The Aspiring Solopreneur

Wouldn’t it be nice if your business could just stay perfect forever: same clients, same income, same flow? Yeah… we wish! In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe get real about how to future-proof your business (and yourself) for the inevitable changes ahead. From spotting shifts in your industry to using AI and automation wisely, diversifying income streams, and planning for the long haul, this episode is your blueprint for staying resilient no matter what tomorrow throws your way.It’s not about predicting the future, it’s about being ready for it.What does it mean to future-proof your business as a solopreneur? Future-proofing is all about building resilience and adaptability into your business so you can thrive no matter what changes come your way. You can’t predict every trend or challenge, but you can create systems, habits, and strategies that help you pivot quickly, like setting aside time to review what’s shifting in your industry, automating key tasks, and staying curious about new tools and opportunities.How can I stay on top of trends without getting overwhelmed?Be intentional about what you consume. Set up Google Alerts for your niche, use AI tools to summarize relevant updates, and curate your social media feeds to focus only on accounts that bring you value. The goal isn’t to chase every shiny object,it’s to pay attention to the shifts that truly impact your clients, your market, or your workflow.What’s one of the smartest ways to make your business more resilient?Diversify your income streams within your expertise. For example, if you’re a coach, offer 1:1 sessions, but also create a digital course, downloadable resources, or a group program. That way, if one area slows down, another can pick up the slack. Bonus points if you layer in automation so some of those streams run while you’re off the clock. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

What happens when your biggest strength, helping others, starts draining your energy?In this empowering episode, returning guest Leah Marone, psychotherapist and author of Serial Fixer, joins Carly for a heart-to-heart about why solopreneurs often fall into “fixer mode.” You’ll learn how to stop rescuing and start empowering, how to calm your inner critic, and how to set boundaries without guilt. If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “I’ll just do it myself,” this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.FAQs From The EpisodeHow can solopreneurs tell if they’re a “serial fixer”? If you constantly jump in to solve problems that aren’t yours, feel drained after “helping,” or struggle to let others handle things, even small tasks, you might be in fixer mode. Leah calls this “micro codependency.” It’s not about bad intentions—it’s about overextending yourself in the name of helping.What’s the difference between rescuing and empowering? Rescuing means taking ownership of someone else’s problem; empowering means supporting them to find their own solution. Leah shares her favorite mantra: “Support, don’t solve.” That small mindset shift gives people their own reps while freeing you from unnecessary emotional labor.How can solopreneurs set boundaries without feeling guilty? Leah explains that guilt often comes from your inner pleaser, the part of you that fears rejection or judgment. The fix? Recognize that this voice is trying to protect you. Appreciate its intention, but guide it gently toward balance. Sustainable boundaries come from understanding your internal drivers, not ignoring them. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

You’ve got your solopreneur business humming: systems in place, clients happy, goals aligned...but there’s one crucial piece most of us forget: our own well-being. In this episode, Carly and Joe get real about the not-so-glamorous (but absolutely essential) side of solopreneurship, balancing your business and your life. From scheduling workouts like meetings to curbing doomscrolling and finding your community, they unpack the habits that keep you sane and successful. Because when you are your business, taking care of yourself isn’t optional, it’s strategy.Q&As From The EpisodeHow can solopreneurs maintain work-life balance when their business depends entirely on them?It starts with designing your business around your life, not the other way around. Schedule movement like it’s a client meeting, set clear boundaries for work hours, and implement repeatable systems so you’re not constantly reinventing the wheel. Remember: you are the business—so maintaining your well-being is maintaining your productivity.What can solopreneurs do to combat isolation and loneliness?Working solo doesn’t mean being alone. Join local meetups, online communities, or hobby groups to stay connected. Networking is also one of the most powerful growth tools for solopreneurs—you don’t need a million clients, just meaningful relationships that keep both your business and your mindset thriving.How can solopreneurs avoid burnout and decision fatigue?Repetition and routines are your secret weapons. Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for daily tasks, batch your decisions when possible, and celebrate your wins—big or small. Recognizing progress keeps your motivation high and prevents the constant “what’s next?” pressure from draining your energy. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

What if your dream of working from home and spending more time with your family wasn't just possible, but wildly successful? Meet Todd and Leah Rae Getts, a couple who went from having zero business or marketing experience to making six figures a month online. How did they do it? Desperation, determination, and a whole lot of smart strategy.In this episode, we dive into their incredible journey from network marketing failures to mastering affiliate marketing, launching their own course, and achieving true freedom. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of starting an online business, their advice on branding, lead generation, and automation will change the game for you. Plus, they break down the key to standing out in a crowded market and scaling without losing your sanity. Ready to build a business and life you actually love?Hit play now!Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business.  So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro!Access LifeStarr Intro

If you're still getting your business advice from that one guy on LinkedIn who hasn't updated his profile since 2014... this episode is your wake-up call.We're diving into what it really means to future-proof your solo business—and spoiler: it’s not just about hopping on the latest tech trend. From decluttering your feed to actually talking to your audience, Carly and Joe share no-fluff strategies to help you stay ahead without burning out.Whether you’re overwhelmed by AI hype or stuck in scroll mode, this episode will help you cut through the noise and tune into what actually matters to help you run a successful solo business.Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business.  So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro!Access LifeStarr Intro

