Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside) to master Claude AI automation and solve the two biggest AI productivity challenges: refamiliarizing every chat with context and accessing scattered data across Google Drive, Dropbox, and cloud storage without creating duplicates.What You'll Learn: Claude AI Skills vs Projects – Simplify AI agents into universal templates you can invoke across any chatAI Second Brain Setup – Build your personal operating system with persistent memoryGoogle Drive Integration – Connect Claude to thousands of documents without vector databasesData Infrastructure Architecture – Organize files for AI automation and workflow optimizationSkill Creator Tutorial – Meta AI hack: Use Claude to generate custom skills automaticallyBusiness AI Automation – Set up deal analyzers, email formatters, meeting note templates & moreAI Memory Management – Future-proof your LLM workflow with proper data structureClaude Code Tutorial – Access MCP (Model Context Protocol) for advanced integrationsPerfect for: Entrepreneurs, small business owners, content creators, digital marketers, real estate investors, productivity hackers, AI enthusiasts, and anyone building their first million-dollar business with AI automation tools in 2025.__________________________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/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Introduction to AI Pain Points02:42 Understanding Skills vs. Agents05:56 Creating and Utilizing Skills08:46 Navigating GitHub and Skills Cookbook12:08 Building a Personal Operating System14:55 Integrating Google Drive with AI17:44 Creating a Second Brain with AI20:57 Practical Applications of AI Skills23:47 Setting Up Your Data Infrastructure27:04 Using AI for Meeting Summaries29:52 Conclusion and Call to Action

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Shannon Jean (https://x.com/@ShannonJean), serial entrepreneur and auction reselling expert who has helped over 1,700 people in his $5/month mastermind start profitable reselling businesses from scratch.Shannon reveals how to make money with auction reselling, liquidation pallets, and government surplus deals—what I believe is the most accessible entry point into entrepreneurship in 2024. Whether you're looking for side hustle ideas, want to quit your 9-5, or need a proven system to flip products for profit, this episode is your complete roadmap.What You'll Learn:The TWO commandments for profitable reselling: "Never buy anything unless you already know what you can sell it for" and "Buy with math, sell with emotion"How to research auction deals on B-Stock, Costco liquidation, Gov Deals, and liquidation.comWhy retail price is a lie (and how to calculate TRUE market value)Real examples: $206,240 MSRP sold for $4,200 | $1 investment turned into $5,000 profit | $3,200 products bought for $326The credibility funnel system you MUST build before buying your first palletWhy 95% of resellers fail (hint: it's not lack of capital or product knowledge)Seasonal arbitrage strategies for maximum profit marginsHow to avoid the $34,000 mistake that kills new flippersWhat NOT to buy: consumer electronics, vacuums, exercise equipment pitfallsLive selling strategies for Whatnot, Poshmark, eBay, and Facebook MarketplaceHow a high school junior made $10K/month reselling furnitureWhy an accountant sold 700+ pressure washers in one year__________________________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/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Introduction to Reselling and Entrepreneurship06:05 The Importance of Systems in Reselling11:52 Building Credibility and Understanding Your Why17:57 Finding Deals and Understanding Market Prices25:12 Getting Started with Seasonal Arbitrage27:35 Navigating Consumer Electronics and Exercise Equipment29:53 Understanding Retail Acquisitions and Auctions33:02 The Importance of Community and Support in Reselling39:38 Realistic Expectations and Learning from Mistakes45:17 Best Strategies for Q4 Reselling

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Stuart Draper about how to get your first customer and scale from $0 to $2M in 4 years.I had a freaking treat talking to Stu Draper today. He's an incredible startup founder who just had an eight figure exit from his EdTech company, Stukent, which helped over a million people learn digital marketing. His companies have been on the Inc 5000 list ten times, and he knows exactly how to get your first customer when you're starting from zero.We chat about his journey starting his first digital marketing agency, getfoundfirst.com, during the 2008 recession and why he prioritized being a family man by building a professional baseball field and indoor-outdoor pool over buying a Lamborghini.Stu shares actionable insights on how entrepreneurs can secure their crucial first customer (hint: it might involve working for free) and explains why starting a service-based business is often the best low-risk way for first-time founders to learn entrepreneurship and get in the game.We dive deep into why catching the early wave of AI automation agencies today is just like catching the digital marketing wave 15 years ago—and why AI agency opportunities mirror what made so many digital marketing agency founders millionaires by age 32.Finally, he tells us why focusing on sales and marketing—not mastering your P&L or balance sheet—is the most important part of building a successful business, and how he scaled to eight figures without being a financial expert by hiring a great CFO.Enjoy the conversation!