The United States is in Trump tariff turmoil, and while everyone's freaking out, I'm seeing opportunity. I don’t care about macroeconomics or politics, but I do care about business ideas. So in this episode, I walk through how to take advantage of what's happening right now. From using tools like Import Yeti and Jungle Scout to find hot products, to becoming a sourcing agent, launching a reverse engineering newsletter, or just figuring out where the next winners are coming from, this moment might be the nudge you’ve been waiting for.

Shopify URL suffix: 

•  /?sort_buy=best-selling
• /collections/all?sort_by=best-selling

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---

Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

00:00 Economic Turmoil and Opportunity
03:02 Navigating Tariffs and Sourcing Strategies
05:56 Innovative Business Ideas Amidst Change
08:48 Historical Context: Success in Adversity
12:03 Embracing Made in America
13:02 Seizing Opportunities in Uncertainty

Use promo code TKOPOD for 20% off Gumloop.

I sat down with Max Brodeur-Urbas, founder of Gumloop, and got into all things AI automation. Max described Gumloop as an intuitive drag-and-drop tool where you can build powerful AI workflows without writing a single line of code, think Zapier, but supercharged with AI.

We explored how Gumloop isn't just great for automating tasks like web scraping and sales outreach; it's also a huge opportunity for people looking to start their own businesses or side hustles. Max shared how you can become an in-demand Gumloop expert, build an agency offering custom automation services, or even create businesses by white-labeling Gumloop flows. We also touched on real-world examples of individuals successfully monetizing their skills and ideas with Gumloop.

Max also gave us a sneak peek at their upcoming co-pilot feature that's designed to make creating workflows even easier and more accessible.

Connect with Max:

• X (formerly Twitter)
• LinkedIn

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---

Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

00:00 Introduction to Gumloop and Its Value Proposition
02:59 AI-First Automation: The Future of Workflows
05:52 Real-World Applications of Gumloop
09:12 Understanding Automation: The Role of Workflows
12:05 Case Studies: How Businesses Use Gumloop
15:01 The Next Steps for Gumloop: Co-Pilot Feature
17:53 Challenges and Future Directions in Automation
23:08 Growth and Opportunities in AI Business
24:33 Identifying Exceptional Talent in AI
26:30 Creative Use Cases for AI and Automation
28:22 Building Scalable Workflows with Gum Loop
30:44 Expert Marketplace and Demand Dynamics
32:35 Transitioning from User to Expert
33:06 Automating Customer Engagement and Research
34:33 Sales Prospecting and Meeting Preparation
36:28 Leveraging Competitor Insights for Marketing
39:52 Programmatic SEO and Content Generation
42:44 White Labeling and Business Opportunities with Gum Loop
43:43 Choosing the Right AI Models for Tasks

HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I explore the idea of launching an AI implementation agency to help businesses effectively navigate AI tools. We also dive into the concept of using wearable devices, like the Limitless pendant, for automated medical documentation, potentially replacing scribes. Additionally, we brainstorm various different applications for this technology, including sales coaching, enhancing employee productivity, and more.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Check out the Limitless pendant: Limitless Pendant

Share your ideas with us:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

---

Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

00:00 Embracing Entrepreneurship and AI
02:58 The Role of AI in Healthcare
05:47 Innovative Applications of AI Technology
09:10 Transforming Sales with AI
12:03 Leveraging AI for Personal Development
14:56 Deep Research and Its Implications
17:48 The Future of AI in Business

Welcome to this solo episode where I'm trying something a little different by going solo and focusing on key business principles that I find to be really important. What I wanted to do differently was explain these ideas through relatable stories and analogies, something I picked up from my teaching days. I share several personal experiences and then break down the business lessons we can take away from them. We talk about the significance of a solid foundation versus just outward appearances, the value we assign to things based on effort, and even those hidden problems we might not see. Ultimately, it's about understanding different aspects of business and life through these everyday comparisons.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---

Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

00:00 Exploring Business Principles Through Analogies
04:49 Lessons from the Vasa: Stability vs. Appearance
10:06 The Value of Hard Work: Basketball and Business
14:53 Hidden Challenges: The Treadmill Analogy
20:13 Cleaning Up Messes: Life Lessons in Business

I sat down with Billy Howell to explore his journey into building and selling apps with AI as a self-taught solopreneur. Billy shared how he transitioned from defense consulting into the world of simple app creation. We talked about the power of AI-driven tools like Replit for rapidly creating simple solutions, and his first successful app. He talked about leveraging Upwork to find initial clients and build a freelance business. Billy also touched on his strategy for tackling "shiny object syndrome" and the potential for reselling custom-built apps. If you're curious about creating simple apps and potentially starting your own agency, Billy's experience is a must-hear. Find Billy on Twitter (Billy J Howell) and explore his work at https://stupid-simple-apps.com/.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---

Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

00:00 From Zero to Full-Time: The Journey of a Self-Taught Coder
02:59 Vibe Coding: Building Apps with Natural Language
05:47 Choosing the Right AI Coding Tools
09:06 Navigating Upwork: Finding Clients and Jobs
11:58 Building Custom Solutions for Niche Markets
14:56 The Last 10%: Overcoming Development Hurdles
17:49 Shiny Object Syndrome: Managing Multiple Projects
21:09 Scaling Your Freelance Business
24:01 Distribution Strategies for SaaS Tools
26:56 Personal Branding and Sharing Your Journey

HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I talk about the latest in AI and some unique business ideas. We begin by comparing ChatGPT and Perplexity, highlighting the strengths of Perplexity's deep research function. Our conversation touches on our experiences with custom GPTs and the power of using AI for identifying emerging trends. We also discuss the current reality of AI agents versus more traditional RPA. Later, we explore the idea of leveraging AI to create forward-looking industry reports, a concept brought up by Zach Ashburn. Finally, Nik shares the incredible entrepreneurial journey of Ethan Kohan, from the world of gambling to the unexpected success of vending machines on college campuses.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Share your ideas with us:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

---

Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

00:00 The Rise of AI and Research Tools
02:56 Custom GPTs and Their Applications
05:50 Deep Research and Market Trends
08:48 Exploring Unique Business Ideas
12:07 The Evolution of Agents in AI
15:07 Predicting Future Trends with AI
18:01 Innovative Business Models and Side Hustles

Dear diary, here are all the businesses I accidentally started this month.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---

Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---
00:00 New Beginnings: Church and Personal Growth
10:51 Innovative Event Ideas: Interactive Business Nights
13:14 Marketing Strategies: Billboards and Audience Engagement
16:03 Content Creation: Growth and Monetization Strategies
18:20 Business Ventures: Successes and Challenges
20:55 Community Engagement: Q&A and Listener Feedback

Here's part 2 of my latest conversation with Sam. If you haven't already, go listen to part 1 (Ep. #145) now!

I sat down with Sam Thompson again and we talked about a bunch of potential business ideas. We started riffing on how people still pay for simple AI wrappers even though they could use AI themselves, which led us to think about simple AI models like a pay-as-you-go option for deep research. The conversation then bounced to the idea of a super simple ChatGPT-like interface that anyone could use without any problem. We spent a good chunk of time brainstorming merch and apparel, looking at how brands like God Is Dope and Dad Gang built a strong following. We also talked about quickly testing these ideas using Facebook ads and print-on-demand services. Finally, we talked about the concept of a niche online marketplace for products that "never touched plastic." You can find Sam on Twitter (https://x.com/ImSamThompson), and check out what he's up to at https://www.unlimitedcontent.com/

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---

Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

00:00 The Role of AI in Business and Human Behavior
02:52 Innovative Business Ideas and Market Saturation
06:11 Subscription Models and User Engagement
08:58 Branding and Resonance Marketing
11:50 Testing Ideas and Market Feedback
15:12 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Action
18:06 Marketplace Models and Business Strategies

HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I, Chris, talk about the power of the middleman business model as a great way to start a low-risk business today. We discuss the core idea of connecting buyers and sellers without dealing with inventory or providing services directly. I share the concept of a "Never Touch Plastic" marketplace, similar to Etsy, but focused on environmentally conscious consumers. We also talk about building an affiliate marketing website for plastic-free products. We also discuss how the United States Postal Service represents a government-subsidized marketing method that entrepreneurs can leverage for cost-effective outreach.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Share your ideas with us:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

---
Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

00:00 Government Subsidies and Marketing Channels
02:59 Innovative Business Ideas and Trends
05:52 Sourdough Starter and Microplastics
08:48 Leveraging the Postal Service for Business
12:09 Customer Acquisition Cost and Marketing Strategies
15:04 Monetizing Government Distribution Channels
17:58 Driving for Dollars and Real Estate Opportunities
20:51 AI and Survey Data Monetization
24:02 Plasma Transfusion and Health Innovations

I sat down with Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson), a regular on the podcast, to riff on business ideas, starting with the development of his sourdough GPT wrapper app and how he used AI to build a website for it in a few minutes. We then talk about his marketing plans for his InstantChef GPT wrapper, focusing on leveraging viral content through automation with tools like Zapier and BannerBear. Our conversation touched on copyright concerns when using others' content. I shared my experience with AI tools like Manus and Deep Research. We also talked about digital products and exploring marketing tactics, including the use of influencers and the power of Facebook Ads Manager and more!

https://www.unlimitedcontent.com

https://www.72hoursites.com

Please note that this is part 1 of a two-part episode, come back next week for part 2!

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---

Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

00:00 The Pursuit of Practical Business Ideas
02:55 Launching the Instant Chef App
05:48 Content Creation and Automation Strategies
09:02 Navigating Copyright and Fair Use
11:51 The Value of Unique Perspectives in Entrepreneurship
14:48 Exploring Digital Product Opportunities
18:08 Leveraging Influencer Marketing for Digital Products
21:02 Simplifying Business Models with Digital Products
23:52 Creating Custom Business Plans with AI
27:12 The Future of Content Creation and SEO