

The Bootstrapped Founder
Arvid Kahl
Arvid Kahl talks about starting and bootstrapping businesses, how to build an audience, and how to build in public.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Nov 8, 2024 • 12min
354: The Art of Productive Procrastination
The problem with having no boss is that there's no one to stop you from procrastinating.I'm challenged by this daily, and I have found a few ways to stay accountable. I'll share those with you today.This episode is sponsored by Paddle.com — if you're looking for a payment platform that works for you so you can focus on what matters, check them out.The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/the-art-of-productive-procrastination/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/354-the-art-of-productive-procrastinationCheck out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Nov 1, 2024 • 16min
353: Podscan’s Dream Customer (Acquisition) Strategy
Discover a groundbreaking customer acquisition strategy tailored for Podscan, emphasizing personalized outreach and maximum value from the very first interaction. Learn how data-driven insights can lead to identifying and engaging potential clients effectively. The focus here is on transforming new prospects into loyal customers before they even land on the website. Enhance user experience with strategic engagement tactics that prioritize value and establish strong connections.

7 snips
Oct 25, 2024 • 15min
352: Running Lean at Scale
Shrinkage isn't just for clothes! A recent database downsizing from four terabytes to under one showcases transformative scaling strategies. The speaker dives into optimizing podcast processing and smart database management, revealing how these tweaks enhance operations and user experience. Tune in for valuable insights on running lean while maintaining growth.

Oct 18, 2024 • 26min
351: From Overload to Opportunity
A software mishap leads to thousands of unintended emails, emphasizing the need for proactive design in tech. The discussion dives into the importance of establishing reasonable usage limits, promoting user agency and transparency. Lessons from past challenges illustrate how these measures can enhance user engagement and product quality. Ultimately, it’s about turning overload into actionable opportunities.

6 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 14min
350: Building Your Castle in Someone Else's Kingdom
SaaS founders occupy a unique space, acting as both renters and landlords in the software realm. The conversation dives into the delicate balance of ownership and risk in this shared landscape. Trust emerges as a cornerstone, particularly for AI firms like OpenAI, which flourish through strong customer relationships. The importance of flexibility in crafting digital businesses is also emphasized, showcasing how engaging with customers can lead to lasting brand value. It's a thought-provoking look at navigating the complexities of modern entrepreneurship.

10 snips
Oct 4, 2024 • 24min
349: Navigating Constraints as a Bootstrapper
Dive into the world of bootstrapping as challenges like limited funds and experience take center stage. Discover creative solutions for managing resources while building a complex podcast analysis platform. Learn about the delicate balance between data management and user feedback, all while prioritizing what truly matters in your entrepreneurial journey. This discussion offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the constraints of starting their venture.

7 snips
Sep 27, 2024 • 27min
348: Observability in Software Businesses
Discover the essential role of observability in managing complex software systems. The speaker shares personal experiences on overcoming scaling challenges and the importance of proactive monitoring. Learn how tracking metrics can optimize performance and identify critical versus non-critical alerts. With anecdotes on memory management, the discussion emphasizes the need for effective alert systems and comprehensive strategies to prevent costly failures. Even if you're not in software, these insights can inspire your future business efforts!

38 snips
Sep 20, 2024 • 51min
347: The AI-Powered Solopreneur
Explore the transformative power of AI in solopreneurship, where personal anecdotes reveal how these tools enhance efficiency in coding and marketing. Discover the challenges of leveraging AI, alongside strategies for overcoming them. Get excited about the future of AI in software development and its potential to revolutionize entrepreneurship. This engaging discussion showcases AI as a secret weapon in maximizing productivity and creativity for solo business owners.

7 snips
Sep 13, 2024 • 26min
346: When Podcasts Attack: The Unexpected Challenges of External Data
The discussion kicks off with a seemingly simple refactoring that spirals into chaos, unveiling the perils of managing external data for indie founders. Scaling challenges are front and center, highlighting how issues like observability and database optimization can lead to critical failures. Listeners learn about the frantic efforts to restore system integrity after an unexpected avalanche of data, making for an engaging tale of triumph against technical odds.

13 snips
Sep 6, 2024 • 20min
345: Scrape or Be Scraped
Dive into the complex world of web scraping in the age of AI. Discover how founders must balance the need for data collection with ethical concerns. Learn about the challenges of navigating data management and protecting platforms like PodScan from scraping threats. The discussion covers strategic measures like user authentication and rate limiting to safeguard data while also exploring opportunities for responsible business growth.