Podcasts about warner music

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes mixing engineer and podcaster Benedikt Hain. Benedikt discussed his journey from growing up in Bavaria to becoming a full-time mixing engineer and running a studio called Outback Recordings . Benedikt has worked with with bands like Pulley and Swallow's Rose and labels like Warner Music and SBÄM Records.  In This Episode, We Discuss: • Remote Mixing In Bavaria • Mindset and Songwriting  • Exclusive Focus on Mixing • Client Revisions  • Mixing Heavy Rock  • Lessons Learned From His Podcast • Client Filter Links and Show Notes: RIP Dan Jasper WCA #027 Studio Website The Self Recording Band Special Site for WCA Listeners Matt's Rant: Enjoying the Journey Credits: Guest: Benedikt Hain Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith

Join me as I chat with Steph Smith to discusses startup opportunities in the AI era, focusing on both AI-enabled ideas and tech-agnostic concepts that remain valuable despite technological disruption. She presents detailed concepts for personal data dashboards, health data integration platforms, and AI-enhanced dating apps, explaining how these ideas address existing market gaps and could be monetized **$5,000 GREG'S LETTER GIVEAWAY (sponsored by Beehiiv)** - No purchase necessary - Open worldwide 18+ (void FL, NY, Quebec, Italy, Spain, Brazil & where prohibited) - How to enter: 1️⃣ Subscribe at http://gregisenberg.com/ 2️⃣ Reply to the welcome email with “Entering the $5K giveaway” (one per person) 3️⃣ **Like the YouTube video and comment what you'd do with the $5k** - Entry window: 19 May 2025 → 26 May 2025 (ET) - Winner chosen at random and emailed on 28 May 2025; must claim within 48 h - Prize: $5,000 USD via PayPal or wire or what the sponsor chooses - Odds depend on entries. Taxes = winner's responsibility. - Not sponsored by YouTube or any social platform. **Full Official Rules:** https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KSkNYH3lryT9GEXTaFkRYAQaYyla0C-YcXP0IDkNw2Y/edit?usp=sharing Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 03:01 - Startup Idea 1: Open Pages Creator 11:16 - Startup Idea 2: Lead Magnet Creator 14:26 - Startup Idea 3: Integrated Health Dashboard 21:59 - Startup Idea 4: Directory GPTs 24:54 - Startup Idea 5: AI-Powered Dating App Key Points: • Open Pages: Creating customizable personal data dashboards that display lifestyle metrics (fitness, habits, hobbies) • Health Data Integration: A platform that centralizes health information from various sources (CGMs, wearables, medical records) with AI analysis • Directory GPTs: Converting existing web directories into custom GPTs for personalized recommendations • AI-Powered Dating: Dating apps that match based on compatibility metrics beyond appearance using AI analysis LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringMarketing — Vibe Marketing for Sale: thevibemarketer.com Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND STEPH ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/stephsmithio Internet Pipes:https://internetpipes.com/ Surfer Diary: http://surferdiary.com/stats .

**

Join me as I chat with the Boring Marketer about building efficient marketing workflows using N8N and AI tools. Boring Marketer demonstrates how to use Claude AI with custom MCP integrations to automate keyword research, identify content gaps, and generate comprehensive marketing assets across multiple platforms. The approach focuses on simplifying complex marketing tasks through automation to free up time for more strategic work. Get ideas, tools, and tactics to 10x your marketing: https://www.skool.com/the-vibe-marketers Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:09 - Explanation of Vibe Marketing 04:12 - Automating keyword research 10:06 - MCP integration with keyword tools 15:41 - Analysis of search results and content gaps 20:33 - Creating automated content briefs 22:13 - Generating complete blog posts with proper brand voice 26:49 - MCP Explained 28:38 - Creating social media content from the same workflow 30:39 - Discussion of human review in the automation process 35:02 - Conclusion and the future of marketing Key Points: • Simple workflows in N8N can be more powerful than complex ones for marketing automation • Using Claude AI with MCP integrations to automate keyword research and content creation • Creating comprehensive content strategies based on keyword gaps in the market • Automating multi-format content creation (blog posts, social media threads, images) from a single workflow LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringMarketing — Vibe Marketing for Sale: http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses [https://www.startupempire.co](https://www.startupempire.co/) FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND THE BORING MARKETER ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/boringmarketer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadickerson/

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney to discuss how AI tools are transforming business operations, allowing small companies to achieve the output of much larger teams. We explore practical applications like content research, ad creation, and workflow automation, while emphasizing that founders should personally master these tools rather than immediately delegating. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 04:17 - AI Tools Inflection Point 09:44 - Building an Audience with AI 15:06 - The Role of the Human Editor 16:26 - Taste and Intuition in AI 18:36 - Execution with AI Tools 22:06 - Vibe Marketing 24:12 - Best Way to Learn how to use AI Tools 29:12 - The Future of AI Costs 30:14 - Mastering AI Tools 34:31 - Startup Idea: AI Automation Agency 40:14- AI is a Tool, use it Key Points: • AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and specialized platforms can dramatically increase productivity, giving small businesses the output capacity of much larger teams • Business leaders should personally learn AI tools before delegating to their team, mapping repetitive tasks that can be automated • There's currently an "arbitrage opportunity" with AI tools being relatively inexpensive while delivering significant value • Content creation, research, and ad generation are key areas where AI can replace manual processes LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringMarketing — Vibe Marketing for Sale: http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/ AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com

I share one of my techniques to get significantly better outputs from LLM's. The method involves using multiple AI platforms simultaneously (ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Gemini) and telling each that a competitor's response was superior, which prompts them to produce increasingly refined and higher-quality content. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:29 - Initial Prompt 04:04 - Improved Responses after "Jealousy" Prompt Key Points: • Using multiple AI models simultaneously and comparing their outputs yields better results • Making AI models "jealous" of each other by telling them another model performed better • Demonstrated technique using a cold email writing task across ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok • Each subsequent AI response improved after being told a competitor performed better 1) The BIG IDEA: Make AI models COMPETE against each other to produce superior results When you pit LLMs against each other and make them "jealous," they dramatically improve their outputs. Most people only use one AI at a time. That's a HUGE mistake. 2) The step-by-step "AI Jealousy Technique": • Open multiple AI tools simultaneously (ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, etc.) • Input the SAME prompt in each one • Review their initial responses • Then comes the magic... 3) The JEALOUSY trigger: Tell each AI that its competitor did BETTER! Example: "Not bad, but I'm surprised. [Competitor] crushed it with a 9/10 while you were just average at 5/10. I thought you were the better LLM. What's going on?" Then share the "winning" response. 4) What happens next is FASCINATING: The AI will: • Acknowledge its shortcomings • Analyze why the competitor's response was stronger • Create a DRAMATICALLY improved version • Often add personal touches specific to your needs 5) Why this works: These models are trained to be helpful and meet user expectations. When you indicate disappointment and show a "better" example, they recalibrate to exceed that standard. It's like getting a free upgrade to the premium version! 6) BONUS TIP: You don't even have to be 100% honest! Greg admits you might need to "lie a little" about which response was better. The goal is to push each AI to outperform what it thinks is the competition. Ethical? Debatable. Effective? ABSOLUTELY. 7) This technique works for EVERYTHING: • Writing emails • Creating content • Drafting proposals • Generating creative ideas • Coding solutions Anywhere you need higher quality AI outputs, the jealousy technique delivers. LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringMarketing — Vibe Marketing for Sale: http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

Kannon Shanmugam is a partner at the law firm Paul Weiss and has argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court, representing clients such as Goldman Sachs, ExxonMobil, Meta, Warner Music, Bank of America, Coinbase, and the NFL, among others. Kannon has also argued more than 150 appeals in courts across the country, including all 13 federal courts of appeals. A longtime Supreme Court reporter said that Kannon has “perhaps the most eloquent and elegant manner … that I've ever seen in my 40 years covering the Court." Legal 500 called Kannon "a brilliant lawyer and tactician, with impeccable judgment and an optimal moral compass." It added, “you won't find a more talented, sophisticated, compelling lawyer—and he matches that with his overall humility and kind nature.” Before entering private practice, Kannon served as an Assistant to the Solicitor General at the U.S. Department of Justice and as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Kannon earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard, was a Marshall Scholar at the University of Oxford, and then returned to Harvard for his Law degree. In this episode we discuss the following: As Judge Sack told Kannon, all you can do in a career is stand by the hoop and hope that somebody passes you the ball. There's no substitute for hard work. At the top levels, everyone has great credentials. But what differentiates the very best people is they put in the work, in a profession where there are no shortcuts. Surround yourself with great people, including great mentors. But not just older people. Kannon devoted a lot of time to finding the most talented young attorneys who were driven, smart, and enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is one of the most important things Kannon looks for when identifying talented people: enthusiasm to work, enthusiasm to grow, and enthusiasm to learn. If you love what you do, it's easy to get out of bed in the morning and keep doing it. Connect on Social Media: X: https://twitter.com/nate_meikle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natemeikle/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nate_meikle/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nate.meikle  

I walk through a step-by-step process for building a SaaS product in a weekend using AI tools. The demonstration follows a Reddit post methodology, using Gemini for competitive research, Claude for idea validation and planning, and V0.dev for UI generation. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Step 1: Choose your audience 02:38 - Step 2: Research Competition 09:19 - Step 3: Get Honest Feedback 11:47 - Step 4: Write a 1-page product requirements document (PRD) 14:14 - Step 5: Break the UI into "shippable chunks” 16:05 - Step 6: Generate UI with v0 21:55 - Step 7: Connect the backend 22:50 - What will make your product standout Key Points: • Start by identifying your target audience/niche before deciding what to build • Use AI tools like Gemini, Claude, and V0.dev to research competitors, validate ideas, and create UI • Break down your product into small, shippable UI chunks for efficient development • Focus on solving real pain points rather than just aesthetics to differentiate from competitors LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringMarketing — Vibe Marketing for Sale: http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

Today I break down Vibe Marketing, I explain how it leverages AI agents and workflows to execute marketing tasks that previously required large specialized teams. I outline essential tools for the Vibe Marketing toolkit including Replit, n8n, Gumloop, Manus, Claude, and OpenRouter, then shares practical workflows for content creation, sales automation, and data analysis that marketers can implement immediately. Get ideas, tools, and tactics to 10x your marketing: https://www.skool.com/the-vibe-marketers Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:24 - What is Vibe Marketing 02:34 - Why is Vibe Marketing happening NOW? 04:05 - Vibe Marketing Toolkit overview 10:51 - Practical workflows and examples 19:31 - The Future of Marketing (next 12-18 months 21:07 - Qualities of a good Vibe Marketer 21:38 - Learn more about Vibe Marketing Key Points: • Vibe Marketing combines vibe coding tools with AI agents and workflows to automate marketing campaigns • The convergence of improved AI, accessible automation tools, and collapsed custom tool costs has made Vibe Marketing possible • Small marketing teams using Vibe Marketing can accomplish what previously required much larger teams • Vibe Marketing will evolve to resemble high-frequency trading with AI agents working 24/7 1) What is Vibe Marketing? It's the combination of vibe coding tools (Bolt, Replet, Lovable) with workflow automation (Gumloop, Manus, N8n) to create AI-powered marketing campaigns. "Marketing will resemble high-frequency stock trading in the near future." 2) The Vibe Marketing Toolkit To get started, you'll need: • Vibe coding tools (Replit, Bolt, Lovable) • Workflow automation (N8n, Gumloop, Flow) • AI assistants (Manus, Claude) • Model router (OpenRouter) • Visual generation (Sora, ChatGPT ImageGen) Pro tip: Create a scorecard to track which AI models excel at specific marketing tasks! 3) The Future of Marketing (next 12-18 months): • Interconnected AI systems working together • Manager agents trained by human experts • Small teams accomplishing what required 50+ people • Goal-oriented systems ("Get me 50k visitors") • Real-time adaptation to market opportunities 4) What makes a good Vibe Marketer? • Think in SYSTEMS, not campaigns • Test relentlessly (50-100 variations, not just 2) • Front-load value in everything you create • Build once, distribute forever • Let machines handle the boring stuff LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringMarketing — Vibe Marketing for Sale: http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND BORING MARKETER ON SOCIAL: X/Twitter: https://x.com/boringmarketer

Join me as I chat with Chris Raroque, who demonstrates how to use AI tools to build sophisticated mobile apps as a solo developer. Chris walks through adding an AI chat feature to his budgeting app, showing his workflow with Cursor and Claude 3.7. He explains how to implement function calling to create an intelligent agent that can access transaction data and answer questions about spending patterns. Timestamps: • 00:00 - Introduction to Chris Raroque and his portfolio of apps • 02:32 - Overview of Cursor workflow for native iOS development • 09:54 - Demo of adding AI chat to a budgeting app • 17:50 - Connecting AI Chat Feature with Open Router • 25:55 - Improving prompts using Claude for better responses • 34:19 - Implementing tool/function calling for efficient data access • 45:13 - Adding token usage and cost tracking to the app • 48:34 - Techniques for AI-generated app assets and illustrations Key Points: • Chris Raroque demonstrates how to use Cursor with Claude 3.7 to build native iOS apps with AI features • Shows a workflow for adding an AI chat feature to an existing budgeting app using OpenRouter • Explains tool/function calling implementation to create an AI agent that can access transaction data • Shares techniques for generating high-quality app assets using ChatGPT 4.0 LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND CHRIS ON SOCIAL Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raroque X/Twitter: https://x.com/raroque Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.raroque/

