
The Aspiring Solopreneur
*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.
Subscribe now and join our community of solopreneurs who are committed to achieving their goals, mastering their craft, and creating a fulfilling and prosperous business on their own terms. Get ready to unlock the secrets to solo success and become the best version of yourself as a one-person business owner.
Want to learn from and grow with other solopreneurs? Join our movement for FREE at https://www.lifestarr.com/solosuite-intro-for-solopreneurs
Latest episodes

Feb 6, 2025 • 12min
Episode 167. The Power of No: Why Turning Down Work Can Make You More Successful - Sound Bite Episode
What if we told you that turning down a million-dollar deal could actually be the best business decision you ever make? Sounds crazy, right? But in this sound bite episode, Joe and Carly dive into why saying no—to the wrong projects, the wrong clients, and even the wrong skill sets—can be the key to building a thriving, fulfilling business. If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, burnout, or taking on work that doesn’t align with your goals, this episode is a game-changer. Tune in now and learn how to embrace the power of no!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

Feb 4, 2025 • 30min
166. Turn Passion Into Profit: Alice Ford’s Advice for Solopreneurs
What if your solopreneur journey wasn’t confined to a laptop and a coffee shop? What if it was filled with adventure, storytelling, and making a real impact on the planet? This week, we sit down with Alice Ford, an award-winning adventure filmmaker, stuntwoman, and environmental advocate, to talk about how she built a brand that’s anything but cookie-cutter. From flipping off buildings as a stunt double to producing her own PBS travel show, Alice has carved out a career that blends passion, purpose, and business savvy.In this episode, Alice reveals:The key to creating a brand that truly stands outHow authenticity drives success—and why faking it won’t cut itThe biggest mistakes people make on YouTube (and how to avoid them!)Insider tips for landing brand deals that align with your missionHow to stay productive while living life on the goWhether you dream of turning your passion into a full-time gig or just want to hear from someone who’s actually living the dream, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss!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

Jan 30, 2025 • 10min
165. Building Your Personal Brand: It’s More Than a Logo and a Tagline - Sound Bite Episode
Think your brand is just a logo and a color scheme? Think again! As a solopreneur, YOU are your brand. In this sound bite episode, we dive into what truly makes a personal brand stand out. From embracing your unique strengths to building trust with your audience, we break down why your brand is about more than just marketing—it’s about who you are and how you show up.Plus, we’ll tackle the common mistakes solopreneurs make when crafting their brand (spoiler: calling yourself an "expert" isn’t always the best move).Tune in for insights, laughs, and practical advice on how to make your personal brand unforgettable. 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

Jan 28, 2025 • 30min
164. Six Keys to Solopreneur Success: Lessons from a 20-Year Veteran with Liz Steblay
What does it take to thrive as a solopreneur and truly love the life you’re building? Liz Steblay knows the answer—and she’s sharing her wisdom from over 20 years of self-employment, coaching, and business-building. In this episode, Liz reveals how she fell into solopreneurship before the term even existed, the hard lessons she learned along the way, and the six essential keys to succeeding as a solopreneur.From navigating financial independence to finding your niche, Liz's advice is practical, inspiring, and a must-hear for anyone considering taking the leap from corporate America. Plus, she shares actionable tips on building momentum, staying confident, and creating a business you actually enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned solopreneur or just dreaming of making the jump, this episode is packed with golden nuggets to fuel your journey.Want to dive deeper? Head to 6keys.info to learn more about Liz and her book Succeeding as a Solopreneur: Six Keys to Taking the Leap, Winning Clients, and Building Wealth.🎙 Tune in, subscribe, and get ready to be inspired! Oh, and don’t forget to leave us that five-star review :)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

Jan 23, 2025 • 7min
163. This Simple Mindset Shift Will Transform Your Solo Career Forever - Sound Bite Episode
In this quick but powerful sound bite episode, Carly Ries and Joe Rando tackle one of the most important distinctions for anyone considering solo entrepreneurship: freelancer vs. solopreneur. What sets them apart? Why does it matter? And most importantly, how can you transform your mindset—and your approach—to stand out in a crowded market?Whether you're stuck chasing gigs on platforms like Upwork or dreaming of building a thriving personal brand, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you shift from trading time for money to building a business that's truly yours. Plus, don't miss Carly's shameless plug for their Solopreneur Success Cycle—it might just be the roadmap you need to take the leap.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

