1,000 Routes with Nick Bennett

In this episode, consultant, speaker, and creator,  Heike Young, shares her journey from leading content teams at Salesforce and Microsoft to building her own business helping B2B brands create content through employees, customers, and creators. She reflects on leaving a successful corporate career, the desire for greater flexibility and ownership of her time, and how building an audience on LinkedIn created the foundation for her entrepreneurial leap.Heike breaks down how she landed her first clients through inbound demand, content partnerships, and consulting opportunities that emerged from her online presence. She shares the lessons learned during her first year of business, including the challenges of pricing, packaging offers, balancing multiple audiences, and discovering which types of work created the highest return on her time and energy.The conversation explores the rise of people-generated content in an AI-driven world and why Heike believes authentic human voices are becoming a competitive advantage for brands. She discusses her work training teams to create employee-generated content, her collaboration with LinkedIn creator Vince Pieri, and the realities of building workshops, consulting engagements, and recurring revenue streams.Throughout the episode, Heike reflects on personal branding, content strategy, entrepreneurship, and the tradeoffs of creator-led businesses. She shares what she would do differently, why she is moving away from sponsored content, and how she is shaping a business centered on teaching, creativity, and meaningful client impact.Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(04:21) Building a business through content(13:15) Pricing, coaching, and finding ROI on time(21:04) Helping brands create people-generated content(27:31) Why human-created content matters in the AI era(30:39) Partnering with Vince Pieri and building workshops(37:28) Recurring revenue, execution, and client success(45:17) Lessons learned from building the wrong audience(51:36) What's next for the business(53:20) Moving beyond sponsored content(57:46) Last meal on EarthFollow Heike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heikeyoung/  Check out Heike’s Website: https://heike-young.com/   –Build a repeatable inbound motion and stabilize your revenue: ⁠https://duoconsulting.co/⁠Each week, we share a new framework, concept, or example of how solopreneurs are scaling from $25,000 to $60,000+ per month: ​​⁠https://www.howsolosscale.com/⁠

In this episode, Josh Lowman, founder of Gold Front, shares his unconventional path from aspiring filmmaker to building a category design studio working with companies like Uber, Stripe, and Qualtrics. He opens up about early career struggles, getting fired and starting his first agency, and the fear that held him back from launching his second agency for years.He breaks down how he transitioned from a generalist creative studio to a focused category strategy firm, and why productizing his work became the foundation for growth. He also dives into the realities of running an agency—from revenue rollercoasters to redefining success—and how his vision for the business evolved over time.The conversation explores how AI reshaped his thinking, leading him to build a personal brand on LinkedIn and diversify into training products, cohorts, and workshops. Josh shares why personal brand is becoming a defensible moat, how he balances high-ticket client work with scalable education, and why teaching has become a core part of his mission.Throughout the episode, Josh reflects on entrepreneurship, fear, identity, and finding meaning beyond money—offering a raw look at what it actually takes to build, evolve, and sustain a creative business.Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:00) From film dreams to first agency (04:00) Getting fired → starting a business (07:00) Fear of failure delaying Gold Front(10:00) Landing early clients like Stripe & Uber (14:00) From creative studio → category strategy (20:00) The agency rollercoaster (wins vs dry spells) (24:00) Why business goals constantly evolve (28:00) AI, personal brand, and LinkedIn growth (32:00) Diversifying revenue beyond services (36:00) Balancing high-ticket work with education (39:00) Teaching, purpose, and what’s nextFollow Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshlowman/ Check out Gold Front: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gold-front/  –Build a repeatable inbound motion and stabilize your revenue: ⁠https://duoconsulting.co/⁠Each week, we share a new framework, concept, or example of how solopreneurs are scaling from $25,000 to $60,000+ per month: ​​⁠https://www.howsolosscale.com/⁠ 

In this episode, Morgan Ingram, Founder & CEO of AMP Social shares his journey from being the worst-performing SDR on his team to becoming one of the most recognized voices in modern B2B sales. He opens up about the mindset shift that changed everything early in his career, the lessons he learned working with John Barrows, and why going all in on self-development became the foundation of his success.The conversation dives deep into personal branding, content strategy, and the future of sales in the AI era. Morgan explains why he believes the market has over-indexed on AI, why human development matters more than ever, and how he’s building a new framework centered around three pillars: human growth, sales skills, and AI proficiency. He also reflects on entrepreneurship, fulfillment, consistency, and redefining success beyond revenue and vanity metrics.Throughout the episode, Morgan shares an honest look at ambition, identity, burnout, and growth. If you are trying to build something meaningful in a rapidly changing world, this is for you.Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(00:47) From worst SDR to sales leader(04:30) The emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship(06:00) Losing $450K in pipeline overnight(15:00) Why the production model failed(21:00) Narrative-led growth & content strategy(25:00) Scaling too fast and chasing the wrong vision(32:00) Rediscovering coaching & rebuilding the business(34:00) Redefining success beyond money(41:00) The 3 layers of future sales leadersFollow Morgan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganjingramamp/ Check out AMP Social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theampsocial/  –Build a repeatable inbound motion and stabilize your revenue: ⁠https://duoconsulting.co/⁠Each week, we share a new framework, concept, or example of how solopreneurs are scaling from $25,000 to $60,000+ per month: ​​⁠https://www.howsolosscale.com/⁠

In this episode, Katelyn Bourgoin, founder of UNIGNORABLE, discusses her journey from the restaurant industry to entrepreneurship, focusing on customer research, brand consulting, and building a personal brand. She shares her experience with a failed tech startup and a short-lived barbecue business before transitioning to a content-driven model through her newsletter, Why We Buy. Katelyn explains how the newsletter gained sponsorships and became profitable during a challenging time in her life, including her husband’s injury.She talks about shifting from consultancy to productized services, using AI to create valuable content, and evolving her business model to help entrepreneurs find their unique brand message. Katelyn also reflects on UNIGNORABLE’s growth, a program designed to help entrepreneurs define their “ownable idea,” and how it evolved after several iterations.Katelyn reveals the challenges of balancing multiple ventures and raising a family, including burnout, and her goal of creating a scalable, high-impact service business with a partner. She is now focused on building a sustainable business that operates independently of her.(00:00) Intro(00:50) Agency roots and scaling frustration(01:43) VC startup lessons and failures(02:39) The importance of customer research(04:16) Why We Buy's rapid growth(06:21) Family challenges while going all in(10:46) Transition from sponsors to products(14:40) Contemplating a business pivot(16:58) Selling Why We Buy business model(20:18) UNIGNORABLE's origins with Demand Curve(22:53) Cancer scare and finding a partner(25:43) AI commoditizes expertise for entrepreneurs(30:23) The importance of making it their idea(37:56) Productizing ownable ideas for entrepreneursFollow Katelyn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katebour/Check out UNIGNORABLE: https://www.beunignorable.com/–Build a repeatable inbound motion and stabilize your revenue: ⁠https://duoconsulting.co/⁠Each week, we share a new framework, concept, or example of how solopreneurs are scaling from $25,000 to $60,000+ per month: ​​⁠https://www.howsolosscale.com/⁠

In this episode, Vince Pierri of VAP Coaching shares his journey from being a full-time pastor to becoming a public speaking coach, and how a shift into creating high-traction infographics skyrocketed his business. He talks about the challenges and lessons learned from transitioning to LinkedIn content creation, including why certain formats like infographics have worked so well for him, and how they solve a major gap in the public speaking industry.Vince dives into the process behind his infographics, how they became a selling point, and how his unique approach of education-first content stands out in a crowded LinkedIn space. He reflects on the ups and downs of cohort-based offers, working with other creators, and balancing high-impact work with the demands of entrepreneurship.As Vince continues to refine his offers, he also opens up about his partnership with Heike and how they are scaling a new enterprise-focused offer that combines his infographic expertise with her viral video knowledge. He shares insights into how they are both optimizing for less time and higher impact in their new venture.(00:00) Intro(01:00) Vince’s transition from pastor to public speaking coach(03:00) The financial motivation behind leaving ministry(06:00) Building an audience on LinkedIn(09:00) The shift to creating infographics(11:00) The gap in public speaking content and how infographics filled it(15:00) The challenge of scaling content creation(18:00) Starting the infographic cohort and pricing strategies(22:00) Balancing low-ticket and high-ticket offers(25:00) The evolution of Vince’s enterprise offer with Heike(30:00) Partnering for a more sustainable business model(34:00) Key learnings from running a cohort-based business(39:00) Vince’s plans to scale and return to pastoringFollow Vince on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-angelo-coach/ Check out VAP Coaching: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vap-coaching/ –Build a repeatable inbound motion and stabilize your revenue: ⁠https://duoconsulting.co/⁠Each week, we share a new framework, concept, or example of how solopreneurs are scaling from $25,000 to $60,000+ per month: ​​⁠https://www.howsolosscale.com/⁠ 

