Bootstrapped Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/bootstrapped This is the archive of Bootstrapped.fm. A seminal Bootstrapper-oriented podcast started in 2013 by Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov. The first iteration ran for 104 episodes. In 2019, Steve McLeod took over for another 139 episodes. We've set this podcast to release order so you can experience it as it was initially presented. © Ian Landsman bb447cbb-38c9-5e1f-9424-572175443179 yes en-us Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:50:26 -0500 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 01:06:31 -0400 https://bootstrapped.fm https://img.transistorcdn.com/0v8Lu9uFKR-5BZPsVvDysmewc2qlUk3HGwmrXJcBjs8/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hZjg0/MDE3MTEwZDRmOGE2/NjBjMDRmNTExOWRl/MzBiNi5qcGVn.jpg Bootstrapped https://bootstrapped.fm serial Ian Landsman This is the archive of Bootstrapped.fm. A seminal Bootstrapper-oriented podcast started in 2013 by Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov. The first iteration ran for 104 episodes. In 2019, Steve McLeod took over for another 139 episodes. We've set this podcast to release order so you can experience it as it was initially presented. This is the archive of Bootstrapped.fm. bootstrapping, technology, software business Ian Landsman No No #1: Bootstrapped and Profitable 1 1 #1: Bootstrapped and Profitable full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bd5e788a In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about running a web-app company vs. running a mobile-app company, having one large product vs. many smaller products, starting out by making products ‘because you can’, instead of products that have a market, SaaS and recurring revenue, Enron email and spam filters, how the iPhone almost brought down Andrey’s company, planning vs. falling into it, being late to the SaaS party, installable software and support, B2B vs. B2C, and things that seemed exciting in the first year of running a software company, but are a chore to do 9 years later.

Two software companies, Userscape, founded in 2004, and Antair, founded in 2005.

Both companies, bootstrapped and profitable.

Join Ian and Andrey, the founders, as they share their experiences in running their companies.

]]> In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about running a web-app company vs. running a mobile-app company, having one large product vs. many smaller products, starting out by making products ‘because you can’, instead of products that have a market, SaaS and recurring revenue, Enron email and spam filters, how the iPhone almost brought down Andrey’s company, planning vs. falling into it, being late to the SaaS party, installable software and support, B2B vs. B2C, and things that seemed exciting in the first year of running a software company, but are a chore to do 9 years later.

Two software companies, Userscape, founded in 2004, and Antair, founded in 2005.

Both companies, bootstrapped and profitable.

Join Ian and Andrey, the founders, as they share their experiences in running their companies.

]]> Tue, 19 Mar 2013 01:12:10 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 2582 In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about running a web-app company vs. running a mobile-app company, having one large product vs. many smaller products, starting out by making products ‘because you can’, instead of products that have a market, SaaS and recurring revenue, Enron email and spam filters, how the iPhone almost brought down Andrey’s company, planning vs. falling into it, being late to the SaaS party, installable software and support, B2B vs. B2C, and things that seemed exciting in the first year of running a software company, but are a chore to do 9 years later.

Two software companies, Userscape, founded in 2004, and Antair, founded in 2005.

Both companies, bootstrapped and profitable.

Join Ian and Andrey, the founders, as they share their experiences in running their companies.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #2: Lollipop Sticks 2 2 #2: Lollipop Sticks full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=27 https://share.transistor.fm/s/acc18b76 In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about software version numbers, SaaS apps, hiring, modern web application development, server hosting, what to do with old servers, monitors and hard drives, doing what it takes to fund your business, Andrey’s psychological state, physical world products vs software.

Links:

 

]]> In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about software version numbers, SaaS apps, hiring, modern web application development, server hosting, what to do with old servers, monitors and hard drives, doing what it takes to fund your business, Andrey’s psychological state, physical world products vs software.

Links:

 

]]> Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:32:58 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3472 In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about software version numbers, SaaS apps, hiring, modern web application development, server hosting, what to do with old servers, monitors and hard drives, doing what it takes to fund your business, Andrey’s psychological state, physical world products vs software.

Links:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #3: Pivoting all over the place 3 3 #3: Pivoting all over the place full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=44 https://share.transistor.fm/s/587e98a0 In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about not being able to remember anything that happened before today, Ian’s rules for the practical entrepreneur, having so many products that you can’t list them all, entering a fragmented market, preferring B2B, The Pivot, Andrey not having any kind of strategy for choosing which products to make, damned phones, when selling to a business is not really selling to a business, clear and simple revenue model, bridging the internet world with the real world, not using your own products, doing support, how recent the 90’s were, dealing with criticism, competitors who are clearly doing it wrong, Steve Jobs being brilliant at what he does, customers not caring about which technology you use, being the perfect developer for your own company, bootstrapping a company when you have kids, the sense of being continuously rushed, BioIsChanged.com, DAS Keyboard, and customer-hosted vs. SaaS.


Links:

 

]]> In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about not being able to remember anything that happened before today, Ian’s rules for the practical entrepreneur, having so many products that you can’t list them all, entering a fragmented market, preferring B2B, The Pivot, Andrey not having any kind of strategy for choosing which products to make, damned phones, when selling to a business is not really selling to a business, clear and simple revenue model, bridging the internet world with the real world, not using your own products, doing support, how recent the 90’s were, dealing with criticism, competitors who are clearly doing it wrong, Steve Jobs being brilliant at what he does, customers not caring about which technology you use, being the perfect developer for your own company, bootstrapping a company when you have kids, the sense of being continuously rushed, BioIsChanged.com, DAS Keyboard, and customer-hosted vs. SaaS.


Links:

 

]]> Sun, 31 Mar 2013 14:02:00 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 5291 In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about not being able to remember anything that happened before today, Ian’s rules for the practical entrepreneur, having so many products that you can’t list them all, entering a fragmented market, preferring B2B, The Pivot, Andrey not having any kind of strategy for choosing which products to make, damned phones, when selling to a business is not really selling to a business, clear and simple revenue model, bridging the internet world with the real world, not using your own products, doing support, how recent the 90’s were, dealing with criticism, competitors who are clearly doing it wrong, Steve Jobs being brilliant at what he does, customers not caring about which technology you use, being the perfect developer for your own company, bootstrapping a company when you have kids, the sense of being continuously rushed, BioIsChanged.com, DAS Keyboard, and customer-hosted vs. SaaS.


Links:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #4: The customer is seldom right 4 4 #4: The customer is seldom right full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=81 https://share.transistor.fm/s/152ebfd1 In this episode, Ian and Andrey cover a host of issues, including an apology of sorts to Patrick McKenzie, a discussion on if in fact the customer is always right, how you support .99 cent apps, non-mistakes from Ian’s past, VC funding and an extremely important tax tip!


Links:

]]> In this episode, Ian and Andrey cover a host of issues, including an apology of sorts to Patrick McKenzie, a discussion on if in fact the customer is always right, how you support .99 cent apps, non-mistakes from Ian’s past, VC funding and an extremely important tax tip!


Links:

]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:14:29 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4899 In this episode, Ian and Andrey cover a host of issues, including an apology of sorts to Patrick McKenzie, a discussion on if in fact the customer is always right, how you support .99 cent apps, non-mistakes from Ian’s past, VC funding and an extremely important tax tip!


Links:

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #5: Let’s all go to the movies! 5 5 #5: Let’s all go to the movies! full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=91 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c75d033b In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about a gauntlet of client work, consulting, competitors, talking about your product early, stock options and bonuses, a little bit on wall street programming, hiring, contributing to open source, life after programming, and movies!


Links:

]]> In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about a gauntlet of client work, consulting, competitors, talking about your product early, stock options and bonuses, a little bit on wall street programming, hiring, contributing to open source, life after programming, and movies!


