The Startup Ideas podcast

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<div class="span index">1</div> <span><a class="" data-remote="true" data-type="html" href="/series/young-and-profiting-with-hala-taha-entrepreneurship-sales-marketing">Young and Profiting with Hala Taha (Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing)</a></span>

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Young and Profiting with Hala Taha (Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing)

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Young and Profiting with Hala Taha is the must-listen podcast for anyone who is hardcore into entrepreneurship. Hosted by Hala Taha, a self-made entrepreneur and marketing expert, this top-ranked show features mini-masterclasses with business icons and entrepreneurs like GaryVee, Alex Hormozi, Mel Robbins, Tom Bilyeu and Codie Sanchez. Listen to YAP to profit in all aspects of life - from boosting sales and beating algorithms, to brain hacks and biohacking. Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling your business or simply wanting to expand your sales and marketing skills, each episode delivers actionable advice that WILL help you profit in life. If you want the motivation to level up your entrepreneurship game and work hard - while still prioritizing your mental and physical health - then Listen, Learn and Profit with Young and Profiting Podcast!

The Startup Ideas Podcast

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Get your creative juices flowing with The Startup Ideas Podcast. Published twice a week, we bring you free startup ideas to inspire your next venture. Hosted by Greg Isenberg, CEO of Late Checkout and former advisor to Reddit and TikTok. Subscribe so you don't miss out. For more startup ideas, we created a database of 30+ startup ideas you can take at https://gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

212 Episoden

#Entrepreneur #Business #Happens #Business Ideas

The Startup Ideas Podcast

95 subscribers

updated vor 16 Stunden

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212 Episoden

#Entrepreneur #Business #Happens #Business Ideas

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Build $1000/day cash-flowing startup on beehiiv (here's how) 1:16:59

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Build your business with beehiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com/greg-isenberg?utm_campaign=Q22025-greg-isenberg-partnership&utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=podcast&utm_source_platform=podcast&via=greg-isenberg-Q22025&utm_marketing_tactic=awareness&utm_creative_format=podcast&utm_content=greg-isenberg&utm_term=greg-isenberg Join me as I chat with Tyler Denk, co-founder of Beehiiv, to discuss how to grow a newsletter to 100,000 subscribers. He demonstrates Beehiiv’s platform features including customizable websites, subscriber data collection, automated welcome sequences, and multiple monetization options. Tyler emphasizes there's no "silver bullet" for growth—success comes from combining multiple strategies that each contribute incrementally to building a valuable audience asset. Timestamps • 00:00 - Intro • 02:58 - Overview of newsletter growth potential • 04:03 - Website building and email capture features • 15:00 - Subscriber data collection and welcome automations • 25:00 - Cross-promotion and "Boost" network for growth • 38:06 - Lead magnets and referral programs • 55:00 - Customized email collection based on content • 1:08:35 - Monetization strategies (sponsorships, paid subscriptions) • 1:10:55 - Final thoughts on consistency and getting started Key Points • Beehiiv’s all-in-one platform includes website building, email capture, subscriber data collection, referral programs, and monetization tools • Multiple growth channels work together: lead magnets, email gating, referral programs, and cross-promotion with other newsletters • Monetization comes through direct sponsorships, Beehiiv’s ad network, and the "Boost" feature where newsletters pay each other for subscriber referrals 1) Website & Email Capture Strategy Beehiiv gives you a full website builder where you can create: • Custom landing pages • Email capture forms • Pop-ups targeted by traffic source • Different signup flows The key? Create MULTIPLE entry points that convert 15-20% of visitors to subscribers. Tyler's Windows 98-themed site stands out because it's INTENTIONALLY different! 2) The Subscribe Flow Magic This is GENIUS: After someone subscribes, Tyler shows: • Sponsored newsletter recommendations • A quick survey collecting demographic data • A welcome page with popular content This data helps him: • Sell premium sponsorships • Create targeted content • Understand his audience (60% founders!) 3) Network Effects & Passive Growth Tyler gets 200-300 FREE subscribers weekly through Beehiiv’s recommendation network! How it works: • Other newsletters recommend his in their subscribe flow • He recommends others in his flow "It's like getting $400-600 of value weekly just for existing on the platform" 4) The Boost Network (Paid Acquisition) Tyler spends $2-3K monthly buying subscribers through Beehiiv’s Boost marketplace. • He pays $2.50 per subscriber • Only pays for subscribers who ACTUALLY ENGAGE • Has autopause features to cut off low-quality sources • Manages 155+ acquisition sources in one dashboard It's like a vending machine: put in $2.50, get $4 back! 5) Lead Magnets That Convert Tyler shared his seed deck on Twitter (100K views) with a simple signup form. The magic: • Created a custom landing page in Beehiiv • Set up a different signup flow (no recommendations) • Built an automation to deliver the deck instantly • Added new subscribers to his newsletter Pro tip: Get sponsors for your lead magnets to fund MORE promotion! 6) The Referral Program (1% of growth) Tyler built Morning Brew's referral program (led to 1M+ subscribers) and implemented a simpler version: - 1 referral = Access to Series B deck (digital, zero cost) • 3 referrals = $10 off merch (dropshipped, zero cost) 7) Monetization (The Engine) Tyler makes $20-30K monthly through: - Direct sponsorships ($7K per placement) • Boost network referrals ($2-4 per subscriber) • No paid subscription (though many make $100K+/year this way) Beehiiv’s sponsorship storefront lets advertisers book directly with just a $10 transaction fee! Notable Quotes: "Writing weekly and sharing my thoughts online has probably been the highest leverage thing that I've done in my entire career. It's opened so many doors to angel investing, meeting other founders, meeting people who are doing really cool shit." - Tyler LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND TYLER ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/denk_tweets Big Desk Energy: https://www.bigdeskenergy.com…

