Indie Founder

Have you ever wondered what it's like to hire new team members for a bootstrapped company? Well, in this episode, I'll be sharing my personal experience with hiring for my company, PodSqueeze. It all started when I hired a content agency to write ebooks, which turned out to be a success. But when we needed blog posts for SEO, we reached out to them on Twitter and decided to work on a freelance basis. Then came the time to hire a freelance developer, and the response on Twitter was overwhelming. After careful consideration, I selected Reeshav from India. Tune in to hear about my positive hiring experience and the progress we've made with Reeshav. And don't forget to support the podcast and join the indie maker community!Content AgencyReeshav - FreelancerLinksJoin The WBE CommunityTry PodSqueezeSponsor the podcastBuy WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterTimestampsHiring a Content Writer [00:01:23]Discussion about the need to hire a content writer for SEO purposes and the unsuccessful attempt to find a cheap writer on Fiverr.Working with a Content Agency [00:03:30]Exploration of the decision to work with a content agency for ebook writing and the positive experience with the agency Knitting and its partners, Nithin and Kartik.Hiring a Freelance Developer [00:06:42]The host's desire to hire a freelance developer and the process of finding potential candidates through a simple tweet on Twitter, including the filtering process based on skills and rates.Finding the right vibe [00:10:12]Tiago discusses the importance of finding someone with a nice vibe and who is uncomplicated to work closely with.The bias in video applications [00:11:03]Tiago reflects on the bias in the video applications he received, with only one application from a woman and a majority of applications from men.Selecting the candidates [00:12:58]Tiago talks about selecting two candidates, one from India and one from Italy, for interviews and discusses the importance of having in-person chats to understand each other's goals and expectations.

 I'll be reflecting on the ups and downs of our journey so far, including the initial success and growth of our company. But I also have concerns about the market and AI trends. I'll be sharing my three conditions for deciding whether to continue with PodSqueeze, and expressing my unwavering passion for this project. Oh, and I'm thrilled to announce the release of our new video feature! Plus, I can't wait to tell you about my upcoming holiday plans. Connect with me on Twitter and if you're an entrepreneur looking for a supportive community, check out our select-based community. Let's dive in!LinksJoin The WBE CommunityTry PodSqueezeSponsor the podcastBuy WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterTimestampsThe initial success and traction [00:01:32]Discusses the excitement and rapid growth experienced after launching PodSqueeze, reaching milestones, and the initial momentum in the AI market.The slowing down of growth and concerns about the market [00:02:47]Addresses the decrease in growth rate, the decline in AI trend popularity, and the uncertainty about the future of PodSqueeze in a shrinking market.The release of the new video feature and upcoming holiday [00:08:00]Mentions the development and release of a video feature, the stress and excitement surrounding it, and the upcoming holiday plans.Initial success and traction [00:10:01]Tiago mentions the initial success and traction experienced after launching PodSqueeze.Slowing down of growth [00:10:01]Tiago discusses the slowing down of growth for PodSqueeze.Concerns about market and AI trends [00:10:01]Tiago expresses concerns about the market and AI trends and how they may impact PodSqueeze.

In this podcast, the speaker shares their experiences and challenges of setting up an indie company and minimizing taxes. They discuss finding the right legal and accounting support, exploring tax considerations for online businesses, and the frustrations of creating a company. They also discuss setting up an indie company in Estonia, struggles with choosing a name, and understanding the tax system.

