The Opportunity Podcast

What if scaling your SaaS didn’t require burning out or selling your soul to venture capital? In this episode, Greg sits down with seasoned SaaS founder, author, and startup mentor Rob Walling for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable, sellable SaaS business. Rob kicks things off by sharing how he stumbled into SaaS before it was cool, and how that journey led him to co-create TinySeed, an alternative funding model that puts founders first. He breaks down how TinySeed’s 12-month program works, who it’s for, and how it compares to traditional VC. But this episode isn’t just about funding, it’s about founder freedom. We dive deep into the psychological shifts that come with selling your business, how to recognize the right time to exit, and how to protect your energy both before and after a sale. Rob also shares the biggest traps SaaS founders fall into when chasing “growth at all costs” and the core traits he sees in founders who succeed. Whether you're bootstrapping, raising capital, or planning an exit, this episode is packed with honest, actionable insights that will help you scale smarter, and sell without regret. Topics Discussed in this episode: Rob’s background and how he got into SaaS (02:08) The origins of TinySeed and how it differs from Venture Capital (12:09) The opportunities that are created through selling your business (19:43) A breakdown of Tiny Seed’s 12-month program (22:19) The pros and cons of a “growth at all costs” mindset (28:32) The requirements needed to join Tiny Seed (30:20) The psychological effects of exiting your business (33:56) How to tell when to sell your business (39:40) How to avoid burnout before and after your exit (46:43) The characteristics that successful founders share (52:21) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Startups For The Rest Of Us podcast  Exit Strategy: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Selling Your Business without Regret TinySeed Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to take the next step in your SaaS journey with confidence.

As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” But for online business owners, taxes aren’t always so certain, especially when it comes to sales tax. In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Rhoads. Jessica is an internationally experienced CPA and self-confessed “dumpster fire accountant” who specializes in helping business owners untangle messy tax situations. We cover the key types of taxes every entrepreneur should understand, and zoom in on the one that’s most commonly misunderstood, and most likely to derail a future exit: sales tax. Jessica breaks down how sales tax applies to non-tangible goods like SaaS products and apps, what triggers a sales tax nexus, and why ignoring it can lead to massive headaches during due diligence. She also shares insight on the best and worst states to set up your business from a tax standpoint, when to file a Voluntary Disclosure Agreement (VDA), and how to stay compliant if you’re selling across borders. If you're building a business with the goal of selling one day, this episode is a must-listen. It could save you from tax troubles that scare off buyers, or cost you more than you bargained for. Topics Discussed in this episode: The different types of taxes businesses should be aware of (03:45) Why sales tax is so important when selling your business (06:49) How sales tax is applied to software and apps (11:43) An overview of sales tax nexus (17:30) The different tax softwares that can help you figure out your taxes (19:50) The best and worst states to set up your business in (23:07) How to stay compliant if you have sales tax nexus (28:16) How tax works if you’re selling in foreign countries (30:37) When to file a VDA (33:56) A major misconception founders have about sales tax that hurts them later (39:39) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Jessicanomics.com Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to get your business taxes in order - before it’s too late.