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I challenged Manus AI to find $1M+ AI Startup Ideas - It Actually Delivered 43:01

vor 6 Tagen43:01

43:01

In this episode, host I test Manus AI's ability to function as an AI co-founder by asking it to develop a million-dollar business idea focused on AI. The system analyzes Y Combinator startups and Reddit trends to identify opportunities, ultimately recommending an AI-powered micro-consulting platform for small businesses. Manus delivers a comprehensive business proposal including market validation, pricing strategy, and even designs a functional landing page. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:41 - Initial Prompt: Ideas for $1M Startup in 18 Months 03:24 - Manus AI Processing Prompt 06:25 - Alternative Use Cases of Manus AI 13:14 - Results from First Prompt 15:19 - Prompt 2: Focus on Niche Startup Opportunities 17:46 - Results from Second Prompt 23:15 - Prompt 3: Validate Ideas with data and trend analysis 27:00 - Prompt 4: Refining data and trend analysis 29:0` - Prompt 5: Creating a Landing Page with Manus 34:23 - Reviewing results from Business Proposal 37:35 - Results from Fifth Prompt 39:25 - Final Thoughts on Manus AI and Startup Ideas Key Points: • I explore Manus AI's multi-agent capabilities to generate a viable startup idea that could make $1 million in 18 months • Manus AI analyzes YC's latest batch, Reddit trends, and market opportunities to identify niche AI business concepts • The AI recommends "AI-powered micro-consulting for SMBs" as the most promising opportunity • Manus creates a complete business proposal including landing page design, pricing strategy, and go-to-market plan 1) I challenged Manus AI (a multi-agent AI system) to develop a complete business plan for an AI startup that could make $1M in 18 months. The goal: See if AI can identify REAL market trends and opportunities better than humans can. 2) What makes Manus different from ChatGPT? • Multi-agent capabilities (can browse while chatting) • Can analyze multiple sources simultaneously • Performs complex research tasks independently • Creates actual code/designs, not just concepts 3) The COOLEST use cases Greg discovered while testing Manus: • Converting unstructured data into organized tables • Analyzing financial reports like a JP Morgan analyst • Contract review (saving $1500+ lawyer fees) • Creating highlight reels from podcast audio • Building websites from scratch 4) The AI identified these KEY TRENDS in the AI startup landscape: • Vertical-specific AI solutions for regulated industries • AI agents for specialized workflows • Infrastructure tools helping others deploy AI • No-code/low-code AI accessibility solutions 5) The WINNING IDEA Manus proposed: "Spark Console AI" - an AI-powered micro-consulting platform for small businesses. The problem it solves? SMBs need expert consulting but can't afford $150-500/hour traditional services. The solution? $49-500/month AI consulting agents. 6) What impressed me most: Manus VALIDATED the idea with ACTUAL DATA: • 47% growth in r/smallbusiness subscribers • Direct quotes from Reddit showing pain points: "I'd love expert advice but can't justify $200 consultants" "Generic AI tools don't understand my industry challenges" 7) Manus even built a COMPLETE landing page with: • Eye-catching design • Lead generation forms • Interactive business assessment • Pricing tiers All without Greg needing to write a single line of code! 8) The LIMITATIONS Greg found: • You still need to ask the right questions • It's more like a "junior employee" than a true co-founder • Takes 10-15 minutes for complex tasks • You need to push back on some recommendations 9) My takeaway: We're entering an era where the COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE isn't coding ability - it's knowing which QUESTIONS to ask AI. The winners will be those who can identify trends and direct AI to build solutions that ride those tailwinds. Notable Quotes: "In a world where anyone could create software... figuring out what is the brand, what is the landing page, what is the product, and what is the trend... is gonna help you actually build a business, not just build a product." - Greg LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/…

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If I wanted to build $1M+ AI startup in 2025, I'd do this 52:59

vor 8 Tagen52:59

52:59

Join me as I chat with Andrew Wilkinson, Co-Founder of Tiny, as we discuss investment and startup ideas in the current AI landscape. We explore how AI is simultaneously lowering barriers to entry while increasing competition, making it easier to build "million-dollar businesses" but harder to create sustainable long-term ventures. We share specific startup ideas leveraging AI, including secure data integration platforms, automated web design services, and AI-powered lending. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:25 - Business building in AI 08:13 - Media Business Opportunities and AI 18:18 - The future of GPT wrappers 21:20 - Automation and AI tools we use 29:14 - Startup Idea 1: MCP and Financial Analysis 34:49 - Startup Idea 2: AI Web Design Agency 37:06 - Startup Idea 3: Message Maxing 43:43 - Startup Idea 4: AI-Based Lending Solutions 49:43 - Andrew's Stealth Startup Key Points • AI is making it easier to build businesses but harder to maintain competitive advantages as tools become widely accessible • Distribution, data advantages, and network effects are becoming the primary moats in the AI era • Media businesses with high-value niches present opportunities for entrepreneurs to build audiences before layering AI tools • Secure AI applications (particularly around financial data and personal communications) represent potential sustainable business models 1) The AI Paradox: It's never been EASIER to build a $1M business, but never HARDER to build sustainable value. Why? Because anyone can "vibe code" your product in a weekend. Distribution and network effects are the new moats. Tools alone won't cut it anymore. 2) Where are the ACTUAL opportunities? Andrew & Greg agree: Buy or build MEDIA businesses first, then layer AI on top. • Focus on High-value niches not mass audiences • Build community BEFORE tools • Example: Buy TechCrunch or event series like South by Southwest 3) AI tools they're actually using RIGHT NOW: • Gumloop - For sales lead intelligence • Lindy - Email processing & calendar management • Manus AI - For candidate screening (saved Andrew hours!) • Vercel V0 - Rebuilt Andrew's pressure washing website in 30 SECONDS 4) Startup Idea 1: "Secure MCP" Model Context Protocol (MCP) lets LLMs access your data securely. Andrew built a custom system to analyze his company finances across multiple businesses. Opportunity: Build the "1Password of MCP" - where security is the selling point. 5) Startup Idea 2: "Message Maxing" An app that analyzes your text messages to identify: • Which friends exhibit toxic traits • How YOU come across in messages • Who you're neglecting Perfect for viral TikTok marketing. Could be the next CalAI! 6) Startup Idea 3: AI-powered web design agency • Use V0 to auto-redesign ugly local business websites • Reach out with "I already built you a better site" • Charge $500 + $20/mo hosting • Scale with automation Low-hanging fruit for your first million! 7) Startup Idea 4: "Bank of Vibe Coding" AI-powered lending platform for vibe coders: • Quick approval for developers with traction • Take % of profits instead of interest • Criteria: X followers, Stripe integration, etc. Sahil Lavingia's $100K offer proves demand! 8) The BIG question: Are these Cal AI businesses (make $1M then die) or sustainable? Andrew's take: "Almost all these businesses will be zeros in 5 years." Greg's counter: "It's so hard to predict even 5 months from now!" What do YOU think? Are you building for the short or long term? The MOST VALUABLE insight: The businesses that are easiest to start are often the worst businesses to be in long-term. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't start one! Making your first million with a "Cal AI business" is still a win. Notable Quotes: "It's never been easier to build a million dollar business and it's never been easier to lose all your equity value." - Andrew "Distribution is the new moat, anyone could create anything." - Greg LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire — a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND ANDREW ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/awilkinson Never Enough: https://www.neverenough.com Tiny: https://www.tiny.com…