Are you an indie maker looking to perform at your best? In this episode, I dive into strategies for reaching the highest level of productivity. Discover the power of structuring your day and finding a routine that suits you. As a fellow night owl, I emphasize the importance of working with your natural body and brain rhythms. Plus, I reveal the benefits of sleep, cold showers, and intermittent fasting. Learn how to boost productivity, conquer distractions, and find relaxation through meditation. And don't forget to share your tips and suggestions for future episodes! Reach out to me today.LinksJoin The WBE CommunityTry PodSqueezeSponsor the podcastBuy WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterTimestampsHow to Perform at the Highest Level [00:01:13]Discussion on the importance of structuring one's day to perform at the highest level, drawing parallels with athletes and other professions.Being a Night Owl [00:04:23]Tiago shares his experience as a night owl and the benefits of accepting and working with one's natural sleep patterns.The Benefits of Cold Showers [00:07:09]Tiago talks about the benefits he has experienced from taking cold showers, including improved tolerance to cold, potential immune system boost, and a mindset shift.Reducing Calorie Intake and Productivity [00:10:10]Tiago discusses how he reduces his calorie intake by practicing intermittent fasting and how it affects his productivity.Importance of Food and Productivity [00:12:03]Tiago talks about how the food he eats affects his productivity and how eating less helps him stay focused and avoid feeling tired or sleepy.Managing Distractions and Increasing Productivity [00:13:02]Tiago shares strategies for managing distractions while working, including taking breaks to do minor tasks and avoiding the temptation to use social media or browse the internet.The importance of meditation [00:19:27]Meditation as a tool for stress relief and problem-solving.Balancing work and personal life [00:20:32]Struggles with knowing when to stop working and the never-ending tasks.The value of rest and prioritizing mental health [00:21:42]Recognizing the need for rest, setting priorities, and avoiding burnout.The value of your hour [00:29:38]Tiago discusses the importance of assigning a monetary value to your time and making decisions based on that value.Making smart investments [00:30:44]Tiago explains how to make calculated decisions by exchanging tasks based on their value and ensuring they don't exceed the value of your time.Supporting the podcast [00:31:50]Tiago shares ways to support the podcast, including becoming a member of the community, which costs $10 per month.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Taylin Simmonds, the co-founder of Ghostlii, a content marketing agency. Have you ever wondered how to find success as an entrepreneur while staying true to your artistic vision? Well, Talyn shares his incredible journey as an indie maker and entrepreneur, exploring the fascinating intersection of art and business. We dive deep into topics like finding product-market fit, thriving in saturated markets, and the power of building an audience and brand.About TaylinTwitterGhostliiPodcast LinksJoin The WBE CommunityTry PodSqueezeSponsor the podcastBuy WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterTimestampsFinding Product-Market Fit [00:02:38]Dylan talks about the importance of finding product-market fit and how Ghostly shifted their focus from growing social media followers to building a valuable brand and audience.Artistic Entrepreneurship [00:03:34]Dylan discusses his perspective on the intersection of art and entrepreneurship, highlighting how entrepreneurship can be a vehicle for artistic impact and creating something incredible.Selling Art and Managing Expectations [00:05:14]The conversation explores the challenge of balancing artistic integrity and commercial success, with Dylan sharing insights on how musicians can find a niche that appeals to both artistic expression and market demand.The journey to $10k per month [00:10:20]Dylan shares how he reached $10k per month in just 30 days and discusses the importance of lead generation.Building relationships through content [00:12:14]Dylan explains his approach to networking by creating high-value content that attracts the attention of industry leaders.The importance of skill stacking and failures [00:15:55]Dylan emphasizes the importance of acquiring skills and experiencing failures before finding success in entrepreneurship.The mindset shift after reaching success [00:18:44]Discussion on how reaching success can challenge one's identity and mindset, causing anxiety and pressure.The journey of building a successful business [00:19:33]Exploration of the challenges faced in scaling a business and the personal growth required to sustain success.Using psychedelics for personal transformation [00:23:11]The guest shares his experience with ayahuasca and MDMA therapy as tools for personal transformation and identity change.Psychedelic experiences and personal growth [00:25:08]Dylan discusses how psychedelic experiences can open doors to new thoughts, states of being, and personal growth.Imposter syndrome and embracing failure [00:27:03]Dylan shares his thoughts on imposter syndrome and how it is a natural part of trying new things and embracing failure as a way to learn and iterate.Goals and priorities in indie companies [00:32:05]Dylan talks about his goals and priorities in his indie company, emphasizing the importance of viewing businesses as stepping stones for learning and growth.Scaling as a Self-Improvement Vehicle [00:32:53]Discussion on the benefits of scaling a business for financial and location freedom, but recognizing that it may not be the ultimate goal.Passion for Educating and Creating [00:33:53]Desire to transition into e-learning and decentralized education, and the challenge of being a creator and capturing attention.Finding Clarity and Direction [00:34:49]Importance of having clarity on the direction of one's business and being open to iterating and testing different paths.The pursuit of growth [00:41:05]Dylan discusses different motivations for entrepreneurship and the desire for growth in business and personal life.The need for constant growth [00:42:09]Dylan argues that while businesses don't always need to grow, individuals should always be growing in some domain, and for many, that domain is business.The desire to keep pushing oneself [00:43:27]Dylan explains how once money stops solving problems, the next challenge becomes finding fulfillment and enjoying life, which can be achieved through pushing oneself in business.MentionsAyahuasca (psychedelic): Mentioned at 00:24:03Joe Dispenza: Mentioned at 00:25:08MDMA therapy: Mentioned at 00:25:08Peter Levels: Mentioned at 00:28:31"12 and 12" mindset: Mentioned at 00:28:31Hermosa: Mentioned at 00:30:16 (unclear if it refers to a person or a concept)Elon Musk: Mentioned at 00:31:06Mark Zuckerberg: Mentioned at 00:31:06Bootstrapping: Mentioned at 00:31:06Indie hacking: Mentioned at 00:31:06Monkey Ran: Mentioned at 00:32:05 (unclear if it refers to a person or a company)Topic: Books and AuthorsMark Manson: Mentioned in the context of trying on different beliefs. (Timestamp: 00:36:18)Topic: Lifestyle and Success SymbolsMcDonald's: Mentioned in the context of working at a job with no leverage. (Timestamp: 00:39:31)Topic: Education and LearningE-learning: The speaker expresses interest in e-learning businesses and decentralized education. (Timestamp: 00:33:53)Topic: Conversations and InteractionsTony Dean: Mentioned as someone the speaker had a conversation with about maintaining lifestyle and freedom while growing a business. (Timestamp: 00:40:41)