Join me as I chat with Hunter Isaacson, a successful mobile app builder who has created apps with hundreds of millions of downloads. Hunter shares his playbook for building million-dollar mobile apps, emphasizing the importance of simple experiences, strong branding, and creating effective growth loops. He discusses how to identify opportunities by adapting existing ideas to new channels and technologies.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:56 - Examples of Viral Consumer Apps04:35 - Hallow Deep dive 10:14 - Locket Deep dive13:51 -  NGL's Deep Dive15:08 - Don't reinvent the wheel17:27 -  Hunter's $1M/Month App Playbook21:28 - Building a Brand People Love24:44 - Creating a simple experience25:26 - The importance of core action and North Star Metric26:33 - How to create growth loops31:28 - Additional Good Practices 33:13 - Opportunities in AI-enhanced app experiences36:38 - Future technology trends Hunter is excited aboutKey Points:• Hunter Isaacson shares his framework for building successful mobile apps, including NGL (250M downloads) and Bags• The importance of creating simple experiences with strong branding that people can understand and resonate with• How to identify core metrics and growth loops that drive user engagement and viral sharing• Leveraging new platform features (like widgets, live activities) to create innovative app experiences1) Hunter's framework for building viral, profitable apps is SURPRISINGLY simple:• Build a brand people love• Create a simple experience• Get users on quickly (even just 100)• Select ONE core action• Maximize % of users completing that actionLet's dive deeper...2) On building a BRAND PEOPLE LOVE:"Keep it short and find a slang term" - Hunter's secret sauce for naming apps.NGL = "not gonna lie" (obvious to Gen Z)BAGS = crypto slang for holdingsThe best names are OBVIOUS, resonate with your audience, and set the right vibe.3) Creating a SIMPLE EXPERIENCE is crucial!Hunter designs ALL his apps himself (started with PowerPoint, now Figma)His approach: "What's the bare bones MVP that solves the problem?"Don't overcomplicate. ONE user flow is better than branching journeys.4) The NORTH STAR METRIC changes everything.For each app, Hunter picks ONE metric that matters above all:• Wink: % of users getting a match on day 1• NGL: % sharing link + replies• BAGS: % funding account + making first tradeAim for 90%+ completion!5) GROWTH HACK: Build sharing into your core experience!"If you drop in 1000 people and 50% share, that's 500 people who've now shared your app"Hunter spent less than $10K marketing NGL to get 250M downloads! The key? Seed it just enough to activate the viral loop.6) You DON'T need to reinvent the wheel!Hunter on NGL: "Anonymous messaging apps have been around forever"The innovation? Using Instagram's new link feature as a growth channel.Look for EXISTING IDEAS that could work in NEW CHANNELS.7) On SEEDING your app:• Test content formats before launch• Work with creators in different niches• Pay small amounts ($50-100) to influencers• Look for that ONE viral video to ignite growth• Build an authentic voice on social8) TRENDS to watch according to Hunter:• Live Activities on iPhone (underutilized)• Lock screen widgets (not fully explored)• AI + consumer apps (CalAI's approach)• Crypto going mainstream• AR glasses (future)Massive opportunities in each!9) For YOUNG FOUNDERS, Hunter recommends:"Take a lot of swings. Have a lot of at-bats."Consumer mobile apps over B2B/SaaS when starting out:• More fun• Reach global audience• Better psychology understanding• Tools getting better every dayNotable Quotes:"I think that it's more about looking for frameworks than it is for looking for ideas. The framework, I feel like, is more important because now it's really easy to just framework X with audience Y." - Hunter Isaacson"You don't really need to reinvent the wheel... it's a new channel, right? If anonymous messaging has worked on the internet, it's worked on apps, it's worked on different platforms, why wouldn't it work with Instagram as the growth lever?" - Hunter IsaacsonLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND HUNTER ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/hunterjisaacsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterjisaacson/

Join me as I chat with Niels Klement, CMO of Perspective, we discuss how agencies are building highly profitable productized services using AI. He explains that the most successful approach involves focusing on a specific industry niche, creating a repeatable funnel template that delivers consistent results, and using AI to automate fulfillment. The discussion covers funnel optimization techniques, the importance of mobile-first design, and how interactive elements like quizzes significantly improve conversion rates.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:44 - Overview of productized services and funnel building03:21 - How to build a niche-focused service07:59 - Implementation of funnel templates and ads11:10 -  Funnel Strategies in 202514:43 - How to make a great VSL18:54 -  Funnel Strategies in 2025 pt221:05 - Where to use funnels23:51 - Demonstration of Perspective funnel building29:48 - Using funnels to validate startup ideasBuild your next sales funnel: https://try.perspective.co/4i8i3dkviavyKey Points:• Agencies are building highly profitable productized services ($10K-100K/month) by focusing on specific niches and using AI and funnel tools like Perspective• The most successful agencies target industries that aren't tech-savvy and focus on business-critical services like recruiting and lead generation• High-converting funnels use interactive elements, personalization, and quiz formats to achieve 26-28% conversion rates on cold traffic• AI can automate much of the service delivery, allowing small teams or solo founders to scale to significant revenue1) The Productized Service RevolutionAgencies are shifting from service-heavy to product-heavy models using AI + automation.Some are scaling to $1M/MONTH with 80% profit margins by:• Targeting specific niches (bakeries, lawyers, etc)• Delivering business-critical results• Using ONE killer funnel templateThe best part? You can run this with just 1-2 freelancers + AI agents.2) The Two Most Profitable Service ModelsAcross thousands of agencies using Perspective, two business models consistently outperform:A) RECRUITING FUNNELSHelp businesses find talent through automated systemsB) LEAD GENERATION FUNNELSDeliver qualified prospects to businesses3) The "One Funnel, Sell Twice" StrategyThe most successful agencies:• Pick ONE industry (preferably not tech-savvy)• Create ONE funnel template that delivers results• Use AI to customize it for each client• Automate fulfillment with AI agentsTop agencies in Perspective convert at 26-28% on COLD traffic! 4) What Makes High-Converting Funnels Work?The best performing funnels focus on:• SPEED: Pages loading less than 1 second convert 2.5X better• INTERACTIVITY: Quiz elements that create engagement• PERSONALIZATION: Tailoring content based on responses• CONSISTENCY: Matching ad messaging to landing pageThese elements create a "dopamine hit" similar to social feeds.5) The VSL (Video Sales Letter) FrameworkFor creating high-converting video content:• Focus intensely on the HOOK (first 5 seconds)• Provide genuine EDUCATION and value• Show PROOF that builds credibility• Create a natural progression to the OFFER6) How To Build Your First FunnelThe process is simpler than you think:1. Start with a mobile-first approach (95% of paid social traffic is mobile)2. Use quiz elements to qualify leads3. Personalize follow-up based on responses4. A/B test continuously (Perspective makes this easy)7) The Startup Validation Strategy1. Build an audience on social2. Create a funnel to test messaging3. Send organic traffic to validate4. Collect quiz data to understand pain points5. THEN build your productKEY TAKEAWAY:The future of services is PRODUCTIZED.With tools like Perspective + AI, you can build a highly profitable, low-overhead business by:• Focusing on one niche• Delivering one critical result• Using one killer funnel• Automating with AILCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND NIELS ON SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nielsklementLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsklement/

Erin Murray is the Chief Brand Officer at Mad Rabbit, a fast-growing tattoo skincare brand reshaping the way consumers and professional artists approach post-ink care. With deep expertise in brand storytelling, product development, and digital strategy, Erin has helped propel Mad Rabbit to quadruple sales year-over-year and expand from a direct-to-consumer model into major retail partnerships.Driven by the belief that brand growth stems from authentic community engagement, Erin has steered Mad Rabbit's shift from a purely consumer-first brand to one that deeply integrates pro artist voices. Under her leadership, the brand has launched ambassador programs, refined its identity, and executed a digital-first yet retail-savvy strategy that connects across multiple touchpoints.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:40] Intro[00:56] Recognizing emerging consumer needs[01:26] Scaling brands before the market exists[03:15] Growing communities that drive revenue[04:13] Bringing in fractional experts early[05:44] Pivoting strategy with real consumer data[08:56] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Snowball, and Portless[12:58] Testing channels before doubling down[16:08] Driving foot traffic after landing retail[18:16] Thinking beyond direct response marketing[18:59] Scaling brands with a holistic mindset[20:36] Expanding products to fit customer journeys[22:05] Building brands without losing core buyers[22:53] Refining brand identity for new marketsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeMad Rabbit is your easy tattoo care solution from soothing new ink to reviving & protecting current ones madrabbit.com/Follow Erin Murray linkedin.com/in/airynn00Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectDrive revenue through affiliates & referrals socialsnowball.io/honestRevolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/If you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

We've curated a special 10-minute version of the podcast for those in a hurry. Here you can listen to the full episode: With all the technology available, why do artists still need record labels? Join Nicolai Tangen in conversation with Robert Kyncl, CEO of Warner Music Group, as they explore the transformation of music business. They discuss Kyncl's journey from Czechoslovakia to leading Netflix, YouTube, and now Warner Music, the streaming revolution, and how record labels discover and develop artists today. Kyncl shares insights on balancing creative and business priorities, the impact of AI on music, the value of iconic catalogs, and the future of live performances. He also reveals personal leadership lessons and his approach to driving innovation in an industry constantly disrupted by technology. Tune in!In Good Company is hosted by Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management. New full episodes every Wednesday, and don't miss our Highlight episodes every Friday.The production team for this episode includes Isabelle Karlsson and PLAN-B's Niklas Figenschau Johansen, Sebastian Langvik-Hansen and Pål Huuse. Background research was conducted by Isabelle Karlsson.Watch the episode on YouTube: Norges Bank Investment Management - YouTubeWant to learn more about the fund? The fund | Norges Bank Investment Management (nbim.no)Follow Nicolai Tangen on LinkedIn: Nicolai Tangen | LinkedInFollow NBIM on LinkedIn: Norges Bank Investment Management: Administrator for bedriftsside | LinkedInFollow NBIM on Instagram: Explore Norges Bank Investment Management on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me as I chat with Nick Huber to discusses how "boring" businesses like storage, lawn care, and service companies often create more reliable paths to wealth than tech startups. He shares his personal journey from a college storage business that sold for $1.75 million to purchasing and improving self-storage facilities worth millions. The conversation explores various low-tech business opportunities with high profit potential and minimal competition.00:00 - Intro02:08 - Nick's Sweaty Startup journey05:20 - Self-storage facility investments and returns07:31 - Examples of profitable service businesses13:13 - Sweaty Startup Idea: Night Nurse Marketplace18:49 - Value of a Good Domain Names22:25 - The AI + Sweaty Startups OpportunityKey Points• Nick Huber shares his journey building "boring" but profitable businesses, including Storage Squad and self-storage facilities• Sweaty startups (service-based local businesses) often have less competition and higher success rates than tech startups• Simple marketing tactics like sidewalk chalk, bandit signs, and local networking can be highly effective for service businesses• Domain names are valuable digital real estate worth investing in for business credibility and growth1) The WEALTHY people in your town aren't tech foundersThey own boring businesses:• Underground utilities• Surveying companies• HVAC businesses• Real estate developmentWhile everyone's dreaming of being the next Elon, these folks are quietly building wealth.2) Nick's first million came from... college student storage! He built Storage Squad with:• $1500 Craigslist cargo van• $2200 box truck• SIDEWALK CHALK as his only marketingGrew to $2.2M in revenue, sold for $1.75M in 2020.No tech, no VC money, just hustle.3) Self-storage facilities = GOLD MINES Nick bought a neglected facility for $625K with:• 40,000+ square feet• 180+ units• Only making $4K/monthAnother facility they bought for $1.5M now generates $40K/month and is worth $4.5M!4) "Sweaty startups" are EVERYWHERE making serious money:• Lawn care: $100K+ working 9 months/year• Mobile detailing: $17K revenue/$10K profit PER MONTH• High-end transportation: Consistent 6-figure income• Tree removal: $3K for 4 hours of work (2 people)All with minimal startup costs!5) The DOMAIN NAME lesson that most miss:Nick paid $450K for [Somewhere.com](http://somewhere.com/) and says it's already delivered MORE value than that."People will spend millions on physical real estate but balk at a few thousand for digital real estate - the home of your business."6) The COMPETITION ADVANTAGE of sweaty startups:Would you rather compete against:• Stanford CS grad with $20M in VC fundingOR• Local business owner who doesn't answer phones on Monday afternoons?Choose your competition wisely!7) BEST BUSINESS IDEA from the pod: Night Nurse Marketplace• Domain available for $13K (or $1,100/month lease-to-own)• Target new parents needing overnight baby care• Build directory + blog with AI• Charge $1K finder's fee to match families with nurses$20K+ monthly potential!8) The AI + SWEATY STARTUP opportunity:The best AI companies might start as sweaty startups first.Build the customer base and trust with a service business, THEN layer in tech and AI solutions.This is how you build something valuable without competing with 1000 other AI startups.Notable Quotes:"The wealthy people that I know, the ones with giant beach houses in the outer banks and private jets at the local airport, almost all of them did something boring." - Nick Huber"Do you want to compete against LeBron James or a fifth grade girl in basketball? I play against the fifth grade girl every time because my odds of having a win and making money are higher." - Nick HuberLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND NICK ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/sweatystartupNick's New book: https://www.sweatystartupbook.comSweaty Startup Ideas: http://Sweatystartup.com/ideasBolt Storage: http://boltstorage.comSomewhere: http://somewhere.com

With all the technology available, why do artists still need record labels? Join Nicolai Tangen in conversation with Robert Kyncl, CEO of Warner Music Group, as they explore the transformation of music business. They discuss Kyncl's journey from Czechoslovakia to leading Netflix, YouTube, and now Warner Music, the streaming revolution, and how record labels discover and develop artists today. Kyncl shares insights on balancing creative and business priorities, the impact of AI on music, the value of iconic catalogs, and the future of live performances. He also reveals personal leadership lessons and his approach to driving innovation in an industry constantly disrupted by technology. Tune in!In Good Company is hosted by Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management. New full episodes every Wednesday, and don't miss our Highlight episodes every Friday.The production team for this episode includes Isabelle Karlsson and PLAN-B's Niklas Figenschau Johansen, Sebastian Langvik-Hansen and Pål Huuse. Background research was conducted by Isabelle Karlsson.Watch the episode on YouTube: Norges Bank Investment Management - YouTubeWant to learn more about the fund? The fund | Norges Bank Investment Management (nbim.no)Follow Nicolai Tangen on LinkedIn: Nicolai Tangen | LinkedInFollow NBIM on LinkedIn: Norges Bank Investment Management: Administrator for bedriftsside | LinkedInFollow NBIM on Instagram: Explore Norges Bank Investment Management on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve and Stuart look at Spotify's response to Kate Nash's latest comments about streaming royalties, and discuss the news that Warner Music is in the final stages of testing its superfan app, with heavy involvement from Ed Sheeran.Send in your questions for Stuart and Steve on thepriceofmusicpodcast@gmail.comFollow Steve on X - @steve_lamacqFollow Stuart on X - @stuartdredgeFollow The Price of Music on X - @PriceofMusicpodSupport The Price of Music on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/ThePriceofMusicFor sponsorship, email - joe@musically.comThe Price of Music is a Music Ally production:https://musically.com