__________________________QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS:What is the most important first step in getting from zero to your first customer?Why is starting an AI automation agency today similar to starting a digital marketing agency in 2008?What is the lowest-risk path for a new entrepreneur to get in the game?How did Stuart Draper use a free customer strategy to land his first paying client?When scaling a business from bootstrap to exit, why should startup founders focus on sales and marketing instead of the P&L?How do you create mission vision values that turn customers into believers?What's the best way to get your first customer when you have no LLC, no website, and no business email?How did Stu scale to an eight figure business without being a financial expert?Why are service-based businesses the best first business for entrepreneurs?What are the biggest business opportunities in 2025 for first-time founders?__________________________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/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The Journey of Growth and Learning02:59 Navigating the Digital Marketing Landscape05:47 Getting Your First Customer09:06 The Power of Vision and Shared Language11:58 Innovating in Education Technology14:52 The Importance of Sales and Revenue18:11 Lessons from Entrepreneurship21:01 Opportunities in AI and Service-Based Businesses23:55 Final Thoughts and Future Opportunities

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Dr. Sandeep Palakodeti (https://x.com/DrDeepMD).I was excited to welcome Dr. Sandeep Palakodeti, also known as Dr. Deep, to talk about his revolutionary company, Velocity Health.This concierge precision medicine clinic is addressing huge macro trends, particularly the demand for better healthspan and longevity. We unpack why someone would leave a top institution like the Mayo Clinic to start a business aimed at solving the "sick care" problem of American healthcare.Dr. Deep contrasts the standard transactional 7-minute primary care visit with Velocity Health's functional medicine approach, which focuses on root cause medicine and objective diagnostics like VO2 max, DEXA scan, and the coronary artery calcium scan. We also dive deep into the business model, exploring how Velocity Health scales as a 50 state virtual practice, utilizes the MSO PC model for regulation, and maintains an attractive CAC to LTV ratio through its recurring revenue plans.If you're an entrepreneur who believes preserving health is as crucial as preserving wealth, this episode is a must-watch.Questions This Episode Answers:1. Why did an institutional physician leave major hospitals like the Mayo Clinic to start a cash pay medical practice?2. How does a concierge precision medicine approach fundamentally differ from a traditional 7-minute primary care visit?3. What advanced diagnostics, like the VO2 max test, are the most critical KPIs for assessing longevity and health risk?4. From a regulatory and business perspective, how does the MSO PC model work for healthcare startups raising outside capital?5. How can a subscription-based healthcare service maintain an appealing CAC to LTV ratio using a longitudinal relationship model?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/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The State of Healthcare Today05:00 Emerging Trends in Concierge Medicine10:09 The Shift to Preventive Care14:46 Understanding Functional Medicine20:05 The Role of Technology in Healthcare24:55 The Business Model of Velocity Health30:04 Patient Experience and Engagement34:48 Future of Healthcare and Personalization