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How he finds $1M+ CPG startup ideas before anyone else using Ahrefs and Manus AI 42:32

vor 13 Tagen42:32

42:32

I’m joined by Ashwinn Krishnaswamy, an expert in launching and growing consumer brands, where we discuss how he evaluates market opportunities and creates unfair advantages. We discuss various tools for market research including Ahrefs for keyword analysis, Particl for competitor sales data, and AI tools for product design. Ashwinn emphasizes that entrepreneurs should work backward from distribution channels rather than focusing solely on product development. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 03:45 - Ahrefs tool for keyword research 15:08 - Particl for analyzing competitor sales data 18:52 - Why start a CPG brand 21:05 - How to stand out in crowded categories 24:57- Opportunities in Branding for Older Adults 28:40 - Bootstrapping Your Product Idea 33:56 - Researching Your Market and Competitors 36:52 - Manus AI for automating market research 39:58 - Distribution is everything. Key Points: • Ashwinn shares tools and strategies for evaluating market opportunities for physical products and brands • Tools like Ahrefs and Particle provide valuable data on search volume, competition, and sales trends • AI tools like Manis can now automate much of the market research process that previously cost thousands • Distribution strategy should come before product development, not vice versa 1) First, understand that DISTRIBUTION is everything. "First-time founders focus on product, second-time founders focus on distribution." The hard truth? Many subpar products CRUSH IT because they nail distribution and operational excellence. Always work BACKWARDS from how you'll acquire customers! 2) Use Ahrefs to evaluate category demand and competition Type any keyword to see: • Monthly search volume (market size) • Keyword difficulty (competition level) • Seasonal trends • Geographic distribution This helps you VALIDATE demand before building anything! 3) Look for geographic OPPORTUNITIES in the data When Ashwinn checked "electrolytes" he found: • 74% of searches from English-speaking Western countries • Only 3% from India, Philippines This reveals potential to build "Element for Germany" or other untapped markets where trends haven't diffused yet! 4) For physical products, use Particle to spy on competitors This tool shows: • E-commerce sales data for brands • Best-selling SKUs • Category trends Crucial insight: Often 90% of revenue comes from just 4 SKUs! 5) The REAL opportunity in physical products? They force you to become EXCEPTIONAL at marketing. "The bleeding edge of marketing happens in consumer products because it's SO HARD to get attention and convince someone to part with their dollars." It's a marketing masterclass in real-time. 6) How to stand out in crowded categories: Study the competition obsessively! Ashwinn showed how most magnesium supplements look generic and medical. But brands like Moon Juice and Lemme differentiate through: • Distinctive packaging • Custom bottles • Clear positioning • Targeting specific demographics 7) The BIGGEST opportunity right now? Find UNDERSERVED demographics! Most brands target coastal millennials or Gen Z because that's who creates them. But what about products for older adults with: • More disposable income • Less saturated marketing channels • Different aesthetic preferences 8) AI is your UNFAIR ADVANTAGE for research • Competitor analysis • Market sizing • Customer needs • Design trends "It's putting together a report Nielsen would charge $20K for!" 99% of people aren't using AI this way yet. 9) Before building ANYTHING, become a "relentless researcher": • Study every competitor's positioning • Read all the 1-2 star reviews in your category • Visit stores and talk to owners • Contact potential customers directly Notable Quotes: "First time founders focus on product, second time founders focus on distribution." - Ashwinn "Building a physical product business is very hard and by most people probably just shouldn't be done on a whim. But if you can do it in a somewhat low stakes way or low risk way... I think it is a phenomenal way to get really good at marketing." - Ashwinn LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire — a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND ASHWINN ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/Shwinnabego Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shwinnabegobrand Brand Brothers Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wgTQ7mXBngdiNzcJ2cUJZ…

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The best way to build an audience in 2025 (My 4-Step System) 51:54

vor 15 Tagen51:54

51:54

How to build an audience in 2025: https://www.startupempire.co/build-an-audience I’m joined by Jonathan Courtney to jam on how to build an audience in 2025. We explore various tactics including finding your unique format, implementing consistent systems, and measuring progress against clear goals. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:58 - The ACP Framework 04:06 - Step 1: Identify Who You're Creating For 10:05 - Step 2: Find Your Format 19:43 - Step 3: Build Systems That Stick 24:52 - Step 4: Pick ONE Primary Goal 28:08 - Where to Begin? The Reply Guy Strategy 31:08 - WHY Building an Audience Matters Key Points: • ACP framework for building an audience in 2025: Audience (people passionate about your niche), Community (hardcore followers), and Product (what you sell) • The four-step playbook includes identifying your audience, finding your format, creating systems, and setting goals • Starting as a "reply guy" on platforms like X (Twitter) is recommended as a low-pressure way to begin building an audience • Building an audience serves as an "insurance policy" that provides options for future business opportunities 1) The ACP Framework: Your Foundation A = Audience (people passionate about your topic) C = Community (your hardcore followers) P = Product (what you sell to them) The KEY insight: Start with audience FIRST, then community, then product. Why? Because audience-first gives you OPTIONS and CONFIDENCE when you launch. 2) Step 1: Identify Who You're Creating For Don't just create random content. Be strategic! • Focus on people interested in YOUR specific niche • Understand what they're NOT getting from others • Find your unique "sauce" (Greg gives away ALL his startup ideas) • If not getting engagement, start one level broader than your niche Example: Jonathan's company wanted to be known for design sprints, but started with broader UX content to build audience first. 3) Step 2: Find Your Format Your format is HOW you deliver your content. This is CRUCIAL but often overlooked! • Test one format each business day • Look for formats OUTSIDE your niche (don't copy what's saturated) • Consider what's working platform-wide (short-form video in 2025) • Focus on what feels NATURAL (or you'll quit) • Test for 90 days and let data guide you Remember: Formats have lifecycles! What works today might not work in 6 months. 4) Step 3: Build Systems That Stick The difference between creators who quit and those who succeed? SYSTEMS. System breakdown: • Build a "creative faucet" routine (what gets your ideas flowing?) • Create an ideas capture system (Greg uses Apple Notes) • Schedule weekly time to turn ideas into content • Be strategic with timing (post when your audience is active) 5) Step 4: Pick ONE Primary Goal Don't try to do everything at once! • Choose ONE metric (100K followers? 25K email list? $1M in sales?) • Measure your formats against this goal every 90 days • Optimize for your goal, not vanity metrics • Remember: attention is SCARCE - build it as an asset The BEST advice: Just start! Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis. 6) Where to Begin? The Reply Guy Strategy Feeling overwhelmed? Start as a "reply guy" on X: • Less pressure than posting on your own profile • Lets you experiment with formats • Builds connections with established creators • Gives you confidence before going solo 7) WHY Building an Audience Matters An audience is your INSURANCE POLICY: • Gives you clarity into your niche • Creates a pool of potential customers/users • Provides job opportunities during recessions • Allows you to monetize when needed Notable Quotes: "The audience first approach gives you so many options, also gives you so much confidence when you release something and people actually use it." - JC "I think the number one reason why anyone should create an audience is to have something to fall back on, period. It's like an insurance policy." - Greg Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav) Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/ AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/…

