The Aspiring Solopreneur

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

You’ve worked hard to get your solopreneur business off the ground, but what happens when things start to stall, or worse, head in the wrong direction? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe dig into the “improving” phase of the Solopreneur Success Cycle. They uncover the seven most common failure modes that can quietly sabotage your progress, from burnout and stagnation to external threats and even your own mindset. Whether your business is thriving or just surviving, these insights will help you spot trouble early, course-correct with confidence, and keep your business aligned with the life you want to live.Popular Questions and Answers From The EpisodeWhat’s the first thing solopreneurs should address when improving their business?If there’s an existential threat, that has to come first. These are big, business-ending issues—like a major competitor undercutting your prices, new technology disrupting your industry, or a business model that simply isn’t working. Before worrying about tweaks or small improvements, solopreneurs need to tackle these threats head-on to ensure survival.What are the “seven failure modes” solopreneurs should watch out for?Joe outlined seven common failure modes:Misalignment – your business no longer matches your goals or interests.Overload – you’re working too much and burning out.Money problems – not enough revenue or profit to sustain you.External risks – outside forces like platform changes or new competitors.Stagnation – growth stalls or customers start slipping away.Execution failure – not delivering quality results to clients.Psychological barriers – mindset issues like fear, procrastination, or undercharging.Recognizing which one you’re facing is the first step toward fixing it.How do solopreneurs know when it’s time to reimagine their business?It’s time to reimagine when your business stops serving your life. Even if it’s profitable and running smoothly, if you’ve lost enthusiasm, feel misaligned, or your personal goals have shifted, that’s a signal to step back. Sometimes improving your business isn’t about fixing broken systems—it’s about reshaping it so it supports the life you want today, not the one you wanted years ago. 🌟 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

After spending so much time laying the groundwork in the planning phase, it’s finally time to take action. In this episode, Carly and Joe step into the doing phase of the Solopreneur Success Cycle, where strategies move from paper to practice. They share how to run your business with intention, capture issues before they slip through the cracks, and decide what deserves your immediate attention versus what can wait. From simple fixes to documenting big-picture improvements, this is the phase where solopreneurs turn ideas into execution and momentum into results.Important Questions From The Episode:Why is it important to document issues instead of just fixing them right away?Because not every problem is urgent. Writing issues down helps you pause, evaluate the impact, and decide whether it needs immediate attention or can wait until you’re in the improvement phase. It also preserves the insights you have in the moment or ideas you might forget months later when you finally revisit the problem.What framework can solopreneurs use to prioritize what to work on?The Eisenhower Matrix is a powerful tool. It helps you separate tasks into four categories: urgent and important, urgent but not important, important but not urgent, and neither urgent nor important. Doing this allows solopreneurs to focus on what truly drives the business forward rather than just reacting to whatever feels pressing in the moment.How can writing things down reduce stress for solopreneurs?Carrying everything in your head creates mental clutter and even sleepless nights. By getting issues, tasks, and ideas out of your brain and into a trusted system, whether that’s a notebook, worksheet, or an app, you free up mental space. You’ll rest easier knowing nothing important will slip through the cracks. 🌟 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

Ever wonder which tools and services you actually need as a solopreneur, and which ones are just shiny distractions? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe revisit one of the most debated sections of their book, Solopreneur Business For Dummies: setting up your company’s tools and services. From creating rock-solid SOPs to knowing when to outsource, to avoiding the dreaded “tool overload,” they break down how to make smarter choices that actually save you time. Plus, they share how AI can help today (and where it still falls short). If you’ve ever felt stuck between doing it all yourself, hiring help, or buying yet another app, you won’t want to miss this conversation.Three Episode TakeawaysShould I outsource tasks as a solopreneur or keep doing everything myself? You don’t need employees to be a solopreneur, but you also don’t have to do everything alone. Outsourcing to contractors or companies for specific tasks can save time and prevent burnout. The key is to outsource before you’re desperate. This way, you have time to properly train someone and set up processes that work.How do I know which tools are worth paying for? Start by identifying the specific problem you want to solve, then choose tools that are simple, affordable, and easy to integrate with your current setup. Avoid chasing “shiny objects” that solve problems you don’t even have yet. Use free trials strategically and actually test them on a real task during the trial period, and start with monthly payments until you’re confident it’s a good fit.What should come first: documenting processes or finding tools and services? Always start with documenting your processes in the form of standard operating procedures (SOPs). If you try to outsource or automate a broken process, you’ll only make the problems bigger. SOPs give you a clear, repeatable checklist that works whether you do it yourself, hand it off to someone else, or use a tool to automate it. 🌟 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

