272: Andrew Hodson — A Mechanic's Leap into Tech Entrepreneurship

Nick Groeneveld (@ToolboxOfDesign) understands that design isn't about gadgets, widgets, or buttons. For Nick, design is understanding the needs, desires, and expectations of those you aim to serve. We chat about talking to your customers, what common mistakes indie hackers make when thinking about "design", and just how much more UX means than web interfaces.

Nick is ALSO the guy behind my interview videos and thumbnails! He's the producer of The Bootstrapped Founder, really. We talk about how freelancing and working with a media partner works, how he juggles his financials, and what lifestyle he aims for.

Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToolboxOfDesign

00:00:00 Designing for the User Experience

00:09:34 Managing Feature Creep and Simplifying UX

00:16:15 User-Centric Design and Business Growth

00:25:48 Evolving UX Design Services

00:33:12 Limiting Clientele for Meaningful Work

00:36:51 Building a Lifestyle Work Balance

00:50:01 Supporting Bootswap Founder on Multiple Platforms

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/nick-groeneveld-speaking-the-language-of-your-customers/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/302-nick-groeneveld-speaking-the-language-of-your-customers

The video: https://youtu.be/mCH_qEHgK0Y

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

• (00:00) - Designing for the User Experience
• (09:34) - Managing Feature Creep and Simplifying UX
• (16:15) - User-Centric Design and Business Growth
• (25:48) - Evolving UX Design Services
• (33:12) - Limiting Clientele for Meaningful Work
• (36:51) - Building a Lifestyle Work Balance
• (50:01) - Supporting Bootswap Founder on Multiple Platforms

Do you like revenue and expense numbers? I've been running my new SaaS podscan.fm for a month now. And today, I share all the facts and figures behind this first four weeks — the good, the undecided, and the bad.

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: 

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/301-podscan-one-month-in-mrr-expenses-marketing-tactics

Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Marc Louvion (@marc_louvion) is the Maker of the Year 2023 and the visionary behind the innovative ShipFast. His product development philosophy emphasizes rapid shipping and focusing on feature-specific builds, which has transformed his approach to creating tech products. Utilizing platforms like ProductHunt for launches, Marc highlights the importance of pre-validation and community feedback in fine-tuning his products, illustrating his strategic and responsive methodology to product creation.

In our insightful conversation —that at some point turns into a founder brainstorming session— Marc delves into the emotional nuances of creators who navigate various expressive avenues, from entrepreneurship to writing, and then returning to coding. His journey with ShipFast showcases the blend of strategic foresight and serendipity crucial for digital market success, alongside the continuous process of innovation. The discussion dive into the intricacies of building a community around a product, the challenges of SaaS businesses, and the significance of maintaining a work-life balance that incorporates personal interests, which in turn fosters a lifestyle that integrates personal well-being with technological advancement.

Marc on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marc_louvion

00:00:00 Building and Launching

00:07:54 Building Startups, Creating Magic, Finding Success

00:13:41 Building a Community Around a Product

00:26:08 Building a Software Community Platform

00:32:25 Balancing Work and Life as Founders

00:41:43 Sharing Hobbies and Life Reflections

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/marc-louvion-becoming-a-product-launch-beast/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/300-marc-louvion-becoming-a-product-launch-beast

The video: https://youtu.be/yFy1n1TPWNM

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

• (00:00) - Building and Launching
• (07:54) - Building Startups, Creating Magic, Finding Success
• (13:41) - Building a Community Around a Product
• (26:08) - Building a Software Community Platform
• (32:25) - Balancing Work and Life as Founders
• (41:43) - Sharing Hobbies and Life Reflections

Sometimes, pondering what your worst enemy would do is a good idea. Taking their point of view gives you a fresh perspective on your own work, your business, and the way you are perceived.

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/adversarial-thinking-in-entrepreneurship/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/299-adversarial-thinking-in-entrepreneurship

Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Sharath Kuruganty (@5harath) is not only a successful software entrepreneur and podcast host, but he's also open about the tough times he's faced, like losing his job while buying a home and having a baby. Sharath talks about the importance of being grateful, loving yourself, and understanding that life is short. He tells us how staying humble has helped him through tough times.

Sharath's story is especially powerful if you've ever felt like you had to change who you are to fit in. He explains how the culture in which he grew up made him chase respect and success in ways that weren't always true to himself. 

But he learned that being real not only makes you happier but also draws people to you. 

 Sharath's journey into podcasting shows that even introverts can find their voice and audience in today's digital world. His experiences encourage everyone to be themselves and find their unique place in the podcasting community.