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Model Context Protocol (MCP), clearly explained 20:31

vor 18 Tagen20:31

20:31

I’m joined by Ras Mic to explain MCPs. Mic breaks down how MCPs essentially standardize how LLMs connect with external tools and services. While LLMs alone can only predict text, connecting them to tools makes them more capable, but this integration has been cumbersome. MCPs create a unified layer that translates between LLMs and services, making it easier to build more powerful AI assistants. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:39 - The Evolution of LLMs: From Text Prediction to Tool Use 07:51 - MCPs explained 11:11 - MCP Ecosystem Overview 13:59 - Technical Challenges of MCP 15:18 - Conclusion on MCP's Potential 16:00 - Startup Ideas for Developers and Non-Technical Users Key Points: • MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standard that creates a unified layer between LLMs and external services/tools • LLMs by themselves are limited to text prediction and cannot perform meaningful tasks without tools • MCP solves the problem of connecting multiple tools to LLMs by creating a standardized communication protocol • The MCP ecosystem consists of clients (like Tempo, Windsurf, Cursor), the protocol, servers, and services 1) What are MCPs and why should you care? MCPs are NOT some complex physics theory - they're simply STANDARDS that help LLMs connect to external tools and services. Think of them as universal translators between AI models and the tools they need to be truly useful. This is HUGE for making AI assistants actually capable! 2) The Evolution of LLMs: From Text Prediction to Tool Use Stage 1: Basic LLMs can only predict text • Ask ChatGPT to send an email? "Sorry, I can't do that" • They're glorified text predictors (if I say "My big fat Greek..." it knows "wedding" comes next) • Limited to answering questions, not DOING things 3) The Current State: LLMs + Tools Stage 2: LLMs connected to tools • Companies like Perplexity connect LLMs to search engines • This makes them more useful but creates problems • Each tool = different "language" the LLM must learn • Connecting multiple tools = engineering NIGHTMARE This is why we don't have Jarvis-level assistants yet! 4) Enter MCPs: The Game-Changer MCPs create a UNIFIED LAYER between LLMs and external services. Instead of your AI speaking 10 different "languages" to use 10 different tools, MCPs translate everything into ONE language. Result? LLMs can easily access databases, APIs, and services without massive engineering headaches. 5) The MCP Ecosystem Explained The MCP system has 4 key components: • MCP Client: User-facing apps like @tempoai, Windsurf, Cursor • Protocol: The standardized communication method • MCP Server: Translates between client and services • Service: The actual tool (database, search engine, etc.) Brilliant move by Anthropic: SERVICES must build MCP servers! 6) Why This Matters For Builders For technical folks: • Opportunity to build tools like MCP app stores • Easier integration between services • Less engineering headaches For non-technical folks: • Watch closely as standards evolve • When standards finalize, new business opportunities will emerge • Think of MCPs as Lego pieces you'll stack to build powerful AI apps Notable Quotes: "LLMs by themselves are incapable of doing anything meaningful... The only thing an LLM in its current state is good at is predicting the next text." - Ross Mike "Think of every tool that I have to connect to make my LLM valuable as a different language... MCP, you can consider it to be a layer between your LLM and the services and the tools." - Ross Mike LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire — a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND MIC ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/rasmickyy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rasmic…

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Manus AI replaces your AI tech stack? (Full Demo) 1:03:44

vor 20 Tagen1:03:44

1:03:44

I’m joined by Min Choi to test if Manus AI can replace your AI tech stack. Throughout the episode, we test Manus AI's capabilities by asking it to create a DocuSign clone, research startup ideas, and analyze website SEO. Timestamps: • 00:00 - Intro • 02:18 - What is Manus AI? • 03:58 - Project 1: DocuSign clone • 16:54 - Project 2: Research Greg’s top startup ideas • 27:09 - Security concerns with Manus AI • 30:16 - Manus bug and reboot • 32:06 - Deploying DocuSign Clone • 39:42 - Project 3: SEO Optimization • 44:14 - Discussion of Manus’s Limitations and Scaling issues • 48:23 - Project 4: Build a Flight Simulator Video Game • 49:48 - AI companies facing scaling issues • 52:05 - Where does Manus excel? • 53:48 - What Manus was able to accomplish during the episode Key Points: • Testing Manus AI by asking it to autonomously research, plan, and execute complex tasks • Having Manus create a DocuSign clone, research startup ideas, and analyze website SEO • Manus AI functions as a multi-agent system that can browse websites, write code, and deploy applications with minimal prompting • The tool has limitations including context windows, deployment issues, and daily usage limits 1) What makes Manus AI different? Unlike ChatGPT or Claude, Manus is a TRUE AGENT system that: • Researches, plans, and executes simultaneously • Controls browsers to gather information autonomously • Creates full applications from simple prompts • Deploys working code with minimal guidance "It's the closest thing to AGI yet" - Min Choi 2) The DocuSign Clone Experiment With just a 4-WORD PROMPT ("create a DocuSign clone"), Manus: • Researched DocuSign's core features • Created a complete project structure • Built login, document upload & e-signature functionality • Generated deployable code All without templates or boilerplate code! 3) Human-in-the-loop capabilities One of the MOST IMPRESSIVE features: • You can interrupt Manus WHILE it's working • Refine requirements mid-process • Add constraints or pivot direction When they narrowed focus to "just e-signature features," Manus immediately adjusted its plan without starting over. 4) Multi-agent workflow Manus feels like having MULTIPLE EMPLOYEES working simultaneously: • A researcher gathering information • A PM creating specifications • A developer writing code • A marketer analyzing opportunities It's like an entire team in one tool! 5) Beyond coding: Marketing & Growth Manus can also: • Analyze websites for SEO improvements • Target specific audiences (like executives) • Create content strategies • Scrape data for market research It's not just about building - it's about GROWING your business too. 6) Current limitations Manus isn't perfect (yet): • Context length limitations on complex tasks • Deployment issues with sophisticated apps • Daily usage limits (currently ~10 sessions) • Server load causing errors as popularity grows It's still beta, but even with limitations, it's REVOLUTIONARY. 7) Security considerations Since Manus is a Chinese company, there are valid concerns: • Be mindful of what data you share • Don't connect personal accounts or payment systems • Use for learning & experimentation Min's advice: "Always be careful with the data you share online." The BIG TAKEAWAY: We're witnessing a fundamental shift in how businesses will be built. What used to take weeks now takes MINUTES. What required TEAMS now needs just ONE PERSON with AI. This is just the beginning of the agent AI revolution. Notable Quotes: "I think that we're getting closer and closer to sort of the glimpse into what the AGI is gonna look like." - Min Choi "It feels like we have like four employees working at the same time... We've got this marketing person. We've got this researcher. We've got this cracked PM slash developer." - Greg Isenberg Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav) Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND MIN ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/minchoi…

