Indie Founder

I talk about my personal dilemma: should I buy a boat now or wait? I share my love for sailing, the costs and challenges of boat ownership, and my ideas to make it affordable—like renting it on Airbnb. I discuss chasing dreams versus saving or investing money, and ask if achieving goals is better than the journey itself. Finally, I mention trying to negotiate the boat price by offering my web skills. I’d love your feedback—message me on Twitter (@wbtiago).My Twitter: https://x.com/wbetiagoTimestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Personal Dilemma (00:00:01)  Podcast Housekeeping & Audience Engagement (00:00:52)  The Caribbean Fisherman Story (00:01:56)  Reflection on Chasing Success (00:03:00)  The Gambler and the Devil Story (00:05:13)  Current Financial Situation (00:06:34)  Passion for Sailing and Background (00:07:36)  Debating the Investment (00:08:41)  Understanding the Value of the Chase (00:09:42)  Practical Challenges of Boat Ownership (00:10:51)  Marina Costs and Scarcity (00:12:02)  Boat Depreciation and Resale Value (00:13:15)  Offsetting Costs: Airbnb Rental (00:14:20)  Offsetting Costs: Tourism Experiences (00:15:23)  Offsetting Costs: Renting to Sailors (00:17:17)  Focusing on Airbnb as the Best Option (00:18:12)  Negotiating with the Boat Owner (00:19:20)  Next Steps and Request for Advice (00:20:16)  Episode Wrap-Up and Recommendation (00:21:21)

I break down key insights from a digital business acquisition report by Flippa. I share which business models are getting the highest multiples (SaaS, content sites, YouTube channels), highlight surprising trends in buyer interest, explain what affects deal speed and size, and give quick tips for founders considering selling (or buying) right now. I discuss why resilience matters, what’s in demand, and practical ways to increase your business valuation. I also reflect on my own plans for diversification and content investments after reading this report.My twitter: https://x.com/wbetiagoFlippa's Report: https://flippa.com/blog/online-business-ma-analysis-on-flippa-navigating-the-new-digital-ma-landscape/Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Podcast Overview (00:00:08)  Flipboard Report Background (00:01:10)  Trends in Buyer Sophistication and Seller Exits (00:02:15)  YouTube Business Sales and Growth Stats (00:03:28)  Content Business Demand and Notable Sale (00:04:42)  Popular Search Keywords and E-commerce Demand (00:05:56)  Least Searched Keywords and Crypto Decline (00:06:59)  Deal Closing Timelines and Influencing Factors (00:08:03)  Buyer Types and Deal Sizes (00:10:16)  Geographic Reach and Notable Deals (00:11:30)  Valuation Multiples by Business Type (00:13:58)  What Drives Multiples and Market Resilience (00:19:27)  Advice for Sellers and Buyers (00:20:52)  Diversification and Personal Takeaways (00:21:55)  Episode Wrap-Up and Next Episode Teaser (00:24:03)

In this episode, I sit down with Dmytro, founder of ScreenshotOne.com, to uncover how he bootstrapped his SaaS tool for automated website screenshots to an impressive $20K MRR. We dive deep into the market validation process that gave ScreenshotOne.com an edge, explore real-world use cases, and discuss the early challenges Dmytro faced as an indie founder. Dmytro shares actionable insights on targeting the ideal customer profile, his effective SEO strategies, and the marketing channels that fueled his growth. Learn about churn reduction tactics that helped stabilize revenue and the mindset shift that comes with reaching financial goals. Whether you're interested in SaaS growth, market validation, or practical churn reduction, this candid conversation offers valuable lessons for founders at any stage.TwitterDmytro: https://x.com/DmytroKrasunTiago: https://x.com/wbetiagoTimestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Product Overview (00:00:01)Real-World Use Cases (00:00:43)Growth Milestone and Bootstrapping (00:03:25)Early Expectations and First Customers (00:04:17)Previous Projects and Choosing ScreenshotOne (00:05:42)Competition and Market Validation (00:08:01)Slow Early Growth and Customer Profile (00:10:41)Understanding and Targeting ICP (00:13:32)Marketing Channels and SEO Strategy (00:17:40)Content Strategy and Backlinks (00:20:19)Traffic and Conversion Sources (00:29:12)Growth Acceleration After ICP Focus (00:31:52)Churn: Customer vs. Revenue (00:32:15)Churn Reduction Tactics (00:36:59)Solo Founder and Task Prioritization (00:39:04)Metrics and Daily Operations (00:43:07)Reaching Financial Goals and Motivation (00:45:07)Future Plans and Personal Fulfillment (00:48:13)Closing and Where to Find Dmytro (00:53:23)