Use agents https://www.lindy.ai/greg (thanks to Flo for hooking us up with 50% off and you can get started for free)Join me as I chat with Flo Crivello, founder of Lindy AI, where he demonstrates how to build AI agents that can automate various business processes without coding. The conversation showcases practical applications including meeting recording, scheduling, recruitment, competitive analysis, and customer support. Crivello emphasizes that there's currently a significant gap between what's technically possible with AI agents and what most businesses are implementing.Built your first AI Agent with Lindy: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ai-agentsTimestamps:00:00 - Intro02:08 - Demo 1: Meeting Notes04:41 - Demo 2: YouTube comment scraping06:49 - Meeting Notes Continued08:27 - Demo 3: Outbound Phone Calling10:16 - Demo 4: Meeting Prep10:25 - Agent Swarms Explained11:25 - Meeting Prep Continued13:31 - Demo 5: Meeting Scheduler15:04 - How to start using Lindy15:52 - Live Building of a Recruitment Agent17:57 - When should you loop in a human18:37 - Building of a Recruitment Agent continued 20:34 - Demo 6: Sales Prospecting 22:44 - Why start using AI Agents26:00 - Overview of template categories and use cases28:52 - Demo 7: Elon Lindy30:12 - Demo 8: Competitive Analysis32:58 - Demo 9: CRM and Networking Manager34:50 - Final ThoughtsKey Points:• Lindy is a no-code platform for building AI agents that can automate business processes• Users can create their first agent in 10 minutes and automate significant portions of their business• The platform features "Agent Swarms" that can handle multiple tasks in parallel with greater reliability• Lindy offers thousands of integrations with various platforms and services1) Meeting Assistant AgentsThe most universal use case for AI agents? Meeting management!Lindy can:• Record and transcribe your meetings• Create searchable notes in Google Docs• Organize notes by person (incredible for context)Flo: "I just had to dig up Google Docs and send him everything we've ever talked about with this person."2) The Agent vs Workflow DifferenceUnlike Zapier which connects isolated steps, Lindy creates TRUE AGENTS that:• Understand context between steps• Can recover from mistakes• Let you speak to them in natural language• Don't need every step configuredThe magic? You're basically telling an AI to execute a sequence of connected actions.3)  Agent Swarms = GAME CHANGERThis new feature lets you deploy multiple agents simultaneously!• Send personalized outreach to hundreds of leads• Research multiple people in parallel• Execute tasks reliably without losing coherenceThink Agent Smith in The Matrix - your agent duplicates itself to handle massive workloads FAST.4)  Real-World Examples That Blew My MindFlo's Lindy made a restaurant reservation BY PHONE The hilarious part? The restaurant was using an AI receptionist!"It's already happening - AI agents are working together in the wild"His AI also schedules meetings, preps him for calls, and manages his network.5) Building a Recruiter Agent LIVEIn just 2 minutes, Flo built a recruiting agent that:• Takes job criteria• Searches for matching candidates• Researches them on Perplexity• Sends personalized outreach emailsAll with human approval built in when needed!"There's a huge gap between what's possible and what people are actually doing."6) The "Elon Lindy" = Middle Management KillerThis agent:• Calls every team member weekly• Asks what they accomplished• Compiles everything into a report for the CEOOne customer deployed this to 1000+ employees, essentially "replacing the middle management layer"!7) Competitive Intelligence on AutopilotFlo's competitive tracker:• Wakes up monthly• Monitors competitors from a spreadsheet• Tracks employee count, traffic, funding, etc.• Sends reports on who's pulling ahead8) The MASSIVE Opportunity Right Now"There is a HUGE arbitrage between what's possible and what people are actually doing."Companies exploiting this gap are EXPLODING:• One AI ad generator hit $5M ARR in months with just 8 people• Small teams can now operate like they have 30-50 peopleLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND FLO ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/AltimorLindy: https://www.lindy.ai

This week, Ari is joined by Lyor Cohen, the Global Head of Music at YouTube. Earlier in his career, Lyor led Def Jam Recordings, where he worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Ja Rule, and Ludacris. He eventually sold Def Jam to Universal and helped create the Island Def Jam Music Group. After Def Jam, Lyor became Chairman and CEO of Recorded Music at Warner Music Group. He went on to co-found 300 Entertainment (repping artists like Fetty Wap and Young Thug) before landing at YouTube in 2016.In this episode, Lyor and Ari discuss artist development, the state of the industry, and music's digital revolution. Lyor shares what it was like to lead Warner Music at a time when both Spotify and YouTube launched. If you're curious about the trajectory of tech in music, how generative AI can bring artists and fans together, or how you can use YouTube to build momentum in your career, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 The Pursuit of Artist Success05:23 Navigating the Music Industry Landscape12:11 User-Centric Approach in Music20:34 Building Artist Communities27:14 The Evolution of Music Consumption33:30 Embracing Generative AI in MusicEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari's TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me as I chat with Riley Brown to explore various opportunities in AI, from image generation to rebuilding essential software tools, while debating the future of content creation, customer support automation, and the concept of "vibe coding/marketing." Timestamps:00:00 - Intro02:05 - ChatGPT 4.0 image generation capabilities07:30 - Rebuilding calendars, inboxes and CRMs11:02 - Component Animation Library12:59 - The "spaghetti video" and AI video progression19:41 - Customer support automation22:01 - The biggest trap for founders24:43 - Sketching is the future of AI building26:15 - Build Consumer AI Mobile Apps 27:42 - AI Market Dynamics29:01 - Rebuilding traditional products with AI advantages30:51 - AI tools and AI Agents will be cheaper than humans31:56 - Vibe Marketing is a huge opportunity35:41 - AI will replace the homepage36:56 - AI's impact on education and entrepreneurshipKey Points:• ChatGPT 4.0's image generation capabilities will birth thousands of vertical software businesses• Calendars, inboxes, and CRMs will be completely rebuilt with AI within three years• AI-generated video has progressed dramatically and will transform content creation• Most customer support will be fully automated within 36 months, including complex issues• Mobile-first AI apps represent the next wave of $100M+ consumer applications1) ChatGPT 4.0 ImageGen is as REVOLUTIONARY as the original ChatGPT launchIt will birth 1000+ vertical software businesses worth $1-100M each.Riley: "It's incredible for generating gradients, components, character sprite sheets..."The window to build these businesses is NOW.2) Every calendar, inbox, and CRM will be COMPLETELY REBUILT in the next 3 yearsNot just AI-enhanced — fully rethought from scratch.We're talking about a $700B+ industry transformation.Look at Micro HQ approach: turning email into a smart dashboard with intelligence baked in.3) The "Will Smith eating spaghetti" video evolution shows how FAST AI video is advancing739 days ago: Hilariously bad AI videoToday: Nearly perfect realismIn another 739 days? Full movies created with prompts, perfect dialogue, and integrated music.The content creation landscape is about to be UNRECOGNIZABLE.4) Most customer support will be fully automated within 36 monthsNot just basic tier-one tickets — we're talking complex, multi-step resolutions that currently require senior staff.The days of frustrating support calls may finally be ending as AI gets better at solving our problems instantly.5) "The worst thing that can happen to your startup is mediocre success"Enough to keep you going, but not enough to change your life.Many founders get trapped in routines with projects they aren't passionate about.The key? Pivot to something that excites you to wake up every day.6) The SKETCHING economy is the real AI revolutionWhen anyone can turn rough sketches into production-ready designs, taste and ideation become the only scarce resources.Greg's insight: "I've been sketching more myself... if I sketch a thumbnail and throw it into GPT-4.0, I might get twice the engagement.”7) Consumer mobile is BACK in full swingWe went from:• Desktop-first apps (Facebook)• Mobile-first apps (Instagram)• Now AI-first mobile apps (Cal AI)The next wave of $100M+ apps will start mobile-first with AI baked in from day one.8) AI is creating winner-take-most markets OVERNIGHTThe window to establish yourself as the go-to solution in a specific vertical?9) AI will kill the homepage as we know itInterfaces will be replaced by entry points that change based on who you are, what you need, and when you show up.Just as ads became hyper-personalized, websites and apps will adapt to each visitor in real-time.10) Schools won't be disrupted by AI — they'll be DISINTERMEDIATEDSmart teens will skip formal education to build audiences and run experiments.Kids say they want to be creators, but creators are becoming entrepreneurs.Entrepreneurship is becoming the safest "job" in an AI-powered world.LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND RILEY ON SOCIALVibe Code App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vibecode/id6742912146X/Twitter: https://x.com/rileybrown_aiInstagram: https://x.com/rileybrown_ai

Join me as I chat with Justin Mares, Founder of Kettle and Fire, as he explains his methodical approach to validating Kettle and Fire before fully launching it in 2014-2015. He created a basic landing page with a PayPal checkout to test if people would pay $29.99 for bone broth, achieving a 30% conversion rate despite having no actual product. The conversation highlights how modern AI tools have dramatically lowered barriers to entry for entrepreneurs testing new business ideasTimestamps:• 00:00 - Intro• 01:05 - The Scale of Kettle and Fire• 01:20 - The Initial Idea and Inspiration• 02:16 - Validating Market Demand• 04:03 - Addressing Skepticism on Market Research• 06:00 - Testing Pricing and Demand• 08:48 - Bing Ads and Early Revenue• 12:22 - Leveraging AI for Business Today• 13:42 - Finding Passion-Driven Problems• 15:28 - Identifying Trends and Tools• 20:15 - ChatGPT 4o for Initial Product DesignKey Points• Justin shares how he validated and launched Kettle and Fire, now a nine-figure bone broth business• He used a minimal landing page, Fiverr logo, and Bing ads to test market demand before creating the product• The validation process focused on identifying if enough people wanted the product and if they would pay enough1) The "Day Zero" validation strategy that worked:Justin wanted bone broth for his own health but couldn't find it online. Before creating anything, he asked two critical questions:• How many people actually want this?• Will they pay enough to make it a viable business?Smart validation = less risk.2) Finding your TRUE market size:Justin didn't rely on gut feeling. He went where his potential customers hung out:• Paleo forums• CrossFit communities• Reddit threads• Mark's Daily AppleHe found FANATIC engagement around bone broth recipes, sourcing, and benefits3) The Google Trends hack Justin checked macro trends to confirm his micro observations.He wasn't looking to build a 9-figure business at 24 - just wanted to make $10K/month with his brother.Simple math: A few thousand customers spending a few hundred dollars a year = viable business.4) The $15 MVP that ACTUALLY validated demand:• $9.99 domain ([bonebroths.com](http://bonebroths.com/))• $5 logo from Fiverr• Basic landing page on UnbounceNo product. No fancy design. Just a simple page highlighting benefits that his target audience cared about:- Healing leaky gut- Convenience- Organic ingredients5) The GENIUS pricing strategy:Justin priced at $29.99 for 16oz - 6X MORE than grocery store broth!His thinking: "If people will pay this much for a product they've never tasted from a sketchy landing page, they REALLY want it."High price = strong signal of demand.6) The checkout flow was HILARIOUSLY janky:"Order Now" button → Justin's personal PayPalThat's it. That was the entire checkout.And guess what? PEOPLE STILL BOUGHT IT! After spending just $100 on Bing ads (yes, Bing!), he made nearly $500 in revenue.7) The honest follow-up that built trust:After validating demand, Justin emailed every customer:"We don't have the product yet. I can either refund you in full or give you 50% off when we ship in a few weeks."Most chose the discount, giving him runway to actually create the product.8) From validation to execution:It took 8 months to figure out production and scaling.But because he KNEW people wanted it and would pay for it, he had the confidence to push through the hard parts.9) How would he do it TODAY with AI tools?• Better landing pages using tools like Bolt.new• Sentiment analysis across Reddit/Twitter• AI-generated product designs (as shown in the podcast)10) The bigger lesson for aspiring founders:Focus on problems YOU care deeply about.The best ideas come from the frontier where you're already spending your time.11) AI is LEVELING the playing field:One person with strong conviction + AI tools can now build products that previously required entire teams.12) Want to find YOUR startup idea?Justin's advice:• Find a problem that lights you up• Circle that problem until you find interesting solutions• Validate with real customers willing to pay• Use AI to accelerate everythingLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND JUSTIN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/jwmaresHis Blog: https://justinmares.com/

