MicroConf On Air

Ben Chestnut, co-founder of Mailchimp joins Rob Walling on the stage at MicroConf US 2024 in Atlanta. They discuss Mailchimp's origin as a side project from a web consulting firm, its accidental yet pivotal adoption of the freemium model, and the company's growth to a $12 billion exit.   Ben shares insights on scaling the business, emphasizing the importance of operational excellence and fostering a creative culture. He also reflects on the challenges of serving small businesses versus enterprise clients and the decision not to develop a customer success team.   Links from the Pod: Watch this video on YouTube Join us in MicroConf Connect Upcoming MicroConf Events This Is How Apple Rolls Intuit to Acquire Mailchimp Subscribe to the MicroConf YouTube Channel

If you're a programmer, your skillset in coding can open the door to entrepreneurship. Whether you dream of building products, teaching others, or starting a SaaS, here are 12 ways that you can start making money. Following the Stair Step Method of Bootstrapping can help you turn your side income into a full-blown business over time.   Links from the Pod: Watch this video on YouTube 75+ SaaS Marketplaces The Stair Step Method of Bootstrapping TinySeed Startups For the Rest of Us Episode 688 Programming With Mosh Theo - t3․gg Subscribe to the MicroConf YouTube Channel

If you operate a B2B SaaS company, you typically fit into one of two categories: vertical SaaS or horizontal SaaS. But which category is superior? For those in the early stages of a SaaS venture and unfamiliar with these distinctions, this video will help you decide which direction to go with your SaaS business.   Episode Sponsor: This week’s podcast was sponsored by Lemon.io. Cut down on hiring time by working with vetted devs at competitive rates. Get 15% off your first 4 weeks working with their engineers. https://lemon.io/microconf   Links from the Pod: MicroConf Connect Watch this video on YouTube The SaaS Playbook TinySeed Start Small, Stay Small Subscribe to the MicroConf YouTube Channel

I asked SaaS founders on X, "What's your most controversial opinion about building startups?"... Watch as I dig through the responses and respond to the wildest ones. Some are spot on, some are, well.... you'll see ;)   Links from the Pod: Last Chance to Apply for MicroConf Masterminds! Watch this video on YouTube MicroConf Scholarship Program Controversial Startup Opinions Subscribe to the MicroConf YouTube Channel

If you're an aspiring founder with a startup idea, learn the precise steps to validate your product effectively and avoid wasting time on the wrong things. By following this proven startup validation framework, you'll ensure that your efforts are focused on building a SaaS product that meets market needs and resonates with your target audience.   Episode Sponsor: This week’s podcast was sponsored by Lemon.io. Cut down on hiring time by working with vetted devs at competitive rates. Get 15% off your first 4 weeks working with their engineers. https://lemon.io/microconf   Links from the Pod: MicroConf Mastermind Program Watch this video on YouTube SFTROU Episode 628 SFTROU Episode 589 How To Create An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) Step by Step MicroConf Connect Start Small Stay Small by Rob Walling Deploy Empathy by Michele Hansen Subscribe to the MicroConf YouTube Channel

Got a SaaS idea? Learn how to transform it into a Minimum Viable Product with a step-by-step roadmap. Discover innovative techniques like human automation and no-code solutions for MVP development. Hear about the success story of Zappos and the importance of early validation in refining your product. Plus, get insight into a million-dollar SaaS exit that stemmed from a unique MVP approach. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs!

Discover five innovative micro SaaS ideas waiting to be developed within the Monday.com app marketplace. The discussion highlights unexplored niches that offer significant potential for aspiring entrepreneurs. Learn how to tailor solutions to user needs while maximizing existing platforms for efficient development. Plus, find out how to stay ahead in the competitive SaaS landscape!

If you're considering building a no-code solution for your business, you won't want to miss this insightful interview! Join Chad Sakonchick, the visionary founder of Better Legal, as he shares the remarkable journey of achieving over $1,000,000 in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) with a no-code SaaS platform.   Episode Sponsor: This week’s podcast was sponsored by Lemon.io. Cut down on hiring time by working with vetted devs at competitive rates. Get 15% off your first 4 weeks working with their engineers. https://lemon.io/microconf   Links from the Pod: MicroConf Connect Watch this video on YouTube BetterLegal Join Us for MicroConf Remote Bubble Subscribe to the MicroConf YouTube Channel

Software as a service (SaaS) stands out as one of the most lucrative business models today. If you're aiming to venture into SaaS and establish your startup, it's crucial to avoid these six common mistakes that can hinder your success.   Links from the Pod: Watch this video on YouTube The SaaS Playbook The Startups For the Rest of Us Podcast Join Us for MicroConf Remote TinySeed Subscribe to the MicroConf YouTube Channel

Choosing a name for your business can make or break your brand. Discover essential best practices to ensure your name resonates and endures. Learn about the risks of bad name choices and the importance of easy spelling and pronunciation. Hear anecdotes about navigating the tricky terrain of domain names and trademarking. Delve into memorable examples and avoid common pitfalls that could limit your future opportunities. A strong name isn’t just catchy; it’s strategic for your growth!