Alessandro Bogliari, CEO and Co-Founder of The Influencer Marketing Factory, a global influencer marketing agency, talks with great guests about influencer marketing, social media, the creator economy, social commerce and much more.
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Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast
1 You Are Your Longest Relationship: Artist DaQuane Cherry on Psoriasis, Art, and Self-Care 32:12
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185 - How to Build and Sell Apps with No Code with Billy Howell
Manage episode 487934021 series 3591759
Content provided by Nikolas Hulewsky. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Nikolas Hulewsky or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨
Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Billy Howell (https://x.com/billyjhowell)! I'm so stoked to have Billy Howell back on the show!
Billy is a prolific entrepreneur who has built over 60 apps with AI despite having no traditional tech background. His agency, Stupid Simple Apps, helps other entrepreneurs build their own custom AI apps.
This episode, I challenged Billy to teach me how to build a chatbot specifically for my podcast, so I can easily query my extensive archive of 200 transcripts. We also dive into practical small business use cases for chatbots, from HR and onboarding to sales processes and internal SOPs.
You'll hear us discuss the challenges of managing large data sets and context windows, exploring solutions like OpenAI's embeddings (also known as RAG) and document summarization. I even share a Google Apps Script I built to summarize my transcripts into a spreadsheet database, which we then use as the foundation for our chatbot.
Billy walks me through using Replit and its powerful AI agent, leveraging ChatGPT to create a PRD (Product Requirements Document) and build a functional web app in minutes. We troubleshoot real-time issues, from CSV upload failures to database storage (shifting from in-memory to Postgres), and even touch on managing OpenAI API costs.
Enjoy the conversation!
Questions This Episode Answers:
How can a small business use AI chatbots for internal processes?
What's a cost-effective way to build a custom AI chatbot?
How do you handle large data sets, like 200 podcast transcripts, for an AI chatbot's context?
What's a PRD and how does AI use it to build an app in minutes?
How can you manage AI API costs and avoid unexpected token spikes?
__________________________
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 Apps with AI: A New Era
03:01 Chatbots: Revolutionizing Business Communication
05:50 Optimizing Context for AI Chatbots
09:11 Creating a Podcast Database for AI Interaction
12:09 Developing a Web App: Step by Step
15:03 Debugging and Enhancing the App Experience
17:52 Exploring AI's Role in Everyday Tasks
20:50 Managing Costs in AI Development
24:10 Finalizing the Podcast Q&A App
26:54 The Future of AI in Gaming and Learning
210 episodes
ShareManage episode 487934021 series 3591759
Content provided by Nikolas Hulewsky. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Nikolas Hulewsky or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨
Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Billy Howell (https://x.com/billyjhowell)! I'm so stoked to have Billy Howell back on the show!
Billy is a prolific entrepreneur who has built over 60 apps with AI despite having no traditional tech background. His agency, Stupid Simple Apps, helps other entrepreneurs build their own custom AI apps.
This episode, I challenged Billy to teach me how to build a chatbot specifically for my podcast, so I can easily query my extensive archive of 200 transcripts. We also dive into practical small business use cases for chatbots, from HR and onboarding to sales processes and internal SOPs.
You'll hear us discuss the challenges of managing large data sets and context windows, exploring solutions like OpenAI's embeddings (also known as RAG) and document summarization. I even share a Google Apps Script I built to summarize my transcripts into a spreadsheet database, which we then use as the foundation for our chatbot.
Billy walks me through using Replit and its powerful AI agent, leveraging ChatGPT to create a PRD (Product Requirements Document) and build a functional web app in minutes. We troubleshoot real-time issues, from CSV upload failures to database storage (shifting from in-memory to Postgres), and even touch on managing OpenAI API costs.
Enjoy the conversation!
Questions This Episode Answers:
How can a small business use AI chatbots for internal processes?
What's a cost-effective way to build a custom AI chatbot?
How do you handle large data sets, like 200 podcast transcripts, for an AI chatbot's context?
What's a PRD and how does AI use it to build an app in minutes?
How can you manage AI API costs and avoid unexpected token spikes?
__________________________
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 Apps with AI: A New Era
03:01 Chatbots: Revolutionizing Business Communication
05:50 Optimizing Context for AI Chatbots
09:11 Creating a Podcast Database for AI Interaction
12:09 Developing a Web App: Step by Step
15:03 Debugging and Enhancing the App Experience
17:52 Exploring AI's Role in Everyday Tasks
20:50 Managing Costs in AI Development
24:10 Finalizing the Podcast Q&A App
26:54 The Future of AI in Gaming and Learning
210 episodes
All episodes
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1 209 - How to Optimize Your SEO for the AI-First Search Era with Ryan Doser 30:58
30:58 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked30:58
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Ryan Doser (https://x.com/ryan_doser13). Ryan shares his incredible journey from the traditional corporate world at Meredith Corporation , where he managed multi-million dollar media budgets for brands like People.com , to becoming a successful solopreneur . Inspired by Tim Ferriss's 'The 4-Hour Workweek ,' Ryan embraced uncertainty, teaching himself digital marketing and becoming an early adopter of AI tools like Jasper AI and ChatGPT . We dive into why he's now bullish on YouTube SEO as the new frontier for organic growth, how long-form video builds trust at scale , and his unique AI automation playbook for repurposing content across all platforms. Get ready to learn how to truly leverage AI to make money and grow your business! Questions This Episode Answers: • How can entrepreneurs leverage AI to grow their business and make money? • Why is YouTube increasingly important for SEO and building trust? • What led Ryan Doser to pivot from a traditional corporate job to becoming a successful solopreneur ? • Should entrepreneurs, even if camera-shy, consider starting a YouTube channel ? • What is Ryan Doser's AI -powered content repurposing playbook for 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 YouTube Landscape and Personal Growth 02:54 The Journey into AI and Marketing 06:08 The Evolution of SEO and Video Content 08:47 YouTube SEO: The Future of Content Marketing 12:01 Building Trust Through Video 14:50 The Importance of Education Over Entertainment 18:07 Repurposing Content for Maximum Reach 21:00 Automation and AI in Content Creation…
1 208 - How Embracing a Grudge Can Fuel Your Success with Liana Fricker 36:48
36:48 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked36:48
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Liana Fricker (https://x.com/lianafricker). Liana is an incredible entrepreneur who has operated at the fascinating intersection of SMBs and venture capital in the UK and wider Europe . She's helped over a hundred companies through her accelerator, becoming a key resource for founders. Our conversation explores her core belief: that where you end doesn't have to be where you start . We dive deep into how a doll idea transformed into Uplift 360 , a venture-backed material circularity company for the defense industry . Liana shares her unique approach to identifying promising ideas using thematic intelligence and the PESTLE analysis framework, revealing how she spots future trends like the push towards "going analog" amidst digital overwhelm from things like ChatGPT . We also discuss the essential traits of successful founders, including openness , curiosity , humility , being of service , and the willingness to collaborate , and even the surprising power of having a "grudge". Questions This Episode Answers: • How do you know which startup ideas are truly worth pursuing? • What are the top traits that define successful founders? • How can entrepreneurs effectively spot and interpret emerging trends? • What does it mean to balance purpose with profit as a founder? • How did an accelerator grow from a community for skill-swapping? 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 Purpose-Powered Founder 01:28 Entrepreneurial Journeys and Transformations 07:04 Building Community and Accelerators 09:49 Evaluating Ideas in Entrepreneurship 22:23 Traits of Successful Founders 30:00 The Balance of Altruism and Profit…
1 207 - No Agencies Allowed: Creating Massive Home Service Growth without an Agency with Steve Hunsaker 47:41
47:41 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked47:41
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Steve Hunsaker (https://x.com/stevehunsaker1). In this episode, we dive into the "sexiest, unsexiest business": home services! Steve, a veteran of three successful businesses including one that pulled in $800,000 in two months, challenges the norm. He argues why smaller home service companies should ditch pricey ad agencies and embrace DIY Meta Ads. Learn his unique approach to marketing that prioritizes founder-led content, leverages powerful on-site organic strategies, and achieves remarkable ROAS. Get ready to transform your customer acquisition! Questions This Episode Answers: • Why should small home service businesses avoid ad agencies for marketing? • How can home service businesses effectively run Meta Ads (Facebook/Instagram) themselves? • What specific on-site strategies can generate organic leads and referrals? • How does speed to lead impact customer acquisition costs in home services? • If starting over, what blue collar trades offer the best opportunities 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 – The Grim Reaper of Ad Agencies 02:47 – Unsexy Business: $4M in Home Services 06:00 – How to Sell $50K Without Sales Calls 08:50 – Paid Ads: What Actually Works in 2025 12:09 – Why DIY Marketing Still Wins 14:51 – Scaling to $4M with 40% Margins 18:07 – Dealing with Competition & Staying Profitable 20:57 – Understanding ROAS & CAC Like an Operator 23:43 – Ad Campaigns That Actually Convert 27:01 – Lessons from Losing $100K on One Deal 29:49 – Final Advice for Operators & Founders…
1 206 - 87k MRR & 30% Net Margins? Her Doggy Daycares Print Cash with Shaina Denny 50:27
50:27 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked50:27
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Shaina Denny (https://x.com/shainadenny), the CEO of Dogdrop. Shaina leads a fascinating venture-backed franchise that's completely revolutionizing the dog daycare industry with its tech-enabled approach. We dive into how Dogdrop addresses a common pain point for pet parents by offering flexible, membership-based options, like paying in 30-minute increments, unlike traditional models. Shaina explains how their backend admin and management technology, including labor management software, is key to their consistent, scalable experience and improves unit economics. Shaina also shares why a venture-backed company chose to embrace franchising, focusing on a "slow to go fast" approach by capping the number of units for franchisees and ensuring this is not a passive investment. Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Questions This Episode Answers: • How does Dogdrop differentiate its business model in the dog daycare market? • What is Dogdrop's unique real estate strategy for franchise locations? • How does Dogdrop's technology enhance operations and scalability? • Why did a venture-backed company choose a franchising model for growth? • What qualities does Dogdrop look for in a franchisee, and what is the expected involvement? __________________________ 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 Business of Doggy Daycare 03:09 – Innovative Business Model & Tech Integration 05:59 – Customer Experience & Dog Care Quality 08:42 – Staffing & Operational Efficiency 11:53 – Franchise Growth & Market Strategy 14:16 – Revenue Potential: $87.5K/Month per Location 17:20 – Real Estate Strategy: Landlords Cover Buildouts 19:45 – Selling the First Corporate Location 21:04 – Investment Requirements & Financial Considerations 23:35 – $6.5M Venture Capital & Software Platform 26:58 – Franchise Fee Breakdown & Support Structure 29:54 – Red Flags & Green Flags for Franchisees…
