Indie Founder

I dive into the art of networking at conferences, focusing on my experiences at the Web Summit in Lisbon. Having attended for three years, I share tips on navigating the event, securing a media ticket, and making meaningful connections. I emphasize the importance of networking over attending talks, recounting my interactions with various companies, especially in the AI sector. I offer practical advice for improving networking skills and highlight the long-term benefits of building relationships. It's a friendly and insightful guide for indie makers looking to maximize their conference experiences.Links and Mentions"Web Summit": "00:00:00""Tiago's Twtter (X)": https://x.com/wbetiago"Auphonic": "00:15:49""AppSumo": "00:09:29""Rocket Hub": "00:10:33"TimetampsTimestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction to the Episode (00:00:00)Overview of the Web Summit (00:01:10)Ticket Acquisition Challenge (00:02:12)Conference Layout and Atmosphere (00:03:15)Networking Over Talks (00:04:23)Networking Strategies (00:05:27)AI Trends at the Conference (00:06:22)Interesting Companies Encountered (00:08:28)Media Ticket Benefits (00:13:43)The Power of Networking (00:15:49)Networking Approach and Mindset (00:17:52)Conclusion on Networking Importance (00:20:00)Networking Skills Development (00:21:51)Positive Web Summit Experience (00:21:51)Media Ticket Benefits (00:21:51)Previous Podcast Episodes (00:23:02)Listener Engagement (00:23:02)Call for Reviews (00:23:02)

I dive into the potential impacts of Donald Trump's election victory on indie businesses, especially in the SaaS sector. I discuss the differences between the U.S. and European business environments, noting how higher purchasing power in the U.S. can benefit indie makers. I also touch on corporate tax rates, tariffs, and currency fluctuations. While I acknowledge some possible economic benefits, I raise concerns about the oversimplification of complex political issues and the potential negative consequences on climate change. I encourage listeners to stay informed and engaged in these discussions.Links & Mentions Tools, Websites, and Links- Indie Maker Merch (00:01:20) - https://indiemakermerch.com- My Twitter Handle: https://x.com/wbetiago- Web Summit (00:01:20) Concepts and Terms- SaaS (Software as a Service) (00:04:28)- NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) (00:06:37)- Corporate Tax (00:12:47)- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) (00:15:10)TiemstampsIntroduction to the Episode (00:00:06)  Tiago introduces the podcast episode focusing on the impact of Trump’s election on indie businesses.Tiago's Perspective on Trump (00:02:21)  Tiago shares he is not a Trump supporter but acknowledges some Republican economic measures.Trump's Election and Media Bias (00:03:31)  Tiago discusses the media's biased portrayal of Trump and his election campaign.Business Environment Differences (00:04:28)  He reflects on the contrasting business environments in the U.S. and Europe, particularly in purchasing power.Currency Fluctuations Post-Election (00:05:26)  Tiago notes the increase in the dollar's value after Trump's election and its impact on his business.NATO and U.S. Influence (00:07:54)  Discussion on Trump’s stance on NATO and its implications for European countries.Tariffs and Their Effects (00:10:09)  Tiago explains Trump’s proposed tariffs and their potential impact on international trade.Corporate Tax Reduction (00:12:47)  He discusses Trump’s plan to lower corporate tax rates and its effects on business investments.OpenAI and Potential Changes (00:15:10)  Concerns about how Trump’s administration might affect OpenAI and its operations.GDPR and U.S. Business Influence (00:16:25)  Tiago raises points about GDPR restrictions and potential changes under U.S. influence.Complexity in Politics (00:17:39)  Tiago expresses concern over the oversimplification of complex political issues in current discourse.Concerns About Climate Change (00:22:10)  He shares his worries about the lack of focus on climate change in the political landscape.Concerns about Political Climate (00:23:12)  Tiago discusses the terrifying impact of political decisions, particularly on climate and societal issues.Indie Makers' Responsibility (00:24:28)  Emphasizes the need for indie makers to voice their opinions and engage in complex discussions.Raising Voices Against Simplification (00:25:47)  Tiago stresses the importance of combating simplistic rhetoric and encourages thoughtful discourse.Global Perspectives (00:26:56)  Briefly reflects on the economic implications for countries like India and invites audience engagement.