Explore the keys to success in indie hacking, including learning and experimenting, having financial stability and prioritizing mental health. Discover the audience-first approach, finding product-market fit, and the importance of time. Reflect on the decision to quit a job or side hustle. Learn about starting from scratch, trying new things, and automating marketing efforts. Dive into launching online products, preparations for Product Hunt, and the significance of having a co-founder.

In this episode, I, Tiago, an indie maker and entrepreneur, share my journey and the challenges I face in navigating the business side of things. From setting up a company to handling taxes and hiring professionals, there's a lot to learn. I discuss the lack of discussion around these less glamorous aspects and the fear of making mistakes. I also share my hiring process for a community manager, emphasizing the importance of trust and fit. Plus, I contemplate the need for a lawyer to define contract terms. Tune in for all the insights!LinksTry PodSqueezeJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBuy WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterTimestampsThe phase of adulthood [00:01:24]Tiago discusses the different phases of a business's life, comparing it to the stages of a person's life.Setting up a company and address [00:04:53]Tiago talks about the challenges of setting up a company, including the decision of what address to use and the option of a virtual office.The frustration of bureaucratic tasks [00:09:07]Tiago expresses frustration with the bureaucratic tasks involved in running a business, such as finding the right services, interviewing professionals, and dealing with taxes.The hiring process [00:12:26]Tiago discusses his first ever hiring process and the importance of finding the right person for the role.Understanding wealth and taxes [00:16:30]Tiago reflects on his changing definition of wealth and the realization that minimizing profits can reduce taxes.The importance of understanding taxes [00:23:35]Tiago emphasizes the significance of understanding the tax system as an entrepreneur and how it can lead to success.

Have you ever wondered how success can change a person? In this episode, I'll be reflecting on this concept, and using I'll be sharing my own experiences with success through my company, PodSqueeze. From childhood dreams of being an entrepreneur to taking my profession seriously, I'll discuss the impact success has had on me. We'll also touch on the challenges of building a company, including tax considerations and the possibility of starting a business in a country with lower taxes. Managing taxes and expenses properly is crucial for scalability and growth.LinksTry PodSqueezeJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBuy WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterTimestampsSuccess and Change [00:01:23]Discussion on why people change with success, using Elon Musk as an example.Validation of Success [00:03:52]The narrator's experience of how success has changed their interactions and engagement on social media.Pursuing Dreams [00:10:19]The narrator's journey of pursuing entrepreneurship as a dream and how it changed their perspective on their career path.The coping mechanism of coding at the beach [00:12:29]The speaker discusses how they used to feel anxious about not being productive during beach holidays and how they started using coding as a coping mechanism.Accepting and embracing their entrepreneurial personality [00:13:31]The speaker talks about gaining confidence in their way of seeing life and accepting their entrepreneurial personality, despite being different from others.Challenges and frustrations of building a company [00:17:42]The speaker shares their frustrations with the managerial and organizational aspects of building a company, including decision-making, meetings, and dealing with taxes.The tax deductions dilemma [00:24:14]Explains the difference in expenses that can be deducted in a company and the gray areas surrounding deducting business trips.Challenges of starting a company in Portugal [00:26:22]Discusses frustrations and delays in registering a company name in Portugal, highlighting the need for change.Hiring a community manager [00:28:22]Shares the process of hiring a community manager, including receiving video applications and the excitement of having someone to help manage the community.