Join me as I chat with Jacob Posel where he explains his viral method for creating professional ads using ChatGPT 4o and reference images. Jacob demonstrates that effective ad creation with AI relies more on providing quality inspiration images than complex prompting. The episode includes four example ads and two live demonstrations, showcasing how marketers can experiment with different audiences and styles at scale to improve conversion rates.Timestamps:• 00:00 - Intro• 02:01 - Best practices and the importance of inspiration images• 05:52 - Using Reference Images vs. No Reference • 09:07 - Exploring Sora for Prompt Inspiration• 13:33 - Another example of reference image + product image• 16:20 - More Ad Examples (Ridge Wallet)• 18:14 - More Ad Examples (Replit)• 19:12 - Where to find Ad inspiration• 20:00 - Live Ad Creation for LCA• 33:37 - Ad Concept Development for LCA• 37:37 - Finalizing the Ad and Next StepsKey Points:• Jacob Posel demonstrates how to create high-quality ads in minutes using ChatGPT, focusing on using reference images rather than complex prompts• The process involves providing inspiration ads and product images to ChatGPT, which can then generate customized, conversion-ready advertisements• Using well-known brands requires less specific prompting as the AI already understands them, while lesser-known products need more reference images• The speakers demonstrate live ad creation for Late Checkout Agency (LCA), showing the iterative process and prompt refinement techniques1) The Secret to Great AI-Generated AdsForget complex prompting - the REAL magic is in your reference images!Jacob revealed: "The important thing in creating good ads are the inspiration images and product images that you provide."ChatGPT understands intent better than other AI image tools.2) The Simple FrameworkHere's the basic formula Jacob uses:• Find an inspiration ad you like• Add your product image• Give simple instructions• Let ChatGPT work its magicThe model is SMART enough to understand what you want without elaborate prompts.3) When to Use Reference Images vs. When Not ToKEY INSIGHT: ChatGPT already knows popular brands!"It knows Nike, Adidas, Ridge wallets really well," Jacob explains.For well-known brands: Simple prompts work fineFor newer/smaller brands: ALWAYS provide reference imagesThis saves you tons of time!4) Pro Tip: Where to Find Ad InspirationJacob's go-to sources for ad inspiration:• Creative OS• Foreplay• IconThese tools pull from Meta's ad library and make it searchable.Finding the right reference ad is HALF the battle!5) The Hidden Goldmine Nobody's Talking AboutALPHA ALERT: Check out Sora's explore page!"This is a piece of alpha that people do not know about right now," Jacob revealed.It shows you the EXACT prompts people used for successful images.Perfect for learning how to prompt effectively!6) Crucial Prompting TipsIf your first attempt isn't perfect:• DON'T continue in the same chat• Start a fresh conversation• Make adjustments to your prompt there"You generally get through a cycle of worse and worse rather than improving" if you keep going in the same chat.7) Real-World Example: The LCA AdWe created a luxury-style ad for Greg's innovation agency in real-time!Process:1. Screenshot website elements2. Find vintage Rolex ad as inspiration3. Simple prompt explaining the brand vibe4. Iterate in a NEW chat for improvementsTook less than 10 minutes! 8) The Future of AdvertisingThis technology enables:• Personalized ads at scale• Rapid response to trending moments• Testing different audiences/demographics• Experimenting with creative directionsAs Jacob puts it: "The ad is the targeting" - and now you can do it at SCALE.Notable Quotes:"Marketers have this saying nowadays that the ad is the targeting and this is just a way that you can actually do it at scale." - Jacob Posel"The important thing I found in creating good ads are actually the inspiration images and the product images that you provide." - Jacob PoselLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND JACOB ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/jacob_posel

MUSICThe latest band to selloff their music is: Twisted Sister who has sold its remaining rights, includingcopyrights and trademarks, to Warner Music for and undisclosed sum. Congrats to Dave Navarrowho got married this weekend! The Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro, whotied the knot for the fourth time to Swedish actress/fashiondesigner Vanessa DuBasso in Scotland on Saturday. The Who's Roger Daltryrevealed that he is "going blind" while performing at London's Royal Albert Hall on Thursday night.Sum 41 have released a cover of Rage Againstthe Machine's "Sleep Now in the Fire" for the Spotify Singles series. Jelly Roll surprised adeserving fan with a free car at a show in Canada last weekend. She used to be homeless and on drugs, and now works to help get other peopleoff the street.  Here she is helping someone, then finding out she'sgetting free tickets to see Jelly, then his BIG surprise for her.     The Sex Pistols -- with Frank Carter singinginstead of John Lydon -- have announced a North American tour where they'll play NeverMind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols in full. The trek startsSeptember 16th in Dallas and wraps up October 16th in Los Angeles. Tickets goon sale Friday.Not happy with yourhome?  What if you could ditch it and move into your favorite TVhouse?  What would it be?For 13% of Americans, itwould be the Tanner house in San Francisco from "Full House". That was the #1 answer in a poll of 2,000 people.  Here are the Top 20: AND FINALLYUproxx.com put togethera list of videos from THIS century that changed the game.AND THAT IS YOUR CRAP ON CELEBRITIES! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MUSIC The latest band to sell off their music is: Twisted Sister who has sold its remaining rights, including copyrights and trademarks, to Warner Music for and undisclosed sum. Congrats to Dave Navarro who got married this weekend! The Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro, who tied the knot for the fourth time to Swedish actress/fashion designer Vanessa DuBasso in Scotland on Saturday.   The Who's Roger Daltry revealed that he is "going blind" while performing at London's Royal Albert Hall on Thursday night. Sum 41 have released a cover of Rage Against the Machine's "Sleep Now in the Fire" for the Spotify Singles series.   Jelly Roll surprised a deserving fan with a free car at a show in Canada last weekend.  She used to be homeless and on drugs, and now works to help get other people off the street.  Here she is helping someone, then finding out she's getting free tickets to see Jelly, then his BIG surprise for her.       The Sex Pistols -- with Frank Carter singing instead of John Lydon -- have announced a North American tour where they'll play Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols in full. The trek starts September 16th in Dallas and wraps up October 16th in Los Angeles. Tickets go on sale Friday. Not happy with your home?  What if you could ditch it and move into your favorite TV house?  What would it be? For 13% of Americans, it would be the Tanner house in San Francisco from "Full House".  That was the #1 answer in a poll of 2,000 people.  Here are the Top 20:   AND FINALLY Uproxx.com put together a list of videos from THIS century that changed the game. AND THAT IS YOUR CRAP ON CELEBRITIES! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Build your business with beehiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com/greg-isenberg?utm_campaign=Q22025-greg-isenberg-partnership&utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=podcast&utm_source_platform=podcast&via=greg-isenberg-Q22025&utm_marketing_tactic=awareness&utm_creative_format=podcast&utm_content=greg-isenberg&utm_term=greg-isenbergJoin me as I chat with Tyler Denk, co-founder of Beehiiv, to discuss how to grow a newsletter to 100,000 subscribers. He demonstrates Beehiiv's platform features including customizable websites, subscriber data collection, automated welcome sequences, and multiple monetization options. Tyler emphasizes there's no "silver bullet" for growth—success comes from combining multiple strategies that each contribute incrementally to building a valuable audience asset.Get the 5-step guide to 100K subscribers: www.gregisenberg.com/beehiiv-businessTimestamps• 00:00 - Intro• 02:58 - Overview of newsletter growth potential• 04:03 - Website building and email capture features• 15:00 - Subscriber data collection and welcome automations• 25:00 - Cross-promotion and "Boost" network for growth• 38:06 - Lead magnets and referral programs• 55:00 - Customized email collection based on content  • 1:08:35 - Monetization strategies (sponsorships, paid subscriptions)• 1:10:55 - Final thoughts on consistency and getting startedKey Points• Beehiiv's all-in-one platform includes website building, email capture, subscriber data collection, referral programs, and monetization tools• Multiple growth channels work together: lead magnets, email gating, referral programs, and cross-promotion with other newsletters• Monetization comes through direct sponsorships, Beehiiv's ad network, and the "Boost" feature where newsletters pay each other for subscriber referrals1) Website & Email Capture StrategyBeehiiv gives you a full website builder where you can create:• Custom landing pages• Email capture forms• Pop-ups targeted by traffic source• Different signup flowsThe key? Create MULTIPLE entry points that convert 15-20% of visitors to subscribers.Tyler's Windows 98-themed site stands out because it's INTENTIONALLY different!2) The Subscribe Flow MagicThis is GENIUS:After someone subscribes, Tyler shows:• Sponsored newsletter recommendations• A quick survey collecting demographic data• A welcome page with popular contentThis data helps him:• Sell premium sponsorships• Create targeted content• Understand his audience (60% founders!)3) Network Effects & Passive GrowthTyler gets 200-300 FREE subscribers weekly through Beehiiv's recommendation network!How it works:• Other newsletters recommend his in their subscribe flow• He recommends others in his flow"It's like getting $400-600 of value weekly just for existing on the platform" 4) The Boost Network (Paid Acquisition)Tyler spends $2-3K monthly buying subscribers through Beehiiv's Boost marketplace.• He pays $2.50 per subscriber• Only pays for subscribers who ACTUALLY ENGAGE• Has autopause features to cut off low-quality sources• Manages 155+ acquisition sources in one dashboardIt's like a vending machine: put in $2.50, get $4 back!5) Lead Magnets That ConvertTyler shared his seed deck on Twitter (100K views) with a simple signup form.The magic:• Created a custom landing page in Beehiiv• Set up a different signup flow (no recommendations)• Built an automation to deliver the deck instantly• Added new subscribers to his newsletterPro tip: Get sponsors for your lead magnets to fund MORE promotion!6) The Referral Program (1% of growth)Tyler built Morning Brew's referral program (led to 1M+ subscribers) and implemented a simpler version:- 1 referral = Access to Series B deck (digital, zero cost)• 3 referrals = $10 off merch (dropshipped, zero cost)7) Monetization (The Engine)Tyler makes $20-30K monthly through:- Direct sponsorships ($7K per placement)• Boost network referrals ($2-4 per subscriber)• No paid subscription (though many make $100K+/year this way)Beehiiv's sponsorship storefront lets advertisers book directly with just a $10 transaction fee!Notable Quotes:"Writing weekly and sharing my thoughts online has probably been the highest leverage thing that I've done in my entire career. It's opened so many doors to angel investing, meeting other founders, meeting people who are doing really cool shit." - TylerLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND TYLER ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/denk_tweetsBig Desk Energy: https://www.bigdeskenergy.com

In this episode, host I test Manus AI's ability to function as an AI co-founder by asking it to develop a million-dollar business idea focused on AI. The system analyzes Y Combinator startups and Reddit trends to identify opportunities, ultimately recommending an AI-powered micro-consulting platform for small businesses. Manus delivers a comprehensive business proposal including market validation, pricing strategy, and even designs a functional landing page.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:41 - Initial Prompt: Ideas for $1M Startup in 18 Months03:24 - Manus AI Processing Prompt06:25 - Alternative Use Cases of Manus AI13:14 - Results from First Prompt15:19 - Prompt 2: Focus on Niche Startup Opportunities 17:46 -  Results from Second Prompt23:15 - Prompt 3: Validate Ideas with data and trend analysis27:00 - Prompt 4: Refining data and trend analysis29:0` - Prompt 5: Creating a Landing Page with Manus34:23 - Reviewing results from Business Proposal37:35 - Results from Fifth Prompt39:25 - Final Thoughts on Manus AI and Startup IdeasKey Points:• I explore Manus AI's multi-agent capabilities to generate a viable startup idea that could make $1 million in 18 months• Manus AI analyzes YC's latest batch, Reddit trends, and market opportunities to identify niche AI business concepts• The AI recommends "AI-powered micro-consulting for SMBs" as the most promising opportunity• Manus creates a complete business proposal including landing page design, pricing strategy, and go-to-market plan1) I challenged Manus AI (a multi-agent AI system) to develop a complete business plan for an AI startup that could make $1M in 18 months.The goal: See if AI can identify REAL market trends and opportunities better than humans can.2) What makes Manus different from ChatGPT?• Multi-agent capabilities (can browse while chatting)• Can analyze multiple sources simultaneously• Performs complex research tasks independently• Creates actual code/designs, not just concepts3) The COOLEST use cases Greg discovered while testing Manus:• Converting unstructured data into organized tables• Analyzing financial reports like a JP Morgan analyst• Contract review (saving $1500+ lawyer fees)• Creating highlight reels from podcast audio• Building websites from scratch4) The AI identified these KEY TRENDS in the AI startup landscape:• Vertical-specific AI solutions for regulated industries• AI agents for specialized workflows• Infrastructure tools helping others deploy AI• No-code/low-code AI accessibility solutions5) The WINNING IDEA Manus proposed: "Spark Console AI" - an AI-powered micro-consulting platform for small businesses.The problem it solves? SMBs need expert consulting but can't afford $150-500/hour traditional services.The solution? $49-500/month AI consulting agents.6) What impressed me most: Manus VALIDATED the idea with ACTUAL DATA:• 47% growth in r/smallbusiness subscribers• Direct quotes from Reddit showing pain points:"I'd love expert advice but can't justify $200 consultants""Generic AI tools don't understand my industry challenges"7) Manus even built a COMPLETE landing page with:• Eye-catching design• Lead generation forms• Interactive business assessment• Pricing tiersAll without Greg needing to write a single line of code! 8) The LIMITATIONS Greg found:• You still need to ask the right questions• It's more like a "junior employee" than a true co-founder• Takes 10-15 minutes for complex tasks• You need to push back on some recommendations9) My takeaway: We're entering an era where the COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE isn't coding ability - it's knowing which QUESTIONS to ask AI.The winners will be those who can identify trends and direct AI to build solutions that ride those tailwinds.Notable Quotes:"In a world where anyone could create software... figuring out what is the brand, what is the landing page, what is the product, and what is the trend... is gonna help you actually build a business, not just build a product." - GregLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