I dive into the importance of setting aside ego in both entrepreneurship and personal life. I share personal stories and lessons learned, emphasizing that being an entrepreneur is a lifestyle that shapes one's worldview. I talk about how different professions influence perspectives and highlight the value of self-belief and adaptability. I encourage focusing on problem-solving, staying calm in conflicts, and trusting instincts. The episode blends philosophical insights with practical advice to help indie makers navigate their entrepreneurial journeys with humility and confidence.Mentions- indiemakermerch.com: "00:01:07"- Flarecut.com: "00:03:15"- twitter.com/@wbetiagoTimestampsIntroduction to Ego and Entrepreneurship (00:00:08)  Tiago introduces the theme of the episode: putting ego aside to become a better entrepreneur.Support for the Podcast (00:01:07)  Tiago shares ways listeners can support the podcast, including following him on Twitter and leaving reviews.Recap of Last Episode (00:02:08)  Tiago discusses insights from his previous episode featuring Halston, focusing on growth strategies and market shifts.The Impact of Professions on Worldview (00:04:20)  Tiago reflects on how different professions shape personal perspectives, using examples from judges and doctors.Understanding the Capitalistic World (00:07:47)  He discusses how society trains individuals to fit into a capitalistic system, affecting career choices and self-belief.Personal Journey in Entrepreneurship (00:09:59)  Tiago shares his initial doubts about entrepreneurship and the gradual realization of his capabilities.Overcoming Perceived Impossibilities (00:11:58)  He emphasizes that many goals seem impossible until one starts taking steps toward achieving them.Trusting Oneself in the Unknown (00:13:07)  Tiago discusses the importance of trusting instincts and adapting to challenges, drawing from his grandfather's experiences.The Role of Ego in Daily Life (00:18:02)  He explains how ego can lead to stress and conflict in everyday situations, particularly in traffic or arguments.Managing Conflict and Focus (00:19:05)  Tiago shares how putting ego aside helps in managing conflicts with neighbors and maintaining focus on goals.Arrogance in Professional Relationships (00:21:24)  He critiques the arrogance often found in service providers, linking it to incompetence and the need for self-protection. Podcast Episode TimestampsEgo and Conflict Resolution (00:22:24)  Tiago discusses how ego can escalate conflicts and the importance of finding solutions calmly.Learning from Experiences (00:23:24)  He reflects on the decision to cut ties with uncooperative professionals instead of engaging in fruitless arguments.Prioritizing Goals (00:25:25)  Tiago emphasizes understanding personal priorities to reduce frustration in social situations, like group trips.Winning vs. Priorities (00:27:15)  He shares insights on focusing on business goals rather than getting caught up in ego-driven conflicts.Martial Arts and Self-Control (00:28:21)  Tiago discusses how martial arts provide confidence and help manage ego in confrontational situations.Ignoring Negativity (00:29:24)  He advocates for ignoring verbal attacks, highlighting that self-assurance can defuse potential conflicts.Survival Mode and Protection (00:30:20)  Tiago differentiates between ignoring minor conflicts and the need for self-defense in serious situations.Lifestyle of an Entrepreneur (00:31:23)  He concludes by reflecting on how entrepreneurship shapes personal growth and the importance of self-confidence.

Elston shares his inspiring journey from a corporate career to indie maker, detailing the evolution of Tiny Host. The importance of validating business ideas and embracing user feedback is emphasized. He discusses targeting the no-code audience and the challenges of entrepreneurship beyond social media's glamor. SEO strategies for driving traffic are explored, alongside the distinction between high-quality content and AI-generated material. The conversation sheds light on the solo founder's experience, balancing ambition, and the significance of community in the indie space.