Links:

]]> Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:46:33 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 5886 In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about a gauntlet of client work, consulting, competitors, talking about your product early, stock options and bonuses, a little bit on wall street programming, hiring, contributing to open source, life after programming, and movies!


Links:

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #6: Authorize This 6 6 #6: Authorize This full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=106 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7178f2ba In this episode, Ian and Andrey discuss screen real estate, hiring a part time developer, Apple II parts, a segment which went way too long on Authorize.net, funding open source projects and code naming.

]]> In this episode, Ian and Andrey discuss screen real estate, hiring a part time developer, Apple II parts, a segment which went way too long on Authorize.net, funding open source projects and code naming.

]]> Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:46:02 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 5565 In this episode, Ian and Andrey discuss screen real estate, hiring a part time developer, Apple II parts, a segment which went way too long on Authorize.net, funding open source projects and code naming.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #7: Just wasting my time! 7 7 #7: Just wasting my time! full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=116 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e19f944f In this episode, Ian and Andrey discuss the Apple app store release process, making video games for a living, people and companies that “get it”, fonts for web development, trademarks and names,

]]> In this episode, Ian and Andrey discuss the Apple app store release process, making video games for a living, people and companies that “get it”, fonts for web development, trademarks and names,

]]> Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:07:08 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4141 In this episode, Ian and Andrey discuss the Apple app store release process, making video games for a living, people and companies that “get it”, fonts for web development, trademarks and names,

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #8: Bizarro Week 8 8 #8: Bizarro Week full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=123 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1faed3e6 In this episode, Ian and Andrey discuss sweet games, SaaS downtime, UserScape Bizarro Week, Brooklyn, Microconf and more.

]]> In this episode, Ian and Andrey discuss sweet games, SaaS downtime, UserScape Bizarro Week, Brooklyn, Microconf and more.

]]> Tue, 07 May 2013 10:24:50 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4635 In this episode, Ian and Andrey discuss sweet games, SaaS downtime, UserScape Bizarro Week, Brooklyn, Microconf and more.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #9: Uberdeck 9 9 #9: Uberdeck full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=130 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a88f35bc In this episode, which Ian and Andrey discuss Uberdeck, system administration, pricing strategies, news coverage for startups, Jeff Atwood, Trello, and Snappy.

]]> In this episode, which Ian and Andrey discuss Uberdeck, system administration, pricing strategies, news coverage for startups, Jeff Atwood, Trello, and Snappy.

]]> Wed, 22 May 2013 09:04:06 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4837 In this episode, which Ian and Andrey discuss Uberdeck, system administration, pricing strategies, news coverage for startups, Jeff Atwood, Trello, and Snappy.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #10: Gymboree 10 10 #10: Gymboree full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=144 https://share.transistor.fm/s/01eda51e We go over the launch of Snappy, the Laravel 4 release, taking care of kids and kid gym options, Bootstrap conferences, app metrics and Infoproducts!

]]> We go over the launch of Snappy, the Laravel 4 release, taking care of kids and kid gym options, Bootstrap conferences, app metrics and Infoproducts!

]]> Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:30:07 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4683 We go over the launch of Snappy, the Laravel 4 release, taking care of kids and kid gym options, Bootstrap conferences, app metrics and Infoproducts!

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #11: Bootstrapping a Software Consulting Company 11 11 #11: Bootstrapping a Software Consulting Company full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=149 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ca1e9952 Andrey and Ian sit down with Carl Diesing from DNL OmniMedia, and Chris Hawkins from Cogeian Systems, to talk about bootstrapping a successful software consulting company.

]]> Andrey and Ian sit down with Carl Diesing from DNL OmniMedia, and Chris Hawkins from Cogeian Systems, to talk about bootstrapping a successful software consulting company.

]]> Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:21:22 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4321 Andrey and Ian sit down with Carl Diesing from DNL OmniMedia, and Chris Hawkins from Cogeian Systems, to talk about bootstrapping a successful software consulting company.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #12: The Analogy 12 12 #12: The Analogy full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=158 https://share.transistor.fm/s/69e166ed Andrey and Ian discuss mistakes with Snappy’s initial website, building multiple products vs focusing on a single product, fixing the app store, recommendations on going into the mobile space, and Derek Sivers new company and how he outsourced it all.

]]> Andrey and Ian discuss mistakes with Snappy’s initial website, building multiple products vs focusing on a single product, fixing the app store, recommendations on going into the mobile space, and Derek Sivers new company and how he outsourced it all.

]]> Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:47:47 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4458 Andrey and Ian discuss mistakes with Snappy’s initial website, building multiple products vs focusing on a single product, fixing the app store, recommendations on going into the mobile space, and Derek Sivers new company and how he outsourced it all.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #13: Boiler Room 13 13 #13: Boiler Room full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=167 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bca1613f Ian and Andrey discuss getting ready to deploy Uberdeck, Snappy progress, what’s next for Snappy marketing, stories of first job interviews, the benefits, if any, of a college education, selling into the consumer space, the experience of buying software in a box, selling software before making software and vetting product ideas.

]]> Ian and Andrey discuss getting ready to deploy Uberdeck, Snappy progress, what’s next for Snappy marketing, stories of first job interviews, the benefits, if any, of a college education, selling into the consumer space, the experience of buying software in a box, selling software before making software and vetting product ideas.

]]> Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:20:16 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4224 Ian and Andrey discuss getting ready to deploy Uberdeck, Snappy progress, what’s next for Snappy marketing, stories of first job interviews, the benefits, if any, of a college education, selling into the consumer space, the experience of buying software in a box, selling software before making software and vetting product ideas.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #14: Now you have to do stuff 14 14 #14: Now you have to do stuff full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=195 https://share.transistor.fm/s/02692db6 Ian and Andrey are joined by special guest Scott Watermasysk. We get the back story on KickoffLabs Scott’s company, Andrey laments about having to do “stuff”, we don’t get Quora, we go deep on Uberdeck pricing strategy, how Agant went back to being a one person shop, starting solo or with a co-founder, Ship It!, a few landing page tips from Scott.

]]> Ian and Andrey are joined by special guest Scott Watermasysk. We get the back story on KickoffLabs Scott’s company, Andrey laments about having to do “stuff”, we don’t get Quora, we go deep on Uberdeck pricing strategy, how Agant went back to being a one person shop, starting solo or with a co-founder, Ship It!, a few landing page tips from Scott.

]]> Thu, 11 Jul 2013 10:48:04 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4613 Ian and Andrey are joined by special guest Scott Watermasysk. We get the back story on KickoffLabs Scott’s company, Andrey laments about having to do “stuff”, we don’t get Quora, we go deep on Uberdeck pricing strategy, how Agant went back to being a one person shop, starting solo or with a co-founder, Ship It!, a few landing page tips from Scott.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking Scott Watermasysk #15: Patrick McKenzie (patio11) on Selling Software 15 15 #15: Patrick McKenzie (patio11) on Selling Software full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=200 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4685b4ae Ian and Andrey are joined by special guest, Patrick McKenzie (patio11), to discuss the “early” days of the Business of Software forums, Patrick’s journey and daily routine, Helpdesk systems and support, Appointment Reminder,  systemizing and automating daily tasks, SaaS, B2C vs. B2B, pricing of software, consulting, learning from Blackhats, Hacker News, marketing, Uberdeck, making money from open source, dual-licensing, running a conference, hacker meetups, Patrick’s biggest mistake in business, Patrick’s next product, and Facebook games.

]]> Ian and Andrey are joined by special guest, Patrick McKenzie (patio11), to discuss the “early” days of the Business of Software forums, Patrick’s journey and daily routine, Helpdesk systems and support, Appointment Reminder,  systemizing and automating daily tasks, SaaS, B2C vs. B2B, pricing of software, consulting, learning from Blackhats, Hacker News, marketing, Uberdeck, making money from open source, dual-licensing, running a conference, hacker meetups, Patrick’s biggest mistake in business, Patrick’s next product, and Facebook games.