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside). This week, we troubleshoot some of my biggest frustrations with using the Claude Code interface. As a business owner trying to leverage AI for development, I was wasting hours "chunking" my prompts because I thought the system couldn't handle long text.Liz drops a truth bomb that saved my week: that short number in the terminal is just shorthand, and Claude actually knows the full prompt. We also tackle the ultimate annoyance: when the chat gets too long and forces a new context.Liz shares her setup for automatically generating a log file and a reusable context document to maintain conversational memory across sessions. If you're juggling multiple projects, we also talk about why a clean file structure is non-negotiable. Plus, Liz reveals the power of planning mode for complex ideation and hints at her grand vision for building an AI brain that ingests all your data, from RSS feeds to Google Drive notes.Questions This Episode Answers:1. How can I stop the Claude Code chat from getting "too long" and losing context?2. How does using planning mode help with ideation and complex reasoning?3. Do I need to break up long prompts if Claude Code pastes them as short numbers (e.g., "23")?4. Why is setting up a proper file structure essential when running multiple Claude projects?5. What slash command can I use to undo recent changes or mistakes?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/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Introduction to OpenAI's Agent Builder03:05 Understanding Agents vs. Automation05:48 Navigating the OpenAI Interface09:09 Exploring Use Cases and Templates11:57 Building a Research Bot with Agent Builder14:49 Guardrails and Safety in Agent Workflows18:04 Live Demo: Data Enrichment Use Case20:55 Sentiment Analysis on Social Media23:48 Challenges and Limitations of Agent Builder27:05 Comparing Agent Builder with Other Tools29:52 Future Potential and User Experience33:03 Conclusion and Call to Action

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with AI expert Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside) for a deep dive into Anthropic's Claude 4.5 Sonnet—the latest AI breakthrough for entrepreneurs and business automation in 2025.Watch as Elizabeth demonstrates game-changing features that transform Claude AI from static outputs into dynamic web applications through API integration and parallel tool execution. We explore extended AI thinking capabilities (up to 30 hours of processing), which delivers higher quality outputs for complex business tasks without constant iteration errors or AI hallucinations.The highlight? Claude generates a 22-page competitive analysis and content strategy for my YouTube channel versus Chris Koerner's "Corner Office"—complete with viral frameworks, audience insights, and growth recommendations. This deep AI research previously required specialized tools like Perplexity AI.We break down practical AI productivity strategies including building your AI second brain, prompt engineering libraries, context document management, and AI agent development for business operations. Elizabeth shares her framework for mastering AI tools like a fighter pilot—developing true AI literacy beyond basic prompting.QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS:What are Anthropic's key new updates for Claude 4.5 Sonnet and Claude Sonnet 4.5?How do dynamic AI artifacts and parallel tool execution speed up business workflows?How can extended AI thinking improve output quality for complex entrepreneurship tasks? What are the necessary components for building a functional AI second brain? How should entrepreneurs approach maximizing value from AI productivity tools? What's the difference between Claude AI and ChatGPT for business automation? How can first-time entrepreneurs use AI to build their first million-dollar business?What are the best AI tools for startup founders and small business owners? How do you create an AI operating system for personal productivity? What are practical AI use cases for entrepreneurs in 2025?__________________________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/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Building Your AI Second Brain02:43 Anthropic's Claude Updates and Dynamic Artifacts06:07 Advanced Reasoning and Parallel Task Execution09:00 Enhanced Decision-Making and Contextual Awareness11:43 Creating Comprehensive Outputs and Research Strategies15:02 Navigating AI Technology and Personal Frameworks17:52 Managing AI Across Life's Pillars21:03 Building a Personal Operating System for AI23:54 The Future of AI in Organizations