In this episode, I'll be sharing my recent experiences with my business partner and landlord. From struggles with onboarding business partners who seemed to take control of the conversation, it's been quite a journey. I'll also be discussing my personal experience with our rented flat in Lisbon. Join me as I reflect on these experiences, contemplate changes to my business model, and invite your suggestions. Let's dive in!LinksTry PodSqueezeJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBuy WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterTimestampsTrying to find a business partner [00:02:40]Tiago discusses his experience with trying to onboard business partners to sell their product, but it hasn't been successful so far.Concerns about a potential business partner [00:03:51]Tiago and Joe discuss their conversation with a potential business partner from France and express concerns about losing control of their company and lifestyle.Unexpected housing situation [00:07:05]Tiago shares his experience of renting a flat in Lisbon and how their landlord unexpectedly refused to renew their contract, leading to the realization of the importance of trust in business dealings.Tiago's Thoughts on the Community [00:11:56]Tiago discusses the purpose of the community and whether it should focus on making friends or providing value.Considering a Change in Business Model [00:13:00]Tiago contemplates changing the subscription-based business model to a one-time payment model for the community.Exploring New Ideas for Monetization [00:14:51]Tiago explores the idea of converting his guides into an ebook and potentially creating a fund for indie hackers.

In this episode, Tiago sits down with Tony Dinh, a renowned indie hacker, to dive deep into what it takes to build a successful indie business. Discover how Tony approaches finding product-market fit, the strategies he uses to achieve healthy profitability margins, and his unique perspective on managing deadlines without sacrificing freedom. They share real-world challenges, including hiring freelancers, setting achievable goals, and competing with industry giants. Tony reveals his design and marketing philosophies, while Tiago discusses his journey from struggling founder to startup success. If you’re looking to optimize your indie business, balance lifestyle with revenue, and learn actionable tips on managing deadlines and profitability, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Tony Dinh TwitterTony's NewsletterLinksTry PodSqueezeJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBut WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterTimestampsThe challenges of running an indie company [00:01:12]Tiago discusses his challenges of running an indie company, including hiring and setting goals.Finding product-market fit and gaining credibility [00:02:17]Tiago and Tony discuss the importance of finding product-market fit and how it can lead to credibility and success.The different phases of being an indie hacker [00:09:08]Tiago and Tony talk about the roller coaster journey of being an indie hacker and the different phases and goals that come with it.The profitability margins [00:12:03]Discussion about the profitability margins of the company and the impact of having employees on revenue.Goals as an indie hacker [00:12:40]Discussion about short-term and medium-term goals as an indie hacker, including reaching the level of other successful indie hackers.Prioritizing lifestyle over money [00:15:32]Discussion about the preference for a lifestyle with more freedom and independence over having a lot of money.The hiring process and working with freelancers [00:23:17]Discussion on the benefits of hiring freelancers, the types of tasks they can handle, and the decision-making process of when to hire them.Trusting freelancers and managing their hours [00:28:10]Exploration of the trust factor in hiring freelancers, giving them access to code, and managing their hours and invoicing.Transitioning a freelancer to a full-time employee [00:30:07]The process of hiring a freelancer as a full-time employee, starting with a specific role and expanding their responsibilities based on their skills and willingness to help.No deadlines [00:34:05]Discussion on the absence of deadlines in the company and how tasks are allocated and managed without them.Managing freedom and goals [00:36:41]Exploration of the paradox of wanting to achieve goals and beat competitors while maintaining freedom and not setting deadlines.Dealing with competition [00:41:14]Discussion on how the speaker manages competition and believes there is still a place for their product in the market.Links and MentionsMarketing:Product Hunt: 00:06:02Twitter: 00:06:02Instagram: 00:06:02Communication and Task Management:Telegram: 00:34:47Linear: 00:35:13Slack: 00:43:45References:My First Million podcast: 00:36:54