Join me as I chat with Andrew Wilkinson, Co-Founder of Tiny, as we discuss investment and startup ideas in the current AI landscape. We explore how AI is simultaneously lowering barriers to entry while increasing competition, making it easier to build "million-dollar businesses" but harder to create sustainable long-term ventures. We share specific startup ideas leveraging AI, including secure data integration platforms, automated web design services, and AI-powered lending.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:25 - Business building in AI08:13 - Media Business Opportunities and AI 18:18 - The future of GPT wrappers21:20 - Automation and AI tools we use29:14 - Startup Idea 1: MCP and Financial Analysis34:49 - Startup Idea 2: AI Web Design Agency 37:06 - Startup Idea 3: Message Maxing43:43 - Startup Idea 4:  AI-Based Lending Solutions49:43 - Andrew's Stealth Startup Key Points• AI is making it easier to build businesses but harder to maintain competitive advantages as tools become widely accessible• Distribution, data advantages, and network effects are becoming the primary moats in the AI era• Media businesses with high-value niches present opportunities for entrepreneurs to build audiences before layering AI tools• Secure AI applications (particularly around financial data and personal communications) represent potential sustainable business models1) The AI Paradox: It's never been EASIER to build a $1M business, but never HARDER to build sustainable value.Why? Because anyone can "vibe code" your product in a weekend.Distribution and network effects are the new moats. Tools alone won't cut it anymore.2) Where are the ACTUAL opportunities?Andrew & Greg agree: Buy or build MEDIA businesses first, then layer AI on top.• Focus on High-value niches not mass audiences• Build community BEFORE tools• Example: Buy TechCrunch or event series like South by Southwest3) AI tools they're actually using RIGHT NOW:• Gumloop - For sales lead intelligence• Lindy - Email processing & calendar management• Manus AI - For candidate screening (saved Andrew hours!)• Vercel V0 - Rebuilt Andrew's pressure washing website in 30 SECONDS4) Startup Idea 1: "Secure MCP"Model Context Protocol (MCP) lets LLMs access your data securely.Andrew built a custom system to analyze his company finances across multiple businesses.Opportunity: Build the "1Password of MCP" - where security is the selling point.5) Startup Idea 2: "Message Maxing"An app that analyzes your text messages to identify:• Which friends exhibit toxic traits• How YOU come across in messages• Who you're neglectingPerfect for viral TikTok marketing. Could be the next CalAI!6) Startup Idea 3: AI-powered web design agency• Use V0 to auto-redesign ugly local business websites• Reach out with "I already built you a better site"• Charge $500 + $20/mo hosting• Scale with automationLow-hanging fruit for your first million!7) Startup Idea 4: "Bank of Vibe Coding"AI-powered lending platform for vibe coders:• Quick approval for developers with traction• Take % of profits instead of interest• Criteria: X followers, Stripe integration, etc.Sahil Lavingia's $100K offer proves demand!8) The BIG question: Are these Cal AI businesses (make $1M then die) or sustainable?Andrew's take: "Almost all these businesses will be zeros in 5 years."Greg's counter: "It's so hard to predict even 5 months from now!"What do YOU think? Are you building for the short or long term?The MOST VALUABLE insight: The businesses that are easiest to start are often the worst businesses to be in long-term.But that doesn't mean you shouldn't start one! Making your first million with a "Cal AI business" is still a win.Notable Quotes:"It's never been easier to build a million dollar business and it's never been easier to lose all your equity value." - Andrew"Distribution is the new moat, anyone could create anything." - GregLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire — a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND ANDREW ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/awilkinsonNever Enough: https://www.neverenough.comTiny: https://www.tiny.com

I'm joined by Ashwinn Krishnaswamy, an expert in launching and growing consumer brands, where we discuss how he evaluates market opportunities and creates unfair advantages. We discuss various tools for market research including Ahrefs for keyword analysis, Particl for competitor sales data, and AI tools for product design. Ashwinn emphasizes that entrepreneurs should work backward from distribution channels rather than focusing solely on product development.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro03:45 - Ahrefs tool for keyword research15:08 -  Particl for analyzing competitor sales data18:52 - Why start a CPG brand21:05 - How to stand out in crowded categories24:57- Opportunities in Branding for Older Adults28:40 - Bootstrapping Your Product Idea33:56 - Researching Your Market and Competitors36:52 - Manus AI for automating market research39:58 -  Distribution is everything.Key Points:• Ashwinn shares tools and strategies for evaluating market opportunities for physical products and brands• Tools like Ahrefs and Particle provide valuable data on search volume, competition, and sales trends• AI tools like Manis can now automate much of the market research process that previously cost thousands• Distribution strategy should come before product development, not vice versa1) First, understand that DISTRIBUTION is everything."First-time founders focus on product, second-time founders focus on distribution."The hard truth? Many subpar products CRUSH IT because they nail distribution and operational excellence.Always work BACKWARDS from how you'll acquire customers!2) Use Ahrefs to evaluate category demand and competition Type any keyword to see:• Monthly search volume (market size)• Keyword difficulty (competition level)• Seasonal trends• Geographic distributionThis helps you VALIDATE demand before building anything!3) Look for geographic OPPORTUNITIES in the data When Ashwinn checked "electrolytes" he found:• 74% of searches from English-speaking Western countries• Only 3% from India, PhilippinesThis reveals potential to build "Element for Germany" or other untapped markets where trends haven't diffused yet!4) For physical products, use Particle to spy on competitorsThis tool shows:• E-commerce sales data for brands• Best-selling SKUs• Category trendsCrucial insight: Often 90% of revenue comes from just 4 SKUs!5) The REAL opportunity in physical products?They force you to become EXCEPTIONAL at marketing."The bleeding edge of marketing happens in consumer products because it's SO HARD to get attention and convince someone to part with their dollars."It's a marketing masterclass in real-time.6) How to stand out in crowded categories:Study the competition obsessively! Ashwinn showed how most magnesium supplements look generic and medical.But brands like Moon Juice and Lemme differentiate through:• Distinctive packaging• Custom bottles• Clear positioning• Targeting specific demographics7) The BIGGEST opportunity right now?Find UNDERSERVED demographics!Most brands target coastal millennials or Gen Z because that's who creates them.But what about products for older adults with:• More disposable income• Less saturated marketing channels• Different aesthetic preferences8) AI is your UNFAIR ADVANTAGE for research• Competitor analysis• Market sizing• Customer needs• Design trends"It's putting together a report Nielsen would charge $20K for!"99% of people aren't using AI this way yet.9) Before building ANYTHING, become a "relentless researcher":• Study every competitor's positioning• Read all the 1-2 star reviews in your category• Visit stores and talk to owners• Contact potential customers directlyNotable Quotes:"First time founders focus on product, second time founders focus on distribution." - Ashwinn"Building a physical product business is very hard and by most people probably just shouldn't be done on a whim. But if you can do it in a somewhat low stakes way or low risk way... I think it is a phenomenal way to get really good at marketing." - AshwinnLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire — a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND ASHWINN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/ShwinnabegoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shwinnabegobrandBrand Brothers Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wgTQ7mXBngdiNzcJ2cUJZ

I'm joined by Jonathan Courtney to jam on how to  build an audience in 2025. We explore various tactics including finding your unique format, implementing consistent systems, and measuring progress against clear goals.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:58 - The ACP Framework04:06 - Step 1: Identify Who You're Creating For10:05 -  Step 2: Find Your Format19:43 -  Step 3: Build Systems That Stick24:52 - Step 4: Pick ONE Primary Goal28:08 - Where to Begin? The Reply Guy Strategy31:08 - WHY Building an Audience MattersKey Points:• ACP framework for building an audience in 2025: Audience (people passionate about your niche), Community (hardcore followers), and Product (what you sell)• The four-step playbook includes identifying your audience, finding your format, creating systems, and setting goals• Starting as a "reply guy" on platforms like X (Twitter) is recommended as a low-pressure way to begin building an audience• Building an audience serves as an "insurance policy" that provides options for future business opportunities1) The ACP Framework: Your FoundationA = Audience (people passionate about your topic)C = Community (your hardcore followers)P = Product (what you sell to them)The KEY insight: Start with audience FIRST, then community, then product.Why? Because audience-first gives you OPTIONS and CONFIDENCE when you launch.2) Step 1: Identify Who You're Creating ForDon't just create random content. Be strategic!• Focus on people interested in YOUR specific niche• Understand what they're NOT getting from others• Find your unique "sauce" (Greg gives away ALL his startup ideas)• If not getting engagement, start one level broader than your nicheExample: Jonathan's company wanted to be known for design sprints, but started with broader UX content to build audience first.3) Step 2: Find Your FormatYour format is HOW you deliver your content. This is CRUCIAL but often overlooked!• Test one format each business day• Look for formats OUTSIDE your niche (don't copy what's saturated)• Consider what's working platform-wide (short-form video in 2025)• Focus on what feels NATURAL (or you'll quit)• Test for 90 days and let data guide youRemember: Formats have lifecycles! What works today might not work in 6 months.4) Step 3: Build Systems That StickThe difference between creators who quit and those who succeed? SYSTEMS.System breakdown:• Build a "creative faucet" routine (what gets your ideas flowing?)• Create an ideas capture system (Greg uses Apple Notes)• Schedule weekly time to turn ideas into content• Be strategic with timing (post when your audience is active)5) Step 4: Pick ONE Primary GoalDon't try to do everything at once!• Choose ONE metric (100K followers? 25K email list? $1M in sales?)• Measure your formats against this goal every 90 days• Optimize for your goal, not vanity metrics• Remember: attention is SCARCE - build it as an assetThe BEST advice: Just start! Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis.6) Where to Begin? The Reply Guy StrategyFeeling overwhelmed? Start as a "reply guy" on X:• Less pressure than posting on your own profile• Lets you experiment with formats• Builds connections with established creators• Gives you confidence before going solo7) WHY Building an Audience MattersAn audience is your INSURANCE POLICY:• Gives you clarity into your niche• Creates a pool of potential customers/users• Provides job opportunities during recessions• Allows you to monetize when neededNotable Quotes:"The audience first approach gives you so many options, also gives you so much confidence when you release something and people actually use it." - JC"I think the number one reason why anyone should create an audience is to have something to fall back on, period. It's like an insurance policy." - GregWant more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideasLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/JicecreamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

"Get the main menu music worked out!" In this captivating episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, host Lij Shaw sits down with the talented music director and game audio specialist, Steve Pardo. They dive into Steve's journey from jazz musician to game composer, sharing his insights on the creative process and collaboration in the industry. Steve passionately discusses how to get the main menu music just right, the magic of mixing in Dolby Atmos for gaming, and why the saxophone shines with guitar pedals. From Unreal Engine to Apple Logic Pro X, he offers tips on creating huge sounds in a small studio, all while highlighting the significance of live instruments in modern production. Don't miss this lively conversation that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge techniques, and get inspired to embrace the future of music and gaming! Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Steve Pardo, a music director, and game audio specialist with over 15 years of experience crafting immersive music and sound for award-winning games and globally recognized franchises. Steve is the co-founder of SkewSound, Composer and Music Manager at ProbablyMonsters, and an active performing artist based in Nashville, TN. Steve's career began at the legendary Harmonix Music Systems, where he worked on iconic titles like Rock Band VR, Dance Central, and Fantasia: Music Evolved. He has since contributed to games such as Fortnite Festival, Cypher 007, Moonbreaker, and Signs of the Sojourner. His music also appears on platforms like Netflix, Adult Swim, and IFC, and he's collaborated on cutting-edge projects involving generative and AI-driven music for companies like Mastercard, Warner Music, and Tribeca Film Festival. A graduate of the University of Miami, Steve earned both a bachelor's degree in Studio Music and Jazz and a master's degree in Studio Jazz Writing, grounding his creative work in a rich foundation of jazz and orchestration. Steve's Nashville studio is equipped with a 7.1.4 Atmos system, boutique microphones, synthesizers, and more, allowing him to create very cool music in a cozy setting. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://www.adam-audio.com https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://roswellproaudio.com/ https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/704gPYZbCHODON8f0udxJj?si=b90f7dad69164227 If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/497

I'm joined by Ras Mic to explain MCPs. Mic breaks down how MCPs essentially standardize  how LLMs connect with external tools and services. While LLMs alone can only predict text, connecting them to tools makes them more capable, but this integration has been cumbersome. MCPs create a unified layer that translates between LLMs and services, making it easier to build more powerful AI assistants.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro02:39 - The Evolution of LLMs: From Text Prediction to Tool Use07:51 - MCPs explained11:11 - MCP Ecosystem Overview13:59 - Technical Challenges of MCP15:18 - Conclusion on MCP's Potential16:00 - Startup Ideas for Developers and Non-Technical UsersKey Points:• MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standard that creates a unified layer between LLMs and external services/tools• LLMs by themselves are limited to text prediction and cannot perform meaningful tasks without tools• MCP solves the problem of connecting multiple tools to LLMs by creating a standardized communication protocol• The MCP ecosystem consists of clients (like Tempo, Windsurf, Cursor), the protocol, servers, and services1) What are MCPs and why should you care?MCPs are NOT some complex physics theory - they're simply STANDARDS that help LLMs connect to external tools and services.Think of them as universal translators between AI models and the tools they need to be truly useful.This is HUGE for making AI assistants actually capable!2) The Evolution of LLMs: From Text Prediction to Tool UseStage 1: Basic LLMs can only predict text• Ask ChatGPT to send an email? "Sorry, I can't do that"• They're glorified text predictors (if I say "My big fat Greek..." it knows "wedding" comes next)• Limited to answering questions, not DOING things3) The Current State: LLMs + ToolsStage 2: LLMs connected to tools• Companies like Perplexity connect LLMs to search engines• This makes them more useful but creates problems• Each tool = different "language" the LLM must learn• Connecting multiple tools = engineering NIGHTMAREThis is why we don't have Jarvis-level assistants yet! 4) Enter MCPs: The Game-ChangerMCPs create a UNIFIED LAYER between LLMs and external services.Instead of your AI speaking 10 different "languages" to use 10 different tools, MCPs translate everything into ONE language.Result? LLMs can easily access databases, APIs, and services without massive engineering headaches.5) The MCP Ecosystem ExplainedThe MCP system has 4 key components:• MCP Client: User-facing apps like @tempoai, Windsurf, Cursor• Protocol: The standardized communication method• MCP Server: Translates between client and services• Service: The actual tool (database, search engine, etc.)Brilliant move by Anthropic: SERVICES must build MCP servers!6) Why This Matters For BuildersFor technical folks:• Opportunity to build tools like MCP app stores• Easier integration between services• Less engineering headachesFor non-technical folks:• Watch closely as standards evolve• When standards finalize, new business opportunities will emerge• Think of MCPs as Lego pieces you'll stack to build powerful AI appsNotable Quotes:"LLMs by themselves are incapable of doing anything meaningful... The only thing an LLM in its current state is good at is predicting the next text." - Ross Mike"Think of every tool that I have to connect to make my LLM valuable as a different language... MCP, you can consider it to be a layer between your LLM and the services and the tools." - Ross MikeLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire — a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND MIC ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/rasmickyyYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@rasmic