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Craig Fuller (https://x.com/freightalley), CEO of FreightWaves and Sonar, for a critical update on the freight market collapse and what it means for small business owners and entrepreneurs in 2025.Last time, I called Craig "Nostradamus" for his spot-on predictions about tariffs and supply chain disruptions—and this time, the data is even more alarming. We analyze the OTBI index (Outbound Tender Volume Index), which tracks trucking volumes and shipping activity across the US economy, and the numbers are flashing red: we've lost seven years of economic growth in the goods economy.Craig breaks down how the collapse in critical sectors like manufacturing, construction, housing, energy, and transportation logistics—which together employ 35 million Americans—is being completely ignored by Wall Street, the Federal Reserve, and Congress. While AI stocks and the Magnificent Seven drive the stock market to all-time highs, the Main Street economy is showing clear recession warning signs.This episode explains why freight data is the ultimate leading economic indicator, often predicting recessions 6-9 months before they hit (a principle known as Dow Theory). We discuss what the 2007-2008 financial crisis can teach us, why consumer spending is masking deeper problems, and most importantly—what you should do right now as a business owner or entrepreneur.Questions This Episode Answers:How severely have US shipping volumes and freight activity declined, and what does this mean for the real economy?Why are the Freight Market and OTBI index critical leading indicators often ignored by Wall Street, the Fed, and Washington DC?As a small business owner or entrepreneur, what specific actions should I take right now to prepare for an economic slowdown or recession?Why is a downturn actually a prime time for business acquisitions, consolidation, and securing undervalued assets?What is Dow Theory, and how does transportation data predict broader economic recessions?How do tariff policies and trade tensions with China impact domestic logistics and supply chains?What's the disconnect between AI stock speculation (Mag-7) and the goods-producing economy?__________________________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/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Economic Growth and Market Predictions02:53 Logistics and Supply Chain Insights05:45 The State of the Goods Economy09:04 Job Market and Employment Trends11:59 Small Business Strategies in a Downturn14:55 Opportunities in a Recession18:09 The Role of Government and Economic Policy21:03 Future Market Predictions and Indicators23:57 The Impact of Freight on the Economy26:49 Understanding Supply Chain Dynamics30:08 Cultural and Historical Context of Logistics33:03 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Elizabeth Knopf (https://x.com/leveragedupside) about the biggest AI tools updates of 2025.I was incredibly excited to sit down with Liz this week because OpenAI just dropped massive updates, including ChatGPT 5, OpenAI Pulse, and the game-changing Sora 2 AI video generator. We dive straight into Sora 2, a revolutionary AI video generation tool and text-to-video AI platform that's disrupting content creation for entrepreneurs and small business owners.We discuss how Sora 2 creates stunningly accurate AI digital clones and AI avatars of yourself from just five seconds of video—no expensive equipment or video editing software needed. This AI cloning technology is lightyears ahead of older AI video tools like HeyGen, Synthesia, and D-ID.We analyze OpenAI's genius product launch strategy and growth hacking tactics, using an invite-only system and leaning on Sam Altman for founder marketing and personal branding, creating immediate scarcity marketing and viral growth that could launch a totally new AI social media platform and AI content platform to compete with TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.Next, we switch gears to Anthropic's major updates for Claude AI. I was shocked to see the new Claude Chrome extension and Claude browser integration, which allows the AI assistant to analyze web pages, scrape data, automate browser workflows, and perform real-time automation tasks like a virtual assistant. This is perfect for business automation, data entry automation, and workflow optimization for first-time entrepreneurs building their online business.Finally, Liz demonstrates Claude Sonnet 4.5's ability to generate professional PowerPoint presentations, pitch decks for startups, and perfectly formatted CSV files and Excel spreadsheets directly from complex data sources and PDF documents. This eliminates tons of manual data entry and grunt work for any business owner, solopreneur, or content creator trying to scale to their first million dollars.Questions This Episode Answers:How did OpenAI use scarcity marketing and social media strategy to achieve a massive viral product launch for Sora 2 AI?How does the Sora 2 Cameo feature create highly realistic AI digital clones and deepfake avatars faster than previous AI video generation tools like HeyGen, Runway ML, and Pika Labs?How can small business owners and entrepreneurs leverage the new Claude Chrome extension for real-time browser automation, web scraping, data extraction, and workflow automation directly in Google Chrome?What makes Sora 2's inversion of AI technology into an entertainment platform and social network a "paradigm shift" compared to traditional marketing-focused AI tools and B2B SaaS products?How does the updated Claude AI model now generate high-quality PowerPoint decks, business presentations, and structured CSV data exports from complex PDF files and financial documents for business intelligence and data analysis?__________________________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/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The Rise of AI Automation13:45 Sora: A New Era in Content Creation24:00 Claude's New Features and Updates

