Morgan to launching Private Ventures Group (PVG), a firm that helps high-net-worth investors and family offices tap into private markets. We break down concepts like SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles) , the difference between EBITDA and SDE , and how to use media-driven strategies to find compelling deals. In this episode, we also explore the growing trend of acquiring businesses in niche industries like elderly care and telecommunications testing , and why investing in retiring baby boomer businesses offers unique opportunities. Questions this Episode Answers: What is a self-funded searcher , and how does it differ from a traditional search model? How do SPVs simplify investments and deal flow for small businesses? Why are retiring baby boomer-owned businesses a goldmine for acquisitions? How can SDE and EBITDA metrics guide smart business purchases? What are the best industries to invest in right now for small-scale private equity? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or send me an email at Nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT ___________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Understanding Investment Metrics: SDE, Cashflow, and EBITDA 02:55 Navigating the Micro VC and SMB PE Landscape 05:47 The Shift to Self-Funded Searchers 09:07 Exploring the Self-Funded Searcher Model 11:54 Differentiating Between SDE and EBITDA 15:08 Demystifying Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) 21:05 Understanding Investment Entities and K-1 Partnerships 22:58 The Financial Burden of Self-Funded Searchers 24:24 Equity Structures in Self-Funded Searches 26:44 Navigating Debt and Equity in Business Acquisitions 29:40 The Risks of Operator Dependency in Self-Funded Deals 31:58 Building Deal Flow Through Content Creation 34:54 The Two and Twenty Model Explained 36:23 Advisory and Investment Strategies in SMBs 38:49 Identifying Opportunities in the SMB Space…

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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101 - Robot Lawnmowers, Christmas Tree Business & Monetizing Email Lists with Chris Koerner 36:52

πριν 17 weeks36:52