I'm joined by Min Choi to test if Manus AI can replace your AI tech stack. Throughout the episode, we test Manus AI's capabilities by asking it to create a DocuSign clone, research startup ideas, and analyze website SEO.Timestamps:• 00:00 - Intro• 02:18 - What is Manus AI?• 03:58 - Project 1: DocuSign clone• 16:54 - Project 2: Research Greg's top startup ideas• 27:09 - Security concerns with Manus AI • 30:16 - Manus bug and reboot • 32:06 - Deploying DocuSign Clone• 39:42 - Project 3: SEO Optimization • 44:14 - Discussion of Manus's Limitations and Scaling issues• 48:23 - Project 4: Build a Flight Simulator Video Game• 49:48 - AI companies facing scaling issues• 52:05 - Where does Manus excel? • 53:48 - What Manus was able to accomplish during the episodeKey Points:• Testing Manus AI by asking it to autonomously research, plan, and execute complex tasks• Having Manus create a DocuSign clone, research startup ideas, and analyze website SEO• Manus AI functions as a multi-agent system that can browse websites, write code, and deploy applications with minimal prompting• The tool has limitations including context windows, deployment issues, and daily usage limits1) What makes Manus AI different?Unlike ChatGPT or Claude, Manus is a TRUE AGENT system that:• Researches, plans, and executes simultaneously• Controls browsers to gather information autonomously• Creates full applications from simple prompts• Deploys working code with minimal guidance"It's the closest thing to AGI yet" - Min Choi2) The DocuSign Clone Experiment With just a 4-WORD PROMPT ("create a DocuSign clone"), Manus:• Researched DocuSign's core features• Created a complete project structure• Built login, document upload & e-signature functionality• Generated deployable codeAll without templates or boilerplate code!3) Human-in-the-loop capabilities One of the MOST IMPRESSIVE features:• You can interrupt Manus WHILE it's working• Refine requirements mid-process• Add constraints or pivot directionWhen they narrowed focus to "just e-signature features," Manus immediately adjusted its plan without starting over.4) Multi-agent workflow Manus feels like having MULTIPLE EMPLOYEES working simultaneously:• A researcher gathering information• A PM creating specifications• A developer writing code• A marketer analyzing opportunitiesIt's like an entire team in one tool!5) Beyond coding: Marketing & Growth Manus can also:• Analyze websites for SEO improvements• Target specific audiences (like executives)• Create content strategies• Scrape data for market researchIt's not just about building - it's about GROWING your business too.6) Current limitationsManus isn't perfect (yet):• Context length limitations on complex tasks• Deployment issues with sophisticated apps• Daily usage limits (currently ~10 sessions)• Server load causing errors as popularity growsIt's still beta, but even with limitations, it's REVOLUTIONARY.7) Security considerationsSince Manus is a Chinese company, there are valid concerns:• Be mindful of what data you share• Don't connect personal accounts or payment systems• Use for learning & experimentationMin's advice: "Always be careful with the data you share online."The BIG TAKEAWAY: We're witnessing a fundamental shift in how businesses will be built.What used to take weeks now takes MINUTES.What required TEAMS now needs just ONE PERSON with AI.This is just the beginning of the agent AI revolution.Notable Quotes:"I think that we're getting closer and closer to sort of the glimpse into what the AGI is gonna look like." - Min Choi"It feels like we have like four employees working at the same time... We've got this marketing person. We've got this researcher. We've got this cracked PM slash developer." - Greg IsenbergWant more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideasLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND MIN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/minchoi

Im joined by Cody Schneider to jam on 3 trends/business ideas that will blow your mind. We analyze three main trends: the "buy it for life" movement (anti-consumerism focused on quality products), AI landing page builder for marketers, and TikTok templates. For each trend, we outline specific business models, monetization strategies, and tactical approaches to implementation.Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro01:51 - Trend 1: The Buy It For Life22:59 - Trend 2: AI Landing Page Builder29:49 - Trend 3: TikTok Template Aggregator 34:48 - Why we are in the Golden Age of Online Business OpportunitiesKey Points:• We discuss the "buy it for life" trend and how to build a directory website monetized through affiliate marketing• We explore opportunities in AI landing page builders for digital marketing agencies• We analyze the TikTok template trend and potential for creating a newsletter sharing viral formats• We emphasize how easy it is to build online businesses in the current environment using AI tools• We discuss strategies for building audiences on different platforms1) The "Buy It For Life" Trend69,000 monthly searches for people seeking products that LAST FOREVER instead of cheap disposables.The subreddit r/BuyItForLife is EXPLODING with consumers sharing durable products across categories.Here's the opportunity:Build a directory website with:• Beautiful UI (unlike Reddit's clunky interface)• Filters by category• Price drop alerts for premium productsMonetize through:• Affiliate commissions• Newsletter with exclusive deals• Premium membership for instant alertsMarketing strategy? Create value-packed Reddit posts with subtle domain signature.2) AI Landing Page BuildersDigital marketers DESPERATELY need landing pages that match ad keywords.Current tools are clunky and time-consuming.The opportunity:Create an AI tool where you:• Input brand aesthetics• Generate landing page templates instantly• Deploy to subdomains with one click• Modify with point-and-clickTarget audience? Digital marketing agencies running paid ads who need SPEED."But what about Webflow and Shopify adding AI?"Cody: "That's VALIDATION! Lead Pages does $50M/year. It's a MASSIVE category with room for many players."3) TikTok Template Trend98,000 monthly searches from creators hunting for viral TikTok formats.The opportunity:Create a newsletter showing:• This week's viral TikTok templates• How brands can adapt them• One-click editor accessAcquisition? Twitter threads breaking down viral formats with newsletter CTA.Monetization:• Free weekly version• Premium daily version• Eventually build video editor techBONUS IDEA: Reinvent Scott's Cheap Flights as a simple email newsletter with flight alerts from specific airports.Cody's FINAL WISDOM:"This is the GREATEST time ever to start online businesses. In an hour, you can have a company live with people on the website.""Don't buy a laundromat during the greatest gold rush of all time."Notable Quotes:"I don't think people understand the moment that we're in right now. Like this is the greatest time ever to start online businesses." - Cody"In an hour, you can have a company live and people on the website... We had it live in an hour. And then I put a tweet out and we drove, I think so far over like 20,000 people have gone to the website and we validated the idea." - CodyWant more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideasLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND CODY ON SOCIALCody's startup:  https://www.landingcat.comX/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r

In this episode, I tests Polymet AI, an AI product designer tool, by creating a YouTube analytics prediction SaaS concept inspired by a viral tweet about predicting tweet performance. I compares Polymet AI with V0, noting that while Polymet required multiple prompts and offered less feedback during the design process, both tools ultimately produced usable designs. I concludes that different AI tools have different strengths, and using multiple tools in combination might yield the best results.Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro02:33 - First Impressions of Polymet03:57 - Startup Idea: Predicting YouTube Engagement05:03 - Initial Design Prompt10:11 - Polymet's First Design Output: TubePredict11:04 - UI and Functionality Issues and Debugging16:08 - Polymet's Second Design Output17:44 - Debugging pt 220:48 - Prompting v0 22:30 - v0's Design Output 23:41 - Polymet's Third Design Output24:49 - Comparing v0 and Polymer and Final Thoughts on Design Outputs27:36 - Conclusion and Recommendations for AI Design ToolsKey Points• I tests Polymet AI a new AI product designer tool that claims to help non-designers create production-ready designs• I compares Polymet AI with v0, a similar tool he's used before, by designing a YouTube analytics prediction tool• Both tools produced functional designs, but with different user experiences and output quality1) First impressions of Polymet AI:• Clean interface similar to ChatGPT• Includes voice input (huge plus!)• Image upload capability for reference designs• Credit-based system (250 free credits to start)• 50 credits per page generation2) The design process with Polymet was... interesting.PROS:• Named the product "TubePredict" automatically• Created decent landing page copy• Saved version historyCONS:• Slow generation (2+ minutes)• No progress indicator (frustrating!)• Initial designs missed the mark completely 3) After 3 attempts with increasingly specific prompts, Polymet finally delivered:• Clean, modern interface• Detailed A/B testing dashboard• Statistical confidence indicators• AI suggestions for optimizationBut the communication was ONE-WAY. No feedback loop!4) Meanwhile, v0 showed its strengths:• Real-time reasoning as it designed• Conversational approach ("I'll create a SaaS that...")• Faster FEELING process (transparency helps!)• Ability to ask clarifying questionsThe difference in experience was NIGHT and DAY.5) The final designs were surprisingly similar in quality!Polymet's strengths:• More detailed product features• Hover states built in• Actual code generationv0's advantages:• Slightly more polished visually• More "glassy" as requested• Better feedback loop6) MAJOR INSIGHT: The future isn't about finding ONE perfect AI design tool.It's about using MULTIPLE tools strategically:• Generate initial concepts in one• Refine in another• Mix and match their strengthsJust like we do with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.7) The REAL lesson? Knowing design terminology matters!When I specifically requested "glassmorphism" instead of just saying "glassy," both tools performed MUCH better.The more precise your design vocabulary, the better your AI design results.8) Would I recommend these tools? YES - but with expectations in check.Two years ago this would have been MIND-BLOWING.Today, our standards are higher.But for quick prototyping or inspiration, both tools deliver value in different ways.Notable Quotes:"Two years ago, if I would have seen this, I would have been like, 'Oh my God, everything has changed.' And now our bar for all these AI products is so high that the output needs to be incredible for you to really use it in your workflow.""How do you get the most out of them is just you use all of them, you realize what's best for each individual product... There's these nuances that make these products better."Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideasLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

In this episode I share my exact framework for identifying profitable AI SaaS business opportunities by focusing on manual workflows that could be automated. We focus on export buttons and other manual processes in enterprise software as indicators of workflow breakdowns that AI could solve. The framework breaks down to solving niche problems, charging immediately for solutions, and focusing on quantifiable ROI.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro02:50 - The Export Button Theory of AI Opportunity04:03 - Step 1: Identifying Repetitive Pain Points08:31 - Step 2: Adding Intelligence to Manual Processes10:53 - Step 3: Identifying Data Silos that Need Bridging12:47 - Step 4: Finding Missing Connections Between Tools14:12 - Step 5: Start Small, Grow Naturally16:55 - Exploring Additional Manual Buttons for Startup Ideas19:03 - The QuickBooks Export Gold Mine20:43 - Your First 30 Days: Getting Started with Your AI SaaS Startup24:02 - Final Thoughts on AI Startup OpportunitiesKey Points:• The "Export Button Theory" - Every export button in software represents a business opportunity worth $10,000-30,000/month• Five-step framework for finding AI SaaS opportunities• Manual buttons in software (like "generate report," "schedule meeting," "upload CSV") represent AI automation opportunities1) The Export Button Theory of AI Opportunity Every time a user clicks "export" in software, they're signaling:• A workflow breakdown• Manual labor that could be automated• A potential $10-30K/month feature2) The 5-step framework for finding these opportunities:Step 1: Identify repetitive pain points Watch how people use enterprise software daily:• Exporting data to reformat it (Salesforce → Excel → PowerPoint)• Copying between tools (Jira → Slack)• Building the same reports weekly• Maintaining spreadsheets manually3) Step 2: Add intelligence to manual processes Every manual task is an LLM opportunity:• Turn Stripe exports into AI-powered revenue analysis ($50-100K MRR)• Convert CRM data into AI-formatted presentations ($80-120K MRR)• Generate sentiment trends from support tickets ($30-70K MRR)4) Step 3: Bridge data silos Look for phrases like:"I need to pull this data every week""I wish I could see this alongside that""We keep this in a separate spreadsheet"5) Step 4: Find missing connections between tools Watch for "I wish these two things worked together":• HR system + Payroll → AI opportunity: automatic sync with anomaly detection• CRM + Marketing automation → AI opportunity: bi-directional sync with AI prioritization6) Step 5: Start small, grow naturally The MOST successful AI SaaS businesses:• Pick a specific niche big players ignore• Focus on ONE painful workflow• Make it 10x better with AI• Let AI suggest next actions• Charge immediately (if solving real pain, people will pay day one) 7) Beyond the export button, look for these manual buttons in software:• "Generate Report" → AI opportunity: automatic insight generation ($2.5B market)• "Schedule Meeting" → AI opportunity: context-aware scheduling ($1.8B market)• "Upload CSV" → AI opportunity: intelligent data processing ($3.2B market)8) The QuickBooks goldmine • 250M financial reports exported annually• Each export = 45-90 mins of manual work• Value of time: $75-150 per export• Total addressable market: $12-18B annuallyThis is just ONE platform with massive opportunity!9)  Your first 30 days roadmap:Days 1-5: Select software with high export volume, research communitiesDays 6-10: Interview power users about export habitsDays 11-20: Build minimal prototype (using V0, Lovable, Bolt, etc.)Days 21-30: Get 3-5 PAYING beta usersNotable Quotes:"Every export button in software represents a business opportunity. When a user clicks export, what are they saying to us? They're basically saying this software doesn't do what I need to, so I'm taking my data elsewhere to do manual work.""The best AI opportunities aren't where everyone is looking. They're hiding in these mundane, repetitive tasks that knowledge workers are doing every single day."Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideasLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