1 205 - The $3 Million Online Trade School Model: Solving the Labor Crisis with Hector Resendez 37:53
37:53 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked37:53
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Hector Resendez (https://x.com/TS_Secrets). Last time, Hector blew everyone's minds revealing how he ran a $3 million online trade school with incredible 30% net margins , largely funded by the government. This time, we dive into how any company can leverage these same principles to solve their staffing shortages and create a brand-new revenue stream . With a massive labor shortage in essential trades like plumbers , electricians , and HVAC technicians, Hector reveals how businesses can become Eligible Training Providers (ETP) , training their own staff and getting paid for it through federal grants . He shares a fascinating example of how a dog grooming business added $300,000 in revenue and secured its talent pipeline. You'll learn about the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program, which can reimburse up to 50% of employee wages for 90 days , and how this model applies to diverse fields from healthcare (like CNAs ) to IT sales and even dental front desk positions. Questions This Episode Answers: How can businesses leverage government grants to address staffing shortages and train employees? What is the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program, and how does it provide 50% wage reimbursement for new hires? Can businesses truly generate a significant revenue stream by running internal, grant-funded training programs? Which industries and roles, beyond traditional trades , are eligible for this innovative funding and training model? What are the practical steps and qualifications for a business to become an Eligible Training Provider (ETP) ? 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 Trade School Revolution 02:51 Staffing Shortages in the Trades 05:44 Innovative Training Solutions 09:01 Leveraging Grants for Business Growth 11:56 Real-World Applications of Trade Schools 14:47 Navigating the Grant Process 18:10 Creating a Sustainable Staffing Pipeline 21:02 The Future of Trade Education 23:54 Conclusion and Call to Action…
1 204 - Building an Eight-Figure Empire from a Window Washing Business with Brandon Vaughn 47:00
47:00 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked47:00
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Brandon Vaughn , a true entrepreneurial force! We dive deep into his incredible journey, from starting a window washing business with his dad at just 13 to building an eight-figure empire with 12 companies . You'll hear how a life-changing event forced him to grow beyond the owner-operator mindset, leading to the rapid scaling of Wise Coatings from zero to seven figures in its first year and now 39 locations . Discover how Brandon channels his undying optimism to embrace being extremely uncomfortable as an entrepreneur. We also explore his latest venture, Hirebus , an AI recruiting company that’s transforming how businesses find and vet talent, and a mind-blowing AI-powered marketing app achieving an astonishing 40x ROAS ! Questions This Episode Answers: How can an owner-operator business scale to eight figures and 39 locations ? What is the concept of a "bus score" and how does it relate to building a stable business ? How are AI tools currently revolutionizing hiring , from candidate sourcing to final interviews? Can personalized marketing campaigns , like those using Google Street View and AI-generated video , achieve an incredible 40x return on ad spend ? What core mindset shifts and strategies, like embracing uncomfortable growth and delegation , are essential for serial entrepreneurs ? 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 Window Washing to Entrepreneurship 02:49 – Buying His Dad’s Failing Business 07:33 – Scaling to 70 Employees 12:43 – Launching a Business on YouTube 14:48 – Wise Coatings: $1M in Year 1 19:35 – Building Teams While Working Full-Time 21:59 – Hiring with AI: Birth of Hirebus 36:15 – AI-Powered Postcard Marketing 41:04 – $100 CAC for $4K Jobs 43:24 – Fighting Serial Startup Syndrome…
1 203 - The Four Entrepreneurship Types: Which Game Are You Playing? with Trenton Hughes 41:46
41:46 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked41:46
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Trenton Hughes (https://x.com/trentjhughes)! Trenton has multiple successful exits under his belt and the founder of TRIBE, a peer group for entrepreneurs. We dive deep into why so many people are getting into entrepreneurship but often don't even know what game they're playing, which can be detrimental to their success. Trenton has identified four distinct types of entrepreneurship, which he frames as "Geos". We explore what each type truly means, from Main Street and Silicon Valley to Austin and Tomorrowland, and discuss why understanding your entrepreneurship type is critical for finding your lane and optimizing for your unique goals, whether that's chasing freedom, seeking VC funding, or leveraging new tech like AI. This conversation is a map to help you avoid getting lost on your entrepreneurial path. Questions This Episode Answers: Why is it crucial for entrepreneurs to understand their entrepreneurship type? What are the four distinct types of entrepreneurs (Main Street, Silicon Valley, Austin, Tomorrowland) and their core mindsets? How do Austin and Main Street entrepreneurs prioritize different aspects like freedom, lifestyle, and community? What are the high-risk, high-reward realities and goals for Silicon Valley and Tomorrowland entrepreneurs? How can identifying your entrepreneurship type help you define personal success and navigate the path of 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 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 Chasing Freedom: The New Entrepreneurial Mindset 02:50 Understanding Entrepreneurial Types: A Framework for Success 05:44 The Austin Type: Lifestyle and Freedom 09:06 The Silicon Valley Type: High Stakes and Big Dreams 11:59 Tomorrowland: Pioneers of Innovation and Risk 14:49 Main Street: The Heart of Traditional Entrepreneurship 20:58 The Allure of Quick Money in Gambling 21:55 Self-Assessment for Entrepreneurs 22:54 Understanding the Main Street Entrepreneur 24:48 Contrasting Main Street and Austin Entrepreneurs 27:15 Community Dynamics: Main Street vs. Austin 28:43 Self-Identification as an Entrepreneur 30:08 Shifting Perspectives on Business Success 32:30 Collaboration vs. Competition in Entrepreneurship 33:53 Current Sentiment Among Entrepreneurs 39:25 The Power of Peer Groups in Entrepreneurship…
1 202 - AI SERIES: 18 - Why Directories Are the New Gold Rush in Lead Generation with David Jaeger 37:41
37:41 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked37:41
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview David Yeager (https://x.com/ppcguru), an entrepreneur who dropped a bombshell on X: "directories have already killed lead gen agencies." In this episode, David explains why he believes traditional agencies are a "rat race" being commoditized, especially with the rise of AI, while directories offer true brand ownership and massive revenue potential—like the $5 million+ driven by one of his own businesses! We dive deep into his strategic playbook for leveraging directories, including how he uses AI to scrape data, understand customer pain points, and automate lead follow-up with his incredible 2x14 system via his GrowNow.app platform. He even gives us a sneak peek into his new ABA directory, AutismCareFinder.com, and his plan to use it to identify acquisition opportunities and clients. Questions This Episode Answers: How are directories "killing" lead gen agencies? How can you monetize a directory for millions? How does AI automate lead follow-up and nurture leads for 14 days? How can you use a directory to generate client leads and acquisition opportunities? How is AI being used to uncover customer pain points from reviews? 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 Directories Over Lead Gen Agencies 09:51 Understanding Directories and Agencies 19:52 The Role of AI in Marketing 29:50 Building and Monetizing Directories 37:28 Automating Lead Responses and Customer Service…
1 201 -Use AI to Cut 20% of Labor—Then Hire $1,500 VAs to Scale with Parker Cox 55:18
55:18 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked55:18
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Parker Cox (https://x.com/carkerpox). Parker is a successful entrepreneur who has bootstrapped multiple businesses, including a property management company that scaled to over a thousand doors. Today, we're diving deep into his latest venture, Avago, which focuses on overseas talent. I ask Parker the burning question: why is everyone suddenly getting into overseas talent right now? We unpack how this is a nascent industry, experiencing a sort of gold rush driven by a brief market disconnect and facilitated by technology like Zoom. We discuss how these companies help small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) recruit global talent for a wide array of positions, from executive assistants and bookkeepers to salespeople (BDR/SDR) and even CFO roles. Parker shares insights into the ideal client profile (ICP) for Avago and who is best suited to leverage offshore talent. We break down the different business models in this space, including headhunter services (like Somewhere from Nick Huber), staffing models (like Growth Assistant by Jesse Pui or Near from Glee), and the unique hybrid model Avago is pioneering. Enjoy the conversation! Questions This Episode Answers: Why is the overseas talent industry experiencing a "gold rush" right now? What types of roles are ideal for global talent, and who is the ideal client to hire them? What are the key differences between headhunting, staffing, and Avago's hybrid models for hiring offshore talent? How will AI impact the growth and adoption of overseas talent? What are the evolving perceptions and real-world benefits of hiring global talent from different countries? __________________________ 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 – Why Everyone’s Starting Offshore Talent Companies 02:57 – Easy Money & Huge Margins in Global Hiring 05:25 – What Roles Are Best for Offshore Hiring? 07:50 – Who Should Not Hire Offshore Talent 10:07 – Headhunting vs Staffing vs Pavago’s Hybrid Model 14:50 – The Risk Behind Traditional Staffing Companies 24:20 – How Pavago Works: Pricing, Support, and Margins 31:30 – Race to the Bottom vs Building Real Value 33:55 – Distribution, Twitter Growth & Key Man Risk 43:30 – Will AI Kill Offshore Jobs?…
1 200 - Crucial Red Flags to Know When Buying and Selling Businesses with Clint Fiore 58:32
58:32 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked58:32
