275 - Best of 2025! Beyond ChatGPT: Exploring Perplexity and the Deep Dive Revolution with Chris Koerner

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), for another episode of HCB with Chris Koerner! In this episode, we dive deep into the latest AI tools, debating whether the $200/month ChatGPT Pro plan is actually worth it compared to Perplexity's Deep Research features.We discuss why Chris prefers Perplexity over Operator for research tasks and share our specific prompting frameworks for getting the best results. We also brainstorm unique business ideas, including a breakdown of the banana ketchup market in the Philippines and how to validate niche trends using Google Trends data.Later, we get real about the state of AI agents versus Robotic Process Automation (RPA), pitch a mobile side hustle inspired by Activate Games, and share the wild story of Ethan Cohen pivoting from a sports book to retrofitting vending machines with credit card readers.Questions This Episode Answers:1. Is the $200 ChatGPT Pro plan better for deep research than Perplexity?2. How can you use AI and Google Trends to identify international product opportunities like banana ketchup?3. What is the difference between true AI agents and Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?4. How can you turn a high-cost retail concept like Activate Games into a low-cost mobile side hustle?5. Can you build a profitable business by retrofitting old vending machines with modern technology?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The Rise of AI and Deep Research05:51 Custom GPTs and Their Applications12:05 Exploring Business Ideas Through AI18:06 The Future of Agents and Automation23:54 Innovative Business Models and Side Hustles