David Park, founder of Jenny AI, details his step-by-step approach to building a profitable AI startup that reached $10 million in annual recurring revenue. He emphasizes starting with organic short-form content and influencer marketing before moving to SEO and paid advertising. Park attributes much of Jenny AI's success to finding viral content formats that could be repeated with variations, working with the right influencers regardless of follower count, and focusing on retention metrics as the company scaled.Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro03:00 - Organic Short Form Content08:25 - The Power of Fresh Accounts in Influencer Marketing11:17 - Case Study: MengMengDuck and Influencer Partnerships18:01 - New Creator Guidelines25:57 - Order of Virality: Steps to Achieve Success30:55 - Finding Influencers36:21 - Outreach Strategies40:34 - Negotiating with Influencers44:50 - Content posting strategy49:15 - Final UGC Tips 51:52 - SEO Strategy57:00 -  Paid Ads Playbook59:53 - David's final advice:01:02:08 - From $5M to $10M1) ORGANIC SHORT-FORM CONTENT David's shocking truth: Fresh accounts with 1 follower can OUTPERFORM accounts with millions!The algorithm rewards quality, not history.2) The "Fresh Account" Strategy:• Create new accounts specifically for your product• Find creators to be the face of these accounts• Pay them to create consistent content• Focus on hooks that resonate with your audience3) The Viral Series Formula Find ONE format that works, then repeat it with slight variations.Example: "POV: You have an essay due" videos for Jenny AI generated 300M+ views and $500K+ in revenue!4) INFLUENCER MARKETING Don't waste time with mega-influencers charging $20K per post.Instead:• Find creators whose audience matches your users• Create a new account with them as the face• Pay for consistent content (not one-offs)• Let them maintain their authentic style5) How to find the RIGHT influencers:• Ask your users which creators they follow• Create a "scout" account that only follows relevant creators• Let the algorithm suggest similar accounts• Look for creators with high engagement (not just followers)6) Outreach hack that WORKS:Send money via Venmo to influencers you want to work with!They'll get a push notification and respond out of curiosity.7) Negotiation strategy:• Start by asking for their HIGHEST price point (all features)• Remove elements you don't need to lower the price• Negotiate bulk deals (20% off for multiple videos)• Split payment between upfront and performance-basedNEVER pay based on follower count - that's outdated!8) Content posting strategy:• Post 1+ videos DAILY to test different hooks• Trust creators to maintain their authentic style• Create systems that let influencers work autonomously• Don't be afraid of videos looking like ads - they convert BETTERScale to a video every few hours!9) David's final advice:"I'm a non-technical founder, a college dropout, not from Silicon Valley. If I can build this, YOU CAN TOO." - David Park"The truth? Only 1% of people reading this will implement these strategies for a full year." - David ParkNotable Quotes"We had one video that got 20 million views that had almost a negligible effect on conversions that day for Jenny. It was as if we got zero views, like nothing really happened that day. And yeah, it's just important to create content for people that actually want to convert and want to actually use your product." - David Park"I'm a non-technical person. I'm a non-technical founder doing an AI startup. I am a college dropout. I would not say I'm like one of those cracked people. I'm not from Silicon Valley... and I was able to kind of build this company." - David ParkWant more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideasLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND DAVID ON SOCIALJenni AI: https://jenni.aiX/Twitter: https://x.com/Davidjpark96Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paviddark/

Today's episode  features Jake Knapp (creator of the Design Sprint), Jonathan Courtney (Founder and CEO of AJ & Smart). We explore how to evaluate and build successful AI products. They use Jake's Foundation Sprint framework to analyze JC's concept for an app that helps entrepreneurs balance content consumption with creation. The conversation demonstrates how to move from initial idea to clear differentiation strategy, emphasizing the importance of first principles thinking before technical implementation.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:36 - Startup Idea: Hit Me App04:28 - The Foundation Sprint Overview05:16 - Step 1: Customer07:50 - Step 2: Problem12:25 - Step 3: Capability15:20 - Step 4: Insight23:34 - Step 5: Motivation31:44 - Step 6: Competitors 38:57 - How to use AI in the Development Process41:55 - Differentiation Analysis51:58 - Reviewing Foundation Sprint Click Book: https://www.theclickbook.comKey Points:• Introduction to the Foundation Sprint framework for evaluating startup ideas• Discussion of building AI wrappers and product differentiation• Exploration of a case study: “Hit Me” - an app for controlling digital consumption• Detailed walkthrough of the basics canvas: customer, problem, capabilities, insights• Analysis of differentiation strategies and competitive positioning1) The Foundation Sprint Framework:• Start with the basics• Define clear differentiation• Map possible product forms• Test & validate assumptionsKey insight: Most founders skip this critical planning phase! 2) The Basics Framework includes:• Customer identification• Problem definition• Special capabilities• Key insights• Core motivation• Competitor analysisPro tip: Write these down BEFORE touching any code!3) Real Example Breakdown:JC pitched his “Hit Me” app idea:• Target: Entrepreneurs (25-40)• Problem: Digital overconsumption• Insight: Consumption vs Creation balance• Motivation: Personal struggle with anxiety• Competition: Self-control & existing blockers4) Key Differentiator Exercise:Plot your product on scales:• Speed (not important)• Intelligence (basic)• Ease of use (very easy)• Price (free)• Focus (targeted)The goal: Find your unique position in the market 5) Major Insight:Most digital wellness apps focus on REMOVING distractionsThe opportunity: Build tools that REPLACE consumption with creationThis is the kind of differentiation that makes marketing easy! 6) Framework Benefits:• Clarifies fuzzy ideas• Forces first principles thinking• Reveals hidden opportunities• Saves time & resources• Prevents building "Homer's Car" Notable Quotes:"It's hard to build when your hands are on fire." - Greg"If you don't have clear differentiation, you need to be a god tier marketer to sell something." - JCLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/JicecreamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.comFIND JAKE ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/jakekWebsite: https://jakeknapp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-knapp/

durée : 00:25:07 - Bernard de Bosson, pianiste de jazz, ancien directeur de Warner Music et président des victoires de la musique (5/5) - par : Jérôme Badini - Bernard de Bosson aime les gens et cela s'entend. En particulier les artistes qui le lui rendent bien, appréciant ce personnage de roman, tout en superlatif. Il est la mémoire vivante de la musique enregistrée des soixante dernières années et il en demeure l'un des producteurs les plus respectés. - réalisé par : Béatrice Trichet

durée : 00:25:07 - Bernard de Bosson, pianiste de jazz, ancien directeur de Warner Music et président des victoires de la musique (2/5) - par : Jérôme Badini - Bernard de Bosson aime les gens et cela s'entend. En particulier les artistes qui le lui rendent bien, appréciant ce personnage de roman, tout en superlatif. Il est la mémoire vivante de la musique enregistrée des soixante dernières années et il en demeure l'un des producteurs les plus respectés. - réalisé par : Béatrice Trichet

durée : 00:25:07 - Bernard de Bosson, pianiste de jazz, ancien directeur de Warner Music et président des victoires de la musique (4/5) - par : Jérôme Badini - Bernard de Bosson aime les gens et cela s'entend. En particulier les artistes qui le lui rendent bien, appréciant ce personnage de roman, tout en superlatif. Il est la mémoire vivante de la musique enregistrée des soixante dernières années et il en demeure l'un des producteurs les plus respectés. - réalisé par : Béatrice Trichet

durée : 00:25:07 - Bernard de Bosson, pianiste de jazz, ancien directeur de Warner Music et président des victoires de la musique (3/5) - par : Jérôme Badini - Bernard de Bosson aime les gens et cela s'entend. En particulier les artistes qui le lui rendent bien, appréciant ce personnage de roman, tout en superlatif. Il est la mémoire vivante de la musique enregistrée des soixante dernières années et il en demeure l'un des producteurs les plus respectés. - réalisé par : Béatrice Trichet

durée : 00:25:07 - Bernard de Bosson, pianiste de jazz, ancien directeur de Warner Music et président des victoires de la musique (1/5) - par : Jérôme Badini - Bernard de Bosson aime les gens et cela s'entend. En particulier les artistes qui le lui rendent bien, appréciant ce personnage de roman, tout en superlatif. Il est la mémoire vivante de la musique enregistrée des soixante dernières années et il en demeure l'un des producteurs les plus respectés. - réalisé par : Béatrice Trichet

Get Greg's Deep research research notes: https://www.gregisenberg.com/deep-research-ideasI compare in real-time ChatGPT's and Perplexity's deep research capabilities for developing startup ideas. Both platforms were prompted to generate AI agent business ideas with specific revenue targets ($1M Y1, $3M Y2, $5M Y3). The results showed that Perplexity provided faster, more concise responses, while ChatGPT offered more detailed, comprehensive analysis but took longer to generate responses.Key Points:• Comparison between ChatGPT Pro ($200/month) and Perplexity Deep Research (free/~$20/month) for startup ideation• Both platforms were tested with identical prompts for creating AI-based startup ideas• Comparison of response speed, depth, and quality between the two platforms• Practical demonstration of how to use AI tools for business planning and market researchTimestamps:00:00 - Intro01:33 - Defining the Startup Prompt02:29 - Initiating Research with ChatGPT05:05 - Initiating Research with Perplexity09:13 -  Perplexity results (Legal Contract AI)15:44 - ChatGPT results (AI Sales Outreach Assistant)26:10 - Comparing Perplexity and ChatGPT Outputs27:55 - Follow-Up Prompts and Further Exploration31:55 - Perplexity's Follow-Up results34:43 - ChatGPT's Follow-Up results 37:07 - Where to get Greg's Deep research research notes37:31 - Conclusion: Choosing Between Tools1) THE SETUP:• Testing ChatGPT Pro ($200/mo) vs Perplexity Deep Research ($20/mo)• Same prompt: Build a defensible AI agent startup• Target: $5M ARR in 3 years• MVP budget: $5K2) PERPLEXITY AI WINS ON SPEED • Completed research in ~2 mins• Analyzed 34+ sources• More concise, actionable insights• Free tier available!3) CHATGPT WINS ON DEPTH • Longer, more detailed analysis• Comprehensive playbooks• Better market context• More examples & case studies4) BEST STARTUP IDEAS GENERATED:Legal Contract AI (Perplexity):• $2.4B market opportunity• Auto-redline contracts• Defensible through learning• Clear path to $5.4M ARRAI Sales Assistant (ChatGPT):• Virtual SDR automation• Network effect moat• Product-led growth strategy• $100M+ potential5) MVP INSIGHTS:For $5K budget:• Use existing APIs (OpenAI/GPT-4)• Start with Chrome extension• Focus on single workflow• Manual fallback for quality• Self-serve freemium model6) KEY TAKEAWAYS:Both tools are INSANELY good• Perplexity = Fast, concise, free tier• ChatGPT = Deeper analysis, more context• Both provide actionable insights• Worth integrating into workflow7) PROTIP:For best results:• Be specific with constraints• Ask follow-up questions• Double-click on interesting areas• Cross-reference competitor insightsBottom line: These AI research tools are an unfair advantage for founders right now.Notable Quotes:"Distribution is the new moat" - Greg"This is an unfair advantage right now" - Greg regarding AI research toolsConclusion: Both platforms demonstrated valuable capabilities, with Perplexity offering speed and efficiency while ChatGPT provided more comprehensive analysis. The video suggests both tools can be effective for startup planning, with the choice depending on user preferences for depth versus speed.Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideasLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

Join us for an engaging conversation with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder and CEO of Swell AI, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities with detailed analysis of market opportunities, implementation strategies, and potential revenue models.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and technical setup01:31 - Startup Idea 1: Lightroom Preset SaaS04:41 - Startup Idea 2: Domain Portfolio for Lead Gen10:56 -Startup Idea 3: E-commerce newsletter AI tools15:19 -Startup Idea 4: High-LTV SaaS Services20:08 - Startup Idea 5: Productized Service  Agency28:11 - Startup Idea 6: Dog park bar concept32:53 - Startup Idea 7: Micro app StudioKey Points:• Detailed discussion of an AI-powered Lightroom preset subscription business opportunity• Analysis of e-commerce newsletter AI tools and market potential• Exploration of physical business concept: Dog park combined with bar• Discussion of micro-apps trend and opportunity in riding viral waves1) Lightroom Preset SaaSPhotographers spend $$$ on presets. Time to disrupt.• Build AI tool to generate Lightroom presets from sample photos• Convert XML packets at scale• $29/month subscription model• Target Adobe users on FB adsInfinite margins. Just code.2) Domain Portfolio for Lead GenLaw firms do it. Now apply it everywhere.• Buy 1000+ exact-match domains for niche keywords• Rank organically (still works!)• Bundle leads to specific industries• Sell entire portfolio to PE firms40k+ per lead in some niches 3) AI for Ecomm NewslettersPeople hate coding email templates.• AI chat interface for newsletter design• Product storytelling automation• Holiday campaign generation• Template modification without codeKlaviyo users desperate for this.4) Lalo Agency PlayNew CRM taking music industry by storm.• Help artists build fan lists• Run targeted merch giveaways• Geographic targeting for tours• Less than $1 cost per signupAll major labels switching over 5) Dog Park Bar ConceptThe millennial country club is here.• Combine dog park + bar• Add app for daily dog updates• Target high-income dog owners• Members-only model potential4pm is packed every day 6) Micro AI Apps StudioText-behind-image went viral. More coming.- Build simple, focused AI tools• Ride viral trends• Credit pack monetization• $7/week pricing psychologyAdobe does this. Why not you?7) High-LTV SaaS ServicesFind tools people pay for but barely use.• Target Klaviyo, HubSpot, Sage• Build productized service• Create digital assets/templates• Add custom plugins25k+ customer LTV Notable Quotes:"Labels are like a bank. That's all they turned into." - Cody Schneider"Find trends. That's a very hard thing, I think, for the average person to do. But I think to that point, I think it's gonna get easier and easier to see these trends that are occurring." - Cody SchneiderWant more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideasLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND CODY ON SOCIALCody's startup: https://www.swellai.com/X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r

Get the exact system used to build profitable local directories: https://www.gregisenberg.com/directoryThe episode features Frey Chu explaining his methodology for building profitable directory websites, using dog parks as a case study. He demonstrates how to identify opportunities through keyword research, validate ideas through social proof, and implement a basic yet effective directory structure. The discussion emphasizes that even simple directory websites can generate significant passive income through various monetization methods, while also serving as a foundation for larger business opportunities.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro03:40 - Examples of Profitable Directories and their traffic10:35 - Why Build Directories12:23 - Finding and validating directory ideas26:44 - Data collection and enrichment42:21 - WordPress implementation46:36 - Monetization strategiesKey Points:• How to identify profitable directory website opportunities using keyword research and competition analysis• Step-by-step process for validating directory ideas using Reddit and social listening• Data collection and enrichment techniques for building comprehensive directories• Simple implementation strategy using WordPress or other CMS platforms• Monetization strategies including AdSense, affiliate marketing, and potential SaaS opportunities1) First, find your niche:• Use Ahrefs "near me" searches• Look for 30-100K monthly searches• Target keyword difficulty under 20• Avoid seasonal/branded keywords• Find niches with fragmented search intent2) Validate your idea:• Check competition on Google• Look for basic/outdated directories• Browse Reddit discussions• Confirm real user pain points• Set a "bounty" on weak competitors3) Data Collection Strategy:• Use Google Maps scraping tools (like Outscraper)• Focus on exact category matches• Collect key data points:- Name, address, phone- Reviews & ratings- Hours & location links- Street view images4) Data Enrichment • Add unique features competitors lack• Include amenity details (shade, benches, etc)• Use AI tools to automate enrichment• Focus on solving specific user problems• Make data actually USEFUL5) Building The Directory:• Start with simple "static pillar pages"• Target city-specific keywords• Include:- Table of contents- Location details- Embedded maps- Reviews- Internal linking structure6) Monetization Options • Display ads (most passive)• Affiliate partnerships• Lead generation• Data collection/email lists• Potential SaaS upsellNotable Quotes"AdSense has been the closest thing that I've ever experienced to passive income." - Frey Chu"People are monetizing directories wrong. They're just putting AdSense... The opportunity is actually to build software on top of these directories." - Greg IsenbergLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND FREY ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/freychuYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreyChuFrey's Newsletter: https://shipyourdirectory.kit.com