I share my journey into B2B sales, detailing the strategies that helped me land clients for my company, Podsqueeze. I discuss the differences between B2B and B2C, the importance of identifying target leads, and effective outreach methods, including using WhatsApp. I cover the demo process, follow-up negotiations, and the significance of maintaining customer relationships post-sale. I emphasize the need for patience and persistence in B2B sales, as well as the importance of setting appropriate pricing. Finally, I reflect on my experiences in Portugal and the challenges of expanding into other markets.Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Podcast Consistency (00:00:08)B2B vs. B2C Sales Overview (00:02:05)Podsqueeze’s Client Types and Initial Focus (00:03:11)Shifting to B2B and Sales Process Stages (00:04:23)Finding Leads and Identifying Champions (00:05:30)Making First Contact: What Works and What Doesn’t (00:07:45)Crafting Effective Outreach Messages (00:10:51)Scheduling and Conducting Product Demos (00:12:53)Demo Best Practices and Collecting Feedback (00:14:52)Follow-Up and Negotiations (00:15:48)Role of Conferences and Building Relationships (00:16:50)Navigating Internal Company Processes (00:20:51)Free Trials, Deadlines, and Closing the Sale (00:22:43)Post-Sale: Customer Success and Retention (00:24:27)Reflections and Future Plans (00:26:17)Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement (00:27:18)

I share a recent breakthrough in my entrepreneurial journey with Podsqueeze. After experimenting with various marketing strategies, I discovered the power of targeted press releases. Initially, I struggled with traditional PR methods, but I found success by reaching out to niche podcasting newsletters. This approach not only increased our visibility but also connected us directly with our target audience. I emphasize the importance of finding your niche and leveraging industry-specific channels for effective outreach. Tune in to learn how to apply these insights to your own projects!Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Podcast Promotion (00:00:07)Early Perceptions of Entrepreneurship (00:01:12)First Tech Job and Startup Culture (00:02:25)Discovering Bootstrapping vs. VC Startups (00:04:48)Growth Plateau and Entrepreneurial Skills (00:05:57)Defining Startups vs. Businesses (00:07:00)Learning Marketing Channels (00:08:02)Initial Attempts at PR and Press Releases (00:09:16)Press Release Agencies and Fiverr Experience (00:11:31)Understanding Press Release Feeds (00:13:48)Breakthrough with Niche Newsletters (00:16:53)Success with Newsletter Outreach (00:18:57)Key Lesson: Go Niche for PR (00:21:16)Closing and Call to Action (00:22:18)Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Tools and Websites"Twitter": "00:00:07""Fiverr": "00:11:31""Reddit": "00:17:57""Yahoo": "00:14:54""MSN": "00:14:54""Google": "00:08:02"Concepts and Terms"Press Releases": "00:09:16""SEO (Search Engine Optimization)": "00:08:02""Backlinks": "00:09:16""Cold Emails": "00:08:02""Niche Marketing": "00:21:16"Notable Mentions"Podsqueeze": "00:05:57""ChatGPT": "00:16:53""Peter Levels": "00:04:48"Summary of Key Points"The importance of finding niche newsletters for press releases": "00:21:16""The difference between startups and bootstrapping businesses": "00:07:00""The realization of using press releases effectively within the podcasting community": "00:18:57"

