The Startup Ideas Podcast

In this episode, I am joined by Shahed Khan, co-founder of Loom, as we explore innovative startup ideas, and his frameworks for finding and building startups

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:50 Startup Idea 1: The Modern Travel Guide 
19:25 Startup Idea 2: The anti-social social network
34:06 Startup Idea 3: Time Capsules of Shared Memories

1) The Anti-TripAdvisor Traveler 
Problem: Millennials & Gen Z hate cookie-cutter travel experiences
Solution: TikTok-inspired travel app with curated, local gems

Key features:
• City-specific guides (coffee shops, bookstores, etc.)
• Video carousels showing vibes
• Monetize by unlocking full guides ($0.99)

How to build MVP:
1. Use TikTok API to pull trending local videos
2. Transcribe with Descript or Google Speech-to-Text
3. Clean up with ChatGPT
4. Auto-post to WordPress via Zapier
Pro tip: Start hyper-niche (e.g., coffeesnobs.xyz) then expand

2) The New "Path" - Dunbar's Social Network 
Problem: We've lost connection with our REAL friends
Solution: Reinvent Path for 2024 - ultra-private social network
Key features:
• Max 150 connections (Dunbar's number)
• Location-based updates
• Simple, minimalist design

Why it could work:
• People crave intimate, ad-free spaces
• AI makes building faster & cheaper
• Charge $20-30/year subscription
Marketing angle: "The anti-social social network"

3) Time Capsules of Shared Memories
Problem: "Shared albums are where memories go to die"
Solution: Physical, ephemeral time capsules of shared experiences

Key features:
• Pull from connected social accounts
• Curate personalized memory boxes
• Make it EASY to send as gifts

Monetization:
• Subscription for curation
• Charge per physical time capsule sent

Inspiration: Remember Klout? Leverage nostalgia!
Bonus insight: People don't change. Our needs stay the same.
Products evolve, but human nature is constant. Study the past!

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND SHAHED ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/_shahedk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahedkhan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shahedk/

In this episode, I am joined by Michael Girdley, Chairman and CEO of Girdley Enterprises, as we discuss how to build a HoldCo. Michael shares his frameworks and best practices for structuring HoldCo’s.

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
02:25 What is HoldCo
07:22 Types of HoldCo
09:45 Why go HoldCo
12:56 Types of HoldCo Pt 2
15:27 Frameworks for structuring your HoldCo
19:16 7 steps of starting a HoldCo
23:47 Why HoldCo’s are awesome
36:12 HoldCo’s are antifragile 
43:16 Make sure HoldCo’s are right for you
45:16 HoldCo Conference

1) What's a Holdco?
It's owning multiple businesses but not running any of them day-to-day.
Think Warren Buffett lite - you're the maestro orchestrating a portfolio of companies.

2) Why go Holdco?
• Diversify risk
• Create asymmetric bets
• Design your ideal lifestyle
• Leverage your passions
Girdley: "I tap dance to work every day, even when things are sucky."

3) Types of Holdcos:
• Roll-up (same biz, diff locations)
• Platform (related businesses)
• Pure Holdco (unrelated businesses)
• Conglomerate (big daddy version)
Pick your flavor based on your interests & expertise!

4) How to start your Holdco journey:
1. Have a plan
2. Define your goals
3. Design your org structure
4. Consult lawyers & tax pros
5. Build your all-star advisory team
6. Execute & iterate
7. Optimize for happiness!

5) The secret sauce? 🤫
• Low-cost tech makes it easier than ever to incubate new businesses.
• Girdley: "You can do that same business they built off the ground for a few $1000"
• Asymmetric bets FTW!

6) Centralize or nah?
• Depends on your asset types & personal strengths.
• Girdley keeps it "radically decentralized" - know thyself!
• "Don't try to do things that I know I suck at."

7) Who's it for?
Not everyone! But if you:
• Love variety
• Hate micromanaging
• Want to build long-term wealth
• Crave a custom-designed career
...Holdco life might be your jam!

8) Ready to dive in?
Start with ONE successful biz, then expand.
And if you're serious, check out Girdley's Holdco conference in Utah next spring!

