The Startup Ideas Podcast

Join me as I chat with  Dr. Tyler Lemco, known for co-founding Epic Mealtime (600M+ views), where we discuss strategies for building an internet audience from scratch. The conversation covers practical advice for content creators, including bio optimization, platform selection, and content strategy. We explore the balance between algorithmic success and authentic content creation, while emphasizing the importance of starting small and scaling gradually.Episode Timestamps:• 00:00 - Intro• 01:54 - Transitioning from Creative for Hire to Solopreneur • 07:29 - AI as a Thinking Partner• 09:03 - How to position yourself within your niche• 14:22 - Crafting a Compelling Bio• 26:28 - YouTube Growth Strategies• 41:30 - AI Tools for Content ProductionKey Points:• Transitioning from being a creative-for-hire to building your own audience• Framework for effective content creation and social media growth• Importance of platform focus and consistency in content creation• Strategy for building audience before community before productContent Strategy Framework:1. Pick a platform to focus on2. Identify what you love doing3. Study what algorithms favor4. Find gaps in your niche5. Commit to consistencyPlatform-Specific Insights:• YouTube Shorts: Good for subscriber growth, lower monetization• Long-form content: Best for overall revenue and engagement• Live streams: Excellent for community building, poor for new audience growthKey Takeaways:• Start fresh when pivoting content direction• Focus on audience building before community development• Test and iterate content strategy• Be willing to experiment publicly• Utilize AI tools like Descript for content production1) The Creative-for-Hire Trap• Good money but no equity upside• Easy to get stuck helping others win• Key is transitioning to building YOUR OWN assets• Start small, think big2) Framework for Content That Works:• Pick ONE platform to focus on (seriously)• Do what you genuinely love creating• Study what algorithms reward• Fill gaps in your niche• Commit to consistency3) The YouTube Revenue Reality:• Shorts: 3M views = $418 (+12k subs)• Long-form: 1.3M views = $13,580• Livestreams: 100k views = $1,926Strategy: Use shorts for growth, long-form for revenue4) The ABC Growth Framework:A) Build an Audience firstB) Convert to CommunityC) Create Products/ServicesDon't try all at once. Master each phase!5) Social Bio Formula:• Show Credibility• Create Intrigue• Clear Value PropPro tip: Write for non-followers, not existing ones6) Starting Fresh vs Legacy Account:• 94 engaged followers is better than 31,000 dead ones• Algorithm favors engagement %• Don't let ego stop you from starting over• Fresh start = clean slate7) Content Market Fit Truth:• Takes 6-24 months to find• Must experiment publicly• Embrace the uncomfortable• Better to ship than perfectBonus: For creators starting out - just START. You figure it out by doing, not planning.The only difference between launching and not launching is deciding you've launched.Notable Quotes:"The goal of every solopreneur should be to not be a solopreneur." - Greg"The only difference between launching and not launching is deciding that you've launched." - Tyler LemcoWant 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/30startupideasLCA 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](https://www.startupempire.co/)FIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND TYLER ON SOCIALTyler’s Website: https://www.tlem.co/X/Twitter: https://x.com/tlemcoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tlemco

In this episode, I share comprehensive guide to launching profitable newsletter businesses in 2025, focusing on niche markets and proven monetization strategies. The episode covers various newsletter concepts ranging from local news to B2B decision-makers, with detailed implementation steps and revenue projections for each model. Special emphasis is placed on using newsletters as a foundation to build larger businesses through multiple revenue streams.Timstamps: • 00:00 - Intro• 01:54 - Newsletter Idea 1: Marketing newsletter for global talent• 08:03 - Newsletter Idea 2: Platform-based educational newsletters• 11:24 - Newsletter Idea 3: Unofficial sports team coverage• 13:03 - Newsletter Idea 4: Local real estate investor news• 20:55 - Newsletter Idea 5: B2B decision maker• 25:01 - Newsletter Idea 6: Niche ad examples for media buyers• 26:37 - Newsletter Idea 7: Meme-based news coverage• 29:23 - Newsletter Idea 8: Industry-specific AI tips• 31:12 - Newsletter Idea 9: Leadership lessons and profiles• 34:38 - Newsletter Idea 10: Local community newsletters• 37:14 - Final Thoughts and ConclusionLink Mentioned: Matt’s full article: https://www.newsletteroperator.com/p/10-newsletter-business-ideasMatt’s Twitter/X: https://x.com/JMatthewMcGarryKey Points:• Detailed breakdown of 10 different newsletter business models with monetization strategies• Focus on building profitable newsletters with low startup costs and high scalability• Emphasis on combining paid acquisition (Facebook ads) with organic growth• Strategy for turning newsletters into larger businesses (software, marketplaces, agencies)1) Marketing Newsletter for Global Talent • Target overseas marketers seeking US jobs• Cost: $0.25-0.50 per sub via FB ads• Structure:1) Remote job listings2) Digital marketing news3) Marketing tutorialsMonetization path to $28k/mo:• Job board ($18k/mo)• Recruiting blasts ($10k/mo)2) Platform-Based Newsletter Pick ONE tool (Figma, Notion, Perplexity AI) and go deep.The gold mine here:• 20-50% recurring affiliate commissions• Sell premium templates• Potential acquisition by the platform• Build & sell SaaS tools to your audience3) Local Real Estate Investor Newsletter The math:• 5-10k subs• $2 CPA• $7.5k/mo in ad revenue• $50k from seminars• $50k from premium subsTotal: $190k/year with just 10k subscribers!4) B2B Decision Maker Newsletter The secret sauce:• Need only 2k subs (if they're the right people)• Target C-suite in specific industry• Collect detailed subscriber data• Charge premium for targeted access5) Visual News & AI Newsletters Two massive opportunities:A) Meme-based news• 2-4 stories/day• Prosumer focus (tech/finance)• Visual over Text in 2024B) Industry-specific AI tips• Target specific verticals• Focus on time/money saving• $200/year subscription model6) Local Community Newsletter The playbook:• Focus on positive news• Thursday "Weekend Plans" format• $0.50 CPA possible• Target high-LTV local sponsorsReal example: Naptown Scoop makes $400k/year in one city!7) The bigger opportunity? Don't just think "newsletter"Think "audience building machine" that can spawn:• Software products• Marketplaces• Agencies• CommunitiesStart with newsletter, expand into empire.Pro tip: for ANY of these:• Use pre/post CTAs on social• Build one social channel alongside• Collect subscriber data beyond email• Think paid first, organic secondPick one and start this weekend! Notable Quotes:"Newsletter businesses are a cheat code... you can build a marketplace, you can build an agency, you can build so much on top of a newsletter.""You don't need 100,000 subscribers to make $100,000 a year. With 5-10,000 subs, you can make $190,000 a year."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/30startupideasLCA 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.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

Join me as I chat with Avi Schiffmann, Founder and CEO of friend.com, as we discuss technical challenges in AI memory systems and broader startup philosophy. Avi emphasizes the importance of creating new categories rather than competing in existing ones, while advocating for personal growth and confidence as crucial elements of entrepreneurial success. The discussion covers both technical aspects of AI development and philosophical approaches to startup building.Episode Timestamps:• 00:00 - Introduction and discussion of memory systems• 02:04 - Advice for Founders, Competition, Critique of YC • 06:02 - Entrepreneurship vs Innovation• 15:52 - Thoughts on Raising VC Funding and Bootstrapping• 18:52 - Discussion on Confidence and Personal Growth• 27:58 - Work Life Balance Discussion• 31:18 - Startup Idea 1: Memory as a ServiceKey Points:• Discussion of memory systems for AI chatbots and the need for "memory as a service"• Exploration of startup philosophy and the importance of creating new categories• Emphasis on personal confidence as a key factor in startup success• Critique of conventional startup wisdom and YC methodology1) First, a HUGE opportunity in AI:Memory as a Service (MaaS) for AI chatbots • Current memory systems rely on RAG• No good solution exists yet• Companies would pay $$$ to solve this• Critical for AI relationship products2) On building in existing categories:The real advantage of startups?