]]> Wed, 24 Jul 2013 11:45:04 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 6730 Ian and Andrey are joined by special guest, Patrick McKenzie (patio11), to discuss the “early” days of the Business of Software forums, Patrick’s journey and daily routine, Helpdesk systems and support, Appointment Reminder,  systemizing and automating daily tasks, SaaS, B2C vs. B2B, pricing of software, consulting, learning from Blackhats, Hacker News, marketing, Uberdeck, making money from open source, dual-licensing, running a conference, hacker meetups, Patrick’s biggest mistake in business, Patrick’s next product, and Facebook games.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking Patrick McKenzie #16: Meat and Attitude 16 16 #16: Meat and Attitude full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=237 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a87667e9 Ian and Andrey discuss Andrey’s new mobile apps, doing press releases in unique cases, HARO, bringing on a partner, Valentino movie, Breaking Bad, Andrey on being abducted, dress code in fancy steak joints, optimal steak restaurant design, Snappy marketing, doing a giveaway


Note: this podcast was recorded before we released http://discuss.bootstrapped.fm, next week we’ll discuss that in more detail.

Discuss this episode:  http://discuss.bootstrapped.fm/t/episode-16-meat-and-attitude/74

]]> Ian and Andrey discuss Andrey’s new mobile apps, doing press releases in unique cases, HARO, bringing on a partner, Valentino movie, Breaking Bad, Andrey on being abducted, dress code in fancy steak joints, optimal steak restaurant design, Snappy marketing, doing a giveaway


Note: this podcast was recorded before we released http://discuss.bootstrapped.fm, next week we’ll discuss that in more detail.

Discuss this episode:  http://discuss.bootstrapped.fm/t/episode-16-meat-and-attitude/74

]]> Thu, 01 Aug 2013 10:57:44 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 2788 Ian and Andrey discuss Andrey’s new mobile apps, doing press releases in unique cases, HARO, bringing on a partner, Valentino movie, Breaking Bad, Andrey on being abducted, dress code in fancy steak joints, optimal steak restaurant design, Snappy marketing, doing a giveaway


Note: this podcast was recorded before we released http://discuss.bootstrapped.fm, next week we’ll discuss that in more detail.

Discuss this episode:  http://discuss.bootstrapped.fm/t/episode-16-meat-and-attitude/74

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #17: Special Guest: Rachel Andrew 17 17 #17: Special Guest: Rachel Andrew full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=276 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5897ffac Ian and Andrey sit down with special guest Rachel Andrew from EdgeOfMySeat.com, to discuss Perch, the really little CMS, the new Bootstrapped.fm forums, marketing, customer support, product dependencies, how important personal visibility is to your business, content management systems, writing and speaking, and self-publishing.

 

]]> Ian and Andrey sit down with special guest Rachel Andrew from EdgeOfMySeat.com, to discuss Perch, the really little CMS, the new Bootstrapped.fm forums, marketing, customer support, product dependencies, how important personal visibility is to your business, content management systems, writing and speaking, and self-publishing.

 

]]> Tue, 06 Aug 2013 17:21:11 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3526 Ian and Andrey sit down with special guest Rachel Andrew from EdgeOfMySeat.com, to discuss Perch, the really little CMS, the new Bootstrapped.fm forums, marketing, customer support, product dependencies, how important personal visibility is to your business, content management systems, writing and speaking, and self-publishing.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking Rachel Andrew #18: Special Guest: Chase Clemons on Bootstrapped Support 18 18 #18: Special Guest: Chase Clemons on Bootstrapped Support full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=301 https://share.transistor.fm/s/12509771 Ian and Andrey sit down with special guest Chase Clemons of  SupportOps to discuss customer service for bootstrappers. We also get an  Uberdeck update on leaving beta and pricing strategy.


This episode is being cross released on both Bootstrapped.fm and Support Ops Podcast. Check them out!

]]> Ian and Andrey sit down with special guest Chase Clemons of  SupportOps to discuss customer service for bootstrappers. We also get an  Uberdeck update on leaving beta and pricing strategy.


This episode is being cross released on both Bootstrapped.fm and Support Ops Podcast. Check them out!

]]> Tue, 27 Aug 2013 08:45:43 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 5616 Ian and Andrey sit down with special guest Chase Clemons of  SupportOps to discuss customer service for bootstrappers. We also get an  Uberdeck update on leaving beta and pricing strategy.


This episode is being cross released on both Bootstrapped.fm and Support Ops Podcast. Check them out!

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking Chase Clemons #19: No Red Candy! 19 19 #19: No Red Candy! full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=308 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f8078457 Ian and Andrey discuss Laracon EU, Snappy, web app activity tracking and analytics, Uberdeck, marketing as your primary daily activity, Andrey’s next app, native clients vs. mobile web apps vs. responsive design for a SaaS product, front-end web dev frameworks, annual SaaS billing, getting dumber, Vincent van Gogh, San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Texas.

(Sorry for the crappy audio quality on Andrey’s side in this episode; he’ll get it right one of these days).

 

]]> Ian and Andrey discuss Laracon EU, Snappy, web app activity tracking and analytics, Uberdeck, marketing as your primary daily activity, Andrey’s next app, native clients vs. mobile web apps vs. responsive design for a SaaS product, front-end web dev frameworks, annual SaaS billing, getting dumber, Vincent van Gogh, San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Texas.

(Sorry for the crappy audio quality on Andrey’s side in this episode; he’ll get it right one of these days).

 

]]> Wed, 04 Sep 2013 12:31:01 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3840 Ian and Andrey discuss Laracon EU, Snappy, web app activity tracking and analytics, Uberdeck, marketing as your primary daily activity, Andrey’s next app, native clients vs. mobile web apps vs. responsive design for a SaaS product, front-end web dev frameworks, annual SaaS billing, getting dumber, Vincent van Gogh, San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Texas.

(Sorry for the crappy audio quality on Andrey’s side in this episode; he’ll get it right one of these days).

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #20: Hard Stop 20 20 #20: Hard Stop full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=330 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e50ba608 Ian and Andrey discuss their appearances on other podcasts, depression caused by taking consulting work, how Andrey will structure his day, Apple keynote and how new hardware relates to mobile development, releasing software in the app store, SaaS searching tech and more.

]]> Ian and Andrey discuss their appearances on other podcasts, depression caused by taking consulting work, how Andrey will structure his day, Apple keynote and how new hardware relates to mobile development, releasing software in the app store, SaaS searching tech and more.

]]> Wed, 11 Sep 2013 14:52:14 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 2664 Ian and Andrey discuss their appearances on other podcasts, depression caused by taking consulting work, how Andrey will structure his day, Apple keynote and how new hardware relates to mobile development, releasing software in the app store, SaaS searching tech and more.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #21: Special Guest: Andy Brice 21 21 #21: Special Guest: Andy Brice full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=333 https://share.transistor.fm/s/09815200 Ian and Andrey sit down with special guest, Andy Brice, to discuss Perfect Table Plan, software marketing, creating desktop software vs. SaaS web apps, software pricing, cross-platform development with QT, analytics, measuring how many people are ‘word-of-mouth’ customers, Andy’s 2-day intensive training course on starting your own software business, practical software products, the legacy of shareware, the effect of SaaS apps on lifestyle, A/B testing, Adwords, email vs. helpdesk system for one-person companies, and martial arts.

]]> Ian and Andrey sit down with special guest, Andy Brice, to discuss Perfect Table Plan, software marketing, creating desktop software vs. SaaS web apps, software pricing, cross-platform development with QT, analytics, measuring how many people are ‘word-of-mouth’ customers, Andy’s 2-day intensive training course on starting your own software business, practical software products, the legacy of shareware, the effect of SaaS apps on lifestyle, A/B testing, Adwords, email vs. helpdesk system for one-person companies, and martial arts.