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Clint Fiore (https://x.com/ClintFiore). Clint, the founder of Bison Business and the newly launched Dealonomy, brings immense experience from over 500 M&A deals, totaling over $100 million in enterprise value. We unpack the crucial red flags he looks for when sellers approach him, from their motive to sell to how their financials might be impacted by aggressive tax avoidance strategies. Clint explains why prioritizing tax deductions can actually be "stepping over dollars to pick up dimes" when selling your business. We also dive into the red flags to watch out for in buyers, emphasizing the importance of financial wherewithal, relevant experience, and a strong deal team. A significant part of our chat focuses on Dealonomy, Clint's innovative platform that aims to revolutionize the traditional brokerage model by being buyer-centric, offering services free for sellers with guaranteed offers, and providing buyers a membership model with a first mover advantage. Questions This Episode Answers: What are the biggest red flags you look for when a seller wants to sell their business? How does aggressive tax avoidance affect a business's valuation and sale? What red flags do you look for when a buyer shows interest in a business? Why is the traditional brokerage model "broken," and how does Dealonomy fix it? What's the most important advice for searchers struggling to close a deal? 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 Transforming the Brokerage Experience 06:10 Navigating Seller Dynamics 11:57 Understanding Business Valuation Metrics 18:10 Red Flags in Seller Behavior 26:08 Identifying Buyer Red Flags 29:31 Investor Credibility and Experience 32:53 Identifying Broken Processes in Business Brokerage 36:38 Innovating the Brokerage Model with Dealonomy 40:54 Navigating the Buyer-Seller Landscape 44:35 Creating Irresistible Offers for Sellers 49:00 Building a Buyer-Friendly Platform 54:44 Advice for Aspiring Business Buyers…
1 199 - How to Capture After-Hours Leads with AI Call Agents with Austin Gray 43:01
43:01 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked43:01
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Austin (https://x.com/theownerop), the host of the Owner Ops Podcast! This episode is packed with insights on how AI is transforming the business landscape right now. We dive into the sexy and unsexy sides of AI, discussing everything from architecting AI systems that allow you to leverage AI more than ever before, using projects in LLMs like Claude and ChatGPT for context, to practical applications that can immediately impact your bottom line. We explore how businesses are leveraging AI for massive gains in sales, whether it's through after-hours lead capture with AI call agents from companies like Thynk AI by John Long, or scrubbing lead lists and performing deep research with tools such as Gemini and specialized software like Clay, and Browse AI for scraping website data. We also uncover the untapped potential of capturing daily conversations using AI pendants like Limitless Pendant or Plott, and AI note-takers such as Otter AI, Fathom, or Fireflies for meetings. If you're a business owner or an entrepreneur looking to implement AI as a vital tool in your belt, this episode is a must-listen! Enjoy the conversation! Questions This Episode Answers: How early are we in AI adoption, and what does that mean for businesses? What is the number one best use case for AI in small businesses right now? Can AI call agents follow up on leads in the middle of the night, and how can they do it effectively? How can AI help with deep lead research, qualifying prospects, and scrubbing data lists for sales? What are the benefits of recording daily business conversations with AI pendants and note-takers for operations, management, and knowledge capture? __________________________ 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 in Coding and Business 02:56 Maximizing AI's Potential: Early Adoption and Use Cases 05:51 AI in Sales: Capturing Leads and Enhancing Customer Service 08:46 Leveraging AI for Operational Efficiency 12:09 Innovative AI Applications Beyond Sales 15:04 The Future of AI: Knowledge Management and Personal Assistants 17:59 Building a Knowledge Base with AI 20:53 The Role of AI in Business Education and Training 23:47 Healthcare Innovations through AI 27:06 Conclusion: The Future of AI in Business…
1 198 - The Marketer's Playbook: Launching a Full Ad Funnel with AI with Matthew Mellinger 32:50
32:50 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked32:50
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Matt (https://x.com/MattMellie). In this episode, we tackle a wild challenge: building a complete landing page and ad creative for a lawn care business summer sale using AI—all in just 30 minutes! Matt, a marketer and SEO expert with zero development experience, demonstrates how to harness tools like Claude, Midjourney, and Lovable. We dive into crafting ad copy and visuals, using the Facebook Ad Library for inspiration, and explore how Meta Ads facilitates crucial split testing for optimal performance. You'll see how quickly you can get an interactive pricing calculator and even a live heat thermostat onto a landing page. It’s incredible to witness how an entire, fully functional ad funnel can be set up in about an hour and a half, allowing you to not just launch a campaign, but rigorously test a business idea with minimal investment. Enjoy the conversation! Questions This Episode Answers: How can AI tools help you build a complete landing page and ad creative in minutes? What AI tools are essential for rapidly generating ad copy, images, and landing pages? How do you use Meta Ads for split testing to optimize your campaigns? What's the process for setting up an interactive pricing calculator on an AI-generated landing page? How can an AI-powered ad funnel be used to test a business idea with minimal cost and time? __________________________ 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 Launching a Business in Minutes 03:03 Building a Landing Page with AI 05:56 Creating Effective Ad Copy 08:49 Utilizing Facebook Ad Library for Inspiration 12:08 Designing the Landing Page 15:03 Split Testing Ad Variations 17:58 Optimizing for SEO and User Engagement 20:50 Finalizing the Campaign 23:45 Analyzing Results and Data 27:05 Testing Business Ideas with Minimal Investment…
1 197 - How AI Legal Battles Are Reshaping the Tech Landscape with Elizabeth Knopf 30:55
30:55 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked30:55
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside) for a packed episode on the latest in AI and tech. We dive deep into the alleged "divorce" between Johnny Ive and Sam Altman over the IO trademark dispute, revealing a deeper look at Sam Altman's "ruthless Machiavellian leadership". We also explore the intense "wars" between LLMs like OpenAI and Anthropic (Claude), including Claude's decision to cut data access for OpenAI's Windsurf acquisition. Plus, we discuss the evolving language in AI, from AGI to "superintelligence", and the crucial fair use rulings impacting Claude and Meta regarding copyrighted material used for AI training. In the second half, I get a personal walkthrough of Claude's new artifacts feature. This game-changing update makes it much easier to organize, find, and utilize your AI-generated documents, dashboards, and even interactive tools. You'll learn how to publish and share these artifacts, leverage "inspiration" templates, and even view the chat history that created them. We also explore how you can customize these artifacts as starting templates and, most excitingly, create "custom wrappers" that integrate with Model Context Protocol (MCP) for data retrieval from sources like Google Drive, and even potentially automate workflows with Zapier. Enjoy the conversation! Questions This Episode Answers: How are major AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic engaging in "wars" over data and acquisitions? What are the implications of fair use rulings on AI model training using copyrighted materials, and how might this affect industries like entertainment and news? How can Claude's new artifacts feature help you organize, share, and customize AI-generated content and tools? Can you leverage Claude's artifacts to create "custom wrappers" or interactive tools for specific workflows, integrating with data retrieval (like Google Drive) and automation (like Zapier)? What leadership style defines Sam Altman and OpenAI, particularly in light of recent controversies like the IO trademark lawsuit? __________________________ 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 Controversial Partnership: Johnny Ive and Sam Altman 08:42 Navigating Fair Use in AI Training 12:54 Exploring Claude's Artifacts and New Features…
1 196 - His Cold DMs Got Him GaryVee, Rick Ross & Larry King with Casey Adams 59:38
59:38 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked59:38
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Casey Adams (https://x.com/CaseyAdams). This episode dives into Casey's incredible journey, starting his podcast at just 17 years old after a football injury led to an unexpected identity shift. Discover how he transitioned from running a Facebook ad agency at 16 to becoming a serial entrepreneur, landing guests like Larry King and Rick Ross, and leveraging his show to raise $1.5 million for his company, MediaKits. We explore his unique strategies for cold outreach and securing high-profile guests, the power of founder-led content as a new form of SEO for businesses, and the vision behind his latest venture, Listener.com – an AI Listener Analytics platform set to revolutionize how podcasts measure their impact and value in a changing media landscape. listener.com Questions This Episode Answers: How can an early life setback like a sports injury become a pivotal moment for an entrepreneurial journey? What tactical approaches can you use for cold outreach to book high-profile guests or connect with influential people? How can a podcast act as a "flywheel" for business growth, attracting investors and creating new opportunities? Why is founder-led content becoming increasingly crucial for customer acquisition and brand differentiation in today's market? How can new AI-powered analytics tools help podcasters and businesses truly understand and monetize their audience beyond simple download numbers? 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 Journey of a Young Podcaster 02:54 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose 05:49 The Evolution of Podcasting and Networking 09:08 Building a Business from Passion 11:57 The Impact of Early Success 14:49 Lessons from Reaching Out to Influencers 18:06 The Role of Media in Modern Business 29:25 From Podcasting to Live Events 32:22 Building Relationships Through Events 35:15 The Art of Outreach and Connection 38:38 The Importance of Listening 40:06 Launching Listener.com 44:21 The Vision Behind Listener.com 50:56 The Future of Podcasting and Analytics…
1 195 - How to Overcome Money Trauma with Clifton Sellers 41:07
41:07 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked41:07