In this episode, Logan Lyles, founder of DemandShift Summit, shares how he transitioned into entrepreneurship after being unexpectedly laid off and why that moment became the catalyst for building a differentiated B2B marketing business. Logan walks through his early days of landing clients, leveraging his network, and thinking strategically about his offer before going to market. He breaks down how relationship-driven outreach, a simple LinkedIn launch post, and a creative research report helped him secure his first clients quickly and validate his business model.Logan dives deep into his unique approach to webinar-led growth, explaining how he turned webinars into both a lead generation engine and a scalable media asset. He shares how he built a flywheel by combining content, audience building, and client delivery into one system allowing him to generate results for clients while simultaneously growing his own audience and pipeline. Throughout the conversation, Logan unpacks lessons on positioning, leveraging existing skills, building in public, and creating a service that doubles as a “permissionless demo” of your expertise.(00:00) Intro(01:00) Getting laid off → becoming an entrepreneur(03:00) Landing first clients through network(06:00) Using survey to to generate content and pipeline(10:00) Why his outbound didn’t feel like outbound(14:00) Content as a networking tool (events & outreach(20:00) Choosing webinars as his core offer(23:00) The 2-step signup that 5x’d conversions(30:00) Building a media + service flywheel(36:00) Differentiation through audience ownership(40:00) What he’d do differently + scaling challengesFollow Logan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganlyles/ Check out DemandShift Summit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/demandshift-summit/ –Build a repeatable inbound motion and stabilize your revenue: ⁠https://duoconsulting.co/⁠Each week, we share a new framework, concept, or example of how solopreneurs are scaling from $25,000 to $60,000+ per month: ​​⁠https://www.howsolosscale.com/⁠ 

In this episode, Mike Steadman, also known as “Iron Mike”, is a Marine Corps veteran and founder, and he shares his journey from leading troops in Afghanistan to building a business rooted in category design and go-to-market strategy. He reflects on leaving the military, launching a nonprofit boxing gym, and eventually pivoting into higher-leverage work after realizing the importance of market demand. Mike breaks down his core philosophy that category comes first, explaining why most founders struggle with positioning, how labels like “fractional” commoditize your value, and why defining your own category is key to standing out.He also shares how he bootstrapped a podcasting business during COVID and used it to build relationships before transitioning into strategy. The conversation dives into his “movement to contact” approach to sales, focused on volume, consistency, and reps, and why learning sales early is critical. Mike emphasizes the importance of strong point of view, clear language, and consistent content, and shares his vision for adversarial go-to-market, built on one truth: the market owes you nothing and you have to earn every customer.(00:00) Intro(02:00) Starting a nonprofit boxing gym(05:42) Why businesses fail(07:04) Discovering category design(10:15) Why “fractional” is a trap(11:41) Spotting emerging markets(16:34) Getting first clients(20:04) Bootstrapping a business(24:07) Red team and positioning process(30:51) Lead generation and sales system(38:18) Developing a strong point of view(46:38) What’s next: adversarial go-to-marketFollow Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iron-mike-steadman/Check out OP4: https://op4.co—Build a repeatable inbound motion and stabilize your revenue: ⁠https://duoconsulting.co/⁠Each week, we share a new framework, concept, or example of how solopreneurs are scaling from $25,000 to $60,000+ per month: ​​⁠https://www.howsolosscale.com/⁠ 

In this episode, Louis Grenier, positioning + GTM consultant for B2B at Stand The F*ck Out and founder of Everyone Hates Marketers, shares his unconventional journey from a mechanical engineering background to building a successful marketing consultancy. Louis reflects on his early days in Dublin, how serendipity led him to stay, and his shift from agency work to becoming a marketing professional. He also talks about the lessons learned from burning out in his first agency and how he found his true passion in marketing, which ultimately shaped his business philosophy.Louis explores his Everyone Hates Marketers podcast experience, where he emphasizes the importance of standing out in a crowded market by being unapologetically authentic. He shares his unique approach to positioning, go-to-market strategies, and creative differentiation in a noisy world. Throughout the conversation, Louis opens up about his entrepreneurial highs and lows, his time at Hotjar, and how his personal health challenges influenced his career, providing invaluable insights on growing a business based on values and the power of embracing failure.(00:00) Intro(01:49) Tech boom and serendipity shaped career(04:10) Why he chose to stay in Dublin(05:24) First real marketing role and lessons learned(06:30) Launching agency and early mistakes made(08:02) Cancun burnout after failed client experiment(10:06) Hotjar role and podcast beginnings(16:34) First sales and early business anxiety(20:46) Current revenue streams and business model(22:06) Cutting business branches to refocus growth(25:07) Doubling down on B2B GTM consulting(28:35) Generosity over metrics drives real growth(30:46) Beta readers improved book quality massively(31:54) Book became powerful sales engine(36:19) Cancer diagnosis brought clarity, not change(40:38) Regrets about past relationships and growth(41:25) Pruning business to focus on one thingFollow Louis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisgrenierCheck out Everyone Hates Marketers: https://www.everyonehatesmarketers.comCheck out Stand The F*ck Out: https://www.stfo.io—Build a repeatable inbound motion and stabilize your revenue: ⁠https://duoconsulting.co/⁠Each week, we share a new framework, concept, or example of how solopreneurs are scaling from $25,000 to $60,000+ per month: ​​⁠https://www.howsolosscale.com/⁠ 

In this episode, Michelle Warner, a business strategist and designer, shares her transition from building venture-backed startups to creating a smaller, more sustainable business. After ıexperiencing intense burnout, she stepped away from the traditional growth-at-all-costs model and began designing a business that aligned with her life. She reflects on how working with single mothers in a social impact startup revealed a growing wave of online entrepreneurship and inspired her consulting work.Michelle also breaks down her core philosophy of relationship marketing vs traffic marketing, explaining why most service-based businesses struggle when they rely on audience growth alone. She shares how building intentional relationships, instead of chasing scale, leads to better clients, more aligned growth, and a more sustainable business model.(00:00) Intro(00:39) Leaving startups after burnout(02:46) Shift to a smaller business(02:56) Discovering online entrepreneurs(06:59) Offers evolve over time(12:32) Relationship vs traffic marketing(28:00) Real vs transactional networking(29:37) Connection avatars strategy(32:59) Using a podcast to network(35:23) Small, specific asks(46:12) Defining what’s enoughFollow Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warnermichelle/ Check out Networking that Pays: https://www.themichellewarner.com/ –Build a repeatable inbound motion and stabilize your revenue: ⁠https://duoconsulting.co/⁠Each week, we share a new framework, concept, or example of how solopreneurs are scaling from $25,000 to $60,000+ per month: ​​⁠https://www.howsolosscale.com/⁠ 

In this episode, Evan Kubitschek, founder of The Ops Gap and Grow Rogue, shares how an unexpected layoff from Pendo pushed him into independent consulting. He talks through the moment he realized he had been laid off, why the severance gave him the runway to go all in, and how he quickly turned that opportunity into a real business. Evan also reflects on why the traditional path in operations was starting to feel less appealing, especially as senior roles pulled him further away from the systems work he enjoyed most.Evan also breaks down how he found his first clients, how he used experimentation to shape his business model, and what helped him avoid building a consulting practice that took over his life. He shares practical lessons on pricing, scope, pipeline, LinkedIn, and the value of protecting his time. Throughout the conversation, Evan makes the case that a successful service business is built less on follower count and more on clarity, consistency, and designing the business around the life you actually want.(00:00) Intro(00:30) Evan shares how he learned he was laid off(02:47) How severance gave him runway to try consulting(04:47) Why he chose going solo over in-house roles(07:03) How he landed his first clients and niche(13:02) Treating the business as a series of experiments(25:36) His daily pipeline-building routine(25:51) Using LinkedIn comments to start conversations(29:26) Cleaning up his LinkedIn network intentionally(33:20) Why follower count doesn’t equal revenue(35:50) Stop overthinking and test more ideas(39:08) Growing the business while protecting time(43:20) Reflections on growth and long-term prioritiesFollow Evan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evankubitschek/ Check out Grow Rogue: https://www.growrogue.com/ Check out The Ops Gap on Substack: https://theopsgap.substack.com/ —Build a repeatable inbound motion and stabilize your revenue: ⁠https://duoconsulting.co/⁠Each week, we share a new framework, concept, or example of how solopreneurs are scaling from $25,000 to $60,000+ per month: ​​⁠https://www.howsolosscale.com/⁠

In this episode, Jessica Lackey, a business strategist and educator, shares her remarkable career journey from high-level roles at McKinsey and Nike to building her own thriving business. Jessica reflects on the turning point when she realized corporate life wasn’t for her, leading her to become an entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from corporate roles to consulting and how she leveraged her personal networks to build a successful business.Jessica also talks about her unique approach to business growth, emphasizing the importance of focusing on revenue first, rather than simply growing an audience. She explains how she deliberately optimized for profit and has continued to scale her business without relying heavily on social media or viral content. Jessica shares her thoughts on building authority over time, discussing how it takes years to establish a reputation that truly drives long-term success.(00:00) Intro(00:52) Two career-changing breaking points(01:07) Nike burnout story and realization(02:50) Rebuilding identity after corporate life(03:17) COVID wake-up call for Jessica(04:45) Side hustle reality: lessons learned(06:01) First clients acquired through networks(07:18) Juggling three part-time consulting gigs(11:01) Building authority through strong relationships(12:33) Developing an ecosystem of offers(16:25) Serving the mid-market for success(22:42) Prioritizing foundational business frameworks(26:15) Building a five-year business flywheel(43:13) Building authority takes time and consistency(46:44) Small audience driving big revenueFollow Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lackey/Check out Deeper Foundations: https://deeperfoundations.com/—Build a repeatable inbound motion and stabilize your revenue: ⁠https://duoconsulting.co/⁠Each week, we share a new framework, concept, or example of how solopreneurs are scaling from $25,000 to $60,000+ per month: ​​⁠https://www.howsolosscale.com/⁠ 

In this episode, Seth Waite, partner at Schaefer and former head of growth at a high-growth technology firm, shares his journey from law school dropout to building a thriving business. Seth discusses how his shift from corporate life to entrepreneurship was driven by a desire for freedom and solving customer problems. He reflects on the importance of staying hyper-specialized in business to maximize value without falling into the trap of the "bloated agency" model, which often dilutes expertise and margins. Seth also talks about scaling his business, the challenges of rapid headcount growth, and how he built systems that allowed his small team to operate at the efficiency of a much larger agency.Seth recounts the acquisition of his previous company, the impact of COVID on his moving and storage startup, and how he pivoted quickly when faced with unexpected obstacles. As he looks ahead, Seth shares his plans for Schaefer’s future, focusing on the food and beverage sector to create more specialized, high-value services. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with entrepreneurial people and maintaining freedom in business. Seth's vision is to help the world feel "at home" by solving consumer problems with innovative solutions and building businesses that prioritize customer value over sheer scale.(00:00) Intro(01:14) Seth Waite leaves law school(02:11) Walmart agency strategy lessons(06:25) Going solo and first exit(08:34) Scaling with the acquirer’s help(15:24) Productizing services and nailing positioning(17:38) Jump to moving tech industry(21:05) AI-driven quoting and hypergrowth(28:01) Next AI venture and new pivot(32:05) Partnering with Sydney for Schaefer(34:21) Pivot to food and beverage brands(36:23) Lean team advantage in business(40:52) Scaling with systems and efficiency(45:25) Business valuation and exit strategies(53:56) Lessons learned on staying focused(59:13) Last meal on earthFollow Seth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwaite/Check out Schaefer: https://schaefer.co—Build a repeatable inbound motion and stabilize your revenue: ⁠https://duoconsulting.co/⁠Each week, we share a new framework, concept, or example of how solopreneurs are scaling from $25,000 to $60,000+ per month: ​​⁠https://www.howsolosscale.com/⁠

In this episode, Lee Densmer, author and content marketing strategist at Globia Content Marketing, shares her journey from 25 years in corporate to launching her own consulting business. After two layoffs, Lee turned a forced decision into her best move yet, leveraging her extensive network to build a solid client base. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from corporate life, the importance of strategic networking, and the highs and lows of consulting. Lee reflects on her first three years, exploring how she adapted her offerings to better align with what she truly loves.She reveals the evolution of her business model, moving from long-term retainers to shorter, more agile sprints, and the growing pains that come with a successful but shifting business. As Lee navigates the transition from being a sole consultant to running a content-driven business, she delves into her latest venture: launching a course alongside her book and consulting. Lee talks about how an accidental audience on LinkedIn became one of her greatest assets, providing a solid foundation for her next steps. She also shares her lessons learned on scaling, trusting the process, and finding fulfillment in the work.(00:00) Intro(03:02) No plan, just freedom(04:56) Landing first clients(06:06) When the network dries up(07:50) Evolving offers and retainers(10:34) Strategy vs. execution debate(14:20) Building a partner bench(20:56) Never stop biz dev(24:31) Productizing the offer(26:32) Firing bad fit clients(31:20) Mexico sparks book idea(36:50) Book costs and payoff(43:43) Business regrets and outsourcingFollow Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leedensmer/Check out Globia Content Marketing: https://globiacontent.com/—Build a repeatable inbound motion and stabilize your revenue: https://duoconsulting.co/Each week, we share a new framework, concept, or example of how solopreneurs are scaling from $25,000 to $60,000+ per month: ​​https://www.howsolosscale.com/ 

In this episode, Marc Thomas, founder of Positive Human, mentor at TinySeed, and former Sr. Growth Marketer at Podia, traces an unlikely path from freelance journalism to co-founding doopoll, surviving a COVID-era near-meltdown, and ultimately reinventing himself as a lifecycle/email operator for SaaS. Marc shares the chaotic “we priced it in the hallway” moment, the lesson of raising money before true validation, and the four-day surge that took doopoll from 1.6M to 16M votes—and nearly torched the company with usage-based bills.He and Nick dig into the solopreneur head-game: optionality vs. salary, why Marc would take less money for more freedom, and how “punk” DIY energy: charisma, coaching, and seeing work through end-to-end wins in growth. Marc shares candid reflections on confidence dips, building pipeline without becoming your own worst client, and a pragmatic cash-flow system that lets him sleep at night while he eyes a return to software on his own terms.(00:00) Intro(00:29) Starting as a freelance journalist(01:58) Creative gigs lead to a voting tool idea(03:48) Building doopoll in four days(04:19) Landing a 25k deal on the spot(07:01) Fundraising before validation(08:51) From 1.6M to 16M votes and server crashes(10:32) Choosing stability and leaving doopoll(17:22) The banker vs. taxi driver analogy(20:52) Taking less money for more freedom(26:18) Emotional whiplash of solopreneurship(27:00) Lifecycle email and intersecting skills(30:26) Punk marketing and DIY growth(33:29) Learning charisma and coaching clients(43:24) Cash-flow forecasting and personal runway(45:39) Pipeline focus and new software projectsFollow Marc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iammarcthomas Check out Positive Human: https://www.positivehuman.co/ Check out Tinyseed: https://tinyseed.com/ —Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join How Solos Scale: ​​https://www.howsolosscale.com/ Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/

