- #312 - How To Hire Top Freelancers for Your Indie Company
Have you ever wondered what it's like to hire new team members for a bootstrapped company? Well, in this episode, I'll be sharing my personal experience with hiring for my company, PodSqueeze. It all started when I hired a content agency to write ebooks, which turned out to be a success. But when we needed blog posts for SEO, we reached out to them on Twitter and decided to work on a freelance basis. Then came the time to hire a freelance developer, and the response on Twitter was overwhelming. After careful consideration, I selected Reeshav from India. Tune in to hear about my positive hiring experience and the progress we've made with Reeshav. And don't forget to support the podcast and join the indie maker community!
Links
Timestamps
Hiring a Content Writer [00:01:23]
Discussion about the need to hire a content writer for SEO purposes and the unsuccessful attempt to find a cheap writer on Fiverr.
Working with a Content Agency [00:03:30]
Exploration of the decision to work with a content agency for ebook writing and the positive experience with the agency Knitting and its partners, Nithin and Kartik.
Hiring a Freelance Developer [00:06:42]
The host's desire to hire a freelance developer and the process of finding potential candidates through a simple tweet on Twitter, including the filtering process based on skills and rates.
Finding the right vibe [00:10:12]
Tiago discusses the importance of finding someone with a nice vibe and who is uncomplicated to work closely with.
The bias in video applications [00:11:03]
Tiago reflects on the bias in the video applications he received, with only one application from a woman and a majority of applications from men.
Selecting the candidates [00:12:58]
Tiago talks about selecting two candidates, one from India and one from Italy, for interviews and discusses the importance of having in-person chats to understand each other's goals and expectations.
19m | Sep 27, 2023 - #311 - The Most Uncertain Times: Navigating the Ups and Downs of PodSqueeze
I'll be reflecting on the ups and downs of our journey so far, including the initial success and growth of our company. But I also have concerns about the market and AI trends. I'll be sharing my three conditions for deciding whether to continue with PodSqueeze, and expressing my unwavering passion for this project. Oh, and I'm thrilled to announce the release of our new video feature! Plus, I can't wait to tell you about my upcoming holiday plans. Connect with me on Twitter and if you're an entrepreneur looking for a supportive community, check out our select-based community. Let's dive in!
Links
Timestamps
The initial success and traction [00:01:32]
Discusses the excitement and rapid growth experienced after launching PodSqueeze, reaching milestones, and the initial momentum in the AI market.
The slowing down of growth and concerns about the market [00:02:47]
Addresses the decrease in growth rate, the decline in AI trend popularity, and the uncertainty about the future of PodSqueeze in a shrinking market.
The release of the new video feature and upcoming holiday [00:08:00]
Mentions the development and release of a video feature, the stress and excitement surrounding it, and the upcoming holiday plans.
Initial success and traction [00:10:01]
Tiago mentions the initial success and traction experienced after launching PodSqueeze.
Slowing down of growth [00:10:01]
Tiago discusses the slowing down of growth for PodSqueeze.
Concerns about market and AI trends [00:10:01]
Tiago expresses concerns about the market and AI trends and how they may impact PodSqueeze.
10m | Sep 22, 2023 - #310 - How To Legally Create an Indie Company and Minimize Taxes
Have you ever wondered what it takes to set up your own company? In this podcast episode, I share my personal journey of starting UserQuest and the obstacles I encountered along the way. One of the biggest challenges was finding accountants who truly understood my software-as-a-service business model and the complexities of taxation. It was frustrating to navigate through the options for managing taxes, such as setting up the company in Estonia, only to realize the potential risks involved.
Join me as I share my experiences and insights, and hopefully, you'll find inspiration for your own entrepreneurial journey.
Links
Timestamps
Setting up a company [00:02:04]
Tiago discusses the process of setting up a company, specifically in Portugal or Europe, and shares his experience and learnings.
Challenges with finding an accountant [00:04:05]
Tiago talks about the difficulties they faced in finding an accountant who understood their business model and could provide accurate tax advice.
Reducing taxes [00:06:48]
Tiago explains the research and efforts they made to try and reduce their taxes, as they were being taxed at a high rate that didn't align with their online business model.
The frustrations of setting up a company [00:07:46]
Tiago discusses the frustrations he faced when seeking advice on setting up a company and the simplicity that others claimed it to be.
Investigating options in Singapore [00:08:44]
Tiago explores the idea of setting up a company in Singapore, including the lower taxes and the requirement for a stakeholder to live in Singapore.
Exploring Madeira as an option [00:09:45]
Tiago considers Madeira as a potential location for their company, the concept of fiscal paradises, and the need to live in Madeira for tax benefits.
Setting up a company in Estonia [00:15:37]
Discusses the options and tax implications of setting up a company in Estonia, including paying taxes on dividends and profits.
Double taxation and treaties [00:17:42]
Explains the issue of double taxation when living in one country and having a company in another, and how treaties can help mitigate this problem.
Legal concerns and hiring a lawyer [00:19:39]
Details the decision to hire a lawyer to determine the legality of having a company in Estonia while living in Portugal, and the potential consequences of not paying taxes in the correct jurisdiction.
Deciding on Estonia or Portugal [00:23:16]
Tiago discusses the pros and cons of setting up a company in Estonia and Portugal, including the risks and potential benefits.
Affordability of fines [00:25:29]
Tiago reflects on the ability to afford fines and how it influenced the decision to choose Portugal for their company.
Challenges with company registration in Portugal [00:27:20]
Tiago shares the frustrating process of registering a company name in Portugal, including the slow bureaucracy and issues with the registration tool.
Setting up the company [00:30:14]
The speaker discusses the challenges they faced while trying to set up their company and the decision to physically go to the finance department.
Setting up a business bank account [00:31:09]
The speaker talks about the process of setting up a business bank account and their decision to go with Revolut, an online bank.
Managing company expenses and taxes [00:33:06]
The speaker explains the concept of minimizing company profits to reduce taxes and discusses strategies to take money out of the company as expenses.
Lessons learned from the process [00:38:22]
Tiago discusses the importance of doing your own research and asking questions when it comes to finances and taxes.
The value of consulting a lawyer [00:39:30]
Tiago explains the benefits of seeking professional advice from a lawyer who understands the law and can provide reliable information.
Utilizing Chat GPT for assistance [00:40:30]
Tiago shares how they used Chat GPT for calculations and comparisons, emphasizing its helpfulness in testing different scenarios.