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Taylor Jones (https://x.com/MrJonesSTRs), the founder of strsearch.com.Have you ever wondered if short-term rentals (STRs) are as passive as they seem? I used to think so, but Taylor completely changed my perspective. He breaks down how he went from a sales guy to overseeing over $120 million in STR investments by treating it not as a real estate game, but as an operations business.We dive into his first investment—a cabin in the North Georgia mountains that he bought having never owned real estate before—and how it generated $22,000 in cash flow its first year.Taylor reveals the critical mistakes he made, the lessons he learned about market supply and demand, and how a single amenity like a pickleball court can add $40,000 to your annual revenue.We also get into the incredible tax benefits and how STRs can offer active losses to offset your regular income, something I wish I'd known sooner.Questions This Episode Answers:• How can a single pickleball court add over $40,000 in annual revenue to an Airbnb?• Why is a short-term rental business more about operations than real estate?• How can you use short-term rentals to legally reduce your taxable income?• What is the biggest mistake new STR investors make when choosing a property?• Why are large-group rentals and small, romantic getaways the hottest trends right now?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/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The Allure of Short-Term Rentals02:55 Understanding the Operations Behind STRs05:42 The Journey into Real Estate Investment09:00 Lessons from Early Investments12:09 Scaling Up: From One to Multiple Properties14:56 Market Dynamics and Supply-Demand Imbalances18:11 Navigating the Real Estate Landscape20:55 Investment Strategies for Success26:00 Understanding Market Dynamics and Profitability30:13 Revenue Estimation and Occupancy Rates33:25 Tax Implications and Depreciation Strategies40:27 Investment Strategies for Short-Term Rentals47:31 Advice for New Investors in Short-Term Rentals

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Mike Hoffman (https://x.com/mrpassive). Ever wonder if you can actually create enough passive income to quit your job? In this episode, I talk with Mike, who went from being a college coach to living off the cash flow from his assets in just a few years.He shares how an observation at an airport led him down the rabbit hole of unattended retail and the vending machine business. We get into the nitty-gritty of what "passive" really means. Mike explains how he started by servicing his first machine himself (literally buying snacks at Costco with his daughter in the shopping cart) and built the systems that allowed him to scale to over 60 machines.He also reveals how the vending industry is being disrupted by new technology like micro markets and AI, creating huge opportunities for new entrepreneurs.Questions This Episode Answers:• How can a vending machine business generate enough income to replace a full-time job?• What does it really take to make a "passive" income stream truly passive?• How can you start a vending machine business with no money down?• Where are the best, most profitable locations to place a vending machine?• How is new technology like AI and micro markets changing the vending industry?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/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Highlights01:02 Meet Mike Hoffman: The Passive Income Expert02:36 Mike's Journey from Coach to Entrepreneur03:27 Diverse Income Streams: Real Estate, Vending, and More04:22 Challenges and Strategies in Crypto Mining07:03 Building a Passive Income Empire09:35 The Vending Machine Business Model12:40 Scaling and Systematizing Vending Operations18:59 Community and Coaching for Aspiring Entrepreneurs20:29 The Disruption in the Vending Machine Industry21:18 Real Estate and Vending Machines: A Parallel21:48 Expanding Vending Routes in Chicago22:41 Building a Vending Community23:24 The Business Model and Revenue Streams24:25 Challenges and Opportunities in Vending33:34 Innovative Vending Solutions37:12 Future of Vending and Micro Markets37:44 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Trenton Hughes and Chris Munn for a jam-packed episode where we cover everything an entrepreneur needs to