The golden age of affiliate sites may be behind us, but can affiliate sites still make good money? And are websites in general still a good investment? In this episode, Greg speaks with Nathan Hamilton, a former equity analyst who shifted into buying and growing online businesses. Nathan recently acquired dividend.watch, a dividend investing platform that helps users discover stocks, track income, and manage their portfolios in one place. Nathan explains how Google’s algorithm updates and the rise of AI have reshaped the affiliate landscape. While many content sites have struggled, he shares which strategies still work and what kinds of online businesses are best positioned for success today. He also walks through his acquisition process, what he looks for in a deal, how he evaluates growth potential, and why he moved away from affiliate sites in favor of more product-driven platforms. As a non-technical buyer, Nathan offers helpful lessons on managing a tech-heavy site without technical expertise. Drawing from his financial background, Nathan compares investing in online businesses to buying stocks, weighing the risks, rewards, and potential ROI of each. Finally, Nathan flips the script on Greg, asking how he’s seeing affiliate site owners adapt to today’s SEO challenges and what strategies successful operators are using to diversify their traffic and revenue streams. If you’re wondering whether content sites still have a future, or you’re a would-be investor trying to choose between stocks and digital businesses, this episode is packed with firsthand insight you won’t want to miss. Topics Discussed in this episode: Nathan’s background and how he ended up flipping sites (02:19) What Nathan looks for in an acquisition (05:47) How the algorithm updates affected Nathan’s sites and how to thrive moving forward (07:32) Nathan’s growth plan for his newly acquired business (12:35) The best online business models to invest in right now (21:10) Nathan’s experience taking over an existing business (22:36) Nathan’s advice for non-technical buyers looking to acquire a business (24:28) The ROI of buying digital businesses vs buying stocks(27:12) Nathan’s Questions for Greg How is Greg seeing affiliate sites manage the current SEO and AI environment (30:42) What strategies are people using to diversify beyond SEO? (42:08) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Dividend Watch Semrush Uber Suggest Google Keyword Planner Sit back, grab a coffee, and discover whether investing in affiliate sites is still worth it.

AI is changing SEO as we know it. But what does this mean for SEO agencies?That is what Jerry Chen, Founder of ECF Marketing, joins us to discuss. Jerry brings his experience in SEO and marketing to unpack how AI is disrupting the traditional agency model. He predicts that as AI tools become more advanced, many marketing services, especially lower-ticket ones, will become cheaper and more commoditized as these tasks are increasingly fulfilled by AI agents. Agencies that fail to adapt may struggle, but those that evolve can thrive. It’s not all doom and gloom. As AI helps to reduce workloads and overheads, Jerry reminds us that it's only a matter of time until we see the first single-person unicorn. A business that hits at least a billion dollars in revenue, operated by one person and a bunch of AI agents. Greg and Jerry also explore the growing importance of personal branding. As AI-generated content floods the market, genuine human connection and authenticity will be what sets winning brands apart. If you're in digital marketing, run an agency, or want to stay ahead of the AI curve, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear how AI is reshaping SEO, and what savvy entrepreneurs are doing to stay competitive. Topics Discussed in this episode: Jerry’s background: From rocket science to SEO (03:00) The future of SEO in the age of AI (18:06) The traditional SEO agency model is dying (27:12) Why personal branding and human connection with your audience are so important (33:50) Jerry’s AI agency (38:06) Taking content repurposing to a whole new level with AI (48:58) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter ECF Marketing Jerry’s LinkedIn Sit back, grab a coffee, and explore how AI is transforming SEO agencies!  

If you’ve ever had to deal with fake reviews sabotaging your Amazon business, you know how damaging and frustrating it can be. That’s why Shane Barker created TraceFuse, an AI-powered platform that helps Amazon sellers detect and remove negative reviews that violate Amazon’s policies, without you having to lift a finger. In this episode, Shane joins us to discuss how TraceFuse came to life, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at how Amazon’s rating and review system really works. We dive into how to spot fake reviews, the consequences of letting them slide, and which niches are the biggest targets for fake review attacks. According to Shane, “Reviews are the core of Amazon. They not only affect sales, they also affect your Best Seller ranking and your star rating. We’ve seen people lose anywhere from 10% to 50% of their sales because they dropped from 4.3 to 4.2 stars. If you're a seller, you need to really focus on reviews. They’re the biggest thing you've got going.” Shane also shares some of the most surprising, and occasionally bizarre, fake reviews he’s come across, and walks us through the difference between the traditional manual reporting process and the streamlined system TraceFuse offers. If you’re an Amazon seller looking to protect your brand, improve your ratings, and fight back against unfair review tactics, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Topics Discussed in this episode: Shane’s background and the origins of TraceFuse (02:40) How the rating and review system on Amazon works (07:11) How to identify fake reviews (10:58) The consequences of fake reviews (19:39) The niches that are most targeted by fake review attacks (21:48) The most surprising reviews Shane has seen (27:38) The manual process for reporting fake reviews vs the TraceFuse process (31:36) White hat vs grey hat reputation management (35:55) The RIO Shane has seen for his clients by removing fake reviews (40:32) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter TraceFuse Amazon Review Checker Smart Scout eCom Engine Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to manage fake Amazon reviews!  