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND MICHAEL ON SOCIAL
Michael Girdley’s Website: https://www.girdley.com/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/girdley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgirdley/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Michael-Girdley

In this episode, I am joined by Arvid Kahl, CEO and Founder of Podscan, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
04:09 Startup Idea 1: AI Co-Founder
21:07 Startup Idea 2: Silent Refactoring as a Service
37:00 Startup Idea 3: Niche-specific AI-powered content curation

1) AI Co-Founder: Your 24/7 virtual partner with ZERO equity 
• Trains on your business data
• Handles marketing, sales, strategy
• Interacts with other AI agents for fresh ideas
• Potential pricing: $50-100/month to start

2-4) AI Co-Founder cont'd:
• Customizable personality (Elon-like? Thiel-like?)
• Reduces co-founder drama
• Ideal for solo founders wearing multiple hats
• Scalable SaaS model with potential for AI-AI interactions

5) Silent Refactoring as a Service: Your code's guardian angel 
• Constantly analyzes and improves your codebase
• Runs simulations to test performance
• Suggests optimizations based on future roadmap
• Fully tested, commented code delivered via PRs

6-7) Refactoring Service cont'd:
• Pricing models:
A) Per repository
B) Frequency of experiments
C) Value-based (replacing 3 full-time devs)
• Start at $50-100/month, scale with capabilities

8) Niche-specific AI-powered content curation 
• Aggregate data from various sources (podcasts, social, magazines)
• Summarize for specific industries (e.g., medical, equestrian)
• Personalize content format (text, audio, video) per user
• Potential for paid newsletters or SaaS products

9) Content curation tips:
• Choose a niche you're already part of
• Leverage AI for summarization and personalization
• Start with free content, add premium features
• Use as a wedge to build industry-specific SaaS later

10) Key takeaway: AI enables solo founders to tackle bigger problems! 

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND ARVID ON SOCIAL
Podscan: https://podscan.fm
X/Twitter: https://x.com/arvidkahl
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6s-V1Ls4vc_mXEF-4Lz_Q

Join me as I chat with Joseph Choi, Founder of Viral App Founders Community, as we discuss his frameworks and strategies for finding and building profitable Consumer Apps. Learn his step-by-step formula to building and growth hacking apps. 

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
04:01 Ecom Marketing Strategies applied to Consumer Apps
11:07 TikTok Shop Affiliate Center  = goldmine for app ideas
22:16 Profitable Niches that are Underserved
33:26 Influencer Marketing 2.0
40:58 Capitalize on internet "cults" & movements

1) TikTok organic = BIGGEST underpriced distribution channel right now
- Cost of creating & distributing content = low
- Potential reach for consumer apps = high
- Time to leverage this opportunity! 

2) E-commerce tactics are invading the app world
- Remember Tabs Chocolate? 0 to $10M/year with mass UGC creators
- Now these tactics are being used for consumer SaaS 
- Higher margins + better exit multiples = Bigger Opportunity

3) Carousels perform better than Short-form video on TikTok?!
- Surprising trend: Photo carousels are CRUSHING IT
- Easier to create + more scalable than talking head vids
- Pro tip: Use Midjourney for quick, eye-catching visuals 

4) TikTok Shop Affiliate Center = goldmine for app ideas
- Find top performers in any niche
- Build apps to help them sell better
- Get free marketing from influencers

Win-win-win situation! 

5) High LTV niches are UNDERSERVED on TikTok
Think: Golfers, poker players, niche sports
Example: Golf swing analysis app

- 10k downloads / month
- $70k revenue / month
- Huge potential for more!

6) Myth: TikTok users are all young
- Reality: Diverse demographics, especially in niche content
- Serve content to underserved niches = Underpriced reach

7) Rethink influencer marketing for TikTok
- Old way: Pay for followers
- New way: Hire creators as ACTORS, not for their audience
- TikTok algorithm favors good content, not follower count 

8) Capitalize on internet "cults" & movements
Examples:
- Looksmaxing (YouMax app)
- Make money online (Crayo app)
1. Find passionate communities without products
2. Build the app they need 
3. Profit 
Bonus tip: Product quality is CRUCIAL
Nail your metrics before scaling marketing efforts!

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co/

Stop Building Websites That Look Good But Don’t Sell: https://www.designscientist.com/design-store?b=https://www.designscientist.com/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JOSEPH ON SOCIAL
Viral App Founders Community: https://whop.com/viral-app-founders/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/JosephKChoi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/choi-joseph/

Join us for an engaging conversation with John Coogan, Entrepreneur in Residence at Founders Fund, as we explore a wide range of moonshot ideas from Cybersecurity to moon Colonization to humanoid military robots

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:57 Startup Idea 1: Cybersecurity for AI companies
11:37 Startup Idea 2: Moon-focused space startup
21:33 Startup Idea 3: Kid-friendly smartphone alternative 
36:02 Startup Idea 4: Humanoid military robots 