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Launch a $1M+ Startup tomorrow (3 Data-Backed Market Trends) 43:28

vor 22 Tagen43:28

43:28

Im joined by Cody Schneider to jam on 3 trends/business ideas that will blow your mind. We analyze three main trends: the "buy it for life" movement (anti-consumerism focused on quality products), AI landing page builder for marketers, and TikTok templates. For each trend, we outline specific business models, monetization strategies, and tactical approaches to implementation. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:51 - Trend 1: The Buy It For Life 22:59 - Trend 2: AI Landing Page Builder 29:49 - Trend 3: TikTok Template Aggregator 34:48 - Why we are in the Golden Age of Online Business Opportunities Key Points: • We discuss the "buy it for life" trend and how to build a directory website monetized through affiliate marketing • We explore opportunities in AI landing page builders for digital marketing agencies • We analyze the TikTok template trend and potential for creating a newsletter sharing viral formats • We emphasize how easy it is to build online businesses in the current environment using AI tools • We discuss strategies for building audiences on different platforms 1) The "Buy It For Life" Trend 69,000 monthly searches for people seeking products that LAST FOREVER instead of cheap disposables. The subreddit r/BuyItForLife is EXPLODING with consumers sharing durable products across categories. Here's the opportunity: Build a directory website with: • Beautiful UI (unlike Reddit's clunky interface) • Filters by category • Price drop alerts for premium products Monetize through: • Affiliate commissions • Newsletter with exclusive deals • Premium membership for instant alerts Marketing strategy? Create value-packed Reddit posts with subtle domain signature. 2) AI Landing Page Builders Digital marketers DESPERATELY need landing pages that match ad keywords. Current tools are clunky and time-consuming. The opportunity: Create an AI tool where you: • Input brand aesthetics • Generate landing page templates instantly • Deploy to subdomains with one click • Modify with point-and-click Target audience? Digital marketing agencies running paid ads who need SPEED. "But what about Webflow and Shopify adding AI?" Cody: "That's VALIDATION! Lead Pages does $50M/year. It's a MASSIVE category with room for many players." 3) TikTok Template Trend 98,000 monthly searches from creators hunting for viral TikTok formats. The opportunity: Create a newsletter showing: • This week's viral TikTok templates • How brands can adapt them • One-click editor access Acquisition? Twitter threads breaking down viral formats with newsletter CTA. Monetization: • Free weekly version • Premium daily version • Eventually build video editor tech BONUS IDEA: Reinvent Scott's Cheap Flights as a simple email newsletter with flight alerts from specific airports. Cody's FINAL WISDOM: "This is the GREATEST time ever to start online businesses. In an hour, you can have a company live with people on the website." "Don't buy a laundromat during the greatest gold rush of all time." Notable Quotes: "I don't think people understand the moment that we're in right now. Like this is the greatest time ever to start online businesses." - Cody "In an hour, you can have a company live and people on the website... We had it live in an hour. And then I put a tweet out and we drove, I think so far over like 20,000 people have gone to the website and we validated the idea." - Cody Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav) Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND CODY ON SOCIAL Cody’s startup: https://www.landingcat.com X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7 LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r…

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My honest review of AI Product Designer backed by Y-Combinator (v0 Users Need to See This) 30:43

vor 27 Tagen30:43

30:43

In this episode, I test Polymet AI, an AI product designer tool, by creating a YouTube analytics prediction SaaS concept inspired by a viral tweet about predicting tweet performance. I compare Polymet AI with V0, keep in mind that while Polymet required multiple prompts and offered less feedback during the design process, both tools ultimately produced usable designs. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:33 - First Impressions of Polymet 03:57 - Startup Idea: Predicting YouTube Engagement 05:03 - Initial Design Prompt 10:11 - Polymet’s First Design Output: TubePredict 11:04 - UI and Functionality Issues and Debugging 16:08 - Polymet’s Second Design Output 17:44 - Debugging pt 2 20:48 - Prompting v0 22:30 - v0’s Design Output 23:41 - Polymet’s Third Design Output 24:49 - Comparing v0 and Polymer and Final Thoughts on Design Outputs 27:36 - Conclusion and Recommendations for AI Design Tools Key Points • I test Polymet AI, a new AI product designer tool, that claims to help non-designers create production-ready designs • I compare Polymet AI with v0 by having them design a YouTube analytics prediction tool • Both tools produced functional designs, but with different user experiences and output quality 1) First impressions of Polymet AI: • Clean interface similar to ChatGPT • Includes voice input (huge plus!) • Image upload capability for reference designs • Credit-based system (250 free credits to start) • 50 credits per page generation 2) The design process with Polymet was... interesting. PROS: • Named the product "TubePredict" automatically • Created decent landing page copy • Saved version history CONS: • Slow generation (2+ minutes) • No progress indicator (frustrating!) • Initial designs missed the mark completely 3) After 3 attempts with increasingly specific prompts, Polymet finally delivered: • Clean, modern interface • Detailed A/B testing dashboard • Statistical confidence indicators • AI suggestions for optimization But the communication was ONE-WAY. No feedback loop! 4) Meanwhile, v0 showed its strengths: • Real-time reasoning as it designed • Conversational approach ("I'll create a SaaS that...") • Faster FEELING process (transparency helps!) • Ability to ask clarifying questions The difference in experience was NIGHT and DAY. 5) The final designs were surprisingly similar in quality! Polymet's strengths: • More detailed product features • Hover states built in • Actual code generation v0's advantages: • Slightly more polished visually • More "glassy" as requested • Better feedback loop 6) MAJOR INSIGHT: The future isn't about finding ONE perfect AI design tool. It's about using MULTIPLE tools strategically: • Generate initial concepts in one • Refine in another • Mix and match their strengths Just like we do with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc. 7) The REAL lesson? Knowing design terminology matters! When I specifically requested "glassmorphism" instead of just saying "glassy," both tools performed MUCH better. The more precise your design vocabulary, the better your AI design results. 8) Would I recommend these tools? YES - but with expectations in check. Two years ago this would have been MIND-BLOWING. Today, our standards are higher. But for quick prototyping or inspiration, both tools deliver value in different ways. Notable Quotes: "Two years ago, if I would have seen this, I would have been like, 'Oh my God, everything has changed.' And now our bar for all these AI products is so high that the output needs to be incredible for you to really use it in your workflow." "How do you get the most out of them is just you use all of them, you realize what's best for each individual product... There's these nuances that make these products better." Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav) Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/…