Think of onboarding like a marriage: you don’t stop showing up once the vows (or the sale) are made. In this episode, they unpack why onboarding is the delight phase of the buyer’s journey, how to prevent buyer’s remorse, and the small but powerful touches that turn customers into lifelong fans (and evangelists). If you’ve ever wondered how to make sure your clients feel like they “married the right business,” this one’s for you.A Few Q&As From The EpisodeWhy is onboarding such a critical step after a sale? Answer: Because the sale isn’t the finish line, it’s the starting point of the customer relationship. Onboarding reassures buyers they made the right decision, prevents buyer’s remorse, sets clear expectations, and begins building long-term trust.What are some simple ways solopreneurs can make onboarding effective?Answer: Start with a warm welcome, whether it’s a personalized email, a short video, or even a handwritten note. Follow up with clear next steps, resources, or tutorials to help customers get value quickly. The key is making clients feel seen, supported, and confident right away.How does great onboarding impact future sales and referrals?Answer: Thoughtful onboarding turns new customers into fans and fans into evangelists. When clients feel cared for and successful with your product or service, they’re far more likely to renew, upgrade, or tell their friends about you, which makes lead generation and sales much easier down the line. 🌟 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

Sales doesn’t have to feel slimy or stressful. In fact, when you treat it as service, selling becomes a natural extension of helping people. In this episode, Carly and Joe break down the planning side of sales for solopreneurs, from understanding levels of touch to qualifying leads and nailing your quick pitch. If the thought of selling makes you cringe, this conversation will help you rethink the process and build a sales plan that actually feels good.Important Questions Answered In This EpisodeHow can solopreneurs approach sales without feeling sleazy? By reframing sales as service. Instead of trying to push a product, focus on finding people who have problems you can genuinely solve. When you approach conversations with the goal of helping rather than selling, it becomes natural, authentic, and far less intimidating, even for introverts.What does “level of touch” mean in sales planning? The level of touch refers to how much interaction you have with a potential customer. High-touch sales involve more personal engagement, like coaching calls or consultations, while low-touch or no-touch sales rely on things like websites, emails, or quick transactions for lower-priced products. Solopreneurs need to match their sales process to both their offering and the time they can realistically invest.Why is qualifying leads so important? Not every prospect is worth your time. By qualifying leads, making sure they have a problem you can solve, the authority to make a decision, and the budget to buy, you avoid wasting hours chasing “tire kickers.” A simple system for filtering leads upfront saves time, energy, and frustration later on. 🌟 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

After nine years of collaborating virtually, Carly and Joe finally met face-to-face at the INBOUND conference in San Francisco. The sessions were buzzing with AI talk, but Carly and Joe zeroed in on what really matters for solopreneurs: marketing strategy that puts people first. In this episode, they unpack why human connection is more powerful than any algorithm, how trust fuels business growth, and why a solid strategy beats chasing every shiny new tactic. Whether it’s AI Engine Optimization or grassroots networking, you’ll learn how to cut through the noise and build marketing that actually works for solopreneurs.Important Takeaways From The EpisodeWhy is marketing strategy more important than tactics for solopreneurs? Because tactics change constantly. New platforms, AI tools, and algorithms come and go, but if you have a clear strategy, knowing who you serve, what your brand stands for, and how you build trust, you can adapt to any trend. Strategy is your foundation, tactics are just the tools you plug in along the way.How does AI impact solopreneur marketing? AI is creating noise in the marketplace, making it harder for people to know what’s authentic. The good news? That actually gives solopreneurs an edge. Solopreneurs have always relied on real human connection and trust to grow their businesses, and those skills are now more valuable than ever. AI can support your work by handling repetitive tasks, but it should never replace your strategy or your voice.What are the key steps to building an effective solopreneur marketing strategy? It comes down to five essentials:Build trust.Create resonance.Establish desire.Inspire action.Repeat the process.This loop ensures your marketing always stays people-centered, no matter the trends. 🌟 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