41m | Sep 17, 2023 - #309 - Tips for Indie Makers Perform at The Highest Level
Are you an indie maker looking to perform at your best? In this episode, I dive into strategies for reaching the highest level of productivity. Discover the power of structuring your day and finding a routine that suits you. As a fellow night owl, I emphasize the importance of working with your natural body and brain rhythms. Plus, I reveal the benefits of sleep, cold showers, and intermittent fasting. Learn how to boost productivity, conquer distractions, and find relaxation through meditation. And don't forget to share your tips and suggestions for future episodes! Reach out to me today.
Links
Timestamps
How to Perform at the Highest Level [00:01:13]
Discussion on the importance of structuring one's day to perform at the highest level, drawing parallels with athletes and other professions.
Being a Night Owl [00:04:23]
Tiago shares his experience as a night owl and the benefits of accepting and working with one's natural sleep patterns.
The Benefits of Cold Showers [00:07:09]
Tiago talks about the benefits he has experienced from taking cold showers, including improved tolerance to cold, potential immune system boost, and a mindset shift.
Reducing Calorie Intake and Productivity [00:10:10]
Tiago discusses how he reduces his calorie intake by practicing intermittent fasting and how it affects his productivity.
Importance of Food and Productivity [00:12:03]
Tiago talks about how the food he eats affects his productivity and how eating less helps him stay focused and avoid feeling tired or sleepy.
Managing Distractions and Increasing Productivity [00:13:02]
Tiago shares strategies for managing distractions while working, including taking breaks to do minor tasks and avoiding the temptation to use social media or browse the internet.
The importance of meditation [00:19:27]
Meditation as a tool for stress relief and problem-solving.
Balancing work and personal life [00:20:32]
Struggles with knowing when to stop working and the never-ending tasks.
The value of rest and prioritizing mental health [00:21:42]
Recognizing the need for rest, setting priorities, and avoiding burnout.
The value of your hour [00:29:38]
Tiago discusses the importance of assigning a monetary value to your time and making decisions based on that value.
Making smart investments [00:30:44]
Tiago explains how to make calculated decisions by exchanging tasks based on their value and ensuring they don't exceed the value of your time.
Supporting the podcast [00:31:50]
Tiago shares ways to support the podcast, including becoming a member of the community, which costs $10 per month.
32m | Sep 9, 2023 - #308 - Interviewing Taylin Simmonds Founder of Ghostlii
I had the pleasure of interviewing Taylin Simmonds, the co-founder of Ghostlii, a content marketing agency. Have you ever wondered how to find success as an entrepreneur while staying true to your artistic vision? Well, Talyn shares his incredible journey as an indie maker and entrepreneur, exploring the fascinating intersection of art and business. We dive deep into topics like finding product-market fit, thriving in saturated markets, and the power of building an audience and brand.
About Taylin
Podcast Links
Timestamps
Finding Product-Market Fit [00:02:38]
Dylan talks about the importance of finding product-market fit and how Ghostly shifted their focus from growing social media followers to building a valuable brand and audience.
Artistic Entrepreneurship [00:03:34]
Dylan discusses his perspective on the intersection of art and entrepreneurship, highlighting how entrepreneurship can be a vehicle for artistic impact and creating something incredible.
Selling Art and Managing Expectations [00:05:14]
The conversation explores the challenge of balancing artistic integrity and commercial success, with Dylan sharing insights on how musicians can find a niche that appeals to both artistic expression and market demand.
The journey to $10k per month [00:10:20]
Dylan shares how he reached $10k per month in just 30 days and discusses the importance of lead generation.
Building relationships through content [00:12:14]
Dylan explains his approach to networking by creating high-value content that attracts the attention of industry leaders.
The importance of skill stacking and failures [00:15:55]
Dylan emphasizes the importance of acquiring skills and experiencing failures before finding success in entrepreneurship.
The mindset shift after reaching success [00:18:44]
Discussion on how reaching success can challenge one's identity and mindset, causing anxiety and pressure.
The journey of building a successful business [00:19:33]
Exploration of the challenges faced in scaling a business and the personal growth required to sustain success.
Using psychedelics for personal transformation [00:23:11]
The guest shares his experience with ayahuasca and MDMA therapy as tools for personal transformation and identity change.
Psychedelic experiences and personal growth [00:25:08]
Dylan discusses how psychedelic experiences can open doors to new thoughts, states of being, and personal growth.
Imposter syndrome and embracing failure [00:27:03]
Dylan shares his thoughts on imposter syndrome and how it is a natural part of trying new things and embracing failure as a way to learn and iterate.
Goals and priorities in indie companies [00:32:05]
Dylan talks about his goals and priorities in his indie company, emphasizing the importance of viewing businesses as stepping stones for learning and growth.
Scaling as a Self-Improvement Vehicle [00:32:53]
Discussion on the benefits of scaling a business for financial and location freedom, but recognizing that it may not be the ultimate goal.
Passion for Educating and Creating [00:33:53]
Desire to transition into e-learning and decentralized education, and the challenge of being a creator and capturing attention.
Finding Clarity and Direction [00:34:49]
Importance of having clarity on the direction of one's business and being open to iterating and testing different paths.
The pursuit of growth [00:41:05]
Dylan discusses different motivations for entrepreneurship and the desire for growth in business and personal life.
The need for constant growth [00:42:09]
Dylan argues that while businesses don't always need to grow, individuals should always be growing in some domain, and for many, that domain is business.
The desire to keep pushing oneself [00:43:27]
Dylan explains how once money stops solving problems, the next challenge becomes finding fulfillment and enjoying life, which can be achieved through pushing oneself in business.
Mentions
Ayahuasca (psychedelic): Mentioned at 00:24:03
Joe Dispenza: Mentioned at 00:25:08
MDMA therapy: Mentioned at 00:25:08
Peter Levels: Mentioned at 00:28:31
"12 and 12" mindset: Mentioned at 00:28:31
Hermosa: Mentioned at 00:30:16 (unclear if it refers to a person or a concept)
Elon Musk: Mentioned at 00:31:06
Mark Zuckerberg: Mentioned at 00:31:06
Bootstrapping: Mentioned at 00:31:06
Indie hacking: Mentioned at 00:31:06
Monkey Ran: Mentioned at 00:32:05 (unclear if it refers to a person or a company)
Topic: Books and Authors
Mark Manson: Mentioned in the context of trying on different beliefs. (Timestamp: 00:36:18)
Topic: Lifestyle and Success Symbols
McDonald's: Mentioned in the context of working at a job with no leverage. (Timestamp: 00:39:31)
Topic: Education and Learning
E-learning: The speaker expresses interest in e-learning businesses and decentralized education. (Timestamp: 00:33:53)
Topic: Conversations and Interactions
Tony Dean: Mentioned as someone the speaker had a conversation with about maintaining lifestyle and freedom while growing a business. (Timestamp: 00:40:41)
46m | Sep 2, 2023 - #307 - What I wish I’d known when I started Indie Hacking
Have you ever wondered how to navigate the world of indie hacking? Well, today I'll be discussing the importance of learning and experimenting in indie hacking, the significance of having a financial runway, and the need to prioritize mental health. We'll also explore the audience-first approach, finding product-market fit, and the importance of time as an indie maker's biggest asset. So, let's dive in and discover the keys to success in the world of indie hacking!
Links
Timestamps
The decision to quit job or side hustle [00:00:12]
Reflecting on the personal decision of whether to quit a job or side hustle while starting a business.
Learning entrepreneurship and time commitment [00:01:37]
The importance of dedicating 100% of time to learning entrepreneurship and building a product from scratch.
The importance of financial stability and mental health [00:04:18]
The recommendation to have at least one year of savings and prioritize mental well-being when starting a business.
The Audience First Approach [00:11:12]
Starting with an audience instead of an idea, understanding their problems, and creating products for your own crowd.
Finding a Problem [00:14:22]
Identifying problems within your own audience, exploring new technologies, and brainstorming solutions.
Product Market Fit [00:20:36]
When your product solves a market problem and people are willing to pay for it, leading to high user traction.
Finding Product-Market Fit [00:21:36]
The speaker discusses the importance of finding a product that immediately gains traction and has enthusiastic users.
Killing Unsuccessful Projects [00:22:35]
The speaker advises to kill a project if it doesn't gain traction after 2-3 months and shares the difficulty of killing a project with existing users.
Maximizing Time as an Indie Maker [00:26:45]
The speaker emphasizes that time is the biggest asset for indie makers and suggests trying multiple projects within a shorter timeframe to increase chances of success.
Launching Your Product [00:31:09]
Tips for doing a big launch on social media or Product Hunt, including ensuring everything is working properly beforehand.
Operational Challenges [00:34:03]
The shift in dynamic and energy once a product becomes mature and the challenges of setting up a company, finding better services, and understanding taxes.
Importance of Co-founders [00:36:14]
The benefits of having a co-founder, including sharing the journey, complementing each other's strengths, and open communication to resolve issues.
41m | Aug 26, 2023 - #306 - I Don't Know How To Run A Business
In this episode, I, Tiago, an indie maker and entrepreneur, share my journey and the challenges I face in navigating the business side of things. From setting up a company to handling taxes and hiring professionals, there's a lot to learn. I discuss the lack of discussion around these less glamorous aspects and the fear of making mistakes. I also share my hiring process for a community manager, emphasizing the importance of trust and fit. Plus, I contemplate the need for a lawyer to define contract terms. Tune in for all the insights!
Links
Timestamps
The phase of adulthood [00:01:24]
Tiago discusses the different phases of a business's life, comparing it to the stages of a person's life.
Setting up a company and address [00:04:53]
Tiago talks about the challenges of setting up a company, including the decision of what address to use and the option of a virtual office.
The frustration of bureaucratic tasks [00:09:07]
Tiago expresses frustration with the bureaucratic tasks involved in running a business, such as finding the right services, interviewing professionals, and dealing with taxes.
The hiring process [00:12:26]
Tiago discusses his first ever hiring process and the importance of finding the right person for the role.
Understanding wealth and taxes [00:16:30]
Tiago reflects on his changing definition of wealth and the realization that minimizing profits can reduce taxes.
The importance of understanding taxes [00:23:35]
Tiago emphasizes the significance of understanding the tax system as an entrepreneur and how it can lead to success.
25m | Aug 18, 2023 - #305 - How Success Changes The Way You See Yourself
Have you ever wondered how success can change a person? In this episode, I'll be reflecting on this concept, and using I'll be sharing my own experiences with success through my company, PodSqueeze. From childhood dreams of being an entrepreneur to taking my profession seriously, I'll discuss the impact success has had on me. We'll also touch on the challenges of building a company, including tax considerations and the possibility of starting a business in a country with lower taxes. Managing taxes and expenses properly is crucial for scalability and growth.
Links
Timestamps
Success and Change [00:01:23]
Discussion on why people change with success, using Elon Musk as an example.
Validation of Success [00:03:52]
The narrator's experience of how success has changed their interactions and engagement on social media.
Pursuing Dreams [00:10:19]
The narrator's journey of pursuing entrepreneurship as a dream and how it changed their perspective on their career path.
The coping mechanism of coding at the beach [00:12:29]
The speaker discusses how they used to feel anxious about not being productive during beach holidays and how they started using coding as a coping mechanism.
Accepting and embracing their entrepreneurial personality [00:13:31]
The speaker talks about gaining confidence in their way of seeing life and accepting their entrepreneurial personality, despite being different from others.
Challenges and frustrations of building a company [00:17:42]
The speaker shares their frustrations with the managerial and organizational aspects of building a company, including decision-making, meetings, and dealing with taxes.
The tax deductions dilemma [00:24:14]
Explains the difference in expenses that can be deducted in a company and the gray areas surrounding deducting business trips.
Challenges of starting a company in Portugal [00:26:22]
Discusses frustrations and delays in registering a company name in Portugal, highlighting the need for change.
Hiring a community manager [00:28:22]
Shares the process of hiring a community manager, including receiving video applications and the excitement of having someone to help manage the community.
31m | Aug 11, 2023 - #304 - Don't do business with people you don't trust
In this episode, I'll be sharing my recent experiences with my business partner and landlord. From struggles with onboarding business partners who seemed to take control of the conversation, it's been quite a journey. I'll also be discussing my personal experience with our rented flat in Lisbon. Join me as I reflect on these experiences, contemplate changes to my business model, and invite your suggestions. Let's dive in!
Links
Timestamps
Trying to find a business partner [00:02:40]
Tiago discusses his experience with trying to onboard business partners to sell their product, but it hasn't been successful so far.
Concerns about a potential business partner [00:03:51]
Tiago and Joe discuss their conversation with a potential business partner from France and express concerns about losing control of their company and lifestyle.
Unexpected housing situation [00:07:05]
Tiago shares his experience of renting a flat in Lisbon and how their landlord unexpectedly refused to renew their contract, leading to the realization of the importance of trust in business dealings.
Tiago's Thoughts on the Community [00:11:56]
Tiago discusses the purpose of the community and whether it should focus on making friends or providing value.
Considering a Change in Business Model [00:13:00]
Tiago contemplates changing the subscription-based business model to a one-time payment model for the community.
Exploring New Ideas for Monetization [00:14:51]
Tiago explores the idea of converting his guides into an ebook and potentially creating a fund for indie hackers.
17m | Aug 2, 2023 - #303 - Interviewing Tony Dinh on how to run a successful indie businesses
In this podcast episode, Tiago interviews Tony Dinh, a successful indie hacker, about the challenges and goals of running an indie company. They discuss their own experiences and the importance of finding the right co-founder. They also talk about the different phases of being an indie hacker and the goals that come with each phase. Tony shares his approach to design and marketing, while Tiago talks about his transition from struggling to finding success with his startup. They also discuss profitability margins, lifestyle priorities, hiring freelancers, managing tasks and deadlines, and competing with bigger players in the industry.
Links
Timestamps
The challenges of running an indie company [00:01:12]
Tiago discusses his challenges of running an indie company, including hiring and setting goals.
Finding product-market fit and gaining credibility [00:02:17]
Tiago and Tony discuss the importance of finding product-market fit and how it can lead to credibility and success.
The different phases of being an indie hacker [00:09:08]
Tiago and Tony talk about the roller coaster journey of being an indie hacker and the different phases and goals that come with it.
The profitability margins [00:12:03]
Discussion about the profitability margins of the company and the impact of having employees on revenue.
Goals as an indie hacker [00:12:40]
Discussion about short-term and medium-term goals as an indie hacker, including reaching the level of other successful indie hackers.
Prioritizing lifestyle over money [00:15:32]
Discussion about the preference for a lifestyle with more freedom and independence over having a lot of money.
The hiring process and working with freelancers [00:23:17]
Discussion on the benefits of hiring freelancers, the types of tasks they can handle, and the decision-making process of when to hire them.
Trusting freelancers and managing their hours [00:28:10]
Exploration of the trust factor in hiring freelancers, giving them access to code, and managing their hours and invoicing.
Transitioning a freelancer to a full-time employee [00:30:07]
The process of hiring a freelancer as a full-time employee, starting with a specific role and expanding their responsibilities based on their skills and willingness to help.
No deadlines [00:34:05]
Discussion on the absence of deadlines in the company and how tasks are allocated and managed without them.
Managing freedom and goals [00:36:41]
Exploration of the paradox of wanting to achieve goals and beat competitors while maintaining freedom and not setting deadlines.
Dealing with competition [00:41:14]
Discussion on how the speaker manages competition and believes there is still a place for their product in the market.
Links and Mentions
Marketing:
Product Hunt: 00:06:02
Twitter: 00:06:02
Instagram: 00:06:02
Communication and Task Management:
Telegram: 00:34:47
Linear: 00:35:13
Slack: 00:43:45
References:
My First Million podcast: 00:36:54
45m | Jul 26, 2023 - #302 - My Company is Making $10K Per Month
Is money a synonym for success? I'm thrilled to announce that we've reached a milestone of $10,000 in revenue. Plus, I recently bought a used car and the response on Twitter was amazing. Join me as I discuss the importance of freedom over money for indie makers and explore a potential product idea for a search engine for podcast episodes. I'll also reflect on my growth as an entrepreneur and how success has changed my self-perception. Lastly, I invite you to join our community and share this podcast with others in the indie maker community. Let's connect and learn together!
Links
Timestamps
The milestone celebration [00:02:13]
Tiago discusses reaching a significant milestone of $10,000 in revenue and plans to celebrate with a special dinner.
Twitter monetization rumors [00:05:31]
Tiago talks about the recent buzz on Twitter about content creators getting paid and their own experience with trying to monetize their account.
Imposter syndrome and the journey of an indie company [00:09:50]
Tiago reflects on their imposter syndrome and the mixed feelings about the future of their company, sharing insights from interviews with other successful entrepreneurs.
Freedom vs Money [00:10:49]
Tiago discusses the importance of freedom over money and asks the audience to choose between working hard for $1 million or having full freedom with less money.
Creating a Podcast Search Engine [00:11:58]
Tiago shares their idea of creating a search engine for podcasts to make it easier to find specific episodes and discusses using OpenAI's embeddings for smart searches.
Building a Search Engine for Podcasts" [00:13:55]
Tiago explains the benefits of having a search engine for podcasts and the potential for creating a landing page for each episode, while acknowledging the challenges of monetizing the idea.
Tiago's self-confidence and validation [00:21:22]
Tiago reflects on how their self-confidence and ego have changed with success, and how they are now seen as a reference by others.
The stages of believing in a dream [00:22:29]
Tiago discusses the stages of believing in a dream, from thinking it's impossible to realizing it's possible through persistence and hard work.
The importance of passion and challenging oneself [00:27:03]
Tiago emphasizes the importance of passion and challenging oneself, sharing examples of successful individuals who continue to work hard and pursue their passions despite already achieving financial success.
Mentions
Changeit app: 00:00:12
Twitter: 00:05:31
GPT-4: 00:07:38
OpenAI: 00:11:58, 00:13:00
Trello: 00:10:49
Spotify: 00:11:58
Wagyu beef: 00:14:57
Coldplay Concert: 00:24:39 - 00:25:54
Community for Entrepreneurs: 00:27:03
28m | Jul 22, 2023 - #301 - Why Do We All Live The Same Life?
Have you ever wondered about human achievements, societal norms, and different lifestyles? Today, I'll be reflecting on these topics, specifically in the context of indie hacking. I'll also share my thoughts on two inspiring documentaries that showcase individuals living extraordinary lives, and question why society often discourages deviating from the norm. We'll then dive into my own indie hacking journey, discussing my product, PodSqueeze, and the challenges I faced with fake accounts. I'll touch on my involvement in a community project and share my thoughts on changing the monetization model. Finally, I'll discuss my lack of motivation and energy for certain projects, emphasizing the importance of quitting something that no longer brings joy.
Links
Timestamps
The discovery of a new exoplanet [00:00:12]
Tiago discusses the recent discovery of a new exoplanet and how humans were able to find it by studying a star.
Societal norms and expectations [00:01:39]
Tiago explores why most people live life in a similar manner, attributing it to social norms and the pursuit of growth and power in Western societies.
Different lifestyles and admiration for extraordinary individuals [00:04:15]
Tiago reflects on the fascination with individuals who live different lifestyles, such as chefs turned travelers and mountaineers, and how they are celebrated despite societal pressure to conform.
The competition and fake accounts issue [00:14:15]
Tiago discusses their desire to see their project grow and the annoyance of fake accounts.
Changing restrictions on free users [00:15:16]
Tiago explains the decision to limit certain features to paid users to combat the issue of fake accounts.
Reducing customer support and implementing AI agent [00:18:50]
Tiago talks about implementing features to reduce the need for customer support, including creating folders and an unsubscribe button, as well as introducing an AI agent for customer support.
Lack of motivation and considering giving up [00:26:50]
Tiago discusses their lack of motivation to work on certain projects and considers giving up on them.
Quitting is not a failure [00:27:45]
Tiago emphasizes that quitting or giving up on something is not a failure, but rather a natural part of life and pursuing other interests.
Promotion of user desk and call for feedback [00:28:47]
Tiago mentions user desk and encourages listeners to check it out, providing a link in the show notes. They also mention that feedback would be appreciated and provide contact information for the creator.
Mentions with timestamps:
Exoplanet: 00:00:12
Netflix: 00:04:15
Anthony Bourdain: 00:05:48
"The Alpinist": 00:05:48
Elon Musk: 00:07:04
Mr. Beast: 00:07:04
Casey Neistat: 00:07:04
Obama: 00:07:04
Taekwondo: 00:10:51
Tony Dinh: 00:13:10
PodSqueeze: 00:14:15
ChatGPT: 00:18:50
User Desk: 00:21:20
Notion: 00:21:20
User Desk website: 00:21:20
Luca's products: 00:21:20
User Desk.io: 00:21:20
User Desk: 00:28:47
Luca's Twitter: 00:28:47
Tiago's Twitter: 00:28:47
29m | Jul 12, 2023 - #300 - Sailing Against the Tide
Have you ever participated in a quiz with friends and suddenly realized how little general knowledge you actually have? That's exactly what happened to me recently. So, I've decided to study flags to improve my knowledge in that area. On another note, I'm really passionate about sailing, but navigating the strong tides and currents of the river in Lisbon can be quite challenging. It has taught me the importance of patience and waiting, which I find parallels with my entrepreneurial journey. While I'm grateful for the stability in my business, I'm also yearning for something new and dreaming of creating a collaborative working environment.
Links
Timestamps
Participating in quizzes [00:00:12]
Tiago's recent quiz participation with friends, their two wins, and his realization of his lack of general knowledge.
Studying flags [00:01:25]
Tiago's interest in flag study, noticing design patterns across regions, and the idea of a sitcom about friends bonding over quizzes.
Sailing and dealing with tides [00:03:39]
Tiago's passion for sailing, challenges of strong tides in Lisbon river, and a recent experience sailing against the tide, emphasizing patience and waiting for change.
Tiago's mindset shift and embracing stability in his entrepreneurial journey [00:11:37]
Tiago's desire for something new and creating a positive work environment [00:12:41]
Tiago's dream of collaborating with other indie hackers and potential plans for a co-working space [00:14:55]
20m | Jul 6, 2023 - #299 - Podsqueeze just hit $100,000 in annual revenue!
Hey there! Have you ever wondered what it's like to reach a major milestone in your startup? Well, in this episode, I'm excited to share with you the recent achievement of my own startup, Pod Squeeze, hitting $100,000 in annual revenue. But it's not all smooth sailing. I'll be diving into the challenges we faced, including a decline in monthly recurring revenue and a 20% churn rate. To combat this, I'll be discussing the introduction of yearly plans with a discount. Join me as I reflect on the financial implications and potential valuation of the company. Plus, I'll be sharing an awkward moment with my co-founder and the valuable lesson I learned about navigating disagreements and leveraging each person's expertise. Tune in as I highlight the importance of discussions and compromises in co-founder relationships.
Links
Mentions
Tools, websites, links, books, and videos mentioned in the podcast episode:
Twitter: 00:01:24, 00:10:40
Podsqueeze: 00:01:24, 00:13:47, 00:14:49, 00:16:04, 00:17:07, 00:18:20, 00:19:30
Stripe: 00:04:01
Descript: 00:14:49
Zen Caster: 00:14:49
Spotify: 00:14:49
AppSumo: 00:18:20
Timestamps
Implementing features to mitigate churn [00:02:48]
Discussion on the implementation of features to understand and mitigate the 20% churn rate.
Introducing yearly plans [00:06:06]
Explaining the decision to introduce yearly subscription plans and the initial success of attracting subscribers.
First yearly agency plan [00:09:21]
Excitement over the first agency plan subscription, with a user committing to pay $1300 upfront for the product.
Reaching $100,000 in annual revenue and the potential valuation of the company [00:10:40]
Tiago discusses the recent milestone of his startup, Pod Squeeze, reaching $100,000 in annual revenue and speculates on the potential valuation of the company.
Comparing the financial benefits of entrepreneurship to a 9 to 5 job [00:11:46]
Tiago compares the financial benefits of running his own company and potentially selling it to the salary he could make in a 9 to 5 job.
Considering the possibility of selling Pod Squeeze and the reasons behind it [00:13:47]
Tiago discusses the advice he received from a friend about selling Pod Squeeze, the competitive nature of the industry, and the potential threats from big companies creating similar products.
Navigating Awkward Moments in a Partnership [00:20:42]
Tiago discusses the challenges of navigating awkward moments and the importance of growth in a partnership.
Managing Expectations and Autonomy [00:21:54]
Tiago reflects on his initial desire for his co-founder to focus solely on their startup and the need for both of them to have autonomy in their respective roles.
Defining Roles and Trust in a Co-founder [00:24:25]
Tiago discusses the importance of defining roles and trusting each other's expertise in order to make their startup succeed.