1) Cybersecurity for AI companies 
• AI models = new high-value digital assets
• Estimated $500M to train GPT-4
• Potential for theft/espionage
• Opportunity: Build Fort Knox-level security for AI weights
• Think Chainalysis, but for AI

2) Moon-focused space startup 
• SpaceX focused on Mars, opportunity on the Moon
• Easier access, always visible from Earth
• Ideas: Moon tourism, mining, asset placement
• Leverage SpaceX's falling launch costs
• Be the "Varda" or "Planet Labs" of the Moon

3) Kid-friendly smartphone alternative 
• Parents want device control, kids need connectivity
• Opportunity: Build ruggedized, fun, limited-feature phone
• No addictive apps, basic communication + learning tools
• Counter-position against Apple's sleek designs
• Target millennial parents via Instagram ads\

4)  Humanoid military robots 
• Combine trends: AI, robotics, defense tech
• Controversial but attention-grabbing
• Potential uses: Tele-operated missions, security
• Ethical concerns, but tech seems inevitable
• Opportunity to lead in emerging field

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co/

Stop Building Websites That Look Good But Don’t Sell: https://www.designscientist.com/design-store?b=https://www.designscientist.com/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JOHN ON SOCIAL
John’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2L6WMqY3GUPCGBD0dX6p00?si=7TdH3TuJQWmsTt53e9s7Rg&nd=1&dlsi=ab2bcd252c4847cc
X/Twitter: https://x.com/johncoogan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacoogan/

Join me as I chat with Blake Anderson, Co-Founder of Apex, as we discuss his frameworks and strategies for building and scaling viral AI Apps. Learn his step-by-step formula creating viral apps. 

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
02:59  Why build AI Apps
04:58 Startup Idea 1: Career AI
08:19 Blake's framework for building Viral AI Apps
10:38 Finding influencers
13:23 Product Development
17:25 Startup Idea 2: Journal AI
24:01 Paywalls and Payment Strategy
29:03 Startup Idea 3: Language AI
24:01 How to find more AI app ideas

1) Career AI: The all-in-one career advancement tool
• Combines resume analysis, career quizzes, & job application tips
• Use AI to create a 6-factor rating system for resumes (like Madden ratings)
• Design viral hooks: "I'm a senior and it says I should study CS!"

Distribution strategy:
• Target students on IG, TikTok, LinkedIn
• Partner with ed-tech influencers
• Split test different hooks across niches

2) Journal AI: Your AI-powered second brain
• Branded as a journal, functions like an emotional support assistant
• Provides productivity insights, relationship analysis, and emotional support
• Uses ChatGPT with enhanced memory storage
Key insight: People already use ChatGPT as a journal. This makes it official.
Naming tip: Consider friendly names like "Juni" or "Journey" instead of "AI"

3) Language AI: The Duolingo disruptor
• Create a dynamic, AI-powered language learning app
• Leverage newest AI voice-to-voice models as they become cheaper
• Update content dynamically, unlike Duolingo's static modules

Why it could work:
• Even 1% of Duolingo's market = $100M company
• High-intent users willing to pay
• Established players move slower than scrappy startups

4) Blake's framework for building viral AI apps:
1. Iterate on virality from day one
2. Split test hooks, influencers, and product features
3. Build personal relationships with influencers (don't use marketplaces)
4. Design around both functionality AND virality
5. Use tools like Superwall for easy paywall testing

5) Pricing strategy: Optimize for (users^n * profit per user), where n is greater than 1
• This prioritizes growth and market dominance over short-term profits.
• Blake's hot take: The "evil" onboarding flow that works

1. Get users to input personal info for "customization"
2. Hit them with a paywall at the end

• It's effective, but Blake admits it feels morally questionable. Use at your own risk.

6) Bonus tip: Create burner social media accounts to immerse yourself in your target niche.
• Curate your feed around your app's topic to truly understand your audience.