Ever hit rock bottom (physically, mentally, or in your business )and wondered how to climb back stronger? Zachary Del Monaco has done it twice before age 25. From spinal surgery that left him relearning how to walk to rebuilding his business and relationship with his father, Zach shares what it really takes to rise again as a solopreneur. In this powerful and personal episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, he joins Carly and Joe to talk about grit, authenticity, and the small wins that build unstoppable momentum. Get ready for an episode that’s part inspiration, part blueprint for resilience...and all heart.Q&As from the EpisodeWhat can solopreneurs do when their business isn’t taking off as fast as they hoped?Zach reminds us that success often takes far longer than expected and that persistence is the differentiator. Most people quit during the slow, uncertain middle, but those who stay consistent eventually outlast the competition. His advice? Focus on small, daily wins instead of distant goals. Each mini-milestone builds momentum and confidence until those big results finally appear.How can solopreneurs rebuild after hitting a major setback or starting from scratch?Having faced both physical and emotional rock bottoms, Zach believes that every collapse offers a chance to rebuild stronger. Whether it’s losing a business, a partnership, or confidence, setbacks are opportunities to reassess foundations. Instead of rushing to recover, solopreneurs should focus on what they’ve learned, redefine their “why,” and rebuild with a more stable mindset and structure.Why is authenticity such an important part of solopreneur success?In Zach’s view, authenticity is what cuts through the noise (especially in a world where AI can make everything sound the same). He believes that people connect to real humans, not polished perfection. By being transparent about both victories and struggles, solopreneurs create genuine trust and attract audiences who want connection, not just content.

So, you’ve got a business idea you’re excited about. But here’s the big question: does it actually work on paper, or will it drain your bank account before it takes off?In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe break down how to test the feasibility of your business idea, spot potential deal-breaking showstoppers, and price your services with confidence (without letting imposter syndrome drag you down). If you’re ready to stress-test your solo venture before you dive in headfirst, this one’s for you. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

Have you ever wondered how to get in front of the right audience without constantly chasing leads? In this episode, Christina Lenkowski shares how solopreneurs can use podcast guesting as a powerful tool to build credibility, attract clients, and grow their businesses. From pitching yourself with confidence to turning interviews into lasting opportunities, you’ll learn exactly how to make guest podcasting work for you.Episode FAQsI don’t have a huge following. Can podcast guesting still work for me?Absolutely. You don’t need a big audience to get results from podcast guesting, you just need the right audience. Focus on smaller, niche shows that attract your ideal clients rather than chasing big-name podcasts. Those intimate, topic-focused audiences are often more engaged and more likely to convert. Think quality over quantity.How do I find the right podcasts to be a guest on?Start by leveraging your network. Ask peers, clients, or your online community what shows they listen to. Then, use the Podcast Piggyback Method Christina mentioned: search for someone who shares your target audience, look up the shows they’ve been on, and explore similar ones. Tools like Apple Podcasts and ListenNotes make it easy to spot patterns and find aligned shows.How can I measure if podcast guesting is actually helping my business?Track results in a few simple ways:Add a “How did you hear about me?” question to your intake forms.Use a unique link or promo code when sharing your offer on shows.Review your growth quarterly (email list, website traffic, social followers). Remember, podcast guesting builds long-term trust and visibility, so results often compound over time as people hear you on multiple shows.

Making changes in your business doesn’t have to feel messy or overwhelming. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe introduce the SMOOTH method, a step-by-step framework to help you sequence changes, manage your energy, communicate with transparency, and lock in the lessons you learn. If you’ve ever struggled to implement improvements without burning out or losing momentum, this method will give you the clarity and structure you need to move forward with confidence.Q&As From The EpisodeHow do I know which changes to make first in my business?Start by sequencing smartly. Not every change needs to happen at once, and some are dependent on others. Look at the order of operations: what’s foundational and what relies on that foundation. Begin with the changes that unlock or support others, so you don’t waste time redoing work.I’m worried about overwhelming myself while making improvements. How do I avoid burnout?The Smooth Method emphasizes managing your load and energy. Take on one change at a time, and give yourself breaks between projects. Running a business while trying to improve it is demanding, and protecting your time and sanity ensures you don’t stall out before seeing results.How do I make sure changes actually stick and pay off?First, track your success with clear metrics. Define what “done” and “successful” look like before you start. Then, after implementation, harvest the lessons by reflecting and documenting what worked and what didn’t. This way, every improvement becomes a repeatable process rather than a one-off experiment. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

Making changes in your business is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when everything seems important at once. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe walk you through the PRIORITY Framework, a practical tool to help you decide which changes are worth your time, energy, and resources. From spotting critical survival moves to weighing risks, opportunities, and alignment with your vision, this framework will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a never-ending list of “should-dos,” this conversation will show you how to turn it into a clear, strategic plan.Popular Questions and Answers From The EpisodeHow do I know which business changes to tackle first?Start with survival. If something threatens the health of your business, like a major client loss or a broken system, it automatically goes to the top of your list. Joe calls this the “Peril” step in the PRIORITY framework. Handle what keeps the doors open before anything else.What if I have a change in mind, but I don’t have the skills or resources to pull it off?Then it’s not a priority...yet. Implementation and resources are key filters in the framework. If you can’t realistically execute the change now, put it on a “someday/maybe” list instead of draining energy and momentum.How do I avoid wasting time on changes that don’t move my business forward?Ask whether the change creates real opportunity and aligns with your vision. Will it grow revenue, reduce stress, or bring you closer to your long-term goals? If it’s just a shiny object, it might feel exciting, but it won’t serve your bigger picture. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free