Most entrepreneurs are so busy chasing new opportunities that they overlook the goldmine sitting right inside their own business. That’s where eCommerce growth expert Sabir Semerkant comes in. With 25 years of experience and over $1 billion in incremental sales under his belt, Sabir knows exactly where businesses are leaving money on the table. He uses that experience to help other businesses grow through his growth mastermind curse, Growth By Sabir.In this episode, Sabir walks us through the often-overlooked opportunities that can be unlocked through performance optimization. He explains the power of consistency and compound growth, showing how a simple 1% boost in key metrics each day can lead to almost 37x growth over a year. Much of this growth can be accessed from within your business, by using the resources and data already at your disposal. Sabir explains, “You don't see librarians driving Lamborghinis. They have access to all the knowledge in the library, but they're not using it. Many entrepreneurs are the same. They have data all over the place, scattered in Shopify, Google Analytics, Klaviyo, Google ads, Meta ads, etc. But they don’t  use that data to help them grow their business.” If you’re ready to scale smarter, not harder, this episode is packed with game-changing insights. Don’t miss it! Topics Discussed in this episode: From computer scientist to eCommerce veteran (02:18) The compounding power of just 1% growth every day (14:48) The importance of performance optimization (19:57) What is a good ROAS for an eCommerce company? (29:38) Direct response marketing is a powerful tool that is often overlooked (36:09) The dangers of offering too many discounts to your customers (44:14) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Growth by Sabir (special offer) GT Metrix Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn the power of performance optimization!  

Many people talk about personal branding like it’s the golden ticket to success. But is it really the best way to grow a business?  There’s no doubt that having a strong personal brand can open doors. It helps you stand out, build trust, and connect with an audience. Entrepreneurs like Alex Hormozi have used their personal brands to create massive business opportunities. But here’s the catch—when your business revolves around you, scaling becomes a challenge. What happens when you want to step away? Or sell the business? Buyers don’t want a business that disappears when the owner does. They want systems, not personalities. In this episode, Greg breaks down the pros and cons of building a personal brand and whether it’s worth your time. He also shares alternative strategies, like focusing on building a great product or service first, as well as practical advice on how to balance personal branding with long-term business growth. If you’ve been wondering whether you need a personal brand to succeed, this episode will give you a fresh perspective. Tune in and find out how to do it the right way! Topics Discussed in this episode: Personal brands are not as important as you think (02:00) Personal brands only work if you have an interesting story (04:15) The opportunity cost of personal branding (05:50) The advantages of having a personal brand (09:33) The challenge of selling a business with a personal brand (14:39) The marketing funnel misconception (19:58) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter The Leader Sip Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn the pros and cons of personal branding when building a business.

Is the AI boom just another bubble waiting to burst, or is it the start of a power wave of business opportunities? Well, that depends on how sustainable AI-driven businesses are in the long run.In this episode, Greg dives into the realities of AI-driven businesses—covering what makes them valuable, the risks buyers should watch out for, and whether AI businesses have long-term staying power. Greg explores how AI is being used in eCommerce, marketing agencies, and SaaS, and why some models succeed while others struggle. With rapid advancements, AI businesses can scale quickly, but they also face challenges like dependence on third-party technology, evolving regulations, and increasing competition.Thinking about selling your AI business? We cover what buyers are actually looking for—like strong recurring revenue and proprietary data. And if you’re considering buying an AI business, Greg shares tips on how to spot real opportunities and avoid risky deals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about the AI boom, this episode is packed with insights to help you make smart decisions. Topics Discussed in this episode: The AI business boom & overheating market (01:26) The risk of AI business obsolescence (02:46) The best strategy: build fast & sell fast (05:46) The reality of selling AI businesses (09:16) eCommerce and AI media companies as a safer business model (12:03) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Sit back, and grab a coffee as we discuss the opportunities and pitfalls of the AI boom.