I discuss the definition of a successful entrepreneur and what constitutes a company. I share my perspective on profitability and value creation, emphasizing that a true business should be self-sustainable. I explore the role of luck in entrepreneurship and reflect on my journey with Podsqueeze, including the challenges of replicating success. I conclude that a great entrepreneur can build multiple successful businesses or maintain one over time. I also touch on the importance of continuous learning and the potential of diversifying ventures.Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Listener Appreciation (00:00:08)Defining a Company and Profitability (00:01:27)The Reality of Unprofitable Startups (00:02:32)Tiago’s Definition of a Business (00:03:47)Value Creation and Self-Sustainability (00:05:00)What Makes a Great Business (00:06:02)Entrepreneurial Spirit vs. Entrepreneurial Success (00:07:17)The Role of Luck in Entrepreneurship (00:08:31)Podsqueeze: Luck or Skill? (00:10:44)Trying to Replicate Success (00:11:52)Redefining a Great Entrepreneur (00:12:46)The McDonald’s and Amazon Example (00:13:54)Longevity and Sustaining Success (00:16:15)The Challenge of Competition (00:18:32)Continuous Learning and Growth (00:19:47)Future Goals and Diversification (00:22:00)Finding Good Advice and Building a Network (00:23:05)Delegation and Serial Entrepreneurship (00:23:45)Conclusion and Farewell (00:24:11)

I share my journey with Podsqueeze, reflecting on two years of entrepreneurship. I discuss the impact of seasonality on our business and the brutal nature of the market. I explore the challenges of balancing investment and salary, leading to a decision to scale down operations. I highlight our shift towards B2B clients and the lessons learned from targeting larger companies. I also address the differing motivations between my co-founder and me, and my thoughts on potentially selling the company. Lastly, I invite listeners to reach out with questions or for support. Tools and Websites- "Podsqueeze": "00:01:35"- "Google Services": "00:09:22"- "GPT (likely referring to OpenAI's GPT)": "00:07:14"- "Twitter": "00:24:18"- "LinkedIn": "00:24:18"- "Email": "00:24:18" Books- "\"How to Exit\" by Rob Walling": "00:22:16"- "Book on Selling a Company": "00:23:19"Introduction to the Episode (00:00:08)  The speaker welcomes listeners back after a long hiatus and shares personal reflections on entrepreneurship.Realizations and Learnings (00:01:35)  The speaker discusses significant realizations and lessons learned during their entrepreneurial journey.Seasonality in Business (00:02:49)  Insights on how Podsqueeze experiences seasonal fluctuations in customer engagement and business performance.Market Realities (00:04:58)  The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics and how they impact business success.Understanding Market Size (00:06:04)  Discussion on measuring market size and the challenges of identifying potential customers for Podsqueeze.Investment and Expenses (00:08:18)  Overview of the financial structure of the company and the investments made to support growth.Challenges in Entrepreneurship (00:10:25)  The speaker reflects on the harsh realities of entrepreneurship and the market's indifference to hard work.Co-founder Dynamics (00:12:25)  The speaker shares their experiences and challenges in the relationship with their co-founder.Decision to Scale Down (00:14:15)  Discussion on the decision to reduce costs and scale down operations instead of seeking external funding.B2B Targeting Strategy (00:18:09)  The speaker explores the transition towards targeting larger companies and the challenges faced in this approach.Cultural Differences in Sales (00:20:19)  Insights on the difficulties of expanding sales efforts outside Portugal and the importance of cultural understanding.Future Considerations (00:21:19)  The speaker contemplates the future of Podsqueeze and the differing motivations between them and their co-founder.Preparation for Selling (00:23:19)  The speaker discusses the importance of preparation for selling their company, Podsqueeze.Reflection on Business Journey (00:24:18)  The speaker shares thoughts on their entrepreneurial journey and invites listeners to reach out for questions.  Conclusion of Episode (00:24:33)  The episode wraps up with a farewell and a promise to see listeners next time.

The discussion kicks off with reflections on a challenging year for Podsqueeze, marked by slower growth than anticipated. A deep dive into sustainable marketing reveals the pivotal role of SEO in boosting traffic. There's a closer look at the company's 18% monthly recurring revenue growth, peppered with candid thoughts on churn issues. Insights about the dynamics of the co-founder relationship emerge, emphasizing the need for confidence in business. Looking ahead, goals for 2025 focus on reducing churn and exploring fresh monetization strategies.