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Clifton Sellers (https://x.com/LegacyBuilder__) In this episode, I chat with Clifton Sellers , a social media favorite who's built a business projected to hit $2-3 million this year. He shares his incredible journey from being deep in debt while working as a VP of development making $95K a year to a thriving entrepreneur. Clifton reveals how obsession and sheer endurance were his secret weapons, starting from a $29 Gumroad course . We dive into his pivot from "money Twitter" to establishing Legacy Builder.co as a legitimate, reputable content agency. He opens up about overcoming past money trauma that initially capped his business at under $1 million in revenue, and how investing in coaches was the key to unlocking rapid growth. We also discuss the power of professionalizing a business and the critical role of strong core values like "unreasonable hospitality" and "say the thing" in building a successful team and culture. Questions This Episode Answers: How did Clifton Sellers transition from significant personal debt to running a multi-million dollar business ? What role did obsession and endurance play in his journey to entrepreneurial success? How did he overcome money trauma to break past the $1 million revenue ceiling? Why does Clifton believe investing in coaches and mentors is essential for accelerated business growth? What does professionalizing a business entail, and why are core values critical for scaling? 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 Debt to Success: The Journey Begins 09:52 The Power of Obsession in Business 20:02 Navigating the Online Business Landscape 30:04 Building a Team: The Key to Scaling 39:38 Professionalizing Your Business for Growth…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 194 - AI SERIES: 17 - Directories Are Back: AI Makes Niche Goldmines Easier Than Ever with Kirill Zubovsky 45:33
45:33 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked45:33
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨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) on an episode that will totally change how you think about building a business online. We dive deep into why directories are making a huge comeback as "the hottest thing" and how AI is making them easier than ever to build and monetize. Kirill walks us through his incredibly fast, AI-augmented development process at QED.AM, demonstrating how he built a live local services directory for plumbers using tools like Grok for brainstorming, Appify for data scraping, and Cursor for website creation. We also explore groundbreaking concepts like AI SEO (AISCO)—the future of getting your website recommended by AI models—and agentic workflows where multiple AIs collaborate on projects. Kirill shares his insights on automating everything from writing to video content, revealing how you can ship projects weekly with minimal human intervention. Questions This Episode Answers: How has AI made directories "the hottest thing" again? What is AI SEO (AISCO) and why is it the "next layer" of search optimization? How can you brainstorm business ideas using Grok's voice mode? What AI tools can non-technical users leverage to scrape data and build websites quickly? How are AI bots collaborating in "agentic workflows" to ship projects weekly? 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 Harnessing AI for Automation 02:45 The Power of Directories 06:03 Building a Directory Live 08:57 AI Tools and Automation 11:49 Creating a Local Services Directory 14:43 Optimizing for AI SEO 18:01 Developing with AI Assistance 20:58 Launching the Directory 23:54 Visual Content Creation with AI 26:42 The Future of Directory Services…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 193 - AI Psychology and the Quirks of Digital Minds with Elizabeth Knopf 33:38
33:38 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked33:38
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside), where we dive deep into the latest AI trends and their impact on businesses. This week, we explore the optimistic side of AI, including Andre Karpathy's fascinating vision for LLMs "eating software" and how his concept of "vibe coding" is empowering everyone to become a programmer using natural language. We also unpack surprising statistics on how small businesses are rapidly adopting AI, their top use cases from content creation to data analysis, and why so many still feel stressed by this transformative technology. I discuss why the market is pushing for AI tool consolidation and what becomes the most crucial factor when products become commoditized: the trusted distribution channel. Plus, Liz shows me how AI is tackling the "Turing test" of white-collar jobs by automating complex tasks like creating PowerPoint presentations with tools like Claude and Gamma, making it incredibly easy for anyone. Enjoy the conversation! Questions This Episode Answers: How are LLMs shifting the landscape of software development and making everyone a "vibe coder"? What are the top three AI applications that small businesses are prioritizing today? __________________________ 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 Vibe Coding and AI Control 05:52 AI's Impact on Small Businesses 12:10 The Evolution of AI Tools and User Experience 17:44 AI in Presentation Creation 31:47 The Future of AI and Business Integration…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 192 - AI SERIES: 16 - Decoding the Tech Stack: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know with Ellie Daw 41:47
41:47 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked41:47
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Ellie Daw (https://x.com/ellieintech), a multiple-time founder who's built over 40 zero to one product builds! In this episode, we tackle the tech questions that keep business owners up at night. We demystify AI integration, clarify the roles of IT, CIO, and CTO, and discuss how to navigate dev shops without being taken advantage of. Ellie also introduces her new company, Yalla, designed to make your technical infrastructure visible and manage technical debt. If you're a founder or business owner with limited tech experience, this conversation is for you. Questions This Episode Answers: What's the difference between IT, a CIO, and a CTO? How can business owners avoid being taken advantage of by dev shops? What does it mean for a business to be "tech-enabled"? What is a "tech stack" and how can I track it? What is "technical debt" and why is it a problem for my 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 – Intro & Ellie’s Background 02:30 – IT vs CIO vs CTO Explained Simply 09:30 – What Is a Tech Stack? 11:45 – How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off by Developers 22:50 – What Is Technical Debt? 28:30 – What Is Yalla & How It Helps 33:00 – Why You Must Own Your GitHub 40:00 – Where to Find Yalla…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 191 - $1 Million Revenue, $250K Cash Flow: The Smash My Trash Franchise Model with Kevin Moyer 38:09
38:09 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked38:09
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Kevin Moyer (https://x.com/kevinjm). Kevin left the tech world, including a job at Salesforce where he was making up to $250K, seeking a tighter connection between his hard work and the reward. He swung to the other end of the spectrum and became a franchise owner of Smash My Trash. Starting with three territories and one truck, he now operates five territories and has built the business to about $1 million in top-line revenue annually. Despite the seasonal nature of his California location driven by agriculture, the business is now mostly passive, taking up only about an hour of his day. We discuss why he chose a franchise over starting a tech company or buying an existing business, the risks he didn't fully appreciate like minimum royalties and personal guarantees in the franchise agreement, and how he built a passive asset generating significant cash flow. Questions This Episode Answers: How did a tech founder transition from Silicon Valley to operating a trash franchise? What specific unexpected risks should potential franchise owners be aware of, like minimum royalties? How can a $1 million revenue business like Smash My Trash be structured to be mostly passive? How do you evaluate the viability and potential pitfalls of a franchise territory? What is the typical annual cash flow or SDE for a successful Smash My Trash franchise operating at $1M 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 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 Tech to Trash: The Entrepreneurial Leap 10:07 Navigating the Franchise Landscape 20:14 The Financials of Smash My Trash 30:06 Lessons Learned and Future Plans…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 190- Inside the Wild West of Influencer Deals and Agency Life with Tom Stefaniuk 48:40
48:40 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked48:40
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Tom Stefanik (https://x.com/tomstefaniuk) about the wild world of influencer marketing. We dive deep into why over 50% of young people aspire to be influencers, the incredible growth of this multi-billion dollar industry, and how creators like Tom built massive businesses from their passion. Discover the different ways creators earn money, from early AdSense checks to selling their own products, and learn why some small, niche audiences can be far more valuable than millions of followers. Tom shares insights from his agency, Small Stream, explaining how they help creators and brands navigate this fast-changing landscape, negotiate deals, and measure success beyond just follower counts. It's a fascinating look at the future of marketing and how real businesses are being built on social media. Questions This Episode Answers: How big is the influencer marketing industry and how fast is it growing? What are the typical stages of monetization for a content creator? How do brands and businesses measure the return on investment from influencer campaigns? Is it possible for a creator to make a living with a relatively small but dedicated audience? How should creators determine their pricing for sponsorships and ad deals based on audience value? 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 Journey of a Social Media Influencer 02:56 The Evolution of Influencer Marketing 05:48 Building a Business Around Influence 09:09 Understanding the Influencer Economy 12:02 The Shift in Marketing Budgets 14:47 Measuring Success in Influencer Campaigns 18:01 Navigating the Influencer Landscape 20:44 The Value of Audience Engagement 24:31 The Value of Podcasting and Audience Engagement 27:25 The Importance of Passion in Content Creation 30:37 Pricing Strategies for Sponsorships 33:21 The Growth of Influencer Marketing Agencies 36:34 Navigating Brand Collaborations 37:28 Revenue Distribution Between Brands and Creators 38:28 The Role of Relationships in Influencer Marketing 39:25 Challenges in the Influencer Marketing Space 40:20 The Future of Influencer Marketing 41:43 Best and Worst Influencers to Work With 42:42 Equity Deals and Long-Term Partnerships 43:38 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 189 - How Meta's Major Moves are Shaping the AI Landscape with Elizabeth Knopf 36:35
36:35 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked36:35
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside) to break down the massive shifts happening in AI! This week, we dive deep into Meta's aggressive strategy, including their surprising Scale AI acquisition and a colossal energy deal that could shape the future of AI data centers. We also explore the game-changing Model Context Protocol (MCP), explaining how it's poised to transform how you leverage AI in your business, making it feel like you have an executive assistant at your fingertips. Get ready to understand why Mark Zuckerberg is making these bold moves and what it means for the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Questions This Episode Answers: What major moves did Meta make this week to boost its AI capabilities? Why was the Scale AI acquisition, and its leader Alexander Wang, so crucial for Meta? How is AI's rapidly increasing energy consumption impacting the industry? What is Model Context Protocol (MCP) and how does it simplify AI integration? How can AI tools like Claude act as your ultimate executive assistant for daily business tasks? 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 Tech Valuations 03:07 Meta's Strategic Moves in AI 05:54 Acquisition of Scale AI and Its Implications 08:47 Energy Contracts and Future Planning 12:08 The Importance of Data in AI Development 15:01 MCP: The Future of AI Integration 17:52 Practical Applications of MCP 21:05 The Future of AI and Business Efficiency…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 188 - How to Become a Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator with Tim Sweetman 48:58