27m | Jun 29, 2023 - #298 - Our MRR is Going Down 😱
In this episode of my podcast, "Wannabe Entrepreneur," I share some valuable insights on the challenges and realities of being an indie hacker. As an indie hacker myself, I understand the importance of finding a balance between financial stability and pursuing your passion. I discuss the need to sometimes take on freelance work to make ends meet and the importance of having a side job to support oneself while pursuing indie hacking.
I also share success stories from the indie community, including Luca, who was able to make money from his indie project and eventually sell his company. I finish by telling our tale to find the perfect API transcription provider for Podsqueeze.
Links
Mentions
Dagobert's tweet about quitting his startup
Timestamps
Indie News [00:02:40]
Tiago talks about the recent shutdown of indie startup Legality by Dagobert and the challenges of being an indie hacker.
Success and the Indie Lifestyle [00:08:16]
Tiago reflects on the ups and downs of being an indie hacker and how success is not a happy ever after, but a lifestyle with its own perks and downsides.
Tiago's Freelance Gig [00:09:32]
Tiago discusses how being an indie hacker is a lifestyle and how he has taken on a freelance gig to help pay the bills.
The Importance of a Side Job [00:10:36]
Tiago discusses the importance of having a side job as an indie hacker to reduce anxiety and boost ego.
Iterating and Dropping Projects [00:14:06]
Tiago emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind and being flexible as an indie hacker, iterating and dropping projects that do not have early success.
Finding a New Transcription Provider [00:17:24]
Tiago shares the story of finding a new transcription provider for his podcast, negotiating prices and testing different providers before making a decision.
Transcription Issues [00:20:27]
Tiago discusses the challenges of finding a reliable transcription service for his podcast and the issues he faced with different providers.
Vacation and Revenue Drop [00:28:46]
Tiago talks about his recent vacation and the challenges of being an indie hacker, including a drop in monthly recurring income due to a big client churning.
Decreasing Churn [00:30:00]
Tiago discusses implementing annual plans and working on ways to decrease churn in order to improve revenue for his indie startup.
Tiago's plans for the future [00:30:59]
Tiago discusses his desire to replicate the success of his current project, Pod Squeeze, and his plans to learn more about marketing and scaling through interviews.
Podcast growth and call to action [00:32:00]
Tiago shares the growth of his podcast and encourages listeners to share it with friends and join his community for indie makers.
Unusual company training in the US [00:33:06]
Tiago briefly mentions the need for active shooter training in some US companies.
33m | Jun 22, 2023 - #297 - Interviewing Yossi and Simon About TinyKiwi Acquisition
Have you ever wondered what it's like to sell or acquire a company in the indie scene? In this podcast episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Simon, the founder of Feedhive, and Yossi, the founder of Tiny Kiwi, as they discuss the acquisition of Tiny Kiwi by Feedhive. We delve into the process of selling and acquiring a company in the indie market, as well as the benefits and challenges of being an indie entrepreneur. We also touch on the importance of balancing work and personal life. Tune in for valuable insights into the world of indie entrepreneurship and the potential for growth in the market.
Links
Timestamps
Introduction [00:00:12]
The host introduces the guests, Simon and Yossi, and explains that they will be discussing the acquisition of Tiny Kiwi by Feedier.
Selling a company in the indie scene [00:02:32]
The host and Yossi discuss the market of selling a company in the indie scene and how it differs from the startup and VC scene.
Yossi's background and shift to indie hacking [00:05:36]
Yossi talks about his background as a developer and his shift to indie hacking, inspired by the Building Public community on Twitter.
Indie Founder Stories [00:10:13]
The speakers discuss the toxic starts of good founder stories and the importance of setting your own rules as an indie founder.
Managing Work Addiction [00:14:53]
The speakers discuss the potential for work addiction as an indie founder and how they manage their work-life balance.
Description of Tiny Kiwi [00:18:00]
Simon describes Tiny Kiwi as a minimalistic and easy-to-use image editing tool for creating beautiful designs quickly.
Building Tiny Kiwi [00:18:51]
Yossi describes the inspiration behind building Tiny Kiwi as a tool for indie developers to share beautiful screenshots of their work quickly and with more control.
Selling Tiny Kiwi [00:21:11]
Yossi explains how he decided to sell Tiny Kiwi to Feedier after realizing he no longer had the time to work on it. He also discusses his lack of experience in selling companies.
Attachment to Products [00:25:24]
Yossi and Simon discuss the emotional attachment that comes with building and selling a product, as well as the different levels of attachment when buying a product. They also discuss the impact of having paying customers on the attachment to a product.
The Canva Integration [00:27:55]
Simon and Yossi discuss their failed attempts to integrate Canva into Feedier and their search for an alternative tool, which led them to Kello/Vista Create.
Brand Bird Integration [00:32:14]
The founders discuss their experience integrating Brand Bird into Feedier and the challenges they faced with users having to pay for the tool separately.
Acquiring Tiny Kiwi [00:34:39]
Simon and Yossi discuss the acquisition of Tiny Kiwi by Feedier and how it solved a problem for Feedier's image creation tool.
Trust in the Acquisition [00:36:37]
Yossi and Simon discuss the process of selling and acquiring a company in the indie scene, and the importance of trust in the process.
Code Quality Concerns [00:38:09]
Yossi expresses concerns about the quality of his code and the potential for negative feedback from Simon, while Simon discusses his expectations for the tech stack and code quality.
Importance of Code Manageability [00:43:09]
Simon discusses the importance of code manageability and compatibility with his team's tech stack, while also acknowledging the functionality and usability of Tiny Kiwi's code.
Tech stack for indie makers [00:46:11]
Yossi discusses the tech stack used for Tiny Kiwi, including Next.js with React, JavaScript, and Superbase, and how it was deployed on Digital Ocean.
Choosing a tech stack for acquisition [00:49:33]
Simon and the host discuss the importance of choosing a tech stack that is matchable and easy to migrate when acquiring a company, and the advice for indie makers building products to consider using a generic tech stack.
Due diligence in the acquisition process [00:52:02]
Yossi talks about the due diligence process in the acquisition, including sharing access to the Github repository and the nervousness he felt about showing the actual code.
The Sale Process [00:53:52]
Yossi and Simon discuss the process of selling and acquiring a company in the indie scene, including the potential for deal breakers and the excitement of the experience.