know right now.We kick things off by debating which AI tools are worth paying for, from ChatGPT and Claude to Grok, and discuss how AI might soon replace your doctor.Then, we dive into the new "big beautiful bill" and what its tax changes mean for you. I'll share why the accelerated depreciation clause is a "massive boon" for entrepreneurs and how you can leverage it by investing in real estate like car washes or storage facilities to potentially pay zero in taxes.We also break down the confusing new rules on tips and overtime and why we think tipping should be abolished altogether. Finally, we explore why smart salespeople are ditching Zoom for in-person meetings to close bigger deals.Questions This Episode Answers1. Which AI tools are essential for business owners today?2. How can entrepreneurs use accelerated depreciation to save big on taxes?3. Will the new tax bill really eliminate taxes on tips and overtime?4. Why are successful salespeople returning to in-person meetings?5. Is it a good time for business owners to invest in real estate?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/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Exploring AI Services and Their Impact10:19 Navigating the Big Beautiful Bill and Real Estate Investment22:51 Understanding Tax Deductions on Overtime29:05 The Complexity of Overtime Tax Deductions35:35 The Shift Back to In-Person Sales39:49 The Return of Business Travel44:24 Growing the Podcast Audience

Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Brad Smith (https://x.com/bradsmithcoach).In this episode, I talk with Brad Smith, the co-founder of Automation Links, a business that helps other companies automate their marketing. Brad's company is doing an incredible $100k a month with 80% margins, and he shares the secrets behind his high-margin business model.He explains the power of being omnipresent and why a customer needs to see you 24 times on four different channels before they trust you.The most mind-blowing part? We dive deep into a marketing strategy involving pixels. Brad breaks down how these small pieces of code can track visitors to your website and social media posts, allowing you to retarget them with ads for a fraction of the cost. It's a secret weapon for scaling your business!Questions This Episode Answers:• How can pixels help you track and retarget customers for a quarter of the cost?• What is the "one action item" every business owner should do today, even if they aren't ready for ads?• Why does staying small and profitable lead to a better quality of life than chasing massive top-line revenue?• How can you get your ad to the top of Google Maps searches with zero competition?• What is a simple "themed day" system for creating a consistent social media content calendar?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/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Introduction to Brad and His Business01:17 The Role of Automation Links02:07 Revenue and Growth Insights03:55 Investment Opportunities and Business Philosophy10:57 Digital Marketing Channels Explained14:19 The Power of Pixels in Marketing17:17 Setting Up Pixels for Your Business19:06 Targeting Your Audience Effectively19:39 Setting Up Pixels for Better Ad Targeting20:35 Using Ads to Boost Organic Growth22:09 Leveraging YouTube and Google's Ad Network22:52 Pixel Tracking for Small Businesses24:05 Practical Examples and Tips for Businesses26:39 Choosing the Right Channel and Content Strategy33:36 SEO and AI: The Future of Search35:57 Content Calendar Strategy36:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Nick (https://x.com/mattressguy_). We dive deep into the surprisingly complex world of the mattress business. Nick, owner of Direct Outlet Mattress and part of a family with stores across North Carolina, shares his unique insights.We discuss everything from the less glamorous side of old mattresses to the economics of running a mattress store, even comparing his approach to giants like Mattress Firm. You'll be fascinated to hear how he's leveraging Twitter to build a successful brand and reach customers in unexpected ways.Questions This Episode Answers:How do these businesses (Mattress Firm) make money?What other overhead expenses would you have besides lease? How do you acquire customers for your mattress store?What is your approximate customer acquisition cost?How much does it typically cost to start a mattress business?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The Mattress Business Journey03:05 Family Dynamics in Business05:56 Understanding the Mattress Market08:51 Customer Acquisition Strategies11:47 Expanding Product Offerings15:05 The Importance of Quality17:58 Navigating Business Challenges20:55 Building a Brand on Social Media23:51 Future Plans and Online Expansion

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