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How I find $130K/month AI SaaS Opportunities hiding in plain sight 26:11

vor 29 Tagen26:11

26:11

In this episode I share my exact framework for identifying profitable AI SaaS business opportunities by focusing on manual workflows that could be automated. We focus on export buttons and other manual processes in enterprise software as indicators of workflow breakdowns that AI could solve. The framework breaks down to solving niche problems, charging immediately for solutions, and focusing on quantifiable ROI. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:50 - The Export Button Theory of AI Opportunity 04:03 - Step 1: Identifying Repetitive Pain Points 08:31 - Step 2: Adding Intelligence to Manual Processes 10:53 - Step 3: Identifying Data Silos that Need Bridging 12:47 - Step 4: Finding Missing Connections Between Tools 14:12 - Step 5: Start Small, Grow Naturally 16:55 - Exploring Additional Manual Buttons for Startup Ideas 19:03 - The QuickBooks Export Gold Mine 20:43 - Your First 30 Days: Getting Started with Your AI SaaS Startup 24:02 - Final Thoughts on AI Startup Opportunities Key Points: • The "Export Button Theory" - Every export button in software represents a business opportunity worth $10,000-30,000/month • Five-step framework for finding AI SaaS opportunities • Manual buttons in software (like "generate report," "schedule meeting," "upload CSV") represent AI automation opportunities 1) The Export Button Theory of AI Opportunity Every time a user clicks "export" in software, they're signaling: • A workflow breakdown • Manual labor that could be automated • A potential $10-30K/month feature 2) The 5-step framework for finding these opportunities: Step 1: Identify repetitive pain points Watch how people use enterprise software daily: • Exporting data to reformat it (Salesforce → Excel → PowerPoint) • Copying between tools (Jira → Slack) • Building the same reports weekly • Maintaining spreadsheets manually 3) Step 2: Add intelligence to manual processes Every manual task is an LLM opportunity: • Turn Stripe exports into AI-powered revenue analysis ($50-100K MRR) • Convert CRM data into AI-formatted presentations ($80-120K MRR) • Generate sentiment trends from support tickets ($30-70K MRR) 4) Step 3: Bridge data silos Look for phrases like: "I need to pull this data every week" "I wish I could see this alongside that" "We keep this in a separate spreadsheet" 5) Step 4: Find missing connections between tools Watch for "I wish these two things worked together": • HR system + Payroll → AI opportunity: automatic sync with anomaly detection • CRM + Marketing automation → AI opportunity: bi-directional sync with AI prioritization 6) Step 5: Start small, grow naturally The MOST successful AI SaaS businesses: • Pick a specific niche big players ignore • Focus on ONE painful workflow • Make it 10x better with AI • Let AI suggest next actions • Charge immediately (if solving real pain, people will pay day one) 7) Beyond the export button, look for these manual buttons in software: • "Generate Report" → AI opportunity: automatic insight generation ($2.5B market) • "Schedule Meeting" → AI opportunity: context-aware scheduling ($1.8B market) • "Upload CSV" → AI opportunity: intelligent data processing ($3.2B market) 8) The QuickBooks goldmine • 250M financial reports exported annually • Each export = 45-90 mins of manual work • Value of time: $75-150 per export • Total addressable market: $12-18B annually This is just ONE platform with massive opportunity! 9) Your first 30 days roadmap: Days 1-5: Select software with high export volume, research communities Days 6-10: Interview power users about export habits Days 11-20: Build minimal prototype (using V0, Lovable, Bolt, etc.) Days 21-30: Get 3-5 PAYING beta users Notable Quotes: "Every export button in software represents a business opportunity. When a user clicks export, what are they saying to us? They're basically saying this software doesn't do what I need to, so I'm taking my data elsewhere to do manual work." "The best AI opportunities aren't where everyone is looking. They're hiding in these mundane, repetitive tasks that knowledge workers are doing every single day." Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav) Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/…

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I Built a $10M AI Startup as a College Dropout (Exact Strategy That Worked) 1:09:21