Great entrepreneurs don’t just wait for opportunities, they create them. That’s exactly what Tim Swieter did. It all started when Tim was searching for storage containers for his home workshop. He quickly realized that the Systainer market in the U.S. had a major gap. Instead of just moving on, he saw an opportunity. So, he reached out to the international owners of Systainer with a proposition - he wanted to become their U.S. distributor. Fast-forward a few years, and what started as a side hustle turned into the largest Systainer distribution business in the country. Then came the ultimate full-circle moment: Tim sold the business back to Systainer’s owners, walking away with a lucrative payday and a wealth of experience. In this episode, Tim shares the inside story—how he identified an overlooked niche, built brand recognition and trust, and scaled his business. He also opens up about the challenges of selling, the unexpected hurdles he faced, and what it’s really like to stay involved as a consultant post-acquisition. According to Tim, “If you're going to consult, you have to set boundaries and clearly outline the scope of your work. You also need to know that you really want to work with that team. If those things don't exist, you either need to really cut back on the consulting or not do it at all.” Whether you're looking to sell your business or searching for inspiration on how to build one, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Topics Discussed in this episode: From building theme park rollercoasters to running an eCommerce business  (02:08) The challenges Tim faced launching and growing his business (10:36) The marketing strategies Tim used to build trust and brand recognition (13:00) Balancing B2B vs B2C customers (20:35) How Tim became the biggest Systainer supplier in the US (23:08) How Tim ended up selling his Systainer business (27:39) Calculating a valuation for the business (32:27) The timeline of the sale - it’s always longer than you think (38:17) Tim’s new post-acquisition consulting role (40:22) Tim’s work in the SaaS world and the opportunities he found in that industry (47:12) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Tim’s LinkedIn Systainer.store Swieter.net Pipedream Retool Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how this entrepreneur identified a gap in the market and used it to his advantage!

Marketplaces are notoriously hard businesses to run and build. We would know.Running a marketplace means constantly balancing two sides—the buyers and the sellers. If one side struggles, the whole thing falls apart.Chris M. Walker has cracked the code of this delicate dance. As the founder of Legiit, a thriving freelance marketplace for businesses, agencies, and SEOs, he’s learned how to make both sides of the equation work in harmony. In this episode, we sit down with Chris to unpack the operational challenges of running a double-sided marketplace. He shares the lessons he's learned, the mistakes he’s made, and the strategies that helped Legiit become a trusted platform for freelancers.One of the biggest takeaways? The power of company culture. Scaling a business means founders can’t do everything themselves. Chris believes a strong, well-aligned remote team is the key to keeping things running smoothly—even when you’re not in the room. He prioritizes culture to make sure his team is not just working but thriving. If you're growing a business, managing a remote team, or thinking about starting your own marketplace, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Tune in to the full episode to learn more! Topics Discussed in this episode: Chris’s origins story and how he ended up creating Legiit (02:38) Dealing with the double-sided marketplace problem (07:09) How Chris attracts customers to Legiit (09:39) Using courses as a loss-leader product (13:58) Chris breaks down Legiit’s marketing funnel (16:03) Chris’s experience at the India SEO conference and the power of conferences (21:03) How Chris structures and manages his team (27:52) Chris’s advice for managing remote teams (32:09) How freelancers can get clients and how to adjust to a larger client base (36:35) Chris’s thoughts on the impact of AI and the future of SEO (44:06) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Legiit Chris’s Facebook Chris’s YouTube Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to grow a marketplace and build an efficient remote team!