]]> Mon, 23 Sep 2013 09:23:14 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 5642 Ian and Andrey sit down with special guest, Andy Brice, to discuss Perfect Table Plan, software marketing, creating desktop software vs. SaaS web apps, software pricing, cross-platform development with QT, analytics, measuring how many people are ‘word-of-mouth’ customers, Andy’s 2-day intensive training course on starting your own software business, practical software products, the legacy of shareware, the effect of SaaS apps on lifestyle, A/B testing, Adwords, email vs. helpdesk system for one-person companies, and martial arts.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking Andy Brice #22: Meh 22 22 #22: Meh full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=344 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8323346b We give away an amazing social mobile podcast product idea, Blackberry (sorry), App stores, Andrey’s gripes with Laravel 4 and other techy things, asset management in front end web development, Vi, Breaking Bad finale!!!, Living in NYC, Perch CMS meetup, Business of Software conference

Discuss this episode in our bootstrapper forums

]]> We give away an amazing social mobile podcast product idea, Blackberry (sorry), App stores, Andrey’s gripes with Laravel 4 and other techy things, asset management in front end web development, Vi, Breaking Bad finale!!!, Living in NYC, Perch CMS meetup, Business of Software conference

Discuss this episode in our bootstrapper forums

]]> Mon, 30 Sep 2013 13:31:11 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3859 We give away an amazing social mobile podcast product idea, Blackberry (sorry), App stores, Andrey’s gripes with Laravel 4 and other techy things, asset management in front end web development, Vi, Breaking Bad finale!!!, Living in NYC, Perch CMS meetup, Business of Software conference

Discuss this episode in our bootstrapper forums

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #23: Clichély doing the cliché thing 23 23 #23: Clichély doing the cliché thing full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=351 https://share.transistor.fm/s/aea39bcc We talk about Andrey finally leaving the house, street cred, Quintu, the work that goes into a typical SaaS app, implementing push in Uberdeck, OS X 10.8 update woes, git and distributed source code control,   supporting developers vs. supporting end users, downloadable vs. SaaS, playing with SaaS marketing at an early stage of the product, being organized with marketing, tracking the marketing flow, onboarding, pricing based on volume, seasonal stores, celebrities in NYC, the new Panic office, and a day of doing nothing at work.

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers in the forums.

]]> We talk about Andrey finally leaving the house, street cred, Quintu, the work that goes into a typical SaaS app, implementing push in Uberdeck, OS X 10.8 update woes, git and distributed source code control,   supporting developers vs. supporting end users, downloadable vs. SaaS, playing with SaaS marketing at an early stage of the product, being organized with marketing, tracking the marketing flow, onboarding, pricing based on volume, seasonal stores, celebrities in NYC, the new Panic office, and a day of doing nothing at work.

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers in the forums.

]]> Wed, 16 Oct 2013 12:30:04 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4460 We talk about Andrey finally leaving the house, street cred, Quintu, the work that goes into a typical SaaS app, implementing push in Uberdeck, OS X 10.8 update woes, git and distributed source code control,   supporting developers vs. supporting end users, downloadable vs. SaaS, playing with SaaS marketing at an early stage of the product, being organized with marketing, tracking the marketing flow, onboarding, pricing based on volume, seasonal stores, celebrities in NYC, the new Panic office, and a day of doing nothing at work.

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers in the forums.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #24: Batman Voice 24 24 #24: Batman Voice full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=364 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c363b6bf We talk about Batman, Software going to $0, Pricing again, Saas sucking, High school/depression, Business of Software Conference, A/B testing, Insurance, Andrey and me opening a coffee shop comic book store, Batman Arkham Origins, how we’re the Seinfeld of bootstrap podcasting, Everpix closing, soup delivery, $7.95 cupcakes, our side projects that make us no money.

We’re going to try to do a Bootstrapped.fm meetup if you’re in the NYC area. Contact us or post to the board if you’re interested.

Discuss the show over on our forums

]]> We talk about Batman, Software going to $0, Pricing again, Saas sucking, High school/depression, Business of Software Conference, A/B testing, Insurance, Andrey and me opening a coffee shop comic book store, Batman Arkham Origins, how we’re the Seinfeld of bootstrap podcasting, Everpix closing, soup delivery, $7.95 cupcakes, our side projects that make us no money.

We’re going to try to do a Bootstrapped.fm meetup if you’re in the NYC area. Contact us or post to the board if you’re interested.

Discuss the show over on our forums

]]> Thu, 07 Nov 2013 22:00:05 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3778 We talk about Batman, Software going to $0, Pricing again, Saas sucking, High school/depression, Business of Software Conference, A/B testing, Insurance, Andrey and me opening a coffee shop comic book store, Batman Arkham Origins, how we’re the Seinfeld of bootstrap podcasting, Everpix closing, soup delivery, $7.95 cupcakes, our side projects that make us no money.

We’re going to try to do a Bootstrapped.fm meetup if you’re in the NYC area. Contact us or post to the board if you’re interested.

Discuss the show over on our forums

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #25: Devil’s Advocate 25 25 #25: Devil’s Advocate full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=372 https://share.transistor.fm/s/73b2257c We talk about dollar stores, dogs and babies, the new Helpspot release, support contracts, requiring a credit card at signup, pricing and recurring billing, info-products, SaaS being unsatisfying, digging new holes, the point of growing, all software going to zero.

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers in the forums.

]]> We talk about dollar stores, dogs and babies, the new Helpspot release, support contracts, requiring a credit card at signup, pricing and recurring billing, info-products, SaaS being unsatisfying, digging new holes, the point of growing, all software going to zero.

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers in the forums.

]]> Wed, 13 Nov 2013 14:26:57 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4065 We talk about dollar stores, dogs and babies, the new Helpspot release, support contracts, requiring a credit card at signup, pricing and recurring billing, info-products, SaaS being unsatisfying, digging new holes, the point of growing, all software going to zero.

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers in the forums.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #26: Party All the Time 26 26 #26: Party All the Time full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=381 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6eb9d3e5 Andrey sings Party All the Time by Eddie Murphy, booze, big UberDeck update, marketing, Snappy mobile app, mobile app reviews, VM’s,16 terminals tiled (huh?), everything is noodles (huh?), coworking, healthcare plans, more marketing, doing marketing under your own name, Ian’s idea for a new app

Discuss the show over on our Bootstrappers forum

]]> Andrey sings Party All the Time by Eddie Murphy, booze, big UberDeck update, marketing, Snappy mobile app, mobile app reviews, VM’s,16 terminals tiled (huh?), everything is noodles (huh?), coworking, healthcare plans, more marketing, doing marketing under your own name, Ian’s idea for a new app

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]]> Mon, 25 Nov 2013 11:52:02 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3818 Andrey sings Party All the Time by Eddie Murphy, booze, big UberDeck update, marketing, Snappy mobile app, mobile app reviews, VM’s,16 terminals tiled (huh?), everything is noodles (huh?), coworking, healthcare plans, more marketing, doing marketing under your own name, Ian’s idea for a new app

Discuss the show over on our Bootstrappers forum

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #27: Everybody Gotta Hustle 27 27 #27: Everybody Gotta Hustle full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=387 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ce46f3f7 Ian and Andrey talk about kids’ toys, Uberdeck, making sense of Adwords, Snappy, content marketing, finding a regular job after years of running a bootstrapped software company, selling physical products, Userscape’s new hire, running a conference, and moving to a consultancy.

Discuss this show over on our Bootstrapper forums.

]]> Ian and Andrey talk about kids’ toys, Uberdeck, making sense of Adwords, Snappy, content marketing, finding a regular job after years of running a bootstrapped software company, selling physical products, Userscape’s new hire, running a conference, and moving to a consultancy.