48:58 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked48:58
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Tim Sweetman (https://x.com/timsweetman), a Chick-fil-A franchisee. I was fascinated to learn how Chick-fil-A consistently achieves such incredible business success, with average annual sales volumes double that of competitors like McDonald's. Tim reveals that it's less about the physical restaurant and more about their massive investment in people and culture. We dive into their unique franchise model, the rigorous process to become an owner-operator, the power of their shared language and hospitality, and what it's like to run a high-volume business that serves around 40,000 customers a month. We even talk about potential secret menu hacks and the heartwarming story behind the community tables! __________________________ Join Connor Groce here for a live webinar answering your franchise questions! __________________________ Questions This Episode Answers: How does Chick-fil-A achieve significantly higher average sales volumes compared to other major chains? What makes the Chick-fil-A franchise model unique compared to traditional franchises? How difficult is the process to become a Chick-fil-A owner-operator? Can someone in a leadership role at Chick-fil-A earn enough to support a family? What kind of investments can a Chick-fil-A operator have outside of their restaurant? 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 Chick-fil-A's Impact and Revenue 03:04 Hiring Practices and Employee Culture 05:53 The Importance of Language in Service 09:13 Shared Language and Company Culture 11:54 Leadership Structure and Career Opportunities 14:46 Understanding the Franchise Model 24:24 Understanding Chick-fil-A's Franchise Model 30:06 Profit Sharing and Financial Insights 34:25 The Rigorous Selection Process for Franchisees 36:47 Challenges and Opportunities in Ownership 40:57 Exploring Chick-fil-A's Secret Menu…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 187 - Building a Pickleball Club for Only $200 with Chris Koerner 33:11
33:11 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked33:11
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), and Chris Koerner (https://x.com/mhp_guy) for another HoldCo Bros episode! We talk about some incredibly practical and high-potential business ideas. I share how I built my new pickleball club with just $200 in Facebook ads , using Meta Ads Manager and a detailed Typeform to validate demand and gather crucial customer data. We dive deep into the world of "sweaty" businesses, like the surprising success of bathtub refinishing , which is a non-sexy, AI -proof opportunity making hundreds of thousands annually with minimal competition and strong Google SEO . Check out PortaCourts https://nikonomics.info/PortaCourts We also explore the exciting future of consistency with an AI accountability app , designed to feel like a personal text conversation rather than a traditional app, tapping into the $8 billion wellness and productivity app market . Plus, we discuss how AI can significantly streamline operations for personal trainers and ponder the "Airbnb for courts" concept! Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Questions This Episode Answers: How can you effectively validate a business idea with only $200 in ads ? What makes "non-sexy" businesses like bathtub refinishing a highly profitable and AI -resistant opportunity? How can AI be uniquely leveraged to create an $8 billion accountability app that truly helps people? In what specific ways can personal trainers utilize AI to save an hour or more per client each week? What is the business model behind an "Airbnb for pickleball courts " and how could it be built? __________________________ 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 Pickleball Club: A New Venture 03:00 The Role of AI in Accountability 05:55 Exploring the Wellness and Productivity Market 08:49 Marketing Strategies for a Pickleball Club 11:45 Analyzing Lead Generation and Customer Interest 17:58 The Potential of Bathtub Refinishing Business 30:59 Innovative Ideas for Community Engagement…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 186 - How to Build a Business That Can Run Without You with John Seiffer 50:41
50:41 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked50:41
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview John Seiffer (https://x.com/BetterCeo), author of Output Thinking. John is an experienced entrepreneur who knows what it takes to build a business that doesn't require you to be in the day-to-day grind. We dive into how to move past being a solopreneur and actually build a scalable business. We talk about different phases of SMBs, why relying just on revenue isn't the best way to think about growth, and how the owner's role shifts dramatically when you start building systems instead of just doing everything yourself. John shares his unique perspective using his Eight Buckets framework and explains how to start identifying outputs in your business to figure out what to delegate. Find out more below! Email: John@CEOBootCamp.com Website: https://ceobootcamp.com/ The Operator Accelerator: https://theoperatoraccelerator.com/ Free Coaching Session: https://john-3.youcanbook.me/ Questions This Episode Answers: How do you identify the first thing you should delegate in your business? What are John Seiffer's Eight Buckets of a business? How do you get tribal knowledge out of your employees' heads without making them feel threatened? What are the three different kinds of SOPs you should document? What's the best way for an overwhelmed entrepreneur to start systematizing? 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 Evolution of a Business Model 03:00 Understanding Entrepreneurial Phases 05:48 The Importance of Systematization 09:08 Output Thinking Explained 12:03 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 14:52 Identifying Business Outputs 17:48 The Seven Buckets of Business 21:08 The Owner's Perspective 25:30 The Role of a CEO: Beyond 40 Hours 27:55 Systematizing Business Operations 30:22 Effective Delegation and Communication 34:47 Types of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 39:05 Leveraging AI for Documentation 43:52 Extracting Knowledge from Employees 44:49 Creating Accountability for Entrepreneurs…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 185 - How to Build and Sell Apps with No Code with Billy Howell 40:20
40:20 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked40:20
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Billy Howell (https://x.com/billyjhowell)! I'm so stoked to have Billy Howell back on the show! Billy is a prolific entrepreneur who has built over 60 apps with AI despite having no traditional tech background. His agency, Stupid Simple Apps, helps other entrepreneurs build their own custom AI apps. This episode, I challenged Billy to teach me how to build a chatbot specifically for my podcast, so I can easily query my extensive archive of 200 transcripts. We also dive into practical small business use cases for chatbots, from HR and onboarding to sales processes and internal SOPs. You'll hear us discuss the challenges of managing large data sets and context windows, exploring solutions like OpenAI's embeddings (also known as RAG) and document summarization. I even share a Google Apps Script I built to summarize my transcripts into a spreadsheet database, which we then use as the foundation for our chatbot. Billy walks me through using Replit and its powerful AI agent, leveraging ChatGPT to create a PRD (Product Requirements Document) and build a functional web app in minutes. We troubleshoot real-time issues, from CSV upload failures to database storage (shifting from in-memory to Postgres), and even touch on managing OpenAI API costs. Enjoy the conversation! Questions This Episode Answers: How can a small business use AI chatbots for internal processes? What's a cost-effective way to build a custom AI chatbot? How do you handle large data sets, like 200 podcast transcripts, for an AI chatbot's context? What's a PRD and how does AI use it to build an app in minutes? How can you manage AI API costs and avoid unexpected token spikes? __________________________ 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 Apps with AI: A New Era 03:01 Chatbots: Revolutionizing Business Communication 05:50 Optimizing Context for AI Chatbots 09:11 Creating a Podcast Database for AI Interaction 12:09 Developing a Web App: Step by Step 15:03 Debugging and Enhancing the App Experience 17:52 Exploring AI's Role in Everyday Tasks 20:50 Managing Costs in AI Development 24:10 Finalizing the Podcast Q&A App 26:54 The Future of AI in Gaming and Learning…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 184 - How to Decide If Franchising is the Right Business Path for You with Connor Groce 45:04
45:04 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked45:04
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Find out more at https://connorgroce.com/ Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Connor Groce (https://x.com/ConnorGroce), an expert in the franchising world. Connor shares his fascinating journey from operating a boutique fitness franchise and launching a Smash My Trash business to becoming a franchise consultant. We dive into how franchising fits into the entrepreneurship spectrum, sitting comfortably between starting a business from scratch and buying an existing one. We tackle common misconceptions, like the idea of franchising having "training wheels," and break down essential concepts like the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and why it's crucial to validate information directly with existing franchisees. Connor offers valuable insights on how to navigate the vast franchise landscape and find an opportunity that's the right fit for you, touching on capital, goals, and even personality traits. Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Find out more at https://connorgroce.com/ Join Connor Groce here for a live webinar answering your franchise questions! __________________________ Questions This Episode Answers: How does franchising compare to starting or buying a business? What is the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and why does it matter? How do you figure out which type of franchise is right for you (e.g., food, B2B, B2C)? Why is talking to existing franchisees essential due diligence? What are the different capital requirements for franchises? __________________________ 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 Understanding Franchising: The Basics 02:50 Nikolas Hulewsky's Journey in Franchising 06:07 The Value of Franchising vs. Starting a Business 09:01 Franchise Structure and Economics 11:50 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Explained 15:08 Operational Standards in Franchising 17:55 Choosing the Right Franchise: Key Considerations 22:48 Understanding Franchise Financials 25:32 Navigating Franchise Acquisition Strategies 29:14 Evaluating Food vs. Non-Food Franchises 33:37 Identifying Key Success Factors in Franchising 37:44 The Franchise Discovery Process 40:11 The Value of Franchise Consultants…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 183 - Turning AI Ideas Into Real Income with Chris Koerner 37:19
37:19 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked37:19