I share the rollercoaster journey of my startup, Podsqueeze. I talk about our initial success, hitting a growth plateau, and the strategies we used to bounce back, like investing in SEO and launching new features. I dive into the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of teamwork, and the challenges of maintaining motivation. I speak about the impact that ProductHunt and Backlinks had on our growth.Mentions Tools and Websites- "Podsqueeze" (00:24:13) - https://podsqueeze.com- "Product Hunt" (00:27:31) - https://www.producthunt.com- "Indie Maker Merch" (00:37:51) - https://www.indiemakermerch.com- "Tiago's Twitter" (00:36:38) - https://twitter.com/@wbetiagoTimestampsIntroduction to the Episode (00:00:01)  Tiago introduces the episode and its focus on overcoming challenges at Podsqueeze.Background of Podsqueeze (00:02:20)  Tiago shares the journey of Podsqueeze, detailing initial success and past entrepreneurial attempts.Initial Growth and Challenges (00:03:17)  The startup experiences rapid growth but soon faces a plateau in user engagement.Berlin Conference Experience (00:04:26)  Tiago describes attending a podcasting conference in Berlin, highlighting co-founder stress.SEO Strategy Implementation (00:06:40)  The team begins investing in SEO to improve website traffic and user engagement.Hiring External Help for SEO (00:07:35)  Tiago discusses the decision to hire an SEO auditor to enhance their strategy.Content Creation and Clusters (00:09:51)  The importance of keyword clusters and content creation for SEO is emphasized.Hiring a Content Writer (00:10:51)  Tiago reflects on the positive impact of hiring a content writer for their team.Launch of Video Clips Feature (00:11:51)  The team launches a new feature for creating video clips from podcasts.December Decline (00:13:00)  Tiago notes a significant drop in user engagement during December.New Product Launch (00:14:04)  A new product launch in January aims to revive interest and engagement.Mixed Results from Product Launch (00:15:23)  The latest product launch brings in traffic, but not as much as hoped.Continued Growth and Decline (00:16:25)  Despite initial recovery, the team notices another decline in user engagement.Discovery of Domain Authority (00:19:56)  The concept of domain authority is introduced as crucial for improving SEO.Building Backlinks for SEO (00:21:03)  The team focuses on acquiring backlinks to enhance their domain authority.Summer Struggles (00:23:13)  The summer months prove challenging, with a notable decline in user engagement and morale.The Initial Thoughts on Growth (00:24:13)  Tiago discusses his desire for more growth and the challenges of current earnings.New Product Strategies (00:25:13)  Plans to start a new product while maintaining focus on Podsqueeze's development.Traffic Insights from India (00:26:18)  Discovery of increased traffic from India but low conversion rates.Impact of Product Launch on Rankings (00:27:31)  Analysis of how the product launch affected Google rankings and traffic.Challenges with Indian Market Conversion (00:28:35)  Struggles to convert Indian users and advice received from industry friends.August Struggles (00:29:46)  A tough month for Podsqueeze with low engagement and user activity.September Growth (00:30:53)  A significant uptick in traffic and user engagement in September.Domain Authority Improvement (00:32:01)  Efforts to enhance domain authority through strategic backlinks and exchanges.Price Experiment Results (00:33:15)  Findings from A/B testing price changes and their impact on conversion rates.Reflections on Podsqueeze's Journey (00:34:24)  Tiago reflects on the evolution and resilience of Podsqueeze over the past year.Competitive Edge through Marketing (00:36:38)  Emphasis on the importance of marketing and SEO as a competitive advantage.Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook (00:37:51)  Tiago expresses excitement for the future and invites audience engagement.

