The Aspiring Solopreneur
Joe Rando, Carly Ries
*Formerly known as Solopreneur: The One-Person Business Podcast*
Welcome to The Aspiring Solopreneur, the weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of solopreneurship. Join us as we bring you insightful interviews with industry experts and successful solopreneurs who have mastered the art of running their own businesses.
Are you a solopreneur looking for guidance on how to attract clients? Or maybe you're searching for ways to stay motivated and overcome the challenges of working alone. Perhaps you're even struggling with the intricacies of taxes and financial management. No matter what obstacles you face, The Aspiring Solopreneur Podcast is here to provide you with the knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice you need.
In each episode, our hosts, Joe Rando and Carly Ries, sit down with a diverse range of guests, including seasoned solopreneurs, marketing gurus, financial experts, and productivity specialists. Together, they unpack the secrets to solo success, sharing their personal stories, strategies, and actionable tips.
Learn from those who have paved the way before you, as they reveal their tried-and-true methods for growing their company of one.
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's SoloSuite 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: https://www.lifestarr.com/lifestarr-intro-for-solopreneurs
Welcome to The Aspiring Solopreneur, the weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of solopreneurship. Join us as we bring you insightful interviews with industry experts and successful solopreneurs who have mastered the art of running their own businesses.
Are you a solopreneur looking for guidance on how to attract clients? Or maybe you're searching for ways to stay motivated and overcome the challenges of working alone. Perhaps you're even struggling with the intricacies of taxes and financial management. No matter what obstacles you face, The Aspiring Solopreneur Podcast is here to provide you with the knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice you need.
In each episode, our hosts, Joe Rando and Carly Ries, sit down with a diverse range of guests, including seasoned solopreneurs, marketing gurus, financial experts, and productivity specialists. Together, they unpack the secrets to solo success, sharing their personal stories, strategies, and actionable tips.
Learn from those who have paved the way before you, as they reveal their tried-and-true methods for growing their company of one.
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's SoloSuite 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: https://www.lifestarr.com/lifestarr-intro-for-solopreneurs
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 21, 2025 • 10min
221. Is Your Solo Business Actually Feasbile? Find Out!
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
Aug 19, 2025 • 17min
220. The Biggest Mistake Solopreneurs Make: Selling to “Everyone”
Before you dive headfirst into your solopreneur journey, there are two things you absolutely need to nail down: your competition and your customers. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Joe and Carly continue the series on the Solopreneur Success Cycle and break down why “everyone” is not your audience, how to spot opportunities your competitors are overlooking, and why creating personas (yes, even giving them names and backstories) can completely change how you connect with your market. Whether you’re refining your niche or just starting to sketch out your customer base, this episode will give you practical insights to avoid spinning your wheels and start building a business that truly resonates.
🌟 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
Aug 14, 2025 • 10min
219. From Vision to Plan: The Next Step in the Solopreneur Success Cycle
In this episode, we kick off the Planning phase of the Solopreneur Success Cycle and break down the must-knows before you dive in. From choosing the right title for yourself to simplifying your business model into three core parts, you’ll learn how to set yourself up for efficiency, clarity, and higher earning potential. Whether you’re just starting or refining your business, these insights will help you plan smarter and avoid costly detours.
Aug 12, 2025 • 12min
218. Dream It Before You Build It: The Envision Stage For Solopreneurs Explained
Ever wonder how to take that fuzzy “someday” business idea and turn it into something real, without locking yourself into a plan too soon? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, we’re diving into the Envision stage of the Solopreneur Success Cycle (episode 3 of The Solopreneur Success Cycle Series beginning with episode 216). We’ll talk about dreaming big without overcomplicating, why your goals (not just a trendy framework) should guide your choices, and how to vet your ideas without fear of someone “stealing” them. Plus, we’ll share why niching down is actually your best friend and how your so-called competition can become your biggest allies. Whether you have no idea what business to start or just want to make sure you’re on the right track, this conversation will help you turn possibility into clarity.