Discuss this show over on our Bootstrapper forums.

]]> Wed, 04 Dec 2013 18:06:21 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3512 Ian and Andrey talk about kids’ toys, Uberdeck, making sense of Adwords, Snappy, content marketing, finding a regular job after years of running a bootstrapped software company, selling physical products, Userscape’s new hire, running a conference, and moving to a consultancy.

Discuss this show over on our Bootstrapper forums.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #28: Special Guest Ruben Gamez 28 28 #28: Special Guest Ruben Gamez full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=400 https://share.transistor.fm/s/822ca080 This is one of our best episodes yet. If you’re interested in content marketing be prepared to take notes. We also discuss the SaaS release cycle and lifestyle, working hours, business coaching and Andrey abducting Ruben.

Discuss this episode on our Bootstrapper forums.

]]> This is one of our best episodes yet. If you’re interested in content marketing be prepared to take notes. We also discuss the SaaS release cycle and lifestyle, working hours, business coaching and Andrey abducting Ruben.

Discuss this episode on our Bootstrapper forums.

]]> Thu, 19 Dec 2013 08:29:23 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4871 This is one of our best episodes yet. If you’re interested in content marketing be prepared to take notes. We also discuss the SaaS release cycle and lifestyle, working hours, business coaching and Andrey abducting Ruben.

Discuss this episode on our Bootstrapper forums.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking Ruben Gamez #29: There’s always one more year 29 29 #29: There’s always one more year full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=409 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f90e75e5 We talk about school lunches, fast food, Ludum Dare, game development, Minecraft, Userscape’s new employee, taking a vacation, 2013 year in review, amount of revenue to have before hiring full-time, the first two years of running a software consultancy, being too open about your employee information, Laracon 2014, and running an online retail shop.

 

Discuss this episode in our Bootstrapper forums

 

]]> We talk about school lunches, fast food, Ludum Dare, game development, Minecraft, Userscape’s new employee, taking a vacation, 2013 year in review, amount of revenue to have before hiring full-time, the first two years of running a software consultancy, being too open about your employee information, Laracon 2014, and running an online retail shop.

 

Discuss this episode in our Bootstrapper forums

 

]]> Mon, 30 Dec 2013 06:23:34 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3632 We talk about school lunches, fast food, Ludum Dare, game development, Minecraft, Userscape’s new employee, taking a vacation, 2013 year in review, amount of revenue to have before hiring full-time, the first two years of running a software consultancy, being too open about your employee information, Laracon 2014, and running an online retail shop.

 

Discuss this episode in our Bootstrapper forums

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #30: Special Guest: Gavin Bowman 30 30 #30: Special Guest: Gavin Bowman full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=416 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6a4348a4 Special guest Gavin Bowman of RetroDreamer talks about bootstrapping a mobile gaming company. The business of software forums come up… again, expanding a gaming shop and how creativity factors into that, Ian asks too many questions about gaming and such, Being able to be done, revenue fear, ads vs paid, platforms, Apple review controversy

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]]> Special guest Gavin Bowman of RetroDreamer talks about bootstrapping a mobile gaming company. The business of software forums come up… again, expanding a gaming shop and how creativity factors into that, Ian asks too many questions about gaming and such, Being able to be done, revenue fear, ads vs paid, platforms, Apple review controversy

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]]> Mon, 06 Jan 2014 23:35:26 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4352 Special guest Gavin Bowman of RetroDreamer talks about bootstrapping a mobile gaming company. The business of software forums come up… again, expanding a gaming shop and how creativity factors into that, Ian asks too many questions about gaming and such, Being able to be done, revenue fear, ads vs paid, platforms, Apple review controversy

Discuss this episode

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking Gavin Bowman #31: We are Joel, together 31 31 #31: We are Joel, together full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=423 https://share.transistor.fm/s/48709265 Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey talk about growing to a point where you have no idea where stuff is in your own company, building mobile clients for Snappy and Quintu, Minecraft, live coding streams, games, client work, system administration with SaaS, the Sturgeon/Laravel argument, the forums, SaaS growth curves, the PHP Book Book, Seinfeld, Bill Gates, and the Gone Home game.

 

 

 Discuss this episode.

]]> Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey talk about growing to a point where you have no idea where stuff is in your own company, building mobile clients for Snappy and Quintu, Minecraft, live coding streams, games, client work, system administration with SaaS, the Sturgeon/Laravel argument, the forums, SaaS growth curves, the PHP Book Book, Seinfeld, Bill Gates, and the Gone Home game.

 

 

 Discuss this episode.

]]> Thu, 09 Jan 2014 12:29:46 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3646 Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey talk about growing to a point where you have no idea where stuff is in your own company, building mobile clients for Snappy and Quintu, Minecraft, live coding streams, games, client work, system administration with SaaS, the Sturgeon/Laravel argument, the forums, SaaS growth curves, the PHP Book Book, Seinfeld, Bill Gates, and the Gone Home game.

 

 

 Discuss this episode.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #32: The Full Stallman 32 32 #32: The Full Stallman full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=431 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4cc46edd Download this episode. Andrey talks about Gone Home and the impact it’s had on his life, but won’t give details!  Voiceovers, Antair is 9 years old, UserScape is almost 9 though Ian considers it 10, the good old days of bootstrapping, the constant re-inventing of Antair, Ian goes on a rant about Growth Hacking, project management apps, Ian rants again about marketing automation tools, remote work, Ian talking at Microconf, beards, Ian ranting about taking his family to Disney

]]> Download this episode. Andrey talks about Gone Home and the impact it’s had on his life, but won’t give details!  Voiceovers, Antair is 9 years old, UserScape is almost 9 though Ian considers it 10, the good old days of bootstrapping, the constant re-inventing of Antair, Ian goes on a rant about Growth Hacking, project management apps, Ian rants again about marketing automation tools, remote work, Ian talking at Microconf, beards, Ian ranting about taking his family to Disney

]]> Tue, 21 Jan 2014 12:24:23 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4250 Download this episode. Andrey talks about Gone Home and the impact it’s had on his life, but won’t give details!  Voiceovers, Antair is 9 years old, UserScape is almost 9 though Ian considers it 10, the good old days of bootstrapping, the constant re-inventing of Antair, Ian goes on a rant about Growth Hacking, project management apps, Ian rants again about marketing automation tools, remote work, Ian talking at Microconf, beards, Ian ranting about taking his family to Disney

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #33: This is what happens to growth hackers. 33 33 #33: This is what happens to growth hackers. full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=436 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c86ee2d1 Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey talk about Florida, children, stupid teenagers, growing up, stories that go nowhere, growth hackers, hiring a content engineer, unit testing, John Carmack, spending $13,000 on marketing automation software, motorcycles, and baseball tickets.

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers.

 

 

]]> Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey talk about Florida, children, stupid teenagers, growing up, stories that go nowhere, growth hackers, hiring a content engineer, unit testing, John Carmack, spending $13,000 on marketing automation software, motorcycles, and baseball tickets.

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers.

 

 

]]> Thu, 30 Jan 2014 08:23:47 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3809 Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey talk about Florida, children, stupid teenagers, growing up, stories that go nowhere, growth hackers, hiring a content engineer, unit testing, John Carmack, spending $13,000 on marketing automation software, motorcycles, and baseball tickets.

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers.

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #34: Don’t Shake the SaaS Tree 34 34 #34: Don’t Shake the SaaS Tree full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=442 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1b955a6c We discuss confusion over our voices, taxes, vacation, Disney tracking your meat, off topic, doppelgängers, SPF records, Al Bundy/Married With Children, Evernote, pruning your twitter account, Groupon marketing genius, Flappy Bird and the mobile cesspool, Rick Ellis, product first mindset, we’re over SaaS

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers.