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨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) for HoldCo Bros! We dive deep into the practical and often "underrated" ways people are using AI to build and grow businesses. We discuss my new website, How do you use AI.com, and its unique "give-to-get" model for sharing AI use cases. Discover how AI is revolutionizing hiring by creating personality quizzes that match cultural fit, potentially saving massive recruiter fees. Learn about Perplexity Labs for generating incredible market research reports that can serve as valuable lead magnets. Plus, we share a "genius" prompt engineering trick to get LLMs to generate and improve your prompts for you. Questions This Episode Answers: What is the "give-to-get" model for sharing AI use cases? How can AI revolutionize hiring through personality-based assessments? What is the "most underrated" AI opportunity for automating pitch decks? How can AI-generated reports from tools like Perplexity Labs become powerful lead magnets? What advanced prompt engineering technique involves LLMs generating and evaluating their own prompts? 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 - Underrated AI business idea 00:35 - “HowAreYouUsingAI.com” explained 05:22 - AI quiz to match tools with your business 10:16 - Personality-based hiring with AI 17:00 - Manus AI creates pitch decks automatically 24:35 -Genius AI prompt engineering method 29:25 - What Perplexity Labs can actually do 34:15 - $2K AI reports used as lead magnets…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 182 - How to Build Your Own AI Personal Assistant with Elizabeth Knopf 34:55
34:55 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked34:55
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), and Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside) for this week's AI updates! This week, the AI world is buzzing, even in what some consider a "slow" period! We dive into the incredible pace of AI development, where giants like Anthropic, Google, Proplexity Labs, and Manus are in a relentless race for feature parity. We discuss the controversial predictions from Anthropic's founder about AI eliminating entry-level white-collar jobs and how that contrasts with Sundar's views on management positions. Elizabeth and I explore whether calls for government intervention in AI might actually be a strategic move for regulatory capture. Plus, I share my personal journey setting up Claude as my AI personal assistant, integrating my email and calendar, and leveraging contextual documents for productivity. Questions This Episode Answers: How quickly are AI features developing, and what does feature parity mean for the market? What are the differing perspectives from Anthropic's founder and Sundar on AI's impact on white-collar jobs? Could calls for government intervention in AI be a strategic move by AI companies? What are practical first steps to leveraging AI as a personal assistant using tools like Claude? How do Claude and ChatGPT compare when building a comprehensive personal operating manual? 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 00:20 The Current State of AI and Job Displacement 09:48 Integrating AI into Daily Life 19:49 Building a Personal Operating System with AI…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 181 - The Reality of Year One: Sales, Cash Flow, and Life as a Franchisee with Clayton Edrington 36:34
36:34 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked36:34
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Clayton Edrington. Clayton was making over $300,000 a year at Amazon but had an entrepreneurial itch. He explored everything from SaaS startups to buying existing businesses before landing on franchising. We dive into why he left a high-paying tech job, how he evaluated different home services and sweaty businesses, and ultimately chose to buy multiple territories in a relatively new roofing franchise, Bumble Roofing. Clayton shares the startup costs, his approach to financing, navigating the early months, and the crucial role of community and support. Questions This Episode Answers: Why choose a franchise over other paths? What is the business model of a roofing franchise? How do you pick the right franchise for you? What are the real startup costs for a franchise? What personal sacrifices come with starting a business? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Join Connor Groce here for a live webinar answering your franchise questions! __________________________ 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 Journey Begins: From Tech to Roofing 03:10 Understanding the Roofing Business Model 05:56 Navigating the Franchise Landscape 09:13 Preparing for the Leap: Financial and Personal Considerations 12:04 The Launch: Early Days and Initial Challenges 14:53 Sales Success and Market Dynamics 18:10 Cash Flow Management and Financial Insights 20:52 Advice for Aspiring Franchisees…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 180 - Can Laundromats Really Make You a Millionaire with Tyler Purcell 25:00
25:00 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked25:00
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Tyler Purcell (https://x.com/TylerPurcell24). In this episode, I'm talking to Tyler who runs, what I think, is the quintessential small business: laundromats. You've likely heard about this kind of sweaty business from people like Cody Sanchez, but Tyler gives us the inside scoop on why it's an essential service that's considered recession proof. We dive into how his family got started in the laundry business, how they scaled their operation to multiple locations, and why they chose to build new stores from scratch rather than buying existing ones. Tyler reveals the surprising profit margins possible in the industry and explains their strategy of targeting areas with old, run-down "zombie mats". We also cover the specific demographics they look for when scouting a new location and their unique approach to marketing. Enjoy the conversation! Questions This Episode Answers: How profitable can laundromats really be? Why do you look for areas with "zombie mats" when finding a location? What demographics are key when choosing a site for a new laundromat? What's the secret sauce for attracting customers with grand openings? How much does it cost to get a new laundromat up and running? ___________________________ 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: 02:28 Getting into the Laundromat Business 06:56 Choosing Locations and Metrics 11:56 Industry Profit Margins 16:39 Buying a Laundromat: A Step-by-Step Guide 21:07 Financial Insights and Future Plans 22:06 Rapid Fire Questions 24:15 Final Thoughts and Contact Information…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 179 - $6.5B for a Designer? OpenAI’s Wildest Move Yet, with Liz Knopf 39:32
39:32 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked39:32
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 In this week’s convo with Liz, we unpacked the AI news that should’ve broken the internet: 🔹 $6.5B for Johnny Ive?! OpenAI “acquires” the legendary Apple designer’s agency in a full stock deal. No one knows what they’re building, but it’s probably wearable, creepy, and context-aware—and it’s a flex timed perfectly to steal headlines from Google I/O. 🔹 Google’s comeback attempt They’re finally rolling out AI-native search with ads—and it’s a big deal. $60B+ of ad revenue is on the line. We dig into what’s launching, how to use tools like Gemini, Flow, and VO, and why Google still feels like 27 startups duct-taped together. 🔹 VO3 is insane AI-generated video so good, you can’t tell it’s fake. We demo what it can do (photo-realistic balloon animals discussing AI??) and debate if it’s ready for real ad production. 🔹 Energy is the real bottleneck You want AGI? You better build power plants. Liz drops a chart that shows how far ahead China is in electricity generation—and why AI’s future might be limited by kilowatts, not compute. 🔹 Trades are about to boom If you can build a data center, wire a panel, or install cooling systems, the AI wave might make you rich. We riff on counterculture investments, labor shortages, and why electricians may beat coders in the next economy. 🔹 The privacy backlash is coming We debate whether AI wearables will be a privacy nightmare—or the best documentation tool ever (think body cams for healthcare). Liz shares surprising data that body cams reduced lawsuits. Mind blown. 🔹 Bonus: Anthropic teaser We didn’t even get to it—but next week we’re diving into Claude, Model Context Protocol, and tools normal people can use without needing a CS degree. __________________________ 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 Acquisition of Johnny Ive by OpenAI 05:10 The Future of AI and Wearable Technology 09:45 Privacy Concerns in AI and Wearable Devices 14:58 Google's Response to AI Competition 20:05 The Evolution of AI and Its Impact on Society 24:48 The Future of Energy and AI Infrastructure 29:55 The Role of Trades in the Future of AI…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 178 - How Facebook Ads Nearly Killed This $12.5M Brand with Hans Dose 45:07
45:07 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked45:07
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Hans Dose (https://x.com/HansDose_Does) about his wild journey from a Shark Tank deal to building a $12.5 million business and now, launching a US manufacturing facility in California. Hans is a real-deal entrepreneur who saw the challenges coming for e-commerce brands relying on overseas production, especially with tariffs and geopolitical risks changing the landscape. He shares how his product, Tenikle, went from struggling at $10k/month pre-filming to a massive sales spike after the Shark Tank airing. We dive into the surprising reality of razor-thin margins in the e-commerce world, largely due to massive advertising costs. Hans explains the crucial difference between silicon and silicone, detailing why this flexible, non-toxic material is vital for countless consumer products. And he lays out his bold plan to "steal China's strategy" for efficient, small-scale production to make US manufacturing competitive again. Questions This Episode Answers: How did a Shark Tank deal lead to building a $12.5M business and a US factory? Why are e-commerce margins razor-thin despite high sales? What is silicone, and why do so many products use it? Can US manufacturing really compete on cost with China? Why build a factory in California instead of nearshoring? 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 Shark Tank to Manufacturing Success 02:59 The Importance of Silicone in E-commerce 05:56 Navigating the Challenges of Low Margins 08:50 The Shark Tank Experience: Risks and Rewards 12:11 The Rollercoaster of Business Growth 14:59 Unit Economics and Advertising Costs 17:47 Shifting Manufacturing Strategies in a Changing World 22:32 The Shift in Manufacturing Expertise 27:21 Learning from China's Manufacturing Model 30:43 Challenges of Domestic Manufacturing 36:28 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape 42:48 The Future of American Manufacturing…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 177 - From Layoff to $250K: The 1-Person Agency Playbook with Zach Ashburn 41:11
41:11 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked41:11