I discuss the evolution of my podcast and why It went from "The Wannabe Entrepreneur" to "Indie Founder." I introduce Flarecut, my new AI tool that helps create short videos. I reflect on its market reception so far and why it might be failing.MentionsPodsqueeze (00:06:41) - https://podsqueeze.comFlarecut (00:12:52) - https://flarecut.comAuto Shorts (00:16:16) - https://autoshorts.comIndie Maker Merch (00:24:57) - https://indiemakermerch.comTimestampsIntroduction to Season Two (00:00:00)Tiago welcomes listeners to the new season, introducing himself as a Portuguese indie maker and founder.Rebranding the Podcast (00:01:14)He explains the decision to rename the podcast from "The Wannabe Entrepreneur" to "Indie Founder."Reflecting on Self-Confidence (00:02:29)Tiago discusses how the previous name reflected a lack of self-confidence and his journey towards self-acceptance.The Journey of Becoming an Entrepreneur (00:03:30)He shares his transition from a traditional job to becoming a full-time entrepreneur.The Evolution of the Podcast (00:04:30)Tiago reflects on the podcast's growth and the importance of its new name in his entrepreneurial journey.Introducing Podsqueeze (00:05:39)He introduces his current product, Podsqueeze, and its initial success in gaining traction.Challenges with Podsqueeze Growth (00:06:41)Tiago explains the stagnation in growth experienced with Podsqueeze after initial success.Reigniting Passion for Podsqueeze (00:08:51)He discusses efforts to reignite enthusiasm for Podsqueeze amidst challenges.Collaborative Discussions with Co-Founder (00:09:55)Tiago shares his conversations with his co-founder about motivation and exploring new projects.The Birth of Flarecut (00:11:01)He describes the ideation process for their new product, Flarecut, aimed at video creation.Developing Flarecut (00:12:52)Tiago outlines the development process and collaboration with their developer for Flarecut.Initial Launch and Market Response (00:15:12)He discusses the soft launch of Flarecut and the disappointing initial traction it received.Comparing Flarecut and Podsqueeze (00:17:16)Tiago reflects on the differences in traction between Flarecut and Podsqueeze.Marketing Loop Concept (00:19:23)He explains the marketing loop concept and its importance for product growth.SEO Insights from Podsqueeze (00:22:45)Tiago shares lessons learned about SEO from Podsqueeze and its potential impact on Flarecut's growth.Flarecut Growth Strategy (00:23:53)Tiago discusses the strategy for increasing visibility and growth for Flarecut over the next couple of months.Product Feedback Invitation (00:24:20)He invites listeners to try Flarecut for free and provide feedback on their experience with the product.Indie Founder Season Launch (00:24:40)Announcement of the first episode of the new season of the podcast, now titled "Indie Founder."Merch Store Promotion (00:24:57)Tiago promotes his new merch store, featuring indie maker-themed apparel and accessories to support the podcast.Future Merch Ideas (00:25:20)He considers creating additional merchandise specifically branded with the "Indie Founder" name for fans.Social Media Engagement (00:25:40)Tiago encourages listeners to reach out to him on Twitter for feedback and engagement, fostering community interaction.

In this episode, I dive into my latest thoughts on entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and productivity. I share exciting updates about my project, Podsqueeze, and my collaboration with João on a new product.I discuss the struggle of balancing work with personal life and question traditional metrics of productivity. We also touch on the culture of overworking and the importance of networking.LinksIndie Maker MerchSupport This PodcastTiago's TwitterTry PodsqueezeTimestamps (by podsqueeze)Balancing work and personal life (00:08:06)Exploring the challenges of managing work, exercise, family, and personal time while questioning traditional metrics of efficiency and productivity.Effectiveness in managing work time (00:10:11)Questioning the common routines and practices of successful entrepreneurs and exploring the true measures of efficiency and productivity in managing work time.Optimizing efficiency in work (00:13:43)Discussing different metrics for measuring efficiency in managing a team's work and exploring ways to apply these metrics to oneself for optimal productivity.Evaluating work performance (00:19:18)Exploring the concept of a 360 evaluation method used in some companies to assess work performance and considering its potential application in managing personal efficiency.The culture of overwork (00:20:25)Discussion on company culture, self-evaluation, and the impact of working hours on productivity.Optimizing efficiency (00:21:35)Exploring the concept of questioning the impact of tasks and finding the best use of time.Myth of overworking for success (00:22:50)Challenging the belief that working excessively leads to wealth, and questioning traditional paths to success.Alternative paths to wealth (00:24:00)Exploring unconventional methods of attaining wealth, such as owning assets and leveraging networking.Non-monetary forms of payment (00:25:14)Examining the value of favors, assets, and networking as alternative forms of compensation.Power of networking (00:26:33)Discussing the significance of networking, leveraging relationships, and the impact on business success.Measuring non-monetary impact (00:29:40)Challenges in quantifying the impact of networking and non-monetary returns in business.Redefining success and wealth (00:32:08)Questioning the traditional measures of success and wealth, exploring the value of non-monetary returns.Closing thoughts (00:33:25)Encouraging feedback and reflection on the episode's topics, emphasizing the value of unconventional ideas.