 

]]> We discuss confusion over our voices, taxes, vacation, Disney tracking your meat, off topic, doppelgängers, SPF records, Al Bundy/Married With Children, Evernote, pruning your twitter account, Groupon marketing genius, Flappy Bird and the mobile cesspool, Rick Ellis, product first mindset, we’re over SaaS

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers.

 

]]> Mon, 24 Feb 2014 07:42:55 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4904 We discuss confusion over our voices, taxes, vacation, Disney tracking your meat, off topic, doppelgängers, SPF records, Al Bundy/Married With Children, Evernote, pruning your twitter account, Groupon marketing genius, Flappy Bird and the mobile cesspool, Rick Ellis, product first mindset, we’re over SaaS

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #35: Hate the SaaS! 35 35 #35: Hate the SaaS! full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=449 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d5b55ea5 In this episode, we discuss screaming squirrels, being busy, clients, project estimates, VC backed companies, why we hate SaaS, mobile app ickiness, and the value of ideas.

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers

 

]]> In this episode, we discuss screaming squirrels, being busy, clients, project estimates, VC backed companies, why we hate SaaS, mobile app ickiness, and the value of ideas.

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers

 

]]> Sun, 09 Mar 2014 23:15:15 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4559 In this episode, we discuss screaming squirrels, being busy, clients, project estimates, VC backed companies, why we hate SaaS, mobile app ickiness, and the value of ideas.

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #36: White hat growth hacker 36 36 #36: White hat growth hacker full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=459 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a03c9e5b We discuss more growth hacking scum, the podcasts 1 year birthday, building a business for more than money, SaaS vs download, SaaS thriving off dead accounts, code builds, game console emulators, open source doc and design quality, open source vs open source and free, publishing, conference talks.

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]]> We discuss more growth hacking scum, the podcasts 1 year birthday, building a business for more than money, SaaS vs download, SaaS thriving off dead accounts, code builds, game console emulators, open source doc and design quality, open source vs open source and free, publishing, conference talks.

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]]> Sun, 23 Mar 2014 21:34:17 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4515 We discuss more growth hacking scum, the podcasts 1 year birthday, building a business for more than money, SaaS vs download, SaaS thriving off dead accounts, code builds, game console emulators, open source doc and design quality, open source vs open source and free, publishing, conference talks.

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #37: Hush! The grown-ups are talking. 37 37 #37: Hush! The grown-ups are talking. full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=466 https://share.transistor.fm/s/243357d1 In this episode, we discuss tax credits, branding and positioning, JitBit, John Carmack, Oculus, Zuckerberg, young people running companies, VR, box.com, Snappy, marketing tracking software, naming projects, and growth hackers vs. bootstrappers.

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers »

 

]]> In this episode, we discuss tax credits, branding and positioning, JitBit, John Carmack, Oculus, Zuckerberg, young people running companies, VR, box.com, Snappy, marketing tracking software, naming projects, and growth hackers vs. bootstrappers.

 

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]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2014 13:25:00 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4553 In this episode, we discuss tax credits, branding and positioning, JitBit, John Carmack, Oculus, Zuckerberg, young people running companies, VR, box.com, Snappy, marketing tracking software, naming projects, and growth hackers vs. bootstrappers.

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #38: Special guest: Eric Miller 38 38 #38: Special guest: Eric Miller full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=476 https://share.transistor.fm/s/70ef8805 In this episode, we sit down with Eric Miller, of Eric Miller Design, to talk about Eric’s design studio, his products, UX Kits, bootstrapping physical products, working with your spouse, Dribbble, Facebook and Twitter ads, OpenSSL, Brooklyn, Long Island, Poughkeepsie, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

 

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]]> In this episode, we sit down with Eric Miller, of Eric Miller Design, to talk about Eric’s design studio, his products, UX Kits, bootstrapping physical products, working with your spouse, Dribbble, Facebook and Twitter ads, OpenSSL, Brooklyn, Long Island, Poughkeepsie, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

 

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]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:14:14 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 2724 In this episode, we sit down with Eric Miller, of Eric Miller Design, to talk about Eric’s design studio, his products, UX Kits, bootstrapping physical products, working with your spouse, Dribbble, Facebook and Twitter ads, OpenSSL, Brooklyn, Long Island, Poughkeepsie, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #39: After Dark 39 39 #39: After Dark full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=487 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e17df64c Another few minutes on this weeks podcast where we discuss things to do in New York City.

]]> Another few minutes on this weeks podcast where we discuss things to do in New York City.

]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2014 10:30:04 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 384 Another few minutes on this weeks podcast where we discuss things to do in New York City.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #39: Take them to Hooters 40 40 #39: Take them to Hooters full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=486 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3e6bdd64 This week we discuss profanity, Microconf, Peersconf, business evolution, Andrey Do-gooder, product trials, Notch and motivation beyond money, Minecraft, multiple saas apps, acquiring products and building vs buying, coder vs marketer, Andrey should do an ebook

Discuss this weeks episode on the forums

Also, don’t miss the short After Dark episode this week.

]]> This week we discuss profanity, Microconf, Peersconf, business evolution, Andrey Do-gooder, product trials, Notch and motivation beyond money, Minecraft, multiple saas apps, acquiring products and building vs buying, coder vs marketer, Andrey should do an ebook

Discuss this weeks episode on the forums

Also, don’t miss the short After Dark episode this week.

]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2014 10:38:33 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4337 This week we discuss profanity, Microconf, Peersconf, business evolution, Andrey Do-gooder, product trials, Notch and motivation beyond money, Minecraft, multiple saas apps, acquiring products and building vs buying, coder vs marketer, Andrey should do an ebook

Discuss this weeks episode on the forums

Also, don’t miss the short After Dark episode this week.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #40: Andrey Butov’s Fizzilization 41 41 #40: Andrey Butov’s Fizzilization full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=494 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6ad61cbc In this episode we discuss talking at conferences, Star Wars, and sci-fi, video games, Ludum Dare and game dev competitions, the current Antair project list, user interfaces for kids’ apps, Scribbleton, multi-platform development, Snappy, domain registrars, and the Oculus Rift for virtual offices.

 

 

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]]> In this episode we discuss talking at conferences, Star Wars, and sci-fi, video games, Ludum Dare and game dev competitions, the current Antair project list, user interfaces for kids’ apps, Scribbleton, multi-platform development, Snappy, domain registrars, and the Oculus Rift for virtual offices.

 

 

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]]> Wed, 07 May 2014 11:02:42 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3856 In this episode we discuss talking at conferences, Star Wars, and sci-fi, video games, Ludum Dare and game dev competitions, the current Antair project list, user interfaces for kids’ apps, Scribbleton, multi-platform development, Snappy, domain registrars, and the Oculus Rift for virtual offices.

 

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #41: 90% good looks. 10% ideas. 42 42 #41: 90% good looks. 10% ideas. full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=500 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a7c90a09 In this episode, we talk about Laracon, holding a conference in New York, Snappy Concierge, experimental coding, Scribbleton, the Mac app store, the Bootstrapped.fm conference, managing product websites, and disruptive businesses.

 

If you’d like to sign-up to be notified about the details of the Bootstrapped.fm conference, you can do so on the conference page at http://conference.bootstrapped.fm

If you’d like to participate in the discussion surrounding the conference dates, venues, speakers, location, etc, we’ve set up a forum thread for that.

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers »

 

]]> In this episode, we talk about Laracon, holding a conference in New York, Snappy Concierge, experimental coding, Scribbleton, the Mac app store, the Bootstrapped.fm conference, managing product websites, and disruptive businesses.

 

If you’d like to sign-up to be notified about the details of the Bootstrapped.fm conference, you can do so on the conference page at http://conference.bootstrapped.fm

If you’d like to participate in the discussion surrounding the conference dates, venues, speakers, location, etc, we’ve set up a forum thread for that.

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers »

 

]]> Thu, 29 May 2014 13:50:05 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4461 In this episode, we talk about Laracon, holding a conference in New York, Snappy Concierge, experimental coding, Scribbleton, the Mac app store, the Bootstrapped.fm conference, managing product websites, and disruptive businesses.

 

If you’d like to sign-up to be notified about the details of the Bootstrapped.fm conference, you can do so on the conference page at http://conference.bootstrapped.fm

If you’d like to participate in the discussion surrounding the conference dates, venues, speakers, location, etc, we’ve set up a forum thread for that.

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers »

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #42: Let’s get Wil Wheaton 43 43 #42: Let’s get Wil Wheaton full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=510 https://share.transistor.fm/s/17412e90 This week we talk about Scribbleton, Sponsor us!, Rails apps, The Bootstrapped.fm Conference, semi-obscure Seinfeld references, Apple WWDC, Beats and Jimmy Ionvine, and much much much more!

 

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]]> This week we talk about Scribbleton, Sponsor us!, Rails apps, The Bootstrapped.fm Conference, semi-obscure Seinfeld references, Apple WWDC, Beats and Jimmy Ionvine, and much much much more!

 

Discuss this episode with other bootstrappers.

 

]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2014 08:12:23 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3275 This week we talk about Scribbleton, Sponsor us!, Rails apps, The Bootstrapped.fm Conference, semi-obscure Seinfeld references, Apple WWDC, Beats and Jimmy Ionvine, and much much much more!

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #43: The Userscape Developers 44 44 #43: The Userscape Developers full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=519 https://share.transistor.fm/s/51a8b48a In this episode, we sit down with the developers of Userscape; Eric Barnes, Chris Fidao, and Taylor Otwell, to talk about weird dreams, Eric’s, Chris’ and Taylor’s backgrounds and how they got started at Userscape, supporting open source, Forge, newsletters, servers, building Scribbleton for Linux, content-based products,  deploying desktop apps, and TV shows

 

This episode is sponsored by Linode.

 

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]]> In this episode, we sit down with the developers of Userscape; Eric Barnes, Chris Fidao, and Taylor Otwell, to talk about weird dreams, Eric’s, Chris’ and Taylor’s backgrounds and how they got started at Userscape, supporting open source, Forge, newsletters, servers, building Scribbleton for Linux, content-based products,  deploying desktop apps, and TV shows

 

This episode is sponsored by Linode.

 

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]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2014 11:03:35 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4500 In this episode, we sit down with the developers of Userscape; Eric Barnes, Chris Fidao, and Taylor Otwell, to talk about weird dreams, Eric’s, Chris’ and Taylor’s backgrounds and how they got started at Userscape, supporting open source, Forge, newsletters, servers, building Scribbleton for Linux, content-based products,  deploying desktop apps, and TV shows

 

This episode is sponsored by Linode.

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #44: I’m Recording Now 45 45 #44: I’m Recording Now full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=525 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0c731f33 Ian’s (non-life threatening) health issues, delaying the Bootstrapped Conference, quarters as a service, app translation, LaraJobs, what we’d do if we had to work someplace else, Scribbleton update, twitter as protocol.

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]]> Ian’s (non-life threatening) health issues, delaying the Bootstrapped Conference, quarters as a service, app translation, LaraJobs, what we’d do if we had to work someplace else, Scribbleton update, twitter as protocol.

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]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2014 11:32:12 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3032 Ian’s (non-life threatening) health issues, delaying the Bootstrapped Conference, quarters as a service, app translation, LaraJobs, what we’d do if we had to work someplace else, Scribbleton update, twitter as protocol.

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #45: Adventures in Hacker News 46 46 #45: Adventures in Hacker News full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=528 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9f07fe46 Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey discuss taking a vacation while bootstrapping,  the craziness of Hacker News, LaraJobs, Scribbleton, installing desktop software, mods, git, pity purchases, Linux desktop apps, Walmart, the new square BlackBerry, Commodore 64,  consulting work, how much it costs to build an app,  shutting down a SaaS that isn’t performing, who handles support, bad web hosting, Martha’s Vineyard, American Presidents, Ian posting Scribbleton on Hacker News and causing trouble.

 

This episode is sponsored by FusionInvoice — 20% 0ff  for our listeners.

This episode is also sponsored by **Linode **.

 

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]]> Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey discuss taking a vacation while bootstrapping,  the craziness of Hacker News, LaraJobs, Scribbleton, installing desktop software, mods, git, pity purchases, Linux desktop apps, Walmart, the new square BlackBerry, Commodore 64,  consulting work, how much it costs to build an app,  shutting down a SaaS that isn’t performing, who handles support, bad web hosting, Martha’s Vineyard, American Presidents, Ian posting Scribbleton on Hacker News and causing trouble.

 

This episode is sponsored by FusionInvoice — 20% 0ff  for our listeners.

This episode is also sponsored by **Linode **.

 

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]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2014 13:20:20 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4150 Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey discuss taking a vacation while bootstrapping,  the craziness of Hacker News, LaraJobs, Scribbleton, installing desktop software, mods, git, pity purchases, Linux desktop apps, Walmart, the new square BlackBerry, Commodore 64,  consulting work, how much it costs to build an app,  shutting down a SaaS that isn’t performing, who handles support, bad web hosting, Martha’s Vineyard, American Presidents, Ian posting Scribbleton on Hacker News and causing trouble.

 

This episode is sponsored by FusionInvoice — 20% 0ff  for our listeners.

This episode is also sponsored by **Linode **.

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #46: Jeffrey Way of Laracasts 47 47 #46: Jeffrey Way of Laracasts full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=537 https://share.transistor.fm/s/19afb780 This week we have special guest Jeffrey Way. We talk about how he’s bootstrapped Laracasts, how he got started in Laravel, the philosophy behind Laracasts, pricing, hiring, building a personal brand, supporting open source, how to make a great screencast, working for The Man.

Thanks to this weeks sponsor: Linode

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]]> This week we have special guest Jeffrey Way. We talk about how he’s bootstrapped Laracasts, how he got started in Laravel, the philosophy behind Laracasts, pricing, hiring, building a personal brand, supporting open source, how to make a great screencast, working for The Man.

Thanks to this weeks sponsor: Linode

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]]> Mon, 28 Jul 2014 09:27:01 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4777 This week we have special guest Jeffrey Way. We talk about how he’s bootstrapped Laracasts, how he got started in Laravel, the philosophy behind Laracasts, pricing, hiring, building a personal brand, supporting open source, how to make a great screencast, working for The Man.

Thanks to this weeks sponsor: Linode

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #47: Anchor Celebrities 48 48 #47: Anchor Celebrities full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=543 https://share.transistor.fm/s/056089dc Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey discuss anchor celebrities, parenting, Larajobs, fake snow, product hunt, donationware, Uberdeck, consulting retainers,  the costs of opening up an office.

 

 

This episode is sponsored by Linode

 

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]]> Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey discuss anchor celebrities, parenting, Larajobs, fake snow, product hunt, donationware, Uberdeck, consulting retainers,  the costs of opening up an office.

 

 

This episode is sponsored by Linode

 

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]]> Mon, 18 Aug 2014 13:40:28 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3124 Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey discuss anchor celebrities, parenting, Larajobs, fake snow, product hunt, donationware, Uberdeck, consulting retainers,  the costs of opening up an office.

 

 

This episode is sponsored by Linode

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #48: Gabriel Weinberg of DuckDuckGo 49 49 #48: Gabriel Weinberg of DuckDuckGo full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=549 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a593e67b We chat with special guest Gabriel Weinberg of DuckDuckGo. We cover the full gamut from bootstrapping, VC, competing against Google, Perl, privacy, advertising, remote work, finding customers, biz dev and Gabriel’s new book Traction.