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Zach Ashburn (https://x.com/zachary_ashburn) about what I think is the most predictable way to get into entrepreneurship: building an agency business or becoming an independent consultant based on a specialized skill you already have from your corporate job. Zach works with people making this transition, often what we call accidental entrepreneurs, helping them make the leap. We dive into the crucial first steps, like mapping out your cash flow and personal finances, which Zach emphasizes is king. We also talk about the shift from an employee mindset to a business owner mindset, the power of realizing no one's giving you permission to start, and the importance of smart delegation and outsourcing when you're "bad at most things" except your core skill. Questions This Episode Answers: How can you turn your specialized skill from a corporate job into an agency business or consulting? What are the first financial steps to plan when making the leap to entrepreneurship? How do you shift from an employee mindset to a business owner mindset? What should you delegate or outsource when starting your consulting practice? How should consultants think about pricing their services and knowing their worth? 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 Entrepreneurial Switch: Finding Your Niche 03:00 The Accidental Entrepreneur: Navigating Unexpected Opportunities 05:52 Financial Planning for New Entrepreneurs 08:46 Building a Business Operating System 12:11 The Mindset Shift: From Employee to Entrepreneur 18:08 Principles of the Accidental Entrepreneur 20:33 The Light Bulb Moment in Entrepreneurship 23:24 Embracing the Role of Business Owner 25:45 The Importance of Delegation 28:41 Understanding Cash Flow and Pricing Strategies 32:57 Navigating Pricing Challenges 37:18 Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurship…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 176 - AI SERIES: 16 - The Non-Coder's Guide to AI App Building with Billy Howell 30:55
30:55 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked30:55
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Billy Howell (https://x.com/billyjhowell). I was excited to have Billy on because he's prolific at building apps and tools using AI , despite not having a technical background. We dive into his journey from government consulting and TPS reports to starting agencies like OX Labs and Stupid Simple Apps , now focused on building AI -powered internal tools for startups. Billy shares his go-to AI models like OpenAI 4.0 ( ChatGPT ) and how he uses tools like Replit , Cursor , Claude , Make.com , N8n , and V0.dev to build apps quickly. We discuss how small business owners can leverage AI to automate processes, build useful internal tools , and even potentially replace expensive SaaS solutions by creating simple wrappers around a prompt . We also tackle the challenge of finishing AI -built apps , managing technical debt , and the importance of being disciplined with rollback using tools like Git . Billy gives practical advice on keeping things stupid simple and even advocates for running towards things that don't scale initially. Questions This Episode Answers: How can someone with no technical background build useful apps using AI tools? What are the best AI models and platforms like Replit or Lovable for non-technical users to start building apps ? How can small businesses use AI to automate processes and build custom internal tools ? What does it mean to build an app by creating a " wrapper " around an AI prompt ? How do you handle the debugging and finishing steps when AI builds most of the code for your app ? 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 Automation and AI Tools 03:00 The Journey from Non-Technical to Coding 05:48 Building Apps for Business Needs 09:03 Leveraging AI for Small Business Solutions 11:54 Creating Processes through Automation 14:47 The Future of CRM and AI Integration 18:08 Overcoming Challenges in App Development 20:59 Final Thoughts on Building Simple Apps…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 175 - How Big Tech Layoffs Signal the Future of AI Integration with Elizabeth Knopf 29:38
29:38 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked29:38
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨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 ) about the latest developments in AI and what they mean for boring businesses . This week was massive, and we're finally seeing real-world applications of AI that move beyond the hype. We dive into the recent layoffs at major tech companies like Microsoft , Meta , Google , Workday , Intuit , and CrowdStrike , discussing how they signal a shift towards prioritizing AI infrastructure and boosting efficiency. Liz shares insights on how companies like Duolingo and Shopify are going AI-first and seeing incredible results. We also explore why, despite automation and companies like Klarna automating roles, human skills and interaction are becoming even more critical. Plus, we get hands-on with Custom GPTs , discuss their "actions" feature for integrating with tools like Zapier via APIs , navigate the challenges of AI hallucinations , and look at tools like Notebook LM and Claude projects for extracting value from data using RAG12. Enjoy the conversation! Questions This Episode Answers: How are major tech companies using AI to become more efficient? Why are big tech companies having layoffs and shifting focus to AI infrastructure ? Are managers obsolete in the age of AI ? Why are human skills becoming more valuable as AI automates tasks? How can AI tools help you find specific information in large documents or transcripts? __________________________ 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's Impact on Coding and Business Efficiency 03:05 The Role of AI in Workforce Changes 05:52 The Future of Management in an AI-Driven World 09:04 AI's Influence on Learning and Development 12:00 The Broader Implications of Tech Layoffs 14:53 Navigating AI Hallucinations and Custom GPTs…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 174 - AI SERIES: 15 - How AI is Revolutionizing Home Services Lead Conversion with Bryan Shankman 26:15
26:15 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked26:15
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I interview Bryan Shankman ( https://x.com/BryanShankman) . Ever wonder how tech veterans end up in home services? I sit down with Bryan, co-founder of Lead Truffle, to explore his fascinating journey from venture-backed software companies like Frame.io and TikTok to the world of service businesses. We dive into how Lead Truffle uses AI customer service via text message and chat widgets to boost lead conversion and get jobs booked. Plus, Bryan shares some clever ways they've leveraged things like ringless voicemail for tackling accounts receivable. We also get into the weeds on how tools like Clay and AI are revolutionizing outbound sales, prospecting, and freeing up time for high-leverage activities. Find out more below! http://www.leadtruffle.co Questions This Episode Answers: How does AI specifically help home service businesses convert leads? What unique ways can something like ringless voicemail be used beyond traditional sales? How does leveraging AI free up time for business owners? What is Clay, and how can AI be used with it for better outbound sales? Why is the human touch becoming even more important as AI adoption grows? 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 Home Services 03:07 Innovative Solutions for Lead Management 06:02 Transitioning from Tech to Home Services 08:51 The Evolution of Customer Engagement Tools 12:09 Leveraging AI for Targeted Outreach 15:14 AI in Data Management and Lead Qualification 18:01 The Importance of Human Touch in AI Solutions 20:54 Final Thoughts and Future Directions…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 173 - $1M ≠ Freedom; It’s a Mirage with Jacob Turner 48:45
48:45 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked48:45
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I interview Jacob Turner ( https://x.com/TheJacobTurner ), a former professional baseball player who transitioned from the mound to managing wealth. Jacob shares his incredible journey, from being a top draft pick to facing the humbling reality of getting sent down and ultimately pivoting to entrepreneurship with Moment Private Wealth. We dive into the powerful analogies between sports and business, discussing the vital role of humility, handling setbacks (getting "fired"), and the unexpected importance of craving feedback for growth. We also explore key financial considerations for entrepreneurs, including managing money, understanding risk, and navigating cashflow when your business starts generating excess capital. Questions This Episode Answers: What's the analogy between professional sports and entrepreneurship? How can getting 'fired' (or setbacks) be a valuable experience for an entrepreneur? Why is it important for entrepreneurs to accept and seek feedback? As an entrepreneur, how should you think about managing excess cashflow? When should an entrepreneur consider getting professional financial or wealth management help? 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 Journey of a Young Athlete 02:49 Transitioning from Sports to Business 06:11 The Reality of Professional Sports 09:05 Mindset: The Key to Resilience 12:00 The Importance of Self-Awareness 14:50 Navigating Financial Success 17:47 Risk Management in Entrepreneurship 24:25 Taking a Break After Success 25:54 Exploring New Opportunities 26:54 Investing in Healthcare and AI 27:53 Allocating Wealth Wisely 29:19 Starting with the End in Mind 30:47 Understanding Wealth Management 32:11 The Reality of Wealth 34:38 The Psychological Aspect of Wealth Management 39:28 Advice for Entrepreneurs 40:54 The Importance of Cash Reserves 43:41 When to Seek Professional Help…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 172 - How to Build a $700k Business with 50% Margins with Bryant Suellentrop 37:52
37:52 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked37:52
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik ( https://x.com/CoFoundersNik ), as I interview Bryant Suellentrop ( https://x.com/SullyBusiness ) about his incredible journey from running a difficult, low-margin janitorial business to building Elevate and Delegate, an offshore recruiting company doing around $700k in revenue with 50% margins. We dive into why he closed his first business despite the effort he put in, how organic Twitter fueled his early growth with almost zero customer acquisition cost, and the lessons learned from burning cash on early paid acquisition attempts. Bryant shares his insights on the evolution of the offshore talent industry, how AI is changing the game, and why the real opportunity now lies in selling outcomes rather than just people. This conversation is packed with lessons on picking the right "game" for your business and navigating the shifts in the market. Questions This Episode Answers: How did Bryant pivot from a challenging, low-margin business to a high-profit one? What are the key differences between one-time placement fees and recurring revenue models in offshore recruiting? How has AI impacted the demand for certain roles in the offshore talent market? Why did Bryant choose to shut down his cleaning business instead of selling it? If starting over today, how would Bryant leverage AI and offshore talent to sell outcomes in a specific niche? 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 Revenue Insights and Business Models 02:54 The Journey of Elevate and Delegate 06:12 Challenges in the Cleaning Industry 09:03 Transitioning from Cleaning to Consulting 11:56 Customer Acquisition and Marketing Strategies 14:51 The Impact of AI on Business Models 18:08 Navigating Risks in Entrepreneurship 21:03 Future Trends in Offshore Recruiting 23:57 Building Outcome-Driven Solutions 26:50 Final Thoughts and Advice…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 171 - AI SERIES: 14 - How to Avoid Massive AI API Costs with Michael Greenberg 25:51
25:51 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked25:51