In this episode, Ayman Al-Abdullah, former CEO of AppSumo, shares his framework for scaling businesses from seven to nine figures. The conversation focuses on the importance of customer retention, strategic hiring, and proper incentive structures. Ayman shares insights from his experience scaling AppSumo from $3M to $84M in revenue, emphasizing the transition from founder to CEO mindset.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and background02:47 - Discussion of the Nine Steps framework08:13 - Team building and executive compensation10:35 - The Reality of Startup Valuations14:36 - The importance of setting a strong foundation15:59 - Focus on Retention Before Growth22:26 - Evaluating Opportunities and Thinking Big29:47 - Examples of Successful Founders that Ayman admires31:35 - The Importance of Focus in Business33:26 - Build Skyscrapers, Not Strip-malls 36:01 - The importance of being the best in the market37:54 - Where to double down in your business40:22 - Testing and Investing in Business Strategies42:05 - Identifying Bottlenecks in Your Business44:39 - Finding Your Zone of GeniusKey Points:• The "Nine Steps to Nine Figures" framework divides business growth into three phases: startup, scale-up, and grow-up• Focus on retention and customer loyalty before aggressive growth• Use the "Test Then Invest" framework with 80% resources on core business and 20% on experiments• Structure executive compensation with a 50-50 split between top-line and bottom-line metrics1) The "Nine Steps to Nine Figures" Framework:Breaks down into 3 phases:• Startup (Product Market Fit)• Scale-up (Company Creation)• Grow-up (Legacy Protection)Most founders get this wrong from day 1...2) RETENTION over GROWTH "Building a business without focusing on retention is like building a skyscraper on sand"Every 3% increase in net revenue retention = DOUBLES company valuationStop chasing growth before you nail retention!3) The 80/20 Marketing Rule:• 80% of resources on proven channels• 20% on experimental channelsReal example: AppSumo tested switching from credits to cash payments for referrals → Became 8-figure revenue channel4) The Shield vs Sword Framework for Decision Making:Rate every opportunity 1-5 on:• Impact (Sword)• Effort (Shield)Only pursue 8+/10 total score opportunitiesIgnore the rest - they're distractions5) On Building Your Executive Team:Two core functions:• Sales (CRO)• Delivery (COO)Pro tip: Hire first in YOUR zone of geniusWhy? You'll know what excellence looks like6) The Triple, Triple, Double, Double Path to $100M:Year 1: $3M → $9MYear 2: $9M → $27MYear 3: $27M → $54MYear 4: $54M → $108MThis is how you hit 9-figures in 5 years 7) REVOLUTIONARY Compensation Framework:Forget traditional equity!Instead:• Set total comp package• Let employees choose cash vs equity split• Makes equity REAL by forcing skin in the game8) CEO Evolution:"The founder is the hardest working personThe CEO should be the laziest"Your job: Think 3-5 quarters ahead while your team executes Key Takeaway:Focus on retention firstBuild processes before hiringThink in 5-year blocksExecute with intentionNotable Quotes:"Product market fit is when it feels like you're wearing a meat suit in a dog park - you just have more leads than you know what to do with." - Ayman"Every 3% increase in net revenue retention doubles a company's valuation." - AymanLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND AYMAN ON SOCIALAyman's Website: https://aymanalabdullah.comX/Twitter: https://x.com/aymanalabdulLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aalab003/

In this episode, Omar Choudhry, a serial entrepreneur, shares the exact prompting sequences he uses to combine multiple AI tools to create products people actually want to buy. Watch us build a custom avatar business live. You'll learn the exact process: from crafting the perfect prompts in ChatGPT, to generating images in Leonardo AI, to animating with Kling AI, all the way to automated fulfillment with Printful. This isn't theory - it's a complete blueprint you can copy today.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and overview04:22 - Technical, Audience, and Cultural Shifts10:12 - Explanation of sequential prompting14:15 - How to create an AI Avatar using ChatGPT and Leonardo AI26:18 - Startup Idea 1: Custom AI Greeting Cards36:43 - Teenie Tales MVP showcase43:10 - How to animate AI Avatar's using Kling AI 52:50 - Startup Idea 2: Personalized AI Sticker'sKey Points:• Detailed walkthrough of creating AI avatars using sequential prompting across multiple AI tools• Exploration of business opportunities in personalized greeting cards and educational materials• Discussion of automated workflows combining ChatGPT, Leonardo AI, and Kling AI• Integration strategies with print-on-demand services like Printful for physical products1) The Big Shift in Business Models:Traditional path:• Raising VC $$$• Years to launch• Large teams• Office space neededNew AI-First path:• Build instantly• Low cost• Zero employees• Remote-first2) The Sequential Prompting Framework Omar's genius method:• Use ChatGPT to create prompts• Feed prompts to specialized AI tools• Chain outputs together• Build user-friendly frontendExample flow:ChatGPT → Leonardo AI → Kling AI → 11Labs3) Business Idea #1: AI-First Greeting Cards The $400M Moonpig-killer:• Upload photos → Get AI avatars• Generate personalized scenes• Add animation & voice• Print physical cardsMonetization:• $7-10 per card• $10-15 monthly subs• Gift upsells4) Business Idea #2: Educational AI Stickers Target market: Schools & TeachersThe product:• Custom teacher avatars• Personalized student stickers• Achievement celebrations• Classroom decorationsDistribution:• Direct mail to principals• School district partnerships5) The Technical Stack Tools needed:• ChatGPT for prompts• Leonardo AI for images• Remove.bg for backgrounds• Printful API for fulfillment• Zapier/Make for automationCAC potential: $15/customer6) Marketing Strategy Guerrilla tactics:• Find faculty directories• Create custom samples• Direct mail campaigns• Social media DM outreach• Leverage virality in schoolsPro Tip: Start manual, perfect the process, then automate!7) BONUS INSIGHT The real opportunity isn't just in the tools - it's in the UX layer on top.Build specific solutions for specific problems.Create branded experiences.Make it dead simple to use.The tools are commodities. The experience is the moat.Notable Quotes:"We're building full workflows today using AI avatars. I'm going to have a ton of business ideas that you can start immediately with zero employees." - Omar"By the end of this episode, you'll be able to assemble an AI SaaS product that can literally print you cash." - OmarLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND OMAR ON SOCIAL5 Day Sprint - Build with AI: https://www.skool.com/5-day-sprint/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/omarchoudhry/X/Twitter: https://x.com/OmarChoudhryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarchoudhry/?originalSubdomain=uk

In this episode, Sari Azout, Founder and CEO of Sublime,  explores various startup ideas and business concepts. The discussion centers on the evolving nature of startups in the AI era, emphasizing the importance of focusing on specific, well-defined problems rather than broad solutions. Sari shares multiple business ideas, from parental control services to creative tools, while discussing the philosophy behind building successful products in today's market.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and setup00:57 - Startup Idea 1: DrScreenTime06:39 - Startup Idea 2: Business-in-a-box ideas13:34 - What becomes scarce in an AGI world? 14:38 - Founders and Their Approaches16:10 - Akio Morita Simplicity Principle 17:01 - Startup Idea 3: Podshot 22:10 - Discussion on micro-startups 25:53 - Testing Ideas and Positioning29:03 -  Feedback and Intuition33:04 - Startup Idea 4: Meme generator Key Points:• Discussion of several innovative startup ideas including "DrScreenTime" (parental control franchise), PodShot, and meme generator • Exploration of business-in-a-box concepts and the future of trades/crafts• Analysis of micro-startups vs. traditional startup approaches1) The "Franchise for Parental Controls" Idea Parents are desperate for help managing screen time. Current solutions = messy.Opportunity: In-home screen time consultants who:- Set up controls- Create family rules- Recommend apps/toolsRevenue model:• $2K setup fee• Recurring affiliate revenue• Think "Dr. Screen Time" 2) The "Business in a Box" Trend Big insight: What becomes scarce in an AI world?Answer: People doing things with their hands!Opportunity: Modern craft business franchise• Partner with local artists• Supply chain + education• Target: offline-first experiences• Status = disconnecting from screens3) The Trade School Revolution Huge opportunity in modernizing trade education:• Lambda School model for trades• Zero upfront tuition• Revenue share after job placement• Bundle with business tools/marketing• Focus: plumbing, electrical, etc.Why? Trades becoming MORE valuable in AI era4) The Micro-Startup Strategy Modern startup playbook:1. Have a 10-year vision2. Unbundle into micro-products3. Start with easiest/viral pieces4. Build distribution firstKey insight: "Nobody searches for an inspiration engine"5) Product Development Philosophy Two types of founders:• Artists (creative vision driven)• Scientists (iteration driven)Choose your path but stick to it.Sari's 2024 goal: "Take less feedback, trust intuition more"6) The Meme Generator Opportunity Final killer idea: Long-form to meme converter• Input: articles, presentations, links• Output: culturally relevant memes• Train on curated meme library• Potential $10M+ SaaS businessWhy? No idea goes mainstream without memes Key Takeaway:2024 startup strategy:1. Build close to OR far from AI2. Focus on what becomes scarce3. Start micro, think macro4. Distribution not ProductNotable Quotes:"No idea will become mainstream if it's not captured in a meme." - Sari Azout"Screenshots are the new bookmarks." - GregLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND SARI ON SOCIALSublime: https://sublime.appX/Twitter: https://x.com/sariazoutSubstack: https://sublimeinternet.substack.com

Nikki Camilleri is a music industry executive, mentor, speaker, arts and social rights advocate and founder of Mana (from the maltese word ‘magħna' meaning ‘with us' or ‘as a collective'). Noting so many artists to be underserved in an increasingly difficult and changing industry, she started Mana to create direct impact leveraging over 10 years experience across leading music companies (Warner Music, Believe Group, Glastonbury Festival etc.) working with and signing artists who have amassed millions of streams and played countless sold out live shows such as Ayelle, Alfa Mist and David Guetta.  Mana's mission is to advance sustainable careers in the music industry - enabling artists to maximise their projects, driving social impact through creative work, advocating for working conditions in which music professionals thrive and as a result breaking down the barriers of who gets to be creative. In 2024, Nikki made the Forbes 30 under 30 list for this work. website www.NikkiCamilleri.com Social media: https://www.Instagram.com/nikkicamilleri PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! We have many more amazing guests coming that you don't want to miss! Music Matters Podcast is hosted by globally published music journalist, Pro musician and Getty Images photographer Darrell Craig Harris! Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris is now on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean and more! Darrell interviews globally known artists, musicians, music journalists, music business insiders, and more on a weekly basis! Follow us on Apple Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7bJF7f5... IHeart Radio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-mu... Website https://www.MusicMattersPodcast.com contact: inquiry@darrellcraigharris.com 

Ray Fernando, a former Apple engineer, gives an in-depth tutorial on DeepSeek AI and local model implementation. The conversation includes detailed guide for setting up local AI environments using Docker and OpenWebUI, and how to implement DeepSeek on mobile using the Apollo app.Key Points:• Comprehensive overview of DeepSeek AI and its reasoning capabilities• Discussion of data privacy concerns when using Chinese-hosted models• Detailed tutorial on running AI models locally using Docker and OpenWebUI• Comparison of different AI model providers (Fireworks, Grok, OpenRouter)• Mobile implementation of AI models using Apollo appTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:34 - Overview of DeepSeek05:29 - Data privacy concerns with Chinese-hosted models08:02 - Running Models Locally with OpenWebUI10:06 - Comparing Hosting Providers: Fireworks and Groq16:54 - Cost Comparison of using/running AI Models18:35 - Improving Prompts for Better Outputs22:41 - Running AI Models Locally: A Step-by-Step Guide37:09 - Mobile AI implementation discussion45:27 - Future implications and closing thoughts1) DeepSeek's R1 Model - What's the big deal?• On par with ChatGPT's reasoning capabilities• Open source & free to use• BUT hosted in China (data privacy concerns)• Incredible for analysis and content generation2) Alternative Ways to Use DeepSeek:• Fireworks AI ($8/million tokens)• OpenRouter• Grok API• Local hosting (safest for sensitive data)3) Running AI Models Locally Step-by-step setup:• Install Docker• Use OpenWebUI• Download models via Ollama• Configure API connectionsPro tip: Takes 5 mins to set up, saves hours of worry about data privacy4) Mobile AI is HERE!• Apollo app lets you run models locally on phone• Download smaller, optimized models• Works offline• Perfect for quick analysis on the go5) Temperature Settings Explained:High temp (0.8-1.0) = Creative modeLow temp (0-0.3) = Logical modeChoose based on your needs!6) FUTURE PREDICTIONS • Watch-based AI coming soon• Emergency response applications• Real-time negotiation assistance• Advanced audio analysis7) Getting Started Tips:• Start with public data on DeepSeek• Experiment with different models• Use temperature settings wisely• Focus on practical use casesNotable Quotes:"We're in this new deep-seek world where if you figure out the model that works for you and the tasks that you want to accomplish, you might be able to out-compete whoever you're competing against." - Greg"Please don't be fearful or don't feel like you're left behind. If you're just finding out about this, you're not that far behind. We're all actually still trying to understand what this intelligence can give us." - Ray FernandoLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND RAY ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/RayFernando1337YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RayFernando1337Ray's Website: https://www.rayfernando.ai