• Fresh slate in people's minds• Ability to define new categories• Instant category leadership3) MINDSHARE is the only true moat Example:• Claude is better than ChatGPT in quality• But ChatGPT owns mindshare• Google trends: ChatGPT = 100, Claude = ~0Lesson: Better product ≠ Winning product4) On raising VC:"The real way you raise is when it becomes about the deal, not what you're working on"• VCs invest in YOU, not your product• It's a social game• They care about who else is in• Focus on being good at "yapping"5) The REAL key to startup success:Personal confidence over YC adviceHow to build it:• Get out of tech bubble• Build real relationships• Have experiences• Travel• Live life"No one great ever thought they couldn't be great"6) On working style:"You don't need to be at your computer to be working"• Best ideas come in shower/walks• Live life, let ideas brew• Focus on right direction not working hard• Think through ideas in different places7) Final wisdom:"You have a short bubble of consciousness while alive. Don't waste it working on something you're not confidently proud about."Stop preparing.Start building.Be confident.Make art.Notable Quotes:"If you view your work as art, you have no competition and you have no fear of failure.""It's easier to create a new category than to try and win in an existing category because if you create your own category, you immediately crown yourself king."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/30startupideasLCA 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.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND AVI ON SOCIALFriend: https://friend.comX/Twitter: https://x.com/AviSchiffmann

My comprehensive year in review covering personal achievements, business developments, and investment strategies in 2024. I share a detailed breakdowns of my wealth allocation, business portfolio performance, and social media growth. The review emphasizes a shift toward business simplification, increased focus on AI and technology integration, and the importance of building sustainable, scalable ventures.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:38 Biggest wins05:54 Biggest losses and lessons11:47 - Q&A from social media18:00 - Growth across social platforms25:00 - Wealth breakdown and investments33:03 - Business updates48:16 - Productivity gains50:48 - New insights and learningsKey Points:• Personal milestone of having first child and significant net worth achievement• Business portfolio performance across Late Checkout Agency, Boring Marketing, and other ventures• Portfolio breakdown: 75% stocks, 16% private equity, 7% real estate, 2% crypto• Platform growth across YouTube (11K to 146K subscribers), X/Twitter (361K to 420K followers)• Strategic shift toward simplification and focus on building "skyscrapers, not strip malls"1) BIG WINS 2024:• Had a baby • Started lifting consistently (+15-20 lbs muscle)• Grew podcast into major platform• Hit personal net worth milestone2) Portfolio breakdown (fascinating):• 75% stocks• 16% private equity• 7% real estate• 2% cryptoTop holdings:• 10% Berkshire• 10% SPY• 8% Apple• 7% Amazon3) Business Updates:Late Checkout Agency (LCA):• Found their niche: AI interfaces + community products• Booked solid with major brands• Started taking equity deals with billion-dollar companies Boring Marketing & Boring Ads:• Both crushing it• $100M+ in ad spend managed• 76 meetings booked in next few weeks• Unbundling tools for DIY customers• Created Boring Holdings umbrella company5) Key productivity unlocks:• Switched to Yerba Mate for afternoon energy• Simplified from Notion to Apple Notes• Using Things app for to-do lists• Less tools, more focus6) Platform Growth 2024:YouTube: 11K → 146K subsX: 361K → 420K followersLinkedIn: 82K → 149KNewsletter: 72K → 120K subsPodcast: 360K → 575K downloads7) Best decision framework:"Friday Afternoon Test"- Only make big decisions Friday PM when tired- If it still feels right then, it's probably right- Prevents caffeine-fueled impulse choices8/ MAJOR hiring insight:"Day Zero Integrity Test"• Give unclear instructions for small task• See if they ask questions or just guess• Reveals everything about future behavior9/ Key lessons:• Trust but verify (especially with remote teams)• Simple over Complex• Double down on what's working• Build skyscrapers, not strip malls• Tech investment over immediate profits10) 2025 Focus:• Finding long-term business partners• Building more proprietary tech• Simplifying business structure• Going harder on current opportunities• Scaling what worksNotable Quotes:"If this scales, do I want to be in that business? If not, what is the business that I want to be in?""My main mission is to build skyscrapers, not strip malls."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/30startupideasLCA 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](https://www.startupempire.co/)FIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg