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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Nick (https://x.com/mattressguy_). We dive deep into the surprisingly complex world of the mattress business. Nick, owner of Direct Outlet Mattress and part of a family with stores across North Carolina shares his unique insights.

We discuss everything from the less glamorous side of old mattresses, to the economics of running a mattress store even comparing his approach to giants like Mattress Firm.

You'll be fascinated to hear how he's leveraging Twitter to build a successful brand and reach customers in unexpected ways.

Questions This Episode Answers:

How do these businesses make money?

What other overhead expenses would you have besides lease?

How do you acquire customers for your mattress store?

What is your approximate customer acquisition cost?

How much does it typically cost to start a mattress business?

Enjoy the conversation!

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Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.

Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.

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This week we covered:

00:00 The Mattress Business Journey

03:05 Family Dynamics in Business

05:56 Understanding the Mattress Market

08:51 Customer Acquisition Strategies

11:47 Expanding Product Offerings

15:05 The Importance of Quality

17:58 Navigating Business Challenges

20:55 Building a Brand on Social Media

23:51 Future Plans and Online Expansion

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Amanda Orson (https://x.com/amandaorson) about how AI is completely changing the game for startups and established businesses alike! We dive into everything from seed strapping to using tools like Operator, Deep Research, ChatGPT, and Claude in practical ways. You won't believe how much more efficient you can be with the right AI frameworks as your thought partner!

Questions This Episode Answers:

What is seed strapping?

How can AI help you decide if a process can be automated?

What are the key differences between using ChatGPT and Claude for business?

How can you use AI to act as a specialized thought partner?

Where should a business owner who is new to AI begin?

Enjoy the conversation!

__________________________

Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.

Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.

__________________________

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Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT

__________________________

This week we covered:

00:00 The Rise of AI and Its Impact on Business

02:55 Seed Strapping: A New Approach to Funding

06:07 Leveraging AI for Efficiency and Growth

09:04 Using AI as a Thought Partner

11:51 Data Management and Analysis with AI

15:06 The Future of AI in Business

17:58 Practical Applications of AI Tools

21:10 Navigating AI for Business Owners

I have a new AI series showcasing how Entrepreneurs are using AI in their business today! Every Tuesday and Thursday for the next 2 months I will be sharing real use cases with real Entrepreneurs who explain it to me like I'm 5 (with screen shares and other resources)!

No BS or Fluff!

Subscribe to my newsletter to get other, custom insights:

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Jon Matzner (https://x.com/MatznerJon. We dive into building a strong business brand and the power of social media, especially when it comes to cutting through the noise by taking a unique approach to engaging with influencers.

We also get into a lively debate about the role of the SBA and whether it truly fuels economic mobility for entrepreneurs.

Plus, we explore why focusing on a well-defined niche audience with influence and affluence can be a game-changer, and how to create authentic content by sharing your real journey.

Questions This Episode Answers:
How can you build a memorable brand that stands out?
What's a different way to think about social media to attract the right audience for your business?
Is an SBA loan the best path for funding your business dreams?
Why might a smaller, more focused community be more valuable than a massive following?
What's the secret to creating compelling business content that resonates?
Enjoy the conversation!
__________________________

Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.
Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.
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This week we covered:

00:00 The Importance of Pointy Opinions
03:04 Influencers and Satire in Business
06:02 Building a Brand Through Authenticity
09:00 The Value of Distribution and Attention
11:49 Influence and Affluence in Community Building
14:46 The Role of Authority in Marketing
18:11 The Podcast as an Intimate Medium
21:03 Debating the SBA Loan Program
24:29 Understanding the SBA: A Boomer Subsidy or Entrepreneurial Support?
26:21 The Role of the SBA in Economic Mobility
28:47 National Defense and Economic Supremacy: A Dual Perspective
30:45 The Impact of Government on Monopolies and Economic Mobility
32:34 Causation vs. Correlation in Economic Growth
34:56 Healthcare Costs and Government Intervention
36:49 The SBA's Structure and Its Implications
39:14 The Debate on Government Involvement in Business Loans
42:35 Prioritizing Government Reforms: Where Should Focus Lie?
46:30 The Importance of Personal Journey in Entrepreneurship

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), and my business partner Chris Koerner (https://x.com/mhp_guy) as we dive into some fascinating tech and business talk, kicking things off with a look at some cool AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity Deep Research and debating which one comes out on top for certain tasks.

We also explore the world of custom GPTs and share our experiences, the good and the not-so-good! Then, we shift gears to how AI can be a game-changer for deep research, uncovering surprising trends like the rise of banana ketchup!

We also touch on the buzz around AI agents and whether they're living up to the hype. Plus, stick around for some brainstorming on down-to-earth business ideas, from gamified entertainment to retrofitting vending machines.

Questions This Episode Answers:
Is Perplexity Deep Research better than ChatGPT for certain research tasks?
What are the practical uses for custom GPTs right now?
What's a good way to start incorporating AI into my workflow?
How can AI help uncover new business opportunities and market trends?
Are AI agents ready for widespread autonomous use in businesses?

Enjoy the conversation!
__________________________

Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.

Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.

__________________________

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Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT

__________________________

This week we covered:

00:00 The Rise of AI and Deep Research

05:51 Custom GPTs and Their Applications

12:05 Exploring Business Ideas Through AI

18:06 The Future of Agents and Automation

23:54 Innovative Business Models and Side Hustles

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Derek (https://x.com/derkolstad). In this insightful episode, I dive deep with Derek, a newsletter guru who has amassed over 600,000 subscribers across his platforms – including the impressive Daily UI – all without spending a single dollar on ads!

I'm on a mission to hit 10,000 subscribers for my own newsletter in just 60 days, and Derek shares his incredible journey and actionable strategies. We discuss everything from crafting the perfect message and building a distribution system to the power of lead magnets and the nuances of newsletter monetization, including ads, affiliate marketing, and selling your own products.

Is my ambitious goal even possible? Derek weighs in with his expert advice.

Questions This Episode Answers:
Is reaching 10,000 subscribers in 60 days crazy?
What's the difference between a top-down and a bottom-up newsletter growth strategy?
How do you grow a massive email list without paid advertising?
What are the different ways to monetize a newsletter for ongoing cash flow?
When is the right time to start monetizing your email list?

Enjoy the conversation!
__________________________

Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.

Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.

__________________________

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Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT

__________________________

This week we covered:

00:00 Building a Subscriber Base: The Journey Begins

03:06 Monetization Strategies for Newsletters

06:01 Understanding Newsletter Metrics and Performance

08:57 Defining Your Audience and Value Proposition

11:52 Creating Engaging Content and Community

14:46 Growth Strategies: Trojan Horse Tactics

18:07 The Importance of Early Monetization

21:00 Final Thoughts and Actionable Steps

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Amanda Orson (https://x.com/amandaorson) about her company, Galleon, and its mission to shake up the world of real estate.

We dive into why this massive industry has remained so stubbornly outdated, clinging to practices invented over a century ago and a commission structure that seems out of sync with today's technology. Amanda shares her vision for a consumer-driven real estate transaction, drawing parallels to disruptions in other sectors, and explains how Galleon is building a free and open marketplace that cuts through the traditional gatekeepers.

We also explore Galleon's unique approach to identity verification and its innovative revenue model, moving away from hefty commissions. Find out why Amanda, a multiple founder, is taking a lean, "seed strapping" approach to building this potentially revolutionary company.

Questions This Episode Answers:

Why do you think Galleon is different from other attempts to disrupt real estate?

What's the thing people hate the most about real estate?

Why did they set the commission rates the way that they currently are?

Why haven't they been able to disrupt the real estate industry before?

How does Galleon work?

Enjoy the conversation!

__________________________

Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.

Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.

__________________________

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Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT

__________________________

This week we covered:

00:00 The State of Real Estate Lobbying

02:57 Disrupting the Outdated Real Estate Model

05:52 Understanding the MLS and Its Gatekeeping

08:47 The Economics of Real Estate Commissions

12:01 Galleon's Unique Approach to Real Estate Transactions

14:55 Navigating the Future of Real Estate with Technology

18:10 Galleon's Marketplace and Revenue Model

21:10 The Role of Vendors in Real Estate Transactions

24:05 The Future of Galleon and Its Growth Potential

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), and my business partner Chris Koerner (https://x.com/mhp_guy) in another brainstorming session packed with unconventional business ideas!