Sharath on Twitter: https://twitter.com/5harath/

00:00:00 Striking a Balance in Entrepreneurship
00:08:13 The Power of Authenticity in Public
00:16:18 Building Skills and Mindset for Success
00:28:08 Improvement, Self-Awareness, and Podcasting for Founders
00:36:02 Building Personal Brands Through Podcasting

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/sharath-kuruganty-letting-go-isnt-quitting/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/298-sharath-kuruganty-letting-go-isnt-quitting

The video: https://youtu.be/99dD-rCLH-s

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

• (00:00) - Striking a Balance in Entrepreneurship
• (08:13) - The Power of Authenticity in Public
• (16:18) - Building Skills and Mindset for Success
• (28:08) - Improvement, Self-Awareness, and Podcasting for Founders
• (36:02) - Building Personal Brands Through Podcasting

Making money is hard. But even TAKING money takes some careful decision-making. Let's dive into payment platforms for solopreneurs today. Between Stripe, Paddle, and Lemon Squeezy (and then some), we have plenty of choices. But what matters most to people who already juggle 14 different jobs? I'll share what makes these platforms great, useful, and occasionally problematic for indie founders.

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/payment-platforms-for-solopreneurs/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/297-payment-platforms-for-solopreneurs

Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Yong-Soo Chung (@yongsoochung) is a champion of the Personal Holding Company: he owns several businesses, a media company, eCommerce, and a service provider among them. How does one stay sane with that much work in such diverse fields? He shares his survival framework and much more on the show today.

I talk to Yong-Soo about hiring the right people to operate your business once it's outgrown you, if he would ever sell his money-making assets, and just how important it is to have your own distinct voice in a world full of best practices.

Looking to hire an operator for your business? Start a few more companies? Become better at juggling multiple hats? This one is for you!

Yong-Soo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yongsoochung

00:00:00 Juggling Multiple Passion-Based Businesses

00:14:26 Building and Nurturing Exceptional Talent

00:20:55 Lessons Learned From Starting Projects

00:30:23 Exploring Audio-First and Video Formats

00:35:16 Podcast and Newsletter Strategy Optimization

00:45:47 Navigating Social Media Self-Identity

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/yong-soo-chung-surviving-serial-entrepreneurship/ 

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/296-yong-soo-chung-surviving-serial-entrepreneurship

The video: https://youtu.be/Q9oQdvSxZXs

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

• (00:00) - Juggling Multiple Passion-Based Businesses
• (14:26) - Building and Nurturing Exceptional Talent
• (20:55) - Lessons Learned From Starting Projects
• (30:23) - Exploring Audio-First and Video Formats
• (35:16) - Podcast and Newsletter Strategy Optimization
• (45:47) - Navigating Social Media Self-Identity

Many indie hackers and solopreneurs have a big exit as their primary goal. That
might be because of the money, but also because of a business’ limited life
span. But is there something like a ‘forever business’?

If so, what do you have to keep in mind here?

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/forever-business-or-exit/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/295-forever-business-or-exit

Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Rox (@RoxCodes) recently sold his SaaS thumbnailtest.com. But he's pretty conflicted about the sale. What was promised to be a moment of joy and celebration quickly turned into doubt, grief, and confusion.

Today, I talk to my friend Rox about the emotional complexity of giving up something you hold dear, how to move forward, and what it means to level up even further after a successful exit. Rox opens up and talks candidly about the weight on his shoulders, the pressure, and the expectations.

"Surrender" is the operative term here. If you ever wondered just how nuanced the sale of a business can be and how a founder has to struggle their way through it, this one's for you.

Rox on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoxCodes

00:00:00 Founder Talks Acquisition and Business Surrender
00:08:07 Choosing Potential in San Francisco
00:13:04 Building Creator-Led Software
00:25:13 Building a Software Entrepreneurship With Creators
00:30:12 Challenges of Building a Public Persona
00:44:41 Emotional Toll of Selling a Business
00:51:42 Navigating Challenges, Building Next Venture

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/roxcodes-building-dreams-and-letting-go/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/294-roxcodes-building-dreams-and-letting-go

The video: https://youtu.be/OG7ExrERbuY

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

• (00:00) - Founder Talks Acquisition and Business Surrender
• (08:07) - Choosing Potential in San Francisco
• (13:04) - Building Creator-Led Software
• (25:13) - Building a Software Entrepreneurship With Creators
• (30:12) - Challenges of Building a Public Persona
• (44:41) - Emotional Toll of Selling a Business
• (51:42) - Navigating Challenges, Building Next Venture

Today I discuss how I've developed my own advanced AI, moving away from relying on external platforms. I've managed to evolve the Podscan system from basic alerts to being capable of answering complex questions, all thanks to using llama.cpp and Mistral 7b on my own servers.

This approach has given me complete control over our technology and made our project more attractive to potential buyers. By leveraging open-source tools, I've minimized our dependency on other platforms and improved our competitive position.

And it's because of thousands of people working on this for free that I get to do this. The community support for llama.cpp on GitHub has been a testament to the collaborative effort behind this advancement. This episode celebrates the bold initiatives taken by these awesome developers and entrepreneurs in the AI space, and you'll learn how managing AI in-house can revolutionize a small but powerful software venture.

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/local-ai-for-software-founders/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/293-local-ai

Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw