What happens when three product experts walk into a solopreneur podcast? You get an episode packed with game-changing insights from the co-authors of Next Gen Product Management . In this rare group interview, Carly and Joe are joined by returning guest Teresa Cain and her co-authors Diana Stepner and Dr. Bart to explore how solopreneurs can build smarter, faster, and more future-proof businesses—without hiring a team. From treating AI like a co-founder to building minimum viable products in rec...
Jul 01, 2025•23 min•Season 3Ep. 206
Ever feel like you're drowning in tasks, yet still not moving the needle in your business? You’re not alone. In this episode, Carly and Joe unpack that all-too-familiar solopreneur overwhelm—when everything feels urgent and there’s zero breathing room. They break down how to prioritize when your to-do list is screaming at you from every direction, using the Eisenhower Matrix, tips from Getting Things Done , and a little “delegate, automate, AI” magic. If you’re stuck in constant hustle mode, thi...
Jun 26, 2025•12 min•Season 3Ep. 205
In this episode, we asked marketing matchmaker Behdad Jamshidi one simple icebreaker: What do you wish you knew before becoming a solopreneur? And wow, did he deliver. From climbing the unexpected business ladder to spotting red flags when hiring marketing help, Behdad shares the lessons no one tells you—but every solopreneur needs to hear. Feeling overwhelmed by your options? Struggling to pick a marketing channel that doesn’t make you want to scream into the void? Tune in for practical advice,...
Jun 24, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 204
Sun’s out, distractions outta control? Whether it’s rescheduled meetings, kids at home, or that pool calling your name, summer can wreak havoc on a solopreneur’s schedule. In this episode, Carly and Joe get real about how to stay focused when everything around you screams “vacation mode.” From early morning work sessions to strategic procrastination (yes, really), they’re spilling their best tips for getting stuff done without missing out on the season. Tune in for laughs, life hacks, and a remi...
Jun 19, 2025•12 min•Season 3Ep. 203
The solopreneur economy is booming, but what’s really driving it, and how do you stand out when your competition spans the globe? In this episode, digital media expert Naresh Vissa joins us to break down the rise of solopreneurship, why getting fired might be the best thing that ever happens to your career, and how he built a high-quality, low-cost business that thrives on referrals. Plus, we unpack the pricing trap many new solopreneurs fall into, the power of side hustles, and why Thomas Jeffe...
Jun 17, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 202
Tired of sleazy sales pitches? So are we. In this episode, Carly and Joe unload on the cringiest sales tactics cluttering inboxes today: think cold DMs that insult your business, spammy bots pretending to be human, and desperate pitches that reek of commission breath. But don’t worry, it’s not just a rant. They also break down how solopreneurs can build real trust, use storytelling to connect authentically, and sell without feeling like a pushy used car dealer. If you've ever rolled your eyes at...
Jun 12, 2025•12 min•Season 3Ep. 201
If you've ever felt like your to-do list is running you instead of the other way around, this episode is your reset button. Business coach Diane Helbig joins us to share real-world strategies for managing time, setting boundaries, and replacing pushy sales tactics with genuine relationship-building. From why smaller calendar blocks are a secret weapon to how to bounce back from setbacks without spiraling, Diane offers mindset shifts and actionable tips that every solopreneur needs to hear. Being...
Jun 10, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 200
What if scaling your solopreneur business didn’t mean hiring a team or working 80-hour weeks? In this episode, we’re diving into creative, cost-effective ways to grow, without giving up the freedom that made you go solo in the first place. From automating tasks and outsourcing smartly to using AI to customize your messaging and repurposing content like a pro, we’re sharing real strategies that actually work. Whether you're a one-person powerhouse or just getting started, this episode is your blu...
Jun 05, 2025•13 min•Season 3Ep. 199
In this episode, we sit down with Anya Cheng, the unstoppable founder of Taelor.Style , an AI-driven clothing rental service for busy men who hate laundry and love looking sharp. From handing out resumes outside campus buildings to building a company that merges sustainability, tech, and style, Anya's journey is equal parts inspiring, resourceful, and, honestly, a little wild. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this one will give you a tailored kick of motivation. Being a solopreneur is awesome...
Jun 03, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 198
Ready to stop reinventing the wheel every time you work? In this episode, Carly and Joe are talking about why solopreneurs need to embrace systems from day one! Whether you're managing your social media, responding to client emails, or handling finances, consistency is key. And trust us, it’s not just about saving time, it’s about building a business that runs like clockwork. Hear how documenting your processes can free up your schedule, boost your brand, and give you more time for what matters....
May 29, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 197
It started as girl talk… and turned into one of the most honest, powerful conversations we’ve had on this show. In this episode, Carly sits down with Athena Brownson, former professional skier turned real estate powerhouse, as she opens up about the journey from chasing air in halfpipes to battling chronic illness and redefining what it means to thrive. Athena shares her hard-earned wisdom on resilience, identity shifts, and the power of building a life (and business) around what truly matters. ...
May 27, 2025•26 min•Season 3Ep. 196
In today's sound bite episode, we’re tackling a topic that hits home for every solopreneur: taking time off. As a solopreneur, your time is your currency—stepping away from work can feel like a trade-off between relaxation and revenue, or between recharging and losing momentum. But here’s the thing: burnout isn’t good for business, and neither is running on empty. So, how do you balance the need to step back without feeling like your business is stepping backward? Stick around, because in this e...
May 22, 2025•9 min•Season 3Ep. 195
In this episode, Carly and Joe chat with Karen King, aka The Escapepreneur, about what it really takes to build a business that lets you work from anywhere. From discovering your true passions to keeping things ridiculously simple (think: Facebook group + PayPal), Karen shares her journey from burnout to freedom and how you can do the same. Whether you're craving more flexibility, family time, or just want out of your Groundhog Day routine, this conversation will have you rethinking what’s possi...
May 20, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 194
Ever wonder what rookie mistakes might secretly be sabotaging your solopreneur journey? In this episode, Carly and Joe dive into the biggest blunders new solopreneurs make, from flying solo a little too solo to underpricing, overplanning, and forgetting the golden rule of lead gen. Whether you're just starting out or already in the thick of it, these are the missteps to avoid if you want to build a business that actually works for your life. Bonus: Get the inside scoop on their upcoming book Sol...
May 15, 2025•13 min•Season 3Ep. 193
What do addiction recovery, international web hosting, youth boxing, and AI-powered solopreneurship have in common? Ken Cox. In this raw and inspiring episode, Ken shares how hitting rock bottom sparked a complete life overhaul—from buying a boxing gym to launching tech ventures that run on AI. If you're stuck overthinking, this episode might just be the wake-up call you need. Let's get to work. Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is f...
May 13, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 192
Feeling like you’re constantly chasing your next paycheck or running out of time to grow your business? You’re not alone! In this short episode, Carly and Joe dive into the game-changing potential of recurring revenue for solopreneurs. From Joe's firsthand experience building subscription-based businesses to Carly's actionable tips for keeping your pipeline full, you’ll learn how to create financial stability, reduce your selling time, and focus on doing what you love. This episode offers creati...
May 08, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 191
What do laid-off marketers, disgruntled Gen Xers, and rule-breaking entrepreneurs have in common? They all need to hear this episode. Laura Zavelson joins us to talk about why niching down is your secret weapon, how to sell without sounding salesy, and the real reason you’re probably undercharging (hint: it’s not because you need another certification). Whether you're plotting your escape from corporate or building your solo biz one belief-shifting post at a time, Laura has insights for you. Hit...
May 06, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 190
Think your brand is just a logo and a color scheme? Think again! As a solopreneur, YOU are your brand. In this sound bite episode, we dive into what truly makes a personal brand stand out. From embracing your unique strengths to building trust with your audience, we break down why your brand is about more than just marketing—it’s about who you are and how you show up . Plus, we’ll tackle the common mistakes solopreneurs make when crafting their brand (spoiler: calling yourself an "expert" isn’t ...
May 01, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 189
Feeling lost trying to "find your passion"? You're not alone—and maybe that's not even the right thing to be chasing! In this powerful episode, we sit down with Paul Davis, creator of the Genius Code , to uncover why passion fades, purpose sticks, and how true inspiration can unlock the life and business you were meant to build. (Warning: you might get a little teary in the best way possible.) If you're a solopreneur craving more meaning and momentum, you cannot miss this one! Being a solopreneu...
Apr 29, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 188
If you're still getting your business advice from that one guy on LinkedIn who hasn't updated his profile since 2014... this episode is your wake-up call. We're diving into what it really means to future-proof your solo business—and spoiler: it’s not just about hopping on the latest tech trend. From decluttering your feed to actually talking to your audience, Carly and Joe share no-fluff strategies to help you stay ahead without burning out. Whether you’re overwhelmed by AI hype or stuck in scro...
Apr 24, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 187
Feel like your goals ghosted you this year? You're not alone—and it's not self-sabotage. In this episode, we’re talking to self-trust coach Dawn Ledet about why missed goals aren't failures, how to stop making your inner dialogue sound like a mean girl, and what to do when your ambition outpaces your execution. Whether you’re a solopreneur navigating your next big move or just trying to stop rage-scrolling instead of working, this conversation is your permission slip to ditch the guilt and actua...
Apr 22, 2025•23 min•Season 3Ep. 186
Hosting events has been an absolute game-changer for lead generation and building genuine connections. Joe and Carly are huge fans of taking something as simple as a webinar, giving it a little makeover, and calling it an “event.” Trust us, it makes a world of difference! When you frame it as an event, it instantly feels more exciting and engaging—not just for your audience but for you too. Events create real value for participants and foster a sense of community that’s hard to replicate. There’...
Apr 18, 2025•9 min•Season 3Ep. 185
What does it take to thrive as a solopreneur and truly love the life you’re building? Liz Steblay knows the answer—and she’s sharing her wisdom from over 20 years of self-employment, coaching, and business-building. In this episode, Liz reveals how she fell into solopreneurship before the term even existed, the hard lessons she learned along the way, and the six essential keys to succeeding as a solopreneur. From navigating financial independence to finding your niche, Liz's advice is practical,...
Apr 16, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 184
Think you need a big budget and a bigger team to run successful virtual events? Think again. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , Carly Ries and Joe Rando pull back the curtain on how their small group consistently uses virtual events to generate leads, build trust, and grow their community—without the overwhelm. From low-tech tools (spoiler: Zoom wins again) to their secret sauce for nurturing attendees before, during, and after the event, they’re dishing out practical tips any solopre...
Apr 10, 2025•15 min•Season 3Ep. 183
What do you get when you combine a smart marketing mind, a super simple service, and a willingness to do what others won’t? A thriving, outside-the-box solopreneur success story. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , we’re joined by William Milliken, founder of SwoopScoop , who turned a household chore into a scalable subscription business. We dive into how he built a local service empire, the creative marketing tactics that made it take off, and why sometimes the best business ideas are...
Apr 09, 2025•21 min•Season 3Ep. 182
Feeling like you’re constantly chasing your next paycheck or running out of time to grow your business? You’re not alone! In this short episode, Carly and Joe dive into the game-changing potential of recurring revenue for solopreneurs. From Joe's firsthand experience building subscription-based businesses to Carly's actionable tips for keeping your pipeline full, you’ll learn how to create financial stability, reduce your selling time, and focus on doing what you love. This episode offers creati...
Apr 03, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 181
Ever feel like taxes are the ultimate entrepreneurial riddle you're never quite sure you've solved? Every form you have to complete and every deduction you have to consider can leave you wondering if you're doing everything correctly. Taxes and bookkeeping are hard to understand, especially when you’re busy running the rest of your business. That’s why we invited on Melissa and Eric Broughton of Busy Bee Advisors . With over 20 years of combined bookkeeping and tax experience, this duo helps sol...
Apr 01, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 180
Tired of trading time for money? Think your only pricing options are hourly or retainer? Think again. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , Carly Ries and Joe Rando are breaking open the revenue model box. From subscription models to productized services, online courses to scalable solutions, they’re sharing the creative—and often overlooked—ways solopreneurs can make bank without burning out. Carly reflects on her early pricing struggles, Joe takes us back to a pre-Internet SaaS story t...
Mar 28, 2025•9 min•Season 3Ep. 179
What if selling didn’t feel salesy at all? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , Carly and Joe sit down with the brilliant Nikki Rausch, creator of the Selling Staircase and queen of relationship selling . Nikki breaks down how to ditch the pushy tactics and build trust through smart questions, real conversations, and—get this—actually asking permission to sell. (Novel concept, right?) She spills the tea on the biggest sales mistakes people make (yes, those cringey LinkedIn messages) and...
Mar 26, 2025•24 min•Season 3Ep. 178
Are you keeping your business idea under wraps, afraid someone will steal it? Think again! In this short episode, we break down why secrecy could be sabotaging your success—and what to do instead. Learn how to properly vet your product or service, test your messaging, and refine your pricing before launching, so you don’t waste time on an idea that won’t fly. Ready to stop hiding and start growing? Hit play now! Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most bus...
Mar 20, 2025•13 min•Season 3Ep. 177
