134: Managing Expectations: Making Good (on) Promises.

In 'The Embedded Entrepreneur', Arvid Kahl provides a comprehensive guide on how to build a business by first identifying and engaging with the target audience. Instead of developing solutions in search of customers, embedded entrepreneurs join communities, observe, participate, and transform their learnings into products that meet the needs of their audience. The book covers key aspects such as audience discovery, exploration, problem identification, and leveraging social media to build and monetize an audience. Kahl shares his own experiences and practical advice, making the book a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and community builders.

Zero to Sold is an actionable guide that takes readers through the four stages of a bootstrapped business: Preparation, Survival, Stability, and Growth. The book recounts the story of FeedbackPanda, a bootstrapped SaaS business that grew to thousands of customers before being sold. It provides practical advice on validating ideas, building products, and growing businesses sustainably, with a focus on mental health and real-world experiences.