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Michael Greenberg (https://x.com/@gentoftech), serial entrepreneur and AI guru. Michael shares how he's using AI in his multiple businesses, from ghostwriting to podcast booking. We dive into the world of AI models, discussing which ones Michael uses daily, like Gemini 2.5 Pro and O3 mini high, and why he's moved away from others like GPT 4.0 for most tasks. Learn the critical difference between standard models and powerful reasoning models, and why the latter are essential for business logic, complex problems, and even math. We also unpack the importance of the context window and how models like Gemini excel here. Plus hear a cautionary tale about a $4,000 AI API bill and how they fixed it. Enjoy the conversation! Questions This Episode Answers: What AI models should I use for business tasks? What's the difference between standard and reasoning AI models? Why is the context window important for AI? How can Anthropic's Workbench help me write better prompts? How do I avoid huge AI API costs? __________________________ 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 Cost of AI in Business 02:58 Choosing the Right AI Models 05:55 Understanding Reasoning Models 08:50 The Importance of Context in AI 12:12 Future of AI Models 15:05 Prompt Engineering and AI Tools 18:03 Real-World Applications of AI 21:12 Managing AI Costs and Usage…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 170 - How AI is Redefining Search and Shifting Ad Dollars with Elizabeth Knopf 41:54
41:54 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked41:54
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨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), about the seismic shifts happening in the tech world thanks to AI . We dive into why, for the first time in over 20 years, Google's seemingly invincible search business is showing chinks in the armor as ad dollars start flowing elsewhere. We explore the classic Innovator's Dilemma and how big players like Google and Meta are navigating these turbulent waters, often contrasting their approaches. But it's not just about the giants; we discuss how AI is becoming the great equalizer , allowing nimble, smaller companies to achieve incredible growth. Plus, Liz shows off some mind-blowing practical applications of AI tools like Meta AI , Grok , and Claude for everyday business tasks – think generating formatted documents like PDFs and visualizing complex processes with just a few clicks. Tune in to see how the business landscape is rapidly changing! Questions This Episode Answers: Why is Google's traditional search revenue declining after 20 years? Where are ad dollars likely to shift as AI changes how people find information? How does the Innovator's Dilemma explain the challenges facing large tech companies today? Can small businesses realistically compete with tech giants using AI ? What practical AI features are available right now to help with tasks like documentation and visualization? 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 Evolution of Search and Its Impact 06:54 The Innovator's Dilemma: Google's Challenge 14:05 AI's Role in Business Transformation 20:08 Addressing Tech Debt and Organizational Challenges 30:05 The Future of AI Tools and Their Applications…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 169 - AI SERIES: 13 - No Code, No Problem: Building a Startup with Lovable AI with Corey Pierson 19:51
19:51 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked19:51
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Corey Pierson about his journey building a SaaS application, PetDocument, entirely with AI without any prior coding experience. We dive into how he leveraged AI tools like Lovable AI to turn a "fairy tale business idea" into a live, functional platform at petdocument.com, solving a real-world problem for pet owners. Learn about his experience using natural language prompting instead of traditional coding and how he navigated the process from idea to launch in a matter of months. Questions This Episode Answers: What's your business and how are you using AI? What is your professional background? Did you have any prior coding experience? How did you actually build this SaaS platform? How long did the entire building process take? 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 Harnessing AI for SaaS Development 02:57 Identifying Real-World Problems 06:13 Building a Pet Documentation Platform 09:07 The Development Process and Tools Used 12:02 Leveraging AI for Coding Assistance 15:11 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 168 - How a Panic Attack Led to Entrepreneurial Success with Raleigh Williams 51:45
51:45 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked51:45
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Raleigh Williams (https://x.com/theraleighwill). Raleigh's path wasn't typical; it started with a panic attack just 30 days into his career as an attorney, a path he'd chosen largely to please his dad. This pivotal moment pushed him to leave the security of law and explore entrepreneurship. After trying several ventures that didn't work out, he found his footing with escape rooms, eventually building a business empire that included trampoline parks and axe throwing, leading to a $26 million exit. But the journey wasn't just about business success; he shares how he navigated immense personal challenges, including his wife's battle with stage three breast cancer. We dive into his philosophy of finding direction through the negative path – knowing what you don't want – the importance of creating space in your life, telling the truth, and learning to say no to find your true purpose. Questions This Episode Answers: How can a crisis like a panic attack be a catalyst for career change? How do you find courage to leave the "safe" path when others disapprove? What is the "negative path" and how can it guide your entrepreneurial journey? How did navigating intense personal challenges shape the guest's life and work philosophy? What practical daily steps can help you find space and connect with your inner self while working? 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 Law to Entrepreneurship: A Life-Altering Decision 04:49 Building the Escape Room Empire 09:53 Navigating Personal Challenges: Cancer and Courage 15:11 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Business Growth 19:56 Finding Purpose Beyond Panic: The Negative Path 25:45 Finding Space for Curiosity 30:02 Navigating Chaos and Truth 34:53 Coping with Life's Challenges 39:59 The Journey to Authenticity 45:13 Creating Time for Reflection 49:50 Practical Steps to Discover Your Call…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 167 - AI SERIES: 12 - The Evolution of AI: Rebrands, Capabilities, and Future Trends with Peter Correia 29:51
29:51 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked29:51
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Peter Correia (https://x.com/BizScoutGuy). Get ready for a fascinating dive into the world of AI! Peter, who was into AI way before it was the hot topic, shares his wealth of experience from deep learning to the latest large language models. We unpack the differences between models like Claude, ChatGPT, and even the surprisingly useful Grok, exploring what each is best for, from brainstorming and coding to technical problem-solving. We also tackle the mystery of context windows and how they impact AI performance, plus Peter gives us a sneak peek into using MCPs to automate tasks and integrate AI with everyday business tools like Notion. Questions This Episode Answers: What's the difference between popular AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok? When should you use a more technical model like O1 versus a general one? How can AI be used for quantitative tasks like analyzing spreadsheets without hallucinating data? What are MCPs and how can they help automate business workflows? What's the deal with context windows and how does the size affect AI responses? 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 and Personal Journey 02:52 Exploring AI Models and Their Applications 06:07 Understanding Context Windows in AI 09:00 The Role of AI in Business and Data Analysis 11:51 Leveraging AI for Project Management and Development 15:09 Future of AI and Its Integration in Workflows 17:57 Conclusion and Call to Action…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 166 - How AI Can Hack Your Interview and Get You Fired (Or Rich) with Elizabeth Knopf 31:09
31:09 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked31:09
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), and Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside) as we talk about the incredible speed of AI and how it's changing everything from culture to your daily work. We dive into wild stories like how one college student used AI to hack big tech interviews and the surprising ways AI is showing up in hiring. We look at cool new hardware like AI glasses and pendants that could transform jobs in sales and trades. Plus, I get blown away by new capabilities in tools like Google AI Studio's ability to analyze your screen and especially Claude's new integrations! We talk about the revolutionary Model Context Protocol (MCP), what it means for connecting AI to your apps, and I show you how you can easily link Claude to your Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Gmail to save you a ton of time. We also touch on generating structured files like JSON for automation. If you're running a business, you NEED to hear this. Questions This Episode Answers: How is AI changing culture and business right now? Can people use AI to cheat in job interviews? How might AI hardware like glasses or pendants be used in business? Can an AI tool analyze what's currently on my computer screen? Which popular AI tools can connect directly to my Google Drive, Calendar, or Gmail? 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 Tech Interviews: A Controversial Breakthrough 03:03 Cultural Shifts Driven by Technology 05:58 AI's Role in Hiring and Job Performance 09:05 Augmented Reality and AI: Future Applications 11:51 Integrating AI with Everyday Tools 14:45 The Model Context Protocol: Revolutionizing Workflows 18:08 Claude vs. ChatGPT: A Comparative Analysis 20:53 Gmail Integration: A New Era of Personal Assistance 23:51 The Future of AI in Business Operations…
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Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
1 165 - AI SERIES: 11 - No Code, No Problem: Building Apps and Websites with AI with Minh Nguyen 26:56
26:56 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked26:56
Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨 Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Minh Nguyen (https://x.com/minhnxn). In this episode, we dive deep into the exciting world of AI and how it's revolutionizing the way we build businesses and gather information online. Minh, coming straight from the heart of tech in the Bay Area, shares his practical experiences using various Large Language Models like Claude, ChatGPT, and the often-overlooked Gemini for tasks ranging from coding to deep research. We explore his journey building Cash On, a powerful Chrome extension for real estate investors, and uncover the surprising potential of simple browser tools. Get ready to learn about AI-powered web scraping, the rise of directory websites and programmatic SEO, and how no-code platforms like Lovable and Bolt.new are empowering non-technical founders to bring their app ideas to life. Questions This Episode Answers: What AI tools (like LLMs) do you use and for what specific purposes? Why do you think people are "sleeping on" Gemini? How can AI be utilized for web scraping and data acquisition? What are some good types of app ideas to start with when using no-code or low-code tools? How can I leverage my existing content (like podcast episodes) using 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 Automating Data Collection for Real Estate 02:59 Exploring AI Tools and Their Applications 05:48 Building AI-Powered Web Scrapers 09:10 The Future of Programmatic SEO 12:07 Leveraging AI for Business Ideas 14:54 Creating Chatbots for Business Analysis 17:45 Building Without Coding: New Possibilities 21:08 Frameworks for Identifying Business Opportunities…
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