In this episode, DemandMaven founder and growth strategist Asia Orangios shares her path from laid-off marketing lead to trusted advisor for PLG SaaS companies. What started as a solo consulting gig in 2018 evolved into a boutique growth consultancy—and along the way, Asia discovered that the real problem isn’t always marketing. It’s everything that comes after: product experience, activation, pricing, and turning demand into actual revenue.Asia reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of early entrepreneurship, the burnout cycles that pushed her to build a team, and the surprising role public speaking played in her pipeline. She opens up about managing ADHD as a founder, learning to delegate the work she once thought only she could do, and why her next act might just be as CEO of a SaaS company—not just a consultant to them.(00:00) Intro(00:47) How Asia became a solopreneur(03:19) Shifting to strategic growth consulting(06:27) Team building with ADHD in mind(11:02) Growth through delegation and feedback(25:53) Managing work and life demands(28:30) Using AI to grow smarter(29:22) Why speaking matters in business(29:48) Business impact of public speaking(36:34) Marketing opportunities beyond the usual(41:42) Overcoming doubts and embracing growthFollow Asia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asiaorangio/ Check out DemandMaven: https://demandmaven.io/ Check out Asia’s newsletter, The Work by DemandMaven: https://demandmaven.substack.com/ —Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join How Solos Scale: ​​https://www.howsolosscale.com/ Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/

In this episode, Scrappy ABM founder Mason Cosby talks about his unexpected journey from side hustle to multi-million-dollar business owner—all sparked by a desire to help his wife stay home with their newborn. Mason shares how an early $25K win in March 2023 snowballed—leading to $2.5M+ in revenue within just two and a half years—and how he’s scaling Scrappy ABM without debt, cold outreach, or compromising on his values.Mason reflects on the chaos of working 120-hour weeks with a postpartum partner, the painful lessons from firing seven contractors, and the shift from being the brand to building a team that can thrive without him. He also opens up about turning down a $6–7 million acquisition offer in pursuit of a bigger mission: equipping a million marketers with repeatable ABM playbooks by 2035.(00:00) Intro(00:29) Starting the solopreneur journey(00:53) Early successes and challenges(02:32) Transitioning to a real business(05:27) Scaling with contractors and employees(09:43) Lessons in hiring and growth(23:31) Scaling out for paternity leave(24:41) Hiring the right people(28:20) The role of a coach(31:11) Building a support network(35:23) Mason’s future goals and visionFollow Mason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masoncosby/ Check out Scrappy ABM: https://scrappyabm.com —Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join How Solos Scale: ​​https://www.howsolosscale.com/ Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/

In this episode, brand director and filmmaker Tiger Joseph shares his path from cold-pitching clients on Twitter at 17 to building a content strategy consultancy rooted in creative alignment. Tiger reflects on his early work in the manosphere and internet marketing circles, the pivot from video production to advisory, and the mental toll of running a client-heavy agency.Tiger recounts how filming a documentary during El Salvador’s national election reshaped his perspective on freedom, control, and purpose. Tiger also explores how meditation, solitude, and refining his services helped him break away from burnout and reconnect with the kind of work that energizes him. He emphasizes the value of listening to your resistance, trusting your inner direction, and designing a business that supports both creative expression and long-term sustainability.(00:00) Intro(01:23) Building brands with transitioning founders(05:25) The reality of solopreneurship(09:50) The move to LinkedIn(13:45) The El Salvador documentary(17:57) From production to consulting(21:04) The challenges of agency work(26:10) Principle-based thinking in content strategy(27:50) The reality of YouTube(28:16) Execution and sustainability in content creation(29:39) Leveraging teams for content creation(31:04) The role of consultants and mentors(33:13) Balancing art and client expectations(35:00) Reflecting on past mistakes(36:03) The importance of meditation(39:32) Finding your flow in business(45:08) Avoiding hustle cultureFollow Tiger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tigerjoseph/Check out Tiger’s official website: https://tigerjoseph.com/ --Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join How Solos Scale: ​​https://www.howsolosscale.com/ Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/

In this episode, brand voice expert Justin Blackman discusses his journey from working with major corporate brands to becoming a successful solopreneur. Justin reflects on his early freelancing attempts in 2014, the initial failures, and his return to stability with IHG. He recounts how a project writing 10,211 headlines in 100 days significantly impacted his career but also strained his personal life. Justin explores the importance of therapy and mindset work in overcoming self-doubt and establishing a successful business helping entrepreneurs define their personal brands. He also emphasizes the importance of balancing professional ambitions with personal well-being.(00:00) Intro(01:09) Early freelance struggles(03:48) The 100 headlines project(06:24) Personal sacrifices and lessons learned(11:11) The turning point of mindset and therapy(16:08) The freedom of solopreneurship(21:26) The essence of brand voice(22:56) The challenge of deep thinking(27:24) The journey of iterations(29:50) The burden of success(33:17) Separating personal from professional successFollow Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinblackman/ Check out Justin’s official website: https://justinblackman.com/ --Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join How Solos Scale: ​​https://www.howsolosscale.com/ Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

In this episode, Sarah Brooks, founder of Website Mirror, shares her journey from freelance generalist to focusing on her signature website writing process. Sarah talks about how her "Website Mirror" offer came into focus, reflecting her unique process and how it helps clients stand out in a saturated market. She also discusses her early days of freelancing, navigating the pressures to take on any work, and the mental blocks she overcame to niche down and charge more for what she truly enjoys. Sarah emphasizes the power of authenticity and how being clear about the problem she solves has led to better connections with clients. She offers insight into building a business that balances creativity, authenticity, and growth.(00:00) Intro(00:29) Meet Sarah Brooks: Founder of Website Mirror(00:44) The challenges of freelancing(01:29) Breaking free from unwanted work(03:25) The power of networking and referrals(04:54) Overcoming mental blocks(07:20) The importance of authenticity online(09:13) Launching and evolving the Website Mirror offer(10:18) Balancing work and personal life(18:57) Adapting and customizing services(23:30) Navigating market pressures(25:30) Acquiring first customers(26:01) Building in public strategy(26:10) Client success stories(27:39) The power of specificity(29:08) Affinity and trust in business(31:08) Reframing the offer(33:23) The credibility trap(38:40) Identifying the core problem(41:52) The importance of a good websiteFollow Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-brooks-12b04b21/Check out the Website Mirror: http://www.sarahbrookswrites.com--Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join How Solos Scale: ​​https://www.howsolosscale.com/ Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

In this episode, Lashay Lewis, founder of BOFU.ai, shares her powerful story of building a life and business from the ground up. From launching Amazon affiliate sites as a teenager to earning passive income off YouTube videos, Lashay reveals how small wins and painful rejections rewired her thinking and shaped her entrepreneurial journey. She talks about growing up in Baltimore, the role her husband played in supporting her early efforts, and the inner fire that drove her to master bottom-of-funnel content after being rejected from a dream job. Lashay also discusses balancing business with raising four kids, how trauma can fuel transformation, and why becoming the “poster child” student helped her stand out and build a category-defining consultancy. (00:00) Intro(03:19) The blessing of not knowing how hard it would be(06:14) Making her first online income(07:58) Affiliate marketing on YouTube(10:17) Building while raising two kids(12:04) Escaping “just good enough” as a solopreneur(15:00) Learning to sell through local SEO work(16:51) Selling websites too cheap (and learning from it)(18:16) Transitioning into B2B and failing a big opportunity(19:11) Creating the Content Dashboard(22:37) The mentorship that changed her life(26:57) Becoming known for BOFU.ai(30:03) What really motivates her(35:11) Always investing in herself(44:18) Entrepreneurship as a lesson for her childrenFollow Lashay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lashaylewis/Check out BOFU.ai: https://bofu.ai/--Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join How Solos Scale: ​​https://www.howsolosscale.com/ Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