Jan 21, 2025 • 46min
162. The Secrets to Solopreneur Efficiency: How to Reclaim Hours Each Week with Will Christensen
We’re diving straight into the heart of what matters most—your time. In this episode, Carly, Will, and Joe are rolling up their sleeves to tackle the number one solopreneur struggle: wasting precious hours on tasks that don’t serve your growth. From automating your email (yes, you can escape that inbox vortex!) to figuring out what truly lights you up, we’re laying out a game plan to make 2025 your most efficient year yet.Stick around as Will drops game-changing advice, like his "15-1-1-5 Rule." This one’s packed with practical tips, a few laughs, and insights to help you streamline your business and reclaim your time. Don’t miss it!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

Jan 17, 2025 • 11min
161. Plan Your Leap from Corporate to Solopreneurship the Smart Way - A Sound Bite Episode
Are you ready to break free from the 9-to-5 grind and turn your passion into your livelihood? In this sound bite episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, hosts Carly Ries and Joe Rando dive into the exciting—and sometimes daunting—journey of solopreneurship. They share their own cautionary tales, practical tips, and cheerleading moments to inspire you to make the leap with confidence.From planning your transition while still employed to nailing down a lead generation strategy and understanding the hidden challenges of going solo, Carly and Joe offer a roadmap to success. Whether you’re considering a side hustle or ready to dive in full-time, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you build a thriving solopreneur business—without the feast-or-famine cycle.Tune in to learn why preparation is your best friend and how to create a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms. Don't miss this empowering conversation designed to help you take control of your career!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

Jan 14, 2025 • 30min
160. The Path to Financial Confidence in Solopreneurship with Danielle Hendon
In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly Ries and Joe Rando are joined by Danielle Hendon, a CPA and owner of 4 Corners CFO, with a refreshingly approachable vibe. Danielle breaks down intimidating money matters into digestible nuggets of wisdom, starting with what it means for a business to be “bankable.” Spoiler: It’s about setting yourself up for financial support before you need it!Danielle spills the beans on why debt isn’t the villain it’s made out to be—it’s all about intention. With anecdotes, practical tips, and a framework for mastering your business finances, she guides solopreneurs on navigating cash flow, profit margins, and the dreaded accrual vs. cash accounting debate. Oh, and PSA: Stop asking your CPA for permission to run your business! Danielle believes in empowering solopreneurs to make informed decisions, not just follow advice blindly.From why it’s okay to raise your rates (hello, inflation!) to uncovering your most profitable services, Danielle’s Reveal Your Path to Profit framework is the ultimate guide for financial clarity and success. And her favorite quote? “Everything is figureoutable.” Isn’t that the mantra every solopreneur needs?Tune in, take notes, and maybe rethink those financial fears—you’ve got this! 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

9 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 10min
159. The Roadmap to Reliable Income for Every Solopreneur - Sound Bite Episode
Tired of the feast-or-famine cycle? Discover how recurring revenue can transform your solopreneur journey! The hosts explore subscription models that create financial stability and reduce selling time. With personal stories and actionable tips, they reveal strategies for maintaining a steady stream of clients. Learn how to package your services creatively and leverage ongoing lead generation to focus on what you love. It’s time to take control of your income and boost your business!

Jan 7, 2025 • 29min
158. Turning Everyday Efforts into Extraordinary Solopreneur Success with Jessica Lackey
In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, we’re joined by Jessica Lackey, a powerhouse dedicated to helping solopreneurs build authority, streamline systems, and create businesses that actually fit their lives. Jessica shares how she turned free masterclasses and a thoughtfully crafted newsletter into powerful tools for growth—and how you can too.Dive into Jessica's strategies for repurposing content into multiple business assets, making workshops authority-building goldmines, and designing systems that scale your way. She also reveals why the best way to overcome stagnation is simply to "talk to humans," fostering real connections that lead to real results. If you’re ready to learn how to simplify your business while maximizing your impact, this episode is a must-listen.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
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