Managing Multiple Priorities [00:57:43]
Simon discusses the stress of managing multiple priorities, including the acquisition of Tiny Kiwi, while also launching a new tool and dealing with personal life events.
Indie Community and Acquisitions [01:02:11]
The host discusses the increasing trend of indie companies being sold for large sums of money and what it means for the indie community.
The Indie Market [01:02:58]
Discussion on the indie market of selling and buying side projects, including marketplaces like MicroAcquire and Site Projects, and the potential for indie makers to build and sell profitable products.
Acquiring Tiny Kiwi [01:06:22]
Simon discusses the process of acquiring Tiny Kiwi, including the challenge of transferring subscriptions from Paddle to Stripe, and the value of the acquisition even if the company was not profitable.
The Future of Indie Acquisitions [01:08:34]
Simon and Yossi discuss the evolution of the indie community and the potential for small bootstrapped indie companies to acquire other small bootstrap tools, pointing towards a future where indie acquisitions become more common.
The Indie Community [01:12:56]
The host discusses the indie community and its growth, mentioning some well-known names in the community.
Selling and Acquiring Companies [01:12:07]
Simon and Yossi discuss the process of selling and acquiring a company in the indie scene.
Consider Selling Your Project [01:14:38]
The host encourages listeners to consider selling their projects if they are feeling tired or want to build something else, and mentions platforms that allow for selling SaaS.
Links & Mentions
Github Gist (mentioned by Simon at 00:41:37)
Symfony (mentioned by Tiago at 00:46:11)
Next.js with React (mentioned by Yossi at 00:46:20)
JavaScript (mentioned by Yossi at 00:46:20)
Database and authentication with Superbase (mentioned by Yossi at 00:46:20)
Plausible for analytics (mentioned by Yossi at 00:46:20)
Digital Ocean (mentioned by Yossi at 00:46:40)
AWS (mentioned by Simon at 00:47:06)
Google Cloud Platform (mentioned by Simon at 00:47:06)
Palomi (mentioned by Simon at 00:47:06)
GraphQL (mentioned by Simon at 00:47:06)
Firebase (mentioned by Simon at 00:47:06)
TypeScript (mentioned by Simon at 00:49:03)
Svelte (mentioned by Simon at 00:51:29)
Micro Acquire (marketplace for buying and selling companies) - mentioned at 01:02:58
Site Projects IO (marketplace for buying and selling side projects) - mentioned at 01:02:58
Paddle (tool for managing subscriptions) - mentioned at 01:06:22
Stripe (tool for managing payments) - mentioned at 01:06:22
Upwork (platform for outsourcing work) - mentioned at 01:09:25
Fiverr (platform for outsourcing work) - mentioned at 01:09:25
1h 15m | Jun 14, 2023 - #296 - We are getting on each other's nerves...
Have you ever wondered if remote work is as productive as working from an office? In this podcast episode, I, Tiago, an indie hacker and entrepreneur, share my experience with remote work and the benefits of working from a co-working space with my co-founder, João. I believe that remote work can be productive, but it depends on the type of work and how long you are doing it. In my opinion, a hybrid mode of work could be the best balance. I also discuss the challenges of running a startup and dealing with customer churn. Join me in supporting the indie hacker community and listening to this podcast.
Links
Timestamps
Working from a co-working space [00:01:15]
Tiago discusses the benefits of working from a co-working space and how it helps with loneliness and productivity.
Remote work productivity [00:03:18]
Tiago talks about the productivity of remote work and how it can decrease over time due to distractions.
Finding a good co-founder [00:08:11]
Tiago shares his experience with finding a good co-founder and how it can make or break a project.
Tiago's Entrepreneurial Journey [00:09:13]
Tiago shares his experience of starting out as an entrepreneur and how he connected with a successful entrepreneur who became his mentor.
Importance of Compromise in Business Partnership [00:10:58]
Tiago discusses the importance of compromise in his business partnership with Sean and how they deal with disagreements.
Challenges of Running a Tech Product [00:13:49]
Tiago talks about the challenges of running a tech product, including high churn rates and customer complaints, and the importance of putting oneself in the other person's shoes to communicate effectively.
Bug prioritization [00:17:22]
Tiago discusses the need for prioritizing bugs and tasks in his company and how they handle them.
Churn problem [00:18:21]
Tiago talks about the churn problem in his company and how they are trying to solve it by asking users for feedback.
Risk and uncertainty [00:20:12]
Tiago discusses the risks and uncertainties of running a business, including platform risk and competition, and his personal philosophy on living life on his own terms.
Capitalism and Indie Hacking [00:25:37]
Tiago discusses the negative effects of capitalism on business and how indie hacking can be a more pure way of making money.
Indie Hacker Conference [00:26:34]
Tiago talks about his idea of creating an indie hacker conference in Lisbon and asks for feedback from his co-founder.
Focus on Pod Squeeze [00:27:25]
Tiago reflects on his current focus on his project Pod Squeeze and wonders about his future projects.
29m | Jun 8, 2023 - #295 - Can I Build a Successful Company Only by Bootstrapping?
Have you ever started a company and had to pay taxes? In this episode, I, Tiago, the host of "Wannabe Entrepreneur", share my personal experiences of setting up a company in Portugal. I talk about the challenges I faced with the complicated tax system and how I found ways to reduce the taxes my business had to pay. I also reflect on the decision of whether to raise money through venture capital or continue bootstrapping my company. Plus, I share the benefits of hiring a cleaning service and discuss my company's affiliate program and the creation of a special case called "business partners".
Links
Timestamps
Living in Germany [00:01:30]
Tiago talks about his experience living in Germany for seven years and how it changed his perspective on rules and cultural differences.
Tax System in Portugal [00:06:30]
Tiago discusses the complicated tax system in Portugal and his decision to hire an accountant to properly set up his company and navigate the high taxes.
50% Taxes in Portugal [00:08:57]
Tiago expresses his frustration with the high taxes in Portugal, which he calculates to be more than 50% of his revenue, and his belief that it is too much even though he supports contributing to the country.
Overview [00:09:56]
Tiago talks about his experience living in Portugal and Germany, and his decision to hire an accountant to properly set up his company and navigate the complicated tax system in Portugal.
Types of Taxes [00:10:43]
Tiago explains the different types of taxes in Portugal, including VAT and taxes on profits, and how to reduce them by declaring expenses.