I dive into my journey of managing a residential building after buying our first apartment. I share the ups and downs of dealing with a crumbling building, a lackluster management company, and a diverse group of neighbors from different cultural backgrounds. I talk about how I took charge, rallied the residents, and navigated through conflicts to improve the living conditions. I offer insights on community building, conflict resolution, and the challenges of property management. Perfect for indie makers looking for real-life problem-solving inspiration!LinksFollow me on Twitter (X)Follow me on LinkedinTimestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction to Building Management (00:00:00)  Tiago introduces the episode, sharing his experience managing a residential building.The Apartment Purchase Journey (00:01:22)  Tiago discusses the process of buying their first apartment and the challenges faced.Challenges of the Building's Condition (00:02:34)  He reflects on the poor condition of the building and the need for repairs.Learning About Remodeling (00:03:38)  Tiago shares his learning curve regarding remodeling and construction.Issues with Construction Companies (00:04:41)  He discusses the difficulties in finding trustworthy construction companies in Portugal.Neighbors Association Meeting (00:05:45)  Tiago recounts the first neighbors association meeting and the management company's poor performance.Cultural Clashes Among Residents (00:06:52)  He highlights the mix of cultures and the resulting challenges in communication among residents.Frustrations with Management (00:08:57)  Tiago expresses frustrations over the lack of progress in addressing building issues.Taking Initiative to Mediate (00:10:06)  He decides to take action to mediate conflicts and improve the situation.Understanding Neighbor Dynamics (00:11:14)  Tiago reflects on the complex dynamics between different neighbors and their cultural differences.The Need for Change (00:12:18)  He recognizes the urgency of addressing the building's deteriorating conditions.Facing Resistance (00:13:30)  Tiago encounters resistance from neighbors when trying to mediate conflicts.Deciding to Take Over Management (00:14:37)  He resolves to take charge and remove the ineffective management company.Creating Communication Channels (00:15:40)  Tiago establishes a WhatsApp group for better communication among neighbors.Planning a Secret Meeting (00:16:45)  He organizes a secret meeting to discuss the management issues without the company present.Overcoming Nervousness (00:17:39)  Tiago shares his feelings of nervousness before the meeting with neighbors.Voting on Management Change (00:18:38)  The neighbors vote to remove the management company and appoint new managers.Confronting the Management Company (00:19:39)  Tiago describes his experience confronting the management company to cancel the contract.Negotiating the Contract Cancellation (00:20:35)  He discusses the challenges faced during negotiations to cancel the management contract.Podcast Episode TimestampsChallenges with Management (00:22:28)  Tiago discusses frustrations with the building management company and the roadblocks they created.Regaining Momentum (00:23:27)  He reflects on nearly giving up but finds renewed energy to address urgent building issues.Voting for Change (00:24:21)  Tiago describes successfully convincing neighbors to pay for necessary repairs and his new role as administrator.Managing Neighbor Disputes (00:25:24)  He talks about the complexities of addressing diverse neighbor complaints and maintaining impartiality.Hiring Competent Professionals (00:26:26)  Tiago emphasizes the importance of hiring trustworthy professionals over merely seeking the lowest costs.Starting Repairs (00:28:38)  He shares the beginning of construction work on the building's facade and the positive changes observed.Celebrating Progress (00:30:37)  Tiago expresses satisfaction with the completed facade repairs and the sense of contribution he feels.Personal Growth Reflection (00:31:41)  He reflects on overcoming self-doubt and the importance of trusting oneself in challenging situations.Future Improvements (00:33:37)  Tiago concludes by mentioning ongoing improvements needed for the building and his excitement for future updates.

Explore the delicate dance between work and rest in the life of entrepreneurs. Discover the importance of delegating tasks to boost productivity and reclaim personal time. Hear personal stories, including a conversation with a friend about the quest for fulfillment amid dissatisfaction in both traditional jobs and startups. Learn how redefining productivity can lead to greater well-being, and why working smarter, not harder, is essential for success. Find out how implementing strategic investments can facilitate growth while enhancing life satisfaction.