In this episode, Kendall Cherry, founder and executive ghostwriter at The Candid Collective, discusses her unconventional journey from a high-flying corporate role to a thriving solopreneur. Kendall recounts her decision to leave HP, her initial attempts at career coaching, and the fast pivot to ghostwriting that resulted in a 10K month almost immediately. She talks about the challenges of balancing creativity with business management and the impact of hiring an operations strategist to streamline her workflow. Kendall also shares her thoughts on the "starving artist" narrative and the importance of creating a sustainable and meaningful business. Reflecting on her branding success with the sunflower motif, Kendall underscores the value of authenticity and aligned action in attracting and retaining clients.(00:00) Intro(00:46) Kendall’s shift from corporate to entrepreneurship(01:57) Lessons from Kendall’s first business attempt(04:04) Writing as a transformative tool(07:33) Debunking the starving artist myth(09:24) Challenges of running a service-based business(12:22) The importance of client retention(18:32) Navigating business pivots(23:50) Operational strategy for scaling(37:01) Balancing client work and workload(39:14) Effective marketing for service providers(39:48) The power of asking for help(41:31) Using a gated services guide for growth(43:02) Client success stories and their impact(49:48) Investing in learning and growth(58:06) Writing that resonates with readers(01:02:41) Building a personal brandFollow Kendall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/ Check out The Candid Collective: https://candidcollective.co --Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join How Solos Scale: ​​https://www.howsolosscale.com/ Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

In this episode, Emily Court shares her unconventional journey from freelance writer to brand and web designer for solopreneurs. She opens up about the career-altering conversation that inspired her to pivot into design, what it was like to land her first high-stakes client project, and how she built a booked-out business without relying on inbound leads. Emily also talks about working through chronic illness, why she never thrived in traditional jobs, and how solopreneurship gave her freedom and purpose. She unpacks the emotional and strategic layers of building a business that actually fits—and sustains—her life, and why helping others break free from broken systems fuels her every day. Plus, she teases what’s next: a productized offer and a podcast of her own.(00:00) Intro(01:06) From freelance writer to designer(02:32) The pivotal conversation with James Martin(06:50) Emily’s first major design client(09:33) Building credibility through public work(12:59) Managing growth and booking out(14:13) Client fit and discovery call red flags(20:30) The balance between style and flexibility(23:46) Lessons from cancer, chronic illness, and healing(28:00) Designing for people like her(30:25) Choosing meaning over scale(32:34) Why working with solos feels different(35:26) What Emily wishes she did sooner(40:22) Outbound strategy that saved her business(43:04) The power of short, human messages(46:33) Don’t make it weird: authentic outreach wins(48:16) What’s next: a podcast and productized service(53:22) Emily’s last meal on EarthFollow Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-court-website-copy-and-design/Work with Emily: https://www.emilycourt.ca/--Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join How Solos Scale: ​​https://www.howsolosscale.com/ Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

In this episode, Jed Mahrle, founder of Practical Prospecting, unpacks the journey from sales manager to solopreneur: how he validated his business while still in a W-2 role, why he initially worked for free, and what gave him the confidence to charge. He shares how content became the engine for inbound opportunities, why he said yes to everything early on, and how he built multiple income streams—from consulting to affiliate deals to brand partnerships. Jed also reflects on what makes the work meaningful today, why freedom from “OPM” (other people’s meetings) matters, and what he hopes to build next beyond B2B sales.(00:00) Intro(02:09) From PandaDoc to Mailshake(02:38) The leap to solopreneurship(04:15) Building Practical Prospecting(05:17) The power of consistency and writing(13:24) Diversifying revenue streams(19:29) The role of content and sponsorships(24:34) Joining Sell Better(28:03) Challenges of starting a business(28:22) The stigma of going solo(31:58) Building in public and learning out loud(37:24) The fulfillment of helping others(42:44) Building a media companyFollow Jed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/outboundsales/Subscribe to Practical Prospecting: https://www.practicalprospecting.io/--Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join Full Stack Solopreneur: https://fullstacksolo.com/Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

Sam Browne is a longtime entrepreneur, writer, and creator known for his unique voice and practical approach to personal branding. With nearly two decades of experience building creative businesses—from a chart-topping music career to a seven-figure wedding services agency—Sam now helps others grow their audiences and businesses through intentional content strategy and brand clarity.In this episode, Sam shares how he transitioned from the New Zealand music and events industry into a successful content-driven business on LinkedIn. He walks through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the systems behind his prolific content output, and the real reason he’s pivoting toward personal storytelling over algorithm chasing. Sam also dives into the evolution of his consulting and digital product business models, and how he’s building a new SaaS product from scratch—all while staying grounded in craft and integrity.(00:00) Intro(00:46) The shift to content creation(01:53) Balancing content and life(03:12) Content creation strategies(04:27) The Forever 50 system(11:29) Challenges of video content(16:20) Authenticity in content(18:24) Navigating LinkedIn success(23:35) The entrepreneurial journey(26:32) Transition to LinkedIn strategy(27:46) Starting a business from scratch(28:37) Building Findaband and Auckland Weddings(30:36) Challenges and lessons learned(32:06) Music career and entrepreneurship(35:17) LinkedIn journey and content creation(43:15) Private coaching and consulting(43:56) Evolving business models(48:10) Importance of building an email list(50:38) Upcoming projects and goalsFollow Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-browneBuilt a Profitable Personal Brand on LinkedIn with Sam: https://sam-browne.notion.site/Build-A-Profitable-Personal-Brand-on-LinkedIn-1aacfae6146d804fb435c79d1018ff48 --Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join Full Stack Solopreneur: https://fullstacksolo.com/Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

Andrew Capland is a growth strategist and founder of his own business, where he helps growth teams and entrepreneurs build scalable, efficient strategies. With years of experience in the growth space, Andrew now focuses on creating content and resources to empower others to navigate their professional challenges with actionable, repeatable frameworks.In this episode, Andrew shares his journey of transitioning from full-time employment to building his own business. He walks through his struggles and successes, from figuring out how to create content that resonates with his audience, to experimenting with pricing models for his new digital offerings. Andrew also reveals how he’s working to scale his income through sponsorships, while balancing the demands of fatherhood and entrepreneurship. Plus, he dives into the nuances of creating a digital product that can operate without him—designed to help others make decisions, take action, and achieve results.(00:00) Intro(01:00) Transition from full-time to solo business(05:15) Navigating self-employment challenges(09:40) Evolving content strategy and creating value(14:00) Exploring new income streams: sponsorships & digital products(18:25) Pricing dilemmas and thought process(22:05) Developing self-guided course & digital products(27:00) Balancing family life & entrepreneurship(31:20) Lessons learned and moving forward with clarity(36:10) Creating scalable business model that works without you(40:45) Thoughts on the changing role of digital products & content creation(46:00) How sponsorships align with passive income goals(50:05) Importance of experimenting with new business models(54:30) Challenges in building long-term business(59:00) Building business that works for your lifeFollow Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcapland/Check out Delivering Value: https://deliveringvalue.co/--Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join Full Stack Solopreneur: https://fullstacksolo.com/Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

Jen Allen-Knuth is a sales strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of DemandJen, where she helps teams simplify selling and rediscover the joy of driving meaningful conversations.In this episode, Jen opens up about the mindset shifts that finally pushed her to go solo after years at Challenger and Lavender. She shares the insecurities she had to overcome, the messy behind-the-scenes of setting up her business, and the surprising joys (and pains) of self-employment. From being called out by Josh Braun to forging a playful feud with Will Aitken on LinkedIn, Jen walks through the very real, very human story of building a solo business with staying power.(00:00) Intro(00:32) From Lavender to solopreneurship(03:05) Overcoming insecurities and taking the leap(06:05) Navigating LinkedIn and building a personal brand(09:07) Choosing a business model and early challenges(12:27) The turning point(15:47) Support from industry leaders(21:09) Balancing work and personal life(25:04) The reality of sales and entrepreneurship(26:25) Humor and content creation(28:24) LinkedIn dynamics and fake feuds(30:32) Transitioning from Lavender and finding new balance(31:40) Challenges of working independently(35:35) Navigating business logistics(46:50) Pricing and value realization(47:38) Lessons in business pricingFollow Jen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demandjen1/ Check out DemandJen: https://www.demandjen.com --Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join Full Stack Solopreneur: https://fullstacksolo.com/Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