I talk about the importance of prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively. I also discuss my main goal: becoming a better entrepreneur through continuous learning. You'll hear about my marketing strategies, especially focusing on Google SEO, and the challenges of growing a bootstrapped company. Plus, I reflect on the slow growth of Podsqueeze and the tough decisions around investing and potentially starting new projects.LinksSupport This PodcastTiago's TwitterTry PodsqueezeTimestampsThe speaker's journey (00:00:11)Entrepreneurial ups and downs (00:01:21)Challenges with Podsqueeze (00:02:30)Marketing strategies and SEO (00:03:43)Realizations and market size (00:05:58)Strategies for Podsqueeze growth (00:12:24)Financial challenges and investment (00:16:56)Considering new projects (00:19:12)The bigger picture (00:21:23)Exploring new products (00:22:31)Staying in the current market (00:23:39)Reaching for the stars (00:26:49)Philosophical reflections (00:28:45)Spreading good energy (00:30:10)Final thoughts and call to action (00:32:40)

I made a mistake with my pricing, but I'm getting over it with some meditation. I'm also excited to go to a podcast conference in London to meet people and learn more.I talked about the importance of understanding business metrics to make good decisions, not just to look impressive. Also, AI is becoming a big deal in our field, and I'm watching how it affects mental health support.LinksTiago's TwitterTry PodsqueezeSupport This PodcastTraveling and Excuses (00:00:12)Tiago shares his recent travels and acknowledges the delay in posting episodes.Patreon Support (00:01:21)Tiago thanks patrons for supporting the podcast and encourages additional contributions.Growth Mistake (00:02:24)Tiago recounts a mistake in pricing strategy that impacted the company's growth.Meditation and Anxiety (00:08:05)Tiago discusses the benefits of meditation in managing anxiety and maintaining focus.Metrics and Market Analysis (00:09:15)Tiago emphasizes the importance of tracking various metrics and understanding market dynamics.Reviewing and Decision-making (00:13:20)Tiago advises reviewing metrics at intervals and making decisions based on accumulated data.Podcasting Conference (00:16:35)Tiago shares his excitement about attending a podcasting conference in London and the potential industry insights.AI and Ethics (00:21:11)Tiago reflects on the use of AI in community engagement and discusses ethical concerns related to AI as a therapist substitute.AI and the Future (00:22:10)Discussion on the potential future of AI, including AI friends, partners, and its impact on content creation.AI in Content Creation (00:23:17)Exploration of using AI in video creation, referencing a successful young YouTuber and the potential of AI-generated scripts.Learning from Young Entrepreneurs (00:24:26)Observations on the use of AI by young entrepreneurs and the potential for learning from their experiences.Considering Consultation (00:25:28)Contemplation of seeking consultation from a successful young YouTuber for insights into algorithms and content creation.Upcoming Trip to London (00:26:39)Mention of an upcoming trip to a podcasting conference in London and a sign-off for the episode.

Rob Walling, author of The SaaS Playbook and founder of MicroConf, shares invaluable insights on scaling SaaS businesses. He discusses the intricacies of product pricing strategies, emphasizing value over greed. Rob reveals the timing and methods for implementing paid ads and creating engaging content. He also sheds light on smart team-building within budget constraints and the mental journey of maintaining joy in entrepreneurship. The conversation encourages finding freedom and purpose while navigating the challenges of startup life.