We dive into how to spot emerging trends and combine them for unique opportunities, even if it sounds a little crazy at first, like the sourdough and microplastics concept. We also explore overlooked distribution channels, particularly the United States Postal Service, and how its unique economics can be leveraged for marketing.

Plus, we tackle some bigger questions about government efficiency and the future of data collection with AI.

Questions This Episode Answers:
How can combining two mega-trends create a viable business idea?
What's a surprising marketing channel that is currently being heavily subsidized?
What's a potentially more effective (though harder) way to find off-market real estate deals?
Why might the government not be capitalizing on its existing distribution networks for revenue generation?
Could AI revolutionize the survey industry and create new income opportunities for individuals?

Enjoy the conversation!
__________________________

Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.

Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.

__________________________

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Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT

__________________________

This week we covered:

00:00 Government Subsidies and Marketing Channels

03:00 Innovative Business Ideas and Trends

05:52 Marketplace for Plastic-Free Products

08:48 Leveraging the Postal Service for Marketing

17:04 Surveying with Postal Service Drivers

22:50 AI and Survey Data Monetization

28:53 Exploring Longevity and Plasma Treatments

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Ethan Kohan (https://x.com/ethan_kohan). Get ready for a wild ride as Ethan shares the incredible story of his entrepreneurial journey, starting with a simple idea for a vending machine in his fraternity house selling Juul pods.

We dive into the highs and lows, from making serious money quickly to losing it all in sports betting, and how that unexpected experience led him to become "Vegas" himself by starting a sports book!

We then explore the evolution of his business, Podplug, as it scaled from college campuses to bars, the challenges he faced with COVID-19, and his current focus on building a strong foundation for franchising his smart nightlife vending machine business, now offering a diverse range of convenience items.

Questions This Episode Answers:

Tell me about your business?

Did you have to pay rent for this machine?

Have you always been a hustler?

What was patentable?

Why did you go away from individuals selling the dual pods and go all in on, let's just place vending machines at these locations?

Enjoy the conversation!

__________________________

Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.

Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.

__________________________

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YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT

__________________________

This week we covered:

00:00 From Loss to Opportunity: The Betting Journey

14:48 The Birth of Podplug: Vending Machines and Hustling

25:21 Transitioning to Vending Machines

30:32 Scaling Operations and Revenue Growth

35:18 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19

39:07 Current Operations and Future Plans

42:23 Franchising the Business Model

49:07 Revisiting College Markets and Future Success

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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Brian O'Connor (https://x.com/BrianFOConnor), a serial entrepreneur who transitioned from the corporate strategy world at Deloitte to building multiple successful businesses, including a fractional CMO company and a staffing company.

We dive into his journey, exploring the motivations behind his entrepreneurial leap from a lucrative corporate career and the pivotal moment involving a PPP project and a memorable gift card. Brian shares insights on growth strategy, his experience with product market fit, and the key frameworks he uses, like the choice cascade from the book Playing to Win, to help businesses define their competitive advantage in both blue ocean and red ocean markets.

Hear about the practical application of strategic thinking and the evolution of his ventures.

Questions This Episode Answers:

Why did Brian O'Connor leave a high-paying corporate job to become an entrepreneur?

What is the choice cascade and how can it be used in business strategy?

What's the difference between a red ocean and a blue ocean in business?

How does Brian O'Connor define product market fit?

What key elements should businesses consider when building their management systems?

Enjoy the conversation!

__________________________

Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.

Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.

__________________________

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Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y

Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT

__________________________

This week we covered:

00:00 Introduction to Brian's Entrepreneurial Journey

01:23 Leaving the Corporate World

02:10 Managing a Massive COVID-19 Project

03:40 The Decision to Become a Fractional CMO

05:48 Understanding Growth Strategy and Competitive Advantage

07:42 The Choice Cascade Framework

10:42 Strategic Choices for Business Success

16:41 Balancing Strategy and Execution in Early-Stage Businesses

20:47 The Evolution of Business Questions

21:46 Balancing Confidence and Speed in Business Decisions

22:07 Launching Business Units in Mexico: A Case Study

24:51 The Role of Strategy and Execution in Small Businesses

27:26 The Journey to Product-Market Fit

30:44 The Importance of Positioning and Iteration

34:56 Innovative Pricing Models in Talent Agencies

38:58 Advisory Consulting as a Competitive Advantage