
Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business
Welcome to Nikonomics—the show for entrepreneurs and Wantrapreneurs, ready to tackle the toughest roadblocks to their first million.Nik brings firsthand experience, having bought and sold over a dozen businesses, achieved multiple 7-figure exits, and generated over $100 million in revenue.Each week, he blends humor with real insights from successful entrepreneurs, sharing growth strategies, deal insights, and unique business ideas you won’t find elsewhere.Ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Hit play and let’s get to work.Follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/CoFoundersNik or @CoFoundersNik
Latest episodes

Apr 24, 2025 • 20min
158 - AI SERIES: 8 - How Different AI Models Excel in Specific Use Cases with Jake Colling
Jake Colling, a software developer and founder of Carrot, shares his expertise in AI and automation. They dive into the capabilities of various AI models like Gemini and Claude, highlighting their strengths in tasks such as document processing and coding. Jake emphasizes how Carrot simplifies AI workflows for non-tech users, comparing it to tools like Zapier. The discussion also uncovers how AI is transforming sales management and speeding up software development, making these technologies more accessible and effective for businesses.

Apr 23, 2025 • 49min
157 - She Was Catfished by Sam Parr Then Launched Sam's List with Kimi Green
Kimi Green, CEO of Sam's List, shares her remarkable journey from skepticism to entrepreneurship. She recounts a humorous initial conversation with Sam Parr that sparked her business idea. They discuss authentic connections in business and Kimi's evolution as a founder. The conversation delves into the significance of self-awareness and navigating financial struggles, emphasizing sustainable strategies without heavy reliance on venture capital. Kimi's personal anecdotes make the challenges of entrepreneurship relatable and engaging.

5 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 36min
156 - AI SERIES: 7 - She Shut Down a $1M Biz—Then Built an AI Brain to Replace It, with Abbi Perets
Abbi Perets, a seasoned freelance writer from the late 90s who thrived during Silicon Valley's tech boom, shares her journey through the evolving landscape of writing. She discusses how AI is not a threat but a tool that reshapes the writing process. Abbi highlights the importance of personal expression amidst technological change and shares practical tips on leveraging AI, particularly Claude, to enhance project management and writing tasks. Tune in for insights on adapting to new tools and building a successful freelance career!

Apr 21, 2025 • 38min
155 - Can AI Replace Your Sales Team? I Tested It with John Long
🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview John Long of Thynk.AI. We dive into the fascinating world of AI agents and how they're being used to automate crucial business processes like communication with customers.John shares the story behind Thynk.AI, revealing how they use AI to help other businesses leverage this powerful technology. We even get a live demonstration of their AI agent, Eric, in action! It's a look at the present and future of AI in business that you won't want to miss.Questions This Episode Answers:What is your business?What models do you use and for what purposes?Has the AI agent technology progressed and gotten better?Is there kind of like an ideal customer that this works for?How is the podcast done?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 nik@cofounders.com 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 Introduction and Overview of Think.ai01:53 AI Models and Use Cases02:45 AI in Podcasting05:55 The Origin Story of Think.ai07:47 Capabilities Beyond Sales08:49 AI Integration and Customer Interaction17:30 The 10-80-10 Principle18:40 Live Demo of Think.ai19:58 CRM System Overview20:19 AI Interaction Demonstration22:05 Training AI Agents23:20 Live AI Call Test29:35 AI's Future in Business29:59 Integration with High Level32:13 Adoption and Growth of AI37:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Apr 18, 2025 • 37min
154 - Which AI Tools Are Worth Your Time? Use Cases and Future Potential with Chris Koener
🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), and my business partner Chris Koerner (https://x.com/mhp_guy) in a fascinating conversation diving into the practical applications of AI for businesses. We explore the landscape of Large Language Models (LLMs), uncovering which ones entrepreneurs are actually using and for what.We also touch upon surprising insights into tools that work alongside these AI models and even debate the potential biases within ChatGPT. Plus, stick around as we brainstorm innovative marketing strategies, including the bold move of using billboards for podcast promotion and the challenges of tracking their impact.Questions This Episode Answers:What's the most popular LLM right now?What are people mainly using ChatGPT for?Which LLM is actually used by more people in aggregate?What's a surprising AI tool many developers are raving about?How do you even begin to track the success of a billboard ad for a podcast?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 nik@cofounders.com 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 Exploring AI Use Cases in Business03:01 Comparing Popular LLMs: ChatGPT, Claude, and More05:57 The Role of AI in Coding and Project Management08:52 Sales and Revenue Generation with AI11:48 AI's Unbiased Nature and Its Implications15:09 Using AI for Personal and Relationship Insights18:01 Innovative Marketing Strategies with AI21:03 The Future of AI in Business and Mediation

10 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 34min
153 - AI SERIES: 6 - How to Automate Content Creation with Pranav Ghatraju
Dive into the intriguing world of AI automation with an expert who transformed from chemical engineering to digital innovation. Discover how large language models like ChatGPT and Claude can revolutionize content creation and streamline business operations. Learn about real-life applications, including an innovative interview bot designed to enhance content generation. This conversation highlights the endless possibilities of AI in boosting workflow efficiency and encourages experimentation to optimize these technologies.

Apr 16, 2025 • 40min
152 - Claude vs. ChatGPT: A Real-World AI Showdown with Elizabeth Knopf
In this engaging discussion, Elizabeth Knopf, an expert in AI and automation, shares her insights on the latest ChatGPT features and how they're reshaping business practices. She highlights the evolving landscape of AI tools like Grok and Claude, emphasizing their potential over traditional giants like Google. Elizabeth explores practical applications such as transforming social media content and generating ads, while also discussing automation tools like Make.com, showcasing how businesses can streamline workflows and gain valuable meeting insights effortlessly.

Apr 15, 2025 • 25min
151 - AI SERIES: 5 - How Non-Technical Entrepreneurs Can Get Started with AI with Matthew Mellinger
Matthew Mellinger, a digital entrepreneur specializing in local SEO and founder of SEO Gets and Local SEO Partners, shares his insights on integrating AI into small business operations. He reveals how he utilizes powerful tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney for tasks including copywriting and creating unique client images. Matthew discusses the transformative impact of no-code platforms and AI on website development, making it easier for non-technical entrepreneurs to streamline their processes and enhance efficiency. Tune in for practical takeaways!

Apr 14, 2025 • 56min
150 - Silicon Valley to Silicone Manufacturing: An AI-Powered Evolution with Dan Thompson
Dan Thompson, a seasoned executive from a family-owned silicone manufacturing company in Texas, shares his remarkable journey from 20 years at Microsoft to the world of traditional manufacturing. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing the industry, enhancing efficiency and communication through tools like chatbots. The conversation explores practical applications of AI, including streamlining sales pipelines and project workflows. Thompson also highlights the path for family-owned businesses to adopt technology and gain a competitive edge in a changing market.

Apr 11, 2025 • 39min
149 - How to Build a Business with AI Image Technology with Chris Koerner
Chris Koerner, a savvy business partner of Nik Hulewsky, dives into the cutting-edge world of AI image generation and its impact on entrepreneurship. He shares intriguing examples of AI's capabilities and brainstorms exciting business ideas that leverage this technology. The discussion also tackles the importance of competitive advantage and the journey of transforming passions into profitable ventures. Expect insights on rucking's rise as a niche opportunity and whether it’s better to jump into business or learn through experience!
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