The Startup Ideas Podcast

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/

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 1) Chris has built FOUR successful productivity apps as a solo developer - including a daily planning app with 2,000+ paid users. His secret weapon? Using AI to supercharge his workflow. "The only reason I'm able to do this is because I have AI to supercharge my workflow." 2) SURPRISING TOOL #1: Using Cursor for native iOS development Most devs use Cursor for React/web apps, but Chris opens Xcode projects directly in Cursor! His workflow: • Set up project manually in Xcode • Open files in Cursor for edits • Switch to Xcode to build • Repeat 3) KEY INSIGHT: Don't try to use Cursor to set up iOS projects - it won't work! You need to: - Set up the project manually in Xcode - Configure frameworks and settings in Xcode - Handle network permissions in Xcode - THEN use Cursor for coding 4) Chris demonstrated building an AI chat feature for his budgeting app "Luna" in just 4 major prompts: - Create the UI first (hardcoded) - Hook it up to OpenRouter API - Improve the prompt quality - Add function calling Each step builds on the previous one! 5) POWER TIP: Feed documentation directly into Cursor! Type docs and paste in API documentation URLs to give Cursor context. This DRAMATICALLY reduces hallucinations, especially for: • iOS/Mac development • New/changing APIs • Complex integrations Game-changer for accuracy! 6) PROMPT ENGINEERING SECRET: Use Claude to generate better prompts for your AI apps! Chris uses Claude to create XML-formatted prompts that produce better results from LLMs. This simple technique improves response quality by 30-40%! 7) ADVANCED TECHNIQUE: Function calling to build true AI agents in your apps! Instead of sending ALL user data with each request (expensive!), Chris implemented tool calling: • LLM analyzes user question • Calls specific functions to get ONLY needed data • Answers based on retrieved info 8) For example, when a user asks "What did I eat last year?" the agent: - Recognizes it needs transaction data - Calls getTransactionsForDateRange() with the right dates - Processes only relevant data - Provides a concise answer Saves $$$ on token costs! 9) VISUAL POLISH SECRET: Using ChatGPT 4.0 for app asset generation! Chris creates mascots and illustrations that give his apps personality and polish. The workflow: 1. Generate base character 2. Create variations for different states 3. Refine with specific prompts 10) RESULTS: With just a few prompts, Chris added: • A fully functional AI chat • Tool-calling capabilities • Cost tracking • Model switching • Custom illustrations All in a few hours as a solo developer! 11)FINAL ADVICE from Chris: "A lot of developers are averse to using AI tools, but the ones who embrace them will thrive for the next decade." For non-devs: Start with more guided tools like Replit or Lovable that have guardrails. 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/

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

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

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

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

How to build an audience in 2025: https://www.startupempire.co/build-an-audienceI’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/

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