vor 5 weeks1:09:21

1:09:21

David Park, founder of Jenny AI, details his step-by-step approach to building a profitable AI startup that reached $10 million in annual recurring revenue. He emphasizes starting with organic short-form content and influencer marketing before moving to SEO and paid advertising. Park attributes much of Jenny AI's success to finding viral content formats that could be repeated with variations, working with the right influencers regardless of follower count, and focusing on retention metrics as the company scaled. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 03:00 - Organic Short Form Content 08:25 - The Power of Fresh Accounts in Influencer Marketing 11:17 - Case Study: MengMengDuck and Influencer Partnerships 18:01 - New Creator Guidelines 25:57 - Order of Virality: Steps to Achieve Success 30:55 - Finding Influencers 36:21 - Outreach Strategies 40:34 - Negotiating with Influencers 44:50 - Content posting strategy 49:15 - Final UGC Tips 51:52 - SEO Strategy 57:00 - Paid Ads Playbook 59:53 - David's final advice: 01:02:08 - From $5M to $10M 1) ORGANIC SHORT-FORM CONTENT David's shocking truth: Fresh accounts with 1 follower can OUTPERFORM accounts with millions! The algorithm rewards quality, not history. 2) The "Fresh Account" Strategy: • Create new accounts specifically for your product • Find creators to be the face of these accounts • Pay them to create consistent content • Focus on hooks that resonate with your audience 3) The Viral Series Formula Find ONE format that works, then repeat it with slight variations. Example: "POV: You have an essay due" videos for Jenny AI generated 300M+ views and $500K+ in revenue! 4) INFLUENCER MARKETING Don't waste time with mega-influencers charging $20K per post. Instead: • Find creators whose audience matches your users • Create a new account with them as the face • Pay for consistent content (not one-offs) • Let them maintain their authentic style 5) How to find the RIGHT influencers: • Ask your users which creators they follow • Create a "scout" account that only follows relevant creators • Let the algorithm suggest similar accounts • Look for creators with high engagement (not just followers) 6) Outreach hack that WORKS: Send money via Venmo to influencers you want to work with! They'll get a push notification and respond out of curiosity. 7) Negotiation strategy: • Start by asking for their HIGHEST price point (all features) • Remove elements you don't need to lower the price • Negotiate bulk deals (20% off for multiple videos) • Split payment between upfront and performance-based NEVER pay based on follower count - that's outdated! 8) Content posting strategy: • Post 1+ videos DAILY to test different hooks • Trust creators to maintain their authentic style • Create systems that let influencers work autonomously • Don't be afraid of videos looking like ads - they convert BETTER Scale to a video every few hours! 9) David's final advice: "I'm a non-technical founder, a college dropout, not from Silicon Valley. If I can build this, YOU CAN TOO." - David Park "The truth? Only 1% of people reading this will implement these strategies for a full year." - David Park Notable Quotes "We had one video that got 20 million views that had almost a negligible effect on conversions that day for Jenny. It was as if we got zero views, like nothing really happened that day. And yeah, it's just important to create content for people that actually want to convert and want to actually use your product." - David Park "I'm a non-technical person. I'm a non-technical founder doing an AI startup. I am a college dropout. I would not say I'm like one of those cracked people. I'm not from Silicon Valley... and I was able to kind of build this company." - David Park Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav) Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND DAVID ON SOCIAL Jenni AI: https://jenni.ai X/Twitter: https://x.com/Davidjpark96 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paviddark/…

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My Secret Framework for Building $1M Products 56:38

vor 5 weeks56:38

56:38

Today’s episode features Jake Knapp (creator of the Design Sprint), Jonathan Courtney (Founder and CEO of AJ & Smart). We explore how to evaluate and build successful AI products. They use Jake's Foundation Sprint framework to analyze JC's concept for an app that helps entrepreneurs balance content consumption with creation. The conversation demonstrates how to move from initial idea to clear differentiation strategy, emphasizing the importance of first principles thinking before technical implementation. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:36 - Startup Idea: Hit Me App 04:28 - The Foundation Sprint Overview 05:16 - Step 1: Customer 07:50 - Step 2: Problem 12:25 - Step 3: Capability 15:20 - Step 4: Insight 23:34 - Step 5: Motivation 31:44 - Step 6: Competitors 38:57 - How to use AI in the Development Process 41:55 - Differentiation Analysis 51:58 - Reviewing Foundation Sprint Click Book: https://www.theclickbook.com Key Points: • Introduction to the Foundation Sprint framework for evaluating startup ideas • Discussion of building AI wrappers and product differentiation • Exploration of a case study: “Hit Me” - an app for controlling digital consumption • Detailed walkthrough of the basics canvas: customer, problem, capabilities, insights • Analysis of differentiation strategies and competitive positioning 1) The Foundation Sprint Framework: • Start with the basics • Define clear differentiation • Map possible product forms • Test & validate assumptions Key insight: Most founders skip this critical planning phase! 2) The Basics Framework includes: • Customer identification • Problem definition • Special capabilities • Key insights • Core motivation • Competitor analysis Pro tip: Write these down BEFORE touching any code! 3) Real Example Breakdown: JC pitched his “Hit Me” app idea: • Target: Entrepreneurs (25-40) • Problem: Digital overconsumption • Insight: Consumption vs Creation balance • Motivation: Personal struggle with anxiety • Competition: Self-control & existing blockers 4) Key Differentiator Exercise: Plot your product on scales: • Speed (not important) • Intelligence (basic) • Ease of use (very easy) • Price (free) • Focus (targeted) The goal: Find your unique position in the market 5) Major Insight: Most digital wellness apps focus on REMOVING distractions The opportunity: Build tools that REPLACE consumption with creation This is the kind of differentiation that makes marketing easy! 6) Framework Benefits: • Clarifies fuzzy ideas • Forces first principles thinking • Reveals hidden opportunities • Saves time & resources • Prevents building "Homer's Car" Notable Quotes: "It's hard to build when your hands are on fire." - Greg "If you don't have clear differentiation, you need to be a god tier marketer to sell something." - JC LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/ AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com FIND JAKE ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/jakek Website: https://jakeknapp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-knapp/…

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Perplexity vs ChatGPT "Deep Research" For Startup Ideas Shocked Me 39:08

vor 6 weeks39:08

39:08

Get Greg’s Deep research research notes: https://www.gregisenberg.com/deep-research-ideas I compare in real-time ChatGPT's and Perplexity's deep research capabilities for developing startup ideas. Both platforms were prompted to generate AI agent business ideas with specific revenue targets ($1M Y1, $3M Y2, $5M Y3). The results showed that Perplexity provided faster, more concise responses, while ChatGPT offered more detailed, comprehensive analysis but took longer to generate responses. Key Points: • Comparison between ChatGPT Pro ($200/month) and Perplexity Deep Research (free/~$20/month) for startup ideation • Both platforms were tested with identical prompts for creating AI-based startup ideas • Comparison of response speed, depth, and quality between the two platforms • Practical demonstration of how to use AI tools for business planning and market research Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:33 - Defining the Startup Prompt 02:29 - Initiating Research with ChatGPT 05:05 - Initiating Research with Perplexity 09:13 - Perplexity results (Legal Contract AI) 15:44 - ChatGPT results (AI Sales Outreach Assistant) 26:10 - Comparing Perplexity and ChatGPT Outputs 27:55 - Follow-Up Prompts and Further Exploration 31:55 - Perplexity's Follow-Up results 34:43 - ChatGPT's Follow-Up results 37:07 - Where to get Greg’s Deep research research notes 37:31 - Conclusion: Choosing Between Tools 1) THE SETUP: • Testing ChatGPT Pro ($200/mo) vs Perplexity Deep Research ($20/mo) • Same prompt: Build a defensible AI agent startup • Target: $5M ARR in 3 years • MVP budget: $5K 2) PERPLEXITY AI WINS ON SPEED • Completed research in ~2 mins • Analyzed 34+ sources • More concise, actionable insights • Free tier available! 3) CHATGPT WINS ON DEPTH • Longer, more detailed analysis • Comprehensive playbooks • Better market context • More examples & case studies 4) BEST STARTUP IDEAS GENERATED: Legal Contract AI (Perplexity): • $2.4B market opportunity • Auto-redline contracts • Defensible through learning • Clear path to $5.4M ARR AI Sales Assistant (ChatGPT): • Virtual SDR automation • Network effect moat • Product-led growth strategy • $100M+ potential 5) MVP INSIGHTS: For $5K budget: • Use existing APIs (OpenAI/GPT-4) • Start with Chrome extension • Focus on single workflow • Manual fallback for quality • Self-serve freemium model 6) KEY TAKEAWAYS: Both tools are INSANELY good • Perplexity = Fast, concise, free tier • ChatGPT = Deeper analysis, more context • Both provide actionable insights • Worth integrating into workflow 7) PROTIP: For best results: • Be specific with constraints • Ask follow-up questions • Double-click on interesting areas • Cross-reference competitor insights Bottom line: These AI research tools are an unfair advantage for founders right now. Notable Quotes: "Distribution is the new moat" - Greg "This is an unfair advantage right now" - Greg regarding AI research tools Conclusion: Both platforms demonstrated valuable capabilities, with Perplexity offering speed and efficiency while ChatGPT provided more comprehensive analysis. The video suggests both tools can be effective for startup planning, with the choice depending on user preferences for depth versus speed. Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav) Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/…