Justin Simon is a content strategist, course creator, and founder of the Distribution First Academy, helping solopreneurs and marketers build smarter content engines without burning out.In this episode, Justin shares how a layoff became the unexpected push he needed to bet on himself—and why he’s focused on building a business he never wants to retire from. He opens up about navigating the messy early days of consulting, finding his niche in content repurposing, and the mindset shifts that helped him build a more sustainable, intentional career. From launching a course while still working full-time to taking a leap into coaching and community building, Justin traces the real, unfiltered path that brought him to today—and where he’s aiming next.(00:00) Intro(01:28) Creating the Content Repurposing Roadmap(02:52) Transition to solopreneurship(11:54) Early struggles and learning curves(19:22) Lessons from fractional roles(22:49) Balancing revenue streams(23:16) Building a membership community(26:25) The challenges of creating a membership(32:33) The impact of one-on-one coaching(37:58) Balancing personal and professional life(47:23) What Justin would’ve done differentlyFollow Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ Check out Distribution First Academy: https://distributionfirst.club/ --Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join Full Stack Solopreneur: https://fullstacksolo.com/Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

Renee Lynn Frojo is a writer, strategist, and former journalist who’s built multiple creative ventures—from food blogs to online magazines to a thriving content consulting business.In this episode, Renee shares why she’s walking away from one-to-one client work and betting big on herself (again). She opens up about evolving as a solopreneur, finding clarity through experimentation, and what it really takes to stay motivated when the initial spark fades. From a press badge in D.C. to building a food blog from scratch, Renee traces how every chapter of her career has uniquely prepared her to help others tell their stories—and now, to launch A Good Reputation, a new newsletter about building businesses with intention and integrity.(00:00) Intro(01:03) Getting traction on LinkedIn by breaking the mold(02:21) Why she stopped trying to be an “expert”(03:35) How Renee approaches honest writing(05:12) Writers she admires and what she’s learned from them(07:26) Going back to journalism roots(11:00) The turning point to go solo(14:06) Her first blog, Make It Like A Chef(15:42) Why 10K followers wasn’t enough(17:46) Selling Woman Born and entering consulting(19:44) Building a content business and evolving again(22:06) When discomfort means it’s time to pivot(24:05) The compounding value of all her projects(27:03) Launching A Good Reputation(29:31) Turning down clients to make space(32:28) Escaping the one-to-one “freelance trap”(34:08) Moving toward cohorts and courses(35:56) Making the leap (with a safety net)(43:00) Lessons she’d do differently(44:33) What she’s building nextFollow Renee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-lynn-frojo/Check out A Good Reputation: https://www.reneelynnfrojo.com/--Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join Full Stack Solopreneur: https://fullstacksolo.com/Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

Alice Lemée is a writer, strategist, and creator of Internetly, a newsletter exploring identity, creativity, and online business. In this episode, Alice opens up about the moment she realized freelancing wasn’t her long-term path, how she coined the concept of “Creator Gravity,” and why building something meaningful requires messy, unglamorous work behind the scenes. From a failed music internship during COVID to going viral on Twitter, Alice shares how she turned rejection into a full-time writing career—eventually building newsletters for top creators like Miss Excel and growing an audience of her own. (00:00) Intro(03:36) Discovering Medium and writing about scams(08:01) How a viral Twitter thread launched her freelance career(12:57) Landing early clients and building momentum(15:18) Creating value through curation, not expertise(20:06) The highs and lows of freelancing(23:54) Building Miss Excel’s newsletter from 50 to 392K(26:30) The power of relationships and personal brand(29:34) Launching Internetly as a creative outlet(31:58) Why Alice walked away from the digital nomad lifestyle(38:55) Coining “Creator Gravity” and building a new lens(46:03) The importance of commitment to the craft(48:30) Detaching from metrics and trusting the process(49:56) Letting go of a past identity to make room for what’s next(51:19) Building the Creator Gravity cohortFollow Alice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicelemee/Work with Alice Lemée: https://www.alicelemee.com/Subscribe to Internetly: https://internetly.substack.com/--Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join Full Stack Solopreneur: https://fullstacksolo.com/Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

Devin Reed is a content strategist, solopreneur, and creator of The Reeder—a content consultancy and newsletter helping B2B brands stand out by owning a single word in their market. In this episode, Devin opens up about his journey from head of content at Gong and Clari to running his own business full-time. He shares the mindset shift that helped him overcome self-doubt, the moment he realized VP life wasn’t for him, and how he designed an intentional business with built-in client graduation. Devin also explains why clarity beats cleverness, how to build content that sells without selling, and why he believes content should be synonymous with credibility—not just clicks.(00:00) Intro(00:46) Starting Read Between the Lines(03:39) Building shows that break the mold(06:35) Why Devin didn’t go solo after Gong(09:54) The turning point at Clari(13:35) Starting The Reeder on the side(18:46) Devin’s evolving business model(22:54) The reality behind “passive” income(26:16) Why people actually buy from Devin(29:11) The one-word principle of mindshare(34:07) What category creation really takes(40:14) Why Devin ditched long retainers(43:03) Raising rates with confidence(45:26) Pricing based on real impact(46:05) What Devin’s building nextFollow Devin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinreed/Subscribe to The Reeder: https://thereeder.coCheck out Devin’s playbook: https://www.thereeder.co/courses/content-that-converts--Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join Full Stack Solopreneur: https://fullstacksolo.com/Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

Jay Acunzo is a keynote speaker and storytelling coach to business storytellers & experts, helping them compete on the impact of their ideas, not the volume of their marketing.In this episode, Jay unpacks the reality behind his transition from working at brands like Google, HubSpot, and NextView to going solo. He explains why he didn’t “make the leap,” how he replaced hustle with systems, and how an offhand compliment from a stranger helped him realize the value of his voice. Jay also shares what it means to build a platform of impact, how to tell stories that stick without shouting, and why he believes the best ideas aren’t always the newest—they’re the ones people actually remember.(00:00) Intro(00:46) The “final boss” of podcast guests(03:39) From Google to solopreneur(04:29) Building a platform of impact(30:37) The frustration of PR pitches(31:12) Crafting a unique contact form(32:51) The reality of public speaking(35:21) The end of Creator Kitchen(42:38) The “final boss” of podcast guests (reprise)Follow Jay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayacunzo/Jay Acunzo’s Official Website: https://jayacunzo.com Listen to How Stories Happen: https://jayacunzo.com/how-stories-happen-storytelling-podcastSubscribe to Jay’s newsletter, Playing Favorites: https://jayacunzo.com/newsletter --Create your next digital offer: https://harnessandhone.com/ Join Full Stack Solopreneur: https://fullstacksolo.com/Download the free roadmap: https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