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co/

Stop Building Websites That Look Good But Don’t Sell: https://www.designscientist.com/design-store?b=https://www.designscientist.com/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND BLAKE ON SOCIAL
Blake’s startup: http://apex.inc/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/blakeandersonw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeandersonw/

Join us for an engaging conversation with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder and CEO of Swell AI, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:46 Startup Idea 1: AI-Generated UGC Ads 
16:10 Startup Idea 2: AI Infographic Generator 
21:14 Startup Idea 3: AI Journaling App 
30:10 Startup Idea 4: Novel DTC products 
36:39 Startup Idea 5: Creator Business Model 2.0
44:13 Startup Idea 6: AI Receptionist 

1) AI-Generated UGC Ads 
• Use AI avatars + scripts to create UGC-style ads at scale
• Test 100s of variations quickly and cheaply
• Use for paid ads AND organic social content
• Huge arbitrage opportunity right now

How to distribute:
• Run as Facebook ads to conversion event
• Post across multiple burner accounts on TikTok/Reels

2) AI Infographic Generator 
• 9,000 searches/month for "AI infographic generator"
• Turn blog posts into visually appealing infographics
• Save time and money for businesses

Distribution:
• SEO - exact match domain already acquired
• B2B sales - infographics proven to increase engagement

3) AI Journaling App 
• 8,100 searches/month, trending up fast
• Voice recording + transcription + AI insights
• Daily habit tracking + ability to query past entries

Growth strategy:
• Partner with journaling YouTubers (200+ videos, affiliate commissions)
• TikTok/Instagram influencer sponsorships

4) Creator Business Model 2.0 
• Short-form content → Lead magnet → Email list → Long-form YouTube
• Monetize through ads, sponsorships, and newsletter
• Scale to multiple channels/niches

Pro tip: Use community to ideate products for your audience

5/ AI Receptionist 
• Huge demand, especially for specific industries (dentists, etc.)
• Answers FAQs, schedules appointments, integrates with CRMs
• Outperforms human receptionists in many cases

Target market: Local businesses struggling to hire front desk staff

6) Novel DTC products 
• Create daily-use products with novel formats (e.g., toothpaste cubes)
• Focus on "clean living" trends
• Design for TikTok virality

Key: Make it a consumable for repeat purchases

7) AI-powered outbound calls 
• Use APIs like VAPI for managing calls
• Applications: Lead qualification, debt collection, appointment reminders
• Massive efficiency gains for businesses

Tip: Don't reinvent the wheel - find existing categories and remix with AI

Remember: Don't try to be too creative. Find validated markets and apply new tech to solve old problems better, faster, cheaper.

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

Stop Building Websites That Look Good But Don’t Sell: https://www.designscientist.com/design-store?b=https://www.designscientist.com/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND CODY ON SOCIAL
Cody’s startup: https://www.swellai.com/
X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7
LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r

I’m joined by Jordan Mix, Operating Partner at Late Checkout, to discuss how to build swipe files and how to remix successful strategies. Jordan breaks down why these marketing funnels work and the anatomy of a successful funnel.

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:27 Why build Swipe Files
04:00 Example 1: Tweets
08:40 Example 2: DTC Product
12:10 Example 3: Thumbnails
14:47 Example 4: Landing Page
18:46 The Anatomy of a Funnel
22:22 Example 5: Email Followup
26:13 Example 6: Digital Lead Magnet
28:57 Example 7: IRL Lead Magnet
30:26 Creating a Got Got Swipe File
31:14 Innovating on Pricing
31:33 Micro SaaS idea: AI Agent Funnel Scraper

1) We see 4,000-10,000 ads daily. Turn that consumption into creation with a swipe file.
The best way to learn how to sell? Study how YOU got sold.
Create a "got got" file - save anything that makes you take action (click, share, buy).

2) Use My Mind to easily save & organize inspiration:
• Chrome extension for quick saves
• Tag system for easy retrieval
• Serendipity feature to surface random inspo
Beats bookmarking tweets you'll never see again!

3) Look for pattern interrupts & scroll-stoppers.
Example: Not Fried chicken ice cream
Lessons:
• Combine unexpected elements
• Use high contrast visuals
• Mix hot & cold concepts
Apply this thinking to your digital products!

4) Anatomy of a killer funnel:
• Top: Free value (content, lead magnets)
• Middle: Nurture (email sequences, surveys)
• Bottom: Convert (calls, buy buttons)
Key: Top should be ALL about THEM. Only talk about yourself at the bottom.

5) IRL to URL: Don't forget offline lead gen!
Tiago Forte's "Building a Second Brain" book:
• Bonus chapter accessed via URL in book
• Segments readers for targeted offers
Think: How can you bridge physical & digital worlds?

6) Innovation isn't just about product. Consider:
• Marketing innovation
• Pricing model innovation
Example: Sublime app's "pay what you want" model
Could this work for your biz?

7) Micro SaaS idea: AI Agent Funnel Scraper
Automatically collect & analyze:
• Email sequences
• Sales funnels
• Marketing tactics
Build a searchable database of winning strategies to remix!

8) Remember: Everyone's seeing "cool stuff" daily. You just need to train yourself to notice & capture it.

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

Stop Building Websites That Look Good But Don’t Sell: https://www.designscientist.com/design-store?b=https://www.designscientist.com/
FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JORDAN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/jrdnmix
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-mix1/

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into how to build million dollar sales funnels. Jonathan shares his strategies and frameworks for creating sales funnels that will 10x your conversion rate

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
03:04  Sales Funnels explained (Websites vs Funnels) 
15:53 Ugly funnels convert better!
17:52 The magic formula and example 1
25:28 What businesses should use funnels
34:11 Example 1 continued 
44:58 Pixeling + retargeting = marketing gold
50:15 Example 2: Book Funnel
56:27 The MIFGY secret (Most Incredible Free Gift Yet)

1) Websites are not Funnels
Websites = brochures
Funchannels = $$$ machines
Most businesses confuse the two. Don't make that mistake!

2) The magic formula:
Facebook/YouTube ads → Landing page → Free valuable content → Call booking
This simple funnel structure has generated MILLIONS for AJ&Smart

3) Ugly funnels convert better! 
Jonathan's "ugliest" funnel:
• 4 years old
• Looks terrible
• Generated $20M+ revenue
Lesson: Done is better than perfect. Launch fast, iterate later.

4) The power of long-form content:
1-hour training video → Deeper engagement → More qualified leads
People who invest time watching = more likely to buy

5) Pixeling + retargeting = marketing gold
Track visitors, show them targeted ads across platforms.
Build an inescapable marketing web!

6) Email marketing isn't dead, it's EVOLVING
Capture emails → Drip feed value → Segment based on behavior → Targeted offers
Smart email funnels = predictable revenue

7) Physical products STILL WORK in digital age
Free book funnel = game changer
People love holding something tangible. Use it to your advantage!

8) The MIFGY secret (Most Incredible Free Gift Yet)
Stack one-time bonuses on your offer. Create FOMO.
Even high-end brands use this. It just WORKS.

9) Key takeaway: Funnels aren't sleazy, they're ESSENTIAL
Top brands like Eight Sleep, AG1, and Whoop all use these tactics.
It's not about tricking people. It's about guiding them to solutions they need.

10) Want to dive deeper?
Read "Expert Secrets" and "DotCom Secrets" by Russell Brunson
Study Facebook Ad Library to reverse-engineer competitor funnels

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Community Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses: http://communityempire.co/

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FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

Join me as I chat with Sarah Lacy, Co-Founder of The Best Book Store , as we discuss  a variety of EdTech startup ideas.  Sarah also shares her the lessons she learned from studying Mark Zuckerberg and her advice for networking and storytelling

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:46  Startup Idea 1: Pre-MBA Entrepreneurship Program for Tween Girls
23:53  Networking and Storytelling as Key Skills
31:13 Lessons Learned from Mark Zuckerberg
36:33 Startup Idea 2: AI-Powered Author Coaching Bots

1) Startup Idea 1: Pre-MBA Entrepreneurship Program for Tween Girls
Why it's HOT:
• Tackles confidence drop in adolescence
• Teaches negotiation, self-worth, ideation
• Potential to transform female leadership

Key features:
• Online curriculum for schools
• Real-world challenges with local businesses
• Focus on digital marketing, not outdated door-to-door sales

Monetization strategy:
• Sell to schools (public & private)
• Sponsorships from big brands (Nike, anyone?)
Pro tip: Use storytelling to sell to sponsors. Remember the water charity campaign? ONE story can lead to big numbers.

2) Startup Idea 2: AI-Powered Author Coaching Bots
Problem: People buy self-help books but struggle to apply the lessons long-term.

Solution: Daily prompts & coaching from an AI avatar of the author!

 How it works:
• Personalized daily check-ins
• Reminders to apply book concepts
• Voice & look of the actual author

Potential authors to target:
• James Clear (Atomic Habits)
• Adam Grant
• Brené Brown

 Business model:
• Partner with publishers
• Drive book pre-orders (10k = NYT Bestseller!)
• Offer exclusive access to early adopters

3) Zuckerberg Insight 👀

What made young Zuck unique? EXTREME HUMILITY + self-awareness.

"He knows when he doesn't know something, and he doesn't just go in to learn it. He gives himself... a position of extreme humility." - Sarah Lacy

4) Key takeaway: NETWORK + STORYTELLING = Startup success

Remember: It's not just WHO you know, but HOW you pitch your idea! 

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas 

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Community Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses http://communityempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND SARAH ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/sarahcuda
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcuda/
The Best Book Store: https://bestbookstore.com/