Gray Area of Expenses [00:11:47]
Tiago discusses the gray area of what can be considered an expense in Portugal, and how it can be difficult to prove that certain expenses are related to the job.
Bootstrapping vs VC [00:18:55]
Tiago discusses the pros and cons of raising money through venture capital versus bootstrapping, and how it aligns with his company's values and lifestyle.
Making Decisions as a Bootstrapped Company [00:21:00]
Tiago talks about how every decision they make as a bootstrapped company needs to align with their lifestyle and values, and gives an example of how they turned down a lifetime deal with AppSumo.
Savings and Life-Changing Money [00:25:14]
Tiago shares how they were able to save enough money to cover a minimal wage in Portugal just by changing providers, and reflects on how this amount of money can be life-changing for many people.
Hiring a cleaning service [00:27:09]
Tiago talks about his experience hiring a cleaning service and how it changed his perspective on the value of time and money.
Applying logic to hiring [00:31:01]
Tiago discusses his approach to hiring someone for a task and how he calculates the value of his time and money.
Making a difference [00:34:50]
Tiago expresses his desire to contribute to society and help people by raising money to hire more people and pay them better.
Pod Squeeze's business partners [00:36:01]
Tiago explains how Pod Squeeze's business partners work and how they can represent the company in their markets.
Upcoming interview release and community invitation [00:37:59]
Tiago announces the upcoming release of an interview with Simon and Yosi and invites listeners to join the community to support the podcast.
40m | Jun 1, 2023 - #294 - Can Millennials Really Accomplish Anything They Want?
Have you ever wondered what the millennial generation is capable of achieving? In this episode of "The Wannabe Entrepreneur," I discuss the potential of millennials to accomplish great things and the importance of pursuing our dreams. I also share personal stories about a volleyball game and my experience working at a co-working space in Lisbon. Additionally, I talk about unexpected events that happened to my business, including hiring an influencer that did not generate as much traffic as I had hoped and trying to switch to a cheaper API provider that did not work as expected.
Links
Timestamps
Introduction [00:00:14]
Tiago introduces himself and his podcast, which is about bootstrapping a company. He talks about his journey and the indie community.
Millennial Generation [00:01:36]
Tiago discusses the millennial generation and how they were taught that they could accomplish anything. He talks about the criticism that millennials face and how they are starting to accomplish things that were never accomplished before.
Volleyball Game [00:09:01]
Tiago shares a personal anecdote about a volleyball game he watched, where his cousin's team made a comeback and won in the last minute.
Lesson from a Volleyball Game [00:11:15]
Tiago shares a personal anecdote about a volleyball game he watched and the lesson he learned from his 12-year-old cousin.
Sponsorship from an Influencer [00:12:28]
Tiago and Joe receive an email from an influencer offering to do a sketch for them for only $100, and they discuss whether it's legit or spam.
The Video is Online [00:19:10]
Tiago shares that the video made by the influencer is well-made and explains their product, but they realize that the influencer's audience is not interested in AI tools.
Changing API Providers [00:22:42]
Tiago talks about finding a cheaper API provider for transcription and the excitement of waiting for the new model to be in production, only to be disappointed when it didn't work.
Celebrating Too Soon [00:27:03]
Tiago shares his frustration with a transcription model that didn't work after celebrating too soon and trusting the team behind it.
Office Day [00:29:28]
Tiago talks about his desire to work outside of his home and his plan to convince his co-founder to have an office day at a co-working space, specifically Selena in Lisbon.
Co-working space and exploring Lisbon [00:31:03]
Tiago talks about his experience working in a co-working space in Lisbon and exploring the city with his friend.
One day per week to work from a coffee place [00:31:53]
Tiago suggests the idea of having one day per week to work from a coffee place or co-working space and invites listeners to join him in Lisbon.
Supporting the podcast and community [00:33:27]
Tiago encourages listeners to support his podcast by joining his community for indie makers, which costs 10 bucks per month and offers access to events and support from people all over the world.
34m | May 25, 2023 - #293 - Living Life on My Own Terms
Have you ever felt like you're living life on someone else's terms? In this episode, I'll be discussing some important topics, including societal biases around gender roles, my journey as an indie hacker, and my idea of sharing profits with partners who believe in a company. I'll also be reflecting on the challenges of being a leader without a clear hierarchy and the importance of being true to oneself. As Frank Sinatra said, "I did it my way." So, let's dive in and explore how we can all live life on our own terms. And of course, thank you for tuning in - I can't wait for you to hear the next episode!
Links
Timestamps
Pablo Escobar's portrayal in Narcos [00:00:27]
Tiago talks about the TV series Narcos and how it portrays Pablo Escobar as an empty hero in the first season, and how it changes later on.
Macho culture and its effects [00:02:50]
Tiago discusses the macho culture that exists in society and how it affects both men and women.
Escobar's desire for respect and fear [00:10:19]
Tiago discusses why Pablo Escobar didn't stop his criminal activities even though he had enough money to live a comfortable life, and how it relates to the alpha culture and the desire for respect and fear from others.
Tiago's goal [00:12:16]
Tiago talks about his initial goal of making enough money to pay his bills and how it changed after the success of his product.
Bringing people to help [00:17:14]
Tiago discusses his idea of bringing more people to help with marketing and conquering new markets, but faces the challenge of not being able to pay them.
Sharing profits [00:20:16]
Tiago proposes the idea of sharing profits with partners who help them conquer new markets, but acknowledges the risks involved for both parties.
The Challenge of Living Outside Society's Rules [00:26:41]
Tiago discusses the challenges of living outside society's rules and how it affects decision-making and work culture.
Ignoring Negative Comments and Criticism [00:29:36]
Tiago talks about the exercise of not letting negative comments and criticism affect him and how it helps him live a happier life.
Ending with Frank Sinatra's "My Way" [00:31:27]
Tiago ends the episode by reading the lyrics of Frank Sinatra's "My Way" as a poem.
Pablo Escobar in Narcos [00:32:31]
Tiago discusses how Pablo Escobar was portrayed in the TV series Narcos.
Macho culture [00:33:50]
Tiago talks about the macho culture that exists in society and how it affects both men and women.
Alpha culture and desire for respect [00:36:45]
Tiago discusses why Escobar didn't stop his criminal activities even though he had enough money to live a comfortable life, and how it relates to the alpha culture and the desire for respect and fear from others.
33m | May 18, 2023