🌟 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
Aug 7, 2025 • 12min
217. Don't Skip This Step: The Secret To Building A Solo Business You'll Love
If you’re ready to create a business that supports your life instead of running it, this is the episode you need. Carly and Joe dive into Step Zero of the Solopreneur Success Cycle: Defining Your Goals, and spoiler alert: it’s way deeper than “make money” or “gain freedom.”You’ll learn how to uncover your true why, build goals that actually guide your decisions, and avoid creating a business you secretly resent. From toddler-style questioning to "change charts" and accountability hacks, this episode is your blueprint for building a business you actually like.Whether you're dreaming, pivoting, or feeling stuck, press play before you plan another move.
🌟 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
Aug 5, 2025 • 11min
216. Start Here: The Solopreneur Blueprint You Didn’t Know You Needed
Ever feel like you're building your solo business one guess at a time? In this episode, Carly and Joe pull back the curtain on the Solopreneur Success Cycle, the foundational framework behind their new book Solopreneur Business for Dummies. From defining your goals (hello, Step Zero!) to tweaking, refining, and reimagining your business as it grows, they break down the entire cycle designed specifically for one-person businesses. It's not a lecture, it’s a roadmap with a healthy side of real talk, laughs, and lessons you can apply right away. Whether you buy the book or not (but, like, you should), this series is your shortcut to building a business that actually works 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
Jul 31, 2025 • 24min
215. Can Prioritizing Rest Grow Your Business? This Solopreneur Says Yes
What if building a business didn’t require burnout, hustle culture, or 80-hour workweeks? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, we chat with Amanda Bourbonais—copywriter, wellness advocate, and self-proclaimed OG Health-First Freelancer—about how a health crisis reshaped her definition of success and led her to build a thriving six-figure business…with plenty of time for naps.Amanda shares how to manage client expectations with grace, raise your rates with confidence, and why prioritizing your well-being isn’t just possible—it’s profitable. Whether you’re managing chronic illness or just sick of glorifying the grind, this episode is a must-listen for solopreneurs who want to thrive without sacrificing their health.
🌟 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
Jul 29, 2025 • 10min
214. It’s Not Me, It’s You: How to Break Up with Problem Clients
Ever had a client that made you question your life choices? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe dive deep into the art (and science) of firing problem clients without burning bridges—or your sanity. From subtle red flags to graceful exits, they’ll help you figure out when it’s time to say, “It’s not me, it’s you.” Whether you're drowning in scope creep or stuck with a client who’s just not a fit anymore, this episode is your permission slip to let go and level up.
🌟 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
Jul 24, 2025 • 11min
213. PR Isn’t Just for the Big Guys! Here's How Solopreneurs Can Steal the Spotlight.
PR might sound like it's just for celebrities and big brands, but guess what? Solopreneurs, this one’s for you. In this episode, we’re breaking down simple, doable PR strategies that can get you media coverage, even if you don’t have a press team, a bestselling product, or a household name (yet).We’re talking about how to pitch like a pro, what journalists actually want, and why the best way to get featured might just start with your inbox and a clear, authentic story. We even shout out our favorite PR expert, Simone Sauter, who gave us amazing insights a few months back.Oh, and did we mention? We just turned in the final pages of our Solopreneur Business For Dummies book! It’s officially out of our hands and available for pre-order. So yes, we're celebrating… and yes, we’re shamelessly plugging.If you want to get press without stress, this episode is your new best friend.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
Jul 22, 2025 • 22min
212. Confused by Instagram? This Episode Will Fix That
Think Instagram is just for influencers and avocado toast? Think again. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, we sit down with Sydney O'Brien, a rockstar Instagram strategist who built her business while juggling three kids under five and a military deployment (yes, really).Sydney shares why most solopreneurs are talking past their dream clients, the mistake you're probably making with your hashtags, and how to stop letting engagement (or lack thereof) ruin your day. From easy tools for beginners to the secret behind getting real conversations started in the DMs, she breaks down Instagram in a way that’s actually doable and even fun.If Instagram makes your eye twitch, this episode is your cure. Tune in and get ready to rethink your whole content game.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