Chris Marr is the founder of The Authoritative Coach, a practice dedicated to helping coaches and consultants become trusted experts in the eyes of their clients.In this episode, Chris shares his journey from entrepreneur to employee and back again. He talks about how The Authoritative Coach started as an experiment, how he knew it was time to leave his job, and how he signed his first clients without even having a website. Chris also discusses the value of iteration, the importance of asking for what you want, and why he believes "figuring it out" is the real work.(00:00) Intro(02:16) The birth of the Authoritative Coach(03:28) Deciding to leave IMPACT(08:09) The importance of figuring it out(21:41) Acquiring first clients(26:25) The power of asking(28:25) The importance of networking(29:29) Building and monetizing an audience(34:25) Iterating your service model(36:04) Launching a coaching business(52:13) Future aspirations and business goals--Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theauthoritativecoachThe Authoritative Coach: https://theauthoritativecoach.com/Check out the book “Become an Authoritative Coach”: https://theauthoritativecoach.com/buy-the-book/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Sean Blanda is the owner of Gate Check Studios, providing fractional brand, content, and marketing leadership for startups.In this episode, Sean shares his journey from journalism to entrepreneurship, his experience as a founding marketer at Crossbeam, and why he ultimately chose to go solo. Sean discusses the creative exhaustion that led him to take the leap, the importance of adapting to shifts in marketing, and how his sabbatical-inspired newsletter helped him reconnect with his creative instincts. He also unpacks the process of landing his first clients, the challenge of productizing services, and why every solopreneur should embrace curiosity and velocity.(00:00) Intro(01:03) Sean’s entrepreneurial journey(05:21) The birth and evolution of Gate Check Studios(10:06) The Sabbatical concept and its impact(21:41) Exploring side projects and client work(23:19) The importance of curiosity and velocity(26:12) Navigating client relationships and market corrections(33:01) Productization and packaging strategies(37:31) Results aren’t enough, vibes matter too--Follow Sean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanblanda/Sean Blanda’s Official Website: https://seanblanda.com/Gate Check Studios: https://gatecheckstudios.com/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Ramli “RJ” John is the founder of Delight Path, helping B2B companies optimize product onboarding to drive growth.In this episode, Ramli shares his journey from working in-house to launching his own consulting business, how writing a book changed his career path, and the lessons he’s learned in solopreneurship. He breaks down the mental shifts required to go from employee to business owner, the challenges of pricing and selling high-ticket services, and why structured processes make all the difference. Ramli also discusses the balance between short-term projects and retainers, how he built his Eureka framework, and what’s next for him as he scales his business.(00:00) Intro(01:10) How writing a book changed Ramli’s career(03:30) The turning point for launching his own business(06:45) Overcoming the fear of going solo(08:20) The importance of runway and financial security(10:50) The biggest challenge: learning sales(14:15) Why niching down made all the difference(17:30) Choosing between short-term projects and retainers(20:40) Building the Eureka model for product onboarding(24:10) Structuring offers to avoid scope creep(27:00) The emotional highs and lows of solopreneurship--Follow Ramli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramlijohn/?originalSubdomain=caCheck out Delight Path: https://www.delightpath.com/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Andrew Capland is a coach and mentor of growth leaders, an advisor for product-led SaaS companies, and the host of the Delivering Value podcast. Andrew is on a mission to revolutionize his business and build a media empire.In this episode, Andrew shares his transition from a corporate role at companies like HubSpot, Wistia, and Postscript to becoming a solopreneur driven by passion and purpose. He also touches on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, dealing with not-so-great clients, and the stress of making it on your own. (00:00) Intro(01:00) From HubSpot to Wistia: Journey through high-growth companies(03:00) The realization of being in the right place at the right time(06:30) Transitioning from employee to solopreneur(09:00) The importance of separating business from personal identity(12:00) The moment Andrew decided to go solo(14:30) From side gig to full-time coaching business(17:00) Overcoming self-doubt and second-guessing(21:00) Learning to say no to bad-fit clients(25:00) Building a sustainable business by aligning with the right people(30:00) Embracing vulnerability and authenticity in business(35:00) The role of connection in client success(39:00) The importance of balancing mission and money(42:00) Navigating the emotional rollercoaster of solopreneurship(46:00) Creating space for reflection and strategic thinking(50:00) Looking ahead: Building a media arm to expand reach and impact--Follow Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcapland/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Connor Lewis is the owner and creative director of Studio Lewis, specializing in B2B video ads for Series A and B SaaS companies.In this episode, Connor shares his journey from tax accounting to video production, the leap from in-house to solopreneurship, and how he scaled from $130K to $400K in a year. Connor breaks down the mindset shift from freelancer to business owner, the power of niching down, and the importance of building a community. He also reveals how strategic collaborations led to a Wistia sponsorship and why he’s focused on scaling beyond himself.(00:00) Intro(01:00) From tax accountant to video strategist(02:45) Transitioning from in-house to solo success(04:30) Learning the business of video production(07:10) Struggles of the first year in solopreneurship(10:50) The mindset shift from freelancer to business owner(14:25) Winning an $85K contract and scaling up(17:45) The power of collaboration and community(20:30) Breaking down video strategy for B2B SaaS(24:50) The impact of personal branding on LinkedIn(27:30) The importance of niche positioning(30:15) Building a scalable and sustainable video business--Follow Connor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-lewis/Connor Lewis Official Website: https://www.connor-lewis.com/Studio Lewis: https://studiolewis.video/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Aaron Reeves is the founder of Outbound OS, a solopreneur business that helps SaaS sellers book more meetings by providing them with proven frameworks and systems.In this episode, Aaron shares how he transitioned from working in-house to going fully solo, why he chose a membership-based business model, and the strategies he’s used to scale his community and revenue. He breaks down the challenges of pricing, the role of content in driving traffic, and how he’s built a sustainable business that gives him both financial freedom and flexibility. Aaron also opens up about the lessons he’s learned along the way—including the mistakes he made, the mindset shifts that helped him grow, and why he’s now leveraging his business with a move to Thailand.(00:00) Intro(01:28) From in-house to solo success(02:12) Building a B2C membership model(04:03) The power of community and engagement(08:26) Pricing strategies and overcoming challenges(24:11) Navigating subscription models(26:51) Challenges of cohort models(30:55) Building engagement and accountability(33:59) Outsourcing and leveraging skills--Follow Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-reeves-salesOutbound OS Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/outbound-os-community/about--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Hiba Amin is a fractional marketer and content consultant who helps startups craft impactful, scalable content strategies. In this episode, Hiba shares her path to solopreneurship, including the burnout that led her to rethink her career and the serendipitous events that helped her land her first clients. She dives into her approach to building strong content foundations (her “Shrek” analogy for using AI in marketing is unforgettable), navigating the emotional challenges of remote consulting, and why community and collaboration are key to sustaining solopreneurship.(00:00) Intro(02:33) Burnout and the leap into consulting(06:37) Finding clients through referrals and trust(09:48) Navigating seasonal demand and setting boundaries(16:16) Embracing growth: building scalable content(21:32) The Shrek analogy: AI and content creation(29:28) Building impactful content for managers(37:10) Balancing creative freedom with client needs(39:34) Tackling loneliness in remote consulting(42:00) Collaborative opportunities and community building--Follow Hiba on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hibaamin/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Chris Dubois is the creator of the Dynamic Agency Operating System and a consultant who helps agencies go to market with clarity and focus.In this episode, Chris shares his journey from the military to marketing, leading an agency as CEO, and eventually building his own solopreneur consulting business. Chris opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including a health crisis that forced him to rethink his priorities and inspired his mission to help others design businesses that fit their lives.(00:00) Intro  (02:19) Journey to becoming a CEO  (03:31) The turning point from CEO to coach  (05:25) Building a coaching business  (10:45) The importance of relationships and expertise  (28:13) Unexpected help and new beginnings  (28:37) The power of asking and positive-sum games  (29:38) Embracing teamwork and turning points  (31:34) Therapy wins and self-realization  (34:56) Building the future and final thoughts  --Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherrdubois/The Dynamic Agency OS: https://dynamicagencyos.com/Agency Job Hub: https://www.agencyjobhub.com/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Erica Schneider is a content strategist, editor, and entrepreneur who has built a thriving solopreneur career by embracing vulnerability and authenticity in her writing.In this episode, Erica discusses her journey from ghostwriting to building her own voice and audience. She shares insights on creating engaging content, leveraging social platforms, and navigating the highs and lows of solopreneurship. Erica delves into the importance of building trust through transparency, the challenges of balancing multiple income streams, and how to create value for your audience, even when starting small.(00:00) Intro(03:15) Erica’s start in content marketing(08:10) Finding your personal voice after ghostwriting(13:22) The power of vulnerability in content(18:40) Launching courses and experimenting with offers(24:50) Lessons learned from business partnerships(31:05) Overcoming anxiety while building in public(37:10) Why no one truly “has it all figured out”(42:20) Erica’s plans for consulting and evergreen offers--Follow Erica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-schneider66/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Anna Furmanov is the founder of Furmanov Marketing Consulting, a strategy firm focused on helping startups and growth companies leverage deep customer insights to drive their positioning and messaging.In this episode, Anna shares her unconventional path from B2C to B2B marketing and her eventual leap into solopreneurship. She talks about how her background in consumer insights shaped her unique approach, the challenges of transitioning into tech startups, and the pivotal moment that led her to start her own business. Anna discusses the art of uncovering meaningful customer insights, building a compelling problem story, and the importance of proof in business conversations. (00:00) Intro(03:13) From B2C to B2B marketing(07:48) The leap into solopreneurship(13:09) Landing her first client(16:23) The power of customer insights(19:04) Challenges in voice of customer research(24:45) Balancing work and personal life(28:47) Adapting to market shifts in 2024(32:04) Narrowing focus for better positioning(35:21) Turning perspectives into sales momentum(41:54) Anna’s future goals and reflections--Follow Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annafurmanov/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Chris Bogue is a video coach and entrepreneur who transformed his skills in comedy and storytelling into a successful business.In this episode, Chris shares his journey from corporate sales to teaching solopreneurs and teams how to leverage the power of video. He discusses the process of finding a niche, creating an impactful course, and using humor to make his content accessible and memorable. Chris dives into why video remains a critical tool for B2B sales, how to craft content that truly connects, and the importance of uncovering your “unfair advantage.” He also opens up about the challenges of solopreneurship, offering valuable lessons on persistence, creativity, and the power of a strong support network.(00:00) Intro(03:07) Why use video for sales(08:07) How Chris defined his target market(13:32) The “Uber” test for video content(17:11) Pros and cons of selling courses(24:33) How Chris differentiates himself through comedy(27:50) Why video works for sales(29:56) The moment Chris knew solopreneurship will work(31:20) The power of creativity in marketing(36:56) Comedy and satire as a brand identity(42:54) How to prep yourself before going solo--Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-bogue/Get “The Complete Guide To Selling on Video” here: https://christopherbogue.com/courses/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Joe Daniels is the founder of LEFTFIELD, a consultancy that helps businesses in crowded markets stand out through strategic positioning, branding, and messaging. In this episode, Joe shares his journey from agency work to running his own consultancy. He shares lessons on niching down, productizing services, and navigating the early challenges of building a personal brand. Joe opens up about his decision to rebrand his business, the concept of “Problem Access Fit,” and how embracing the path of least resistance can lead to sustainable growth. He also talks about the mental shifts required to experiment freely and the importance of staying focused on value creation.(00:00) Intro(01:15) Founding LEFTFIELD and focusing on differentiation(04:10) Transitioning from SaaS to freelancers and solopreneurs(09:14) Overcoming the false niche trap(12:48) Why helping solopreneurs is more fulfilling(18:54) Building a network and finding early clients(23:32) The evolution of productized services and pricing(30:07) Balancing strategy and execution for maximum impact(36:11) Embracing growth and overcoming doubts--Follow Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uptojoegood/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Tas Bober is the founder of Delphinium, a niche digital marketing consultancy specializing in paid ads landing pages for growth-stage B2B SaaS.In this episode, Tas shares her journey from being an in-house marketer to carving out her niche in landing page optimization. She talks about the challenges of niching down, the power of leveraging a unique personal brand, and how her “Scroll Lab” business evolved to serve high-performing SaaS teams. Tas reveals insights into creating scalable processes, the role of mentors like Anthony Pierri in her success, and how she balances work and family while optimizing for freedom and fulfillment.(00:00) Intro(02:17) The journey to specialization(04:55) The power of niching down(07:08) Building a personal brand(12:47) The value of outsourcing(15:26) The evolution of a productized service(30:16) Effective workshops and initial research(35:34) Expanding capacity and work-life balance(39:26) Work smarter, not harder(45:27) Why timing matters--Follow Tas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasbober/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Kaylee Edmondson founded DemandLoops, a consultancy that helps B2B SaaS companies build sustainable growth through strategic demand generation.Kaylee shares her transition from in-house roles to solopreneurship, explaining how DemandLoops empowers clients to create lasting growth systems. She discusses the challenges of going solo, the importance of diversifying income streams, and the role of a strong network. Kaylee also shares tips on shifting from corporate roles, building efficient systems, and aligning services with long-term goals.(00:00) Intro  (01:53) Transitioning from tech to solopreneurship (06:51) Changing perspective about job security  (09:57) Building confidence to take the leap  (19:26) Crafting your own unique career path  (24:10) Selling your services as a solopreneur  (28:53) Iterating service offerings(31:28) Interim gigs and multiple revenue streams  (34:24) Importance of building an engaged audience  (37:36) Understanding demand loops and creating impact  (50:18) Using 'red light, green light' to assess progress  (55:22) Future aspirations and community building  --Follow Kaylee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylee-edmondson/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Jimmy Daly is the co-founder of Superpath, a platform and community designed for content marketers seeking to grow their careers and enhance their professional skills.In this episode, Jimmy shares his journey from leading at Animalz to building Superpath, a community-first business that serves as a career hub for thousands of content marketers. He opens up about the challenges of leaving a steady role, securing investment for a solopreneur venture, and navigating the ups and downs of growing a business of one. He explains how he transitioned a free Slack group into a profitable paid membership model, why he believes long-term thinking is a competitive advantage, and how he handles the emotional and professional hurdles of solopreneurship.(00:00) Intro(05:21) Funding and investment decisions(08:17) Monetizing SuperPath(14:37) The importance of community and support(24:10) Building meaningful relationships(26:24) Acquiring customers and growth strategies(28:37) Community engagement and insights(32:17) Pricing strategies and customer commitment--Follow Jimmy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmydaly/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Anthony Pierri is the co-founder of Fletch, a consultancy helping B2B SaaS companies nail their messaging and positioning.In this episode, Anthony shares how he and his co-founder carved out a place in the market for themselves by focusing on one key deliverable: rewriting homepages. He talks about the lessons they learned about niching down, productizing services, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to grow their business organically. Anthony opens up about their iterative content strategy, why niching isn’t limiting, and how solopreneurs can streamline their services to grow sustainably without burnout.(00:00) Intro(10:15) The journey to FletchPMM(23:27) The importance of branding and positioning(27:34) Advocating for basic marketing principles(29:50) Slack vs. Teams(30:33) The myth of market saturation(33:46) The power of niching down(36:30) Repeatable processes and limiting scope(40:26) Pricing strategies and growth(43:46) Sharing expertise publicly--Follow Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypierri/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