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7 validated startup ideas that will make $100K/month (and how to grow them) 45:09

vor 6 weeks45:09

45:09

Join us for an engaging conversation with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder and CEO of Swell AI, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities with detailed analysis of market opportunities, implementation strategies, and potential revenue models. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and technical setup 01:31 - Startup Idea 1: Lightroom Preset SaaS 04:41 - Startup Idea 2: Domain Portfolio for Lead Gen 10:56 -Startup Idea 3: E-commerce newsletter AI tools 15:19 -Startup Idea 4: High-LTV SaaS Services 20:08 - Startup Idea 5: Productized Service Agency 28:11 - Startup Idea 6: Dog park bar concept 32:53 - Startup Idea 7: Micro app Studio Key Points: • Detailed discussion of an AI-powered Lightroom preset subscription business opportunity • Analysis of e-commerce newsletter AI tools and market potential • Exploration of physical business concept: Dog park combined with bar • Discussion of micro-apps trend and opportunity in riding viral waves 1) Lightroom Preset SaaS Photographers spend $$$ on presets. Time to disrupt. • Build AI tool to generate Lightroom presets from sample photos • Convert XML packets at scale • $29/month subscription model • Target Adobe users on FB ads Infinite margins. Just code. 2) Domain Portfolio for Lead Gen Law firms do it. Now apply it everywhere. • Buy 1000+ exact-match domains for niche keywords • Rank organically (still works!) • Bundle leads to specific industries • Sell entire portfolio to PE firms 40k+ per lead in some niches 3) AI for Ecomm Newsletters People hate coding email templates. • AI chat interface for newsletter design • Product storytelling automation • Holiday campaign generation • Template modification without code Klaviyo users desperate for this. 4) Lalo Agency Play New CRM taking music industry by storm. • Help artists build fan lists • Run targeted merch giveaways • Geographic targeting for tours • Less than $1 cost per signup All major labels switching over 5) Dog Park Bar Concept The millennial country club is here. • Combine dog park + bar • Add app for daily dog updates • Target high-income dog owners • Members-only model potential 4pm is packed every day 6) Micro AI Apps Studio Text-behind-image went viral. More coming. - Build simple, focused AI tools • Ride viral trends • Credit pack monetization • $7/week pricing psychology Adobe does this. Why not you? 7) High-LTV SaaS Services Find tools people pay for but barely use. • Target Klaviyo, HubSpot, Sage • Build productized service • Create digital assets/templates • Add custom plugins 25k+ customer LTV Notable Quotes: "Labels are like a bank. That's all they turned into." - Cody Schneider "Find trends. That's a very hard thing, I think, for the average person to do. But I think to that point, I think it's gonna get easier and easier to see these trends that are occurring." - Cody Schneider Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav) Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND CODY ON SOCIAL Cody’s startup: https://www.swellai.com/ X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7 LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r…

1
The Actual Process Behind a $10.5K/Month Directory Website 54:24

vor 7 weeks54:24

54:24

Get the exact system used to build profitable local directories: https://www.gregisenberg.com/directory The episode features Frey Chu explaining his methodology for building profitable directory websites, using dog parks as a case study. He demonstrates how to identify opportunities through keyword research, validate ideas through social proof, and implement a basic yet effective directory structure. The discussion emphasizes that even simple directory websites can generate significant passive income through various monetization methods, while also serving as a foundation for larger business opportunities. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 03:40 - Examples of Profitable Directories and their traffic 10:35 - Why Build Directories 12:23 - Finding and validating directory ideas 26:44 - Data collection and enrichment 42:21 - WordPress implementation 46:36 - Monetization strategies Key Points: • How to identify profitable directory website opportunities using keyword research and competition analysis • Step-by-step process for validating directory ideas using Reddit and social listening • Data collection and enrichment techniques for building comprehensive directories • Simple implementation strategy using WordPress or other CMS platforms • Monetization strategies including AdSense, affiliate marketing, and potential SaaS opportunities 1) First, find your niche: • Use Ahrefs "near me" searches • Look for 30-100K monthly searches • Target keyword difficulty under 20 • Avoid seasonal/branded keywords • Find niches with fragmented search intent 2) Validate your idea: • Check competition on Google • Look for basic/outdated directories • Browse Reddit discussions • Confirm real user pain points • Set a "bounty" on weak competitors 3) Data Collection Strategy: • Use Google Maps scraping tools (like Outscraper) • Focus on exact category matches • Collect key data points: - Name, address, phone - Reviews & ratings - Hours & location links - Street view images 4) Data Enrichment • Add unique features competitors lack • Include amenity details (shade, benches, etc) • Use AI tools to automate enrichment • Focus on solving specific user problems • Make data actually USEFUL 5) Building The Directory: • Start with simple "static pillar pages" • Target city-specific keywords • Include: - Table of contents - Location details - Embedded maps - Reviews - Internal linking structure 6) Monetization Options • Display ads (most passive) • Affiliate partnerships • Lead generation • Data collection/email lists • Potential SaaS upsell Notable Quotes "AdSense has been the closest thing that I've ever experienced to passive income." - Frey Chu "People are monetizing directories wrong. They're just putting AdSense... The opportunity is actually to build software on top of these directories." - Greg Isenberg LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/ BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND FREY ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/freychu Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreyChu Frey’s Newsletter: https://shipyourdirectory.kit.com…

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