Devin Bramhall is back for a second time to share a major part of her story we didn’t cover in our first conversation: her battle through cancer… twice.In this episode, Devin reflects on the lighthearted perspective gained from her ordeal. She highlights the importance of family and self-worth while dismissing the triviality of things like marketing and unchanged email practices (she’s joking here but also not). 00:00 Devin’s double whammy cancer story04:51 The event that fundamentally changed Devin’s outlook08:38 A brutal blessing in disguise 17:08 Not dead yet! 38:40 Everyone has their own “cancer”32:35 The slow transition to becoming a survivor--Follow Devin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinbramhall/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/

John Bonini is the Founder of Content Brands, a consulting program that helps B2B companies.In this episode, John Bonini shares his journey from corporate marketing leader to launching his own consulting company. John reflects on the memorable moments of starting a podcast from his master bedroom, turning cold outreach into opportunities, and interviewing icons like Seth Godin. He also offers practical advice for solopreneurs on starting small, investing in growth, and staying consistent even when the road gets tough.(00:00) You don’t need it all figured out to start(01:55) The journey to building good content(03:07) Leaving Databox to start solopreneur journey(09:15) How Content Brands was born(14:38) Acquiring first clients and building an audience(19:54) Don't quit before it gets good(23:04) Investing in your platform’s growth early(30:09) Starting solo with minimal resources(33:47) Just get the ball rolling(40:19) Aspirations beyond tech and content--Follow John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbonini/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/ Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/ 

Doug Lawson, a seasoned content marketer for technical founders, knows a thing or two about cutting through the noise.In this episode, Doug shares how he went from being a burnt-out teacher to a thriving content expert helping entrepreneurs build trust and spark curiosity. He talks about his early days in e-commerce and his transition into content marketing. Doug reveals his tips on creating ‘curiosity loops’ and why veering away from value-based content may be a better strategy for your business. Check this episode out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q7JzQ3GWLcc 00:00 The future of solopreneurship01:07 The origin of 'boom'05:22 From e-commerce to content marketing05:46 The struggles of teaching10:54 The ClickFunnels journey17:48 The power of curiosity in marketing21:51 Adapting to modern social media trends26:43 The misconception of adding value28:39 The importance of personality in content31:26 Winning strategies on LinkedIn--Follow Doug on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-lawson-marketing/--Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full-Stack Solopreneur is the only hybrid digital program that combines the flexibility of a self-paced course with the hands-on nature of a private consulting service⁠: https://fullstacksolo.com/