 

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]]> We chat with special guest Gabriel Weinberg of DuckDuckGo. We cover the full gamut from bootstrapping, VC, competing against Google, Perl, privacy, advertising, remote work, finding customers, biz dev and Gabriel’s new book Traction.

 

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]]> Mon, 25 Aug 2014 12:46:54 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 2897 We chat with special guest Gabriel Weinberg of DuckDuckGo. We cover the full gamut from bootstrapping, VC, competing against Google, Perl, privacy, advertising, remote work, finding customers, biz dev and Gabriel’s new book Traction.

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #49: A new product from scratch 50 50 #49: A new product from scratch full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=558 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e8e2b2ec Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey talk about antisocial haircuts, Joan Rivers, consulting, Scribbleton on Lifehacker, relaxing, doing a product from start to finish on the show, a Userscape update, Postgres, Nightstand, the Oculus Rift, Minecraft, Star Trek Bridge Commander, Wing Commander, Steam.

 

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]]> Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey talk about antisocial haircuts, Joan Rivers, consulting, Scribbleton on Lifehacker, relaxing, doing a product from start to finish on the show, a Userscape update, Postgres, Nightstand, the Oculus Rift, Minecraft, Star Trek Bridge Commander, Wing Commander, Steam.

 

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]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:24:55 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3117 Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey talk about antisocial haircuts, Joan Rivers, consulting, Scribbleton on Lifehacker, relaxing, doing a product from start to finish on the show, a Userscape update, Postgres, Nightstand, the Oculus Rift, Minecraft, Star Trek Bridge Commander, Wing Commander, Steam.

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #50: 50 51 51 #50: 50 full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=567 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7fc7cbe7 Download this episode. This week we fail to discuss that it’s our 50th episode, family impact on development, Andrey might be hiring a helper so contact him, crazy contract work, Servers for Hackers, UTF–8, Bootstrapped app we don’t have time for, Markdown, Moto X review, a plumber will run UserScape for a day.

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]]> Download this episode. This week we fail to discuss that it’s our 50th episode, family impact on development, Andrey might be hiring a helper so contact him, crazy contract work, Servers for Hackers, UTF–8, Bootstrapped app we don’t have time for, Markdown, Moto X review, a plumber will run UserScape for a day.

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]]> Tue, 14 Oct 2014 08:11:26 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 2711 Download this episode. This week we fail to discuss that it’s our 50th episode, family impact on development, Andrey might be hiring a helper so contact him, crazy contract work, Servers for Hackers, UTF–8, Bootstrapped app we don’t have time for, Markdown, Moto X review, a plumber will run UserScape for a day.

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #51: Special Guest: Matt Stauffer 52 52 #51: Special Guest: Matt Stauffer full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=572 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f357dbd3 Download this episode, in which we’re joined by special guest, Matt Stauffer, to talk about bootstrapping a SaaS while running a consultancy full-time, happiness, Laravel, structuring your day, hiring developers, work & family, gritty TV shows, and Star Trek!

 

 

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]]> Download this episode, in which we’re joined by special guest, Matt Stauffer, to talk about bootstrapping a SaaS while running a consultancy full-time, happiness, Laravel, structuring your day, hiring developers, work & family, gritty TV shows, and Star Trek!

 

 

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]]> Mon, 20 Oct 2014 10:52:59 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4050 Download this episode, in which we’re joined by special guest, Matt Stauffer, to talk about bootstrapping a SaaS while running a consultancy full-time, happiness, Laravel, structuring your day, hiring developers, work & family, gritty TV shows, and Star Trek!

 

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #52: Dead Man’s Switch 53 53 #52: Dead Man’s Switch full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=576 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1d82046d Download this episode where we discuss Ian’s health update, how Scribbbleton handles synchronization, moving, coworking and working from home, real estate business, discussing revenues, vote for us on iTunes!

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]]> Download this episode where we discuss Ian’s health update, how Scribbbleton handles synchronization, moving, coworking and working from home, real estate business, discussing revenues, vote for us on iTunes!

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]]> Fri, 07 Nov 2014 10:26:50 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3552 Download this episode where we discuss Ian’s health update, how Scribbbleton handles synchronization, moving, coworking and working from home, real estate business, discussing revenues, vote for us on iTunes!

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #53: $1000 join 54 54 #53: $1000 join full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=583 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8a4c26fc Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey discuss names, getting punished for good deeds, fast-food burgers, Authorize.NET, HelpSpot mobile apps, making money from mobile games in the app store,  a decade of running HelpSpot and Antair, life checkboxes, HelpSpot 4, and making games.

 

 

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]]> Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey discuss names, getting punished for good deeds, fast-food burgers, Authorize.NET, HelpSpot mobile apps, making money from mobile games in the app store,  a decade of running HelpSpot and Antair, life checkboxes, HelpSpot 4, and making games.

 

 

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]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2014 10:06:54 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 2824 Download this episode, in which Ian and Andrey discuss names, getting punished for good deeds, fast-food burgers, Authorize.NET, HelpSpot mobile apps, making money from mobile games in the app store,  a decade of running HelpSpot and Antair, life checkboxes, HelpSpot 4, and making games.

 

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #54: This is worse than Seinfeld 55 55 #54: This is worse than Seinfeld full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=591 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5d942f61 Some product updates, yada yada yada, this is embarrassing.

 

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]]> Some product updates, yada yada yada, this is embarrassing.

 

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]]> Mon, 02 Feb 2015 11:07:40 -0500 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3862 Some product updates, yada yada yada, this is embarrassing.

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #55: It’s all part of the game 56 56 #55: It’s all part of the game full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=600 https://share.transistor.fm/s/006028e2 In this episode, we discuss Snappy shutting down, selling Snappy, resurrecting a failed product, Andrey’s trip to PAX, Peers conference, client work, Slack room atmosphere, games we’re playing, and games we can’t play.

 

 

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]]> In this episode, we discuss Snappy shutting down, selling Snappy, resurrecting a failed product, Andrey’s trip to PAX, Peers conference, client work, Slack room atmosphere, games we’re playing, and games we can’t play.

 

 

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]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2015 11:35:51 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 4024 In this episode, we discuss Snappy shutting down, selling Snappy, resurrecting a failed product, Andrey’s trip to PAX, Peers conference, client work, Slack room atmosphere, games we’re playing, and games we can’t play.

 

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #56: Rated R 57 57 #56: Rated R full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=609 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d6b9b9eb Andrey swears a lot, we talk about nearly everything except bootstrapping! Stay until the end to hear us discuss Star Wars, 2001, Contact, Guardians of the Galaxy (classic!), Superman vs Batman.

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]]> Andrey swears a lot, we talk about nearly everything except bootstrapping! Stay until the end to hear us discuss Star Wars, 2001, Contact, Guardians of the Galaxy (classic!), Superman vs Batman.

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]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2015 23:06:20 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3912 Andrey swears a lot, we talk about nearly everything except bootstrapping! Stay until the end to hear us discuss Star Wars, 2001, Contact, Guardians of the Galaxy (classic!), Superman vs Batman.

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #57 58 58 #57 full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=617 https://share.transistor.fm/s/61fae2f3 In this episode, we discuss returning for another season, first day of school, finishing up consulting work and returning to product work, co-founding a new company, HelpSpot 4, having a full-time sales person, Snappy, Quantic Insights, programmers and math, mobile apps for kids, Star Wars, Mad Max, and home theater setup.

 

 

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]]> In this episode, we discuss returning for another season, first day of school, finishing up consulting work and returning to product work, co-founding a new company, HelpSpot 4, having a full-time sales person, Snappy, Quantic Insights, programmers and math, mobile apps for kids, Star Wars, Mad Max, and home theater setup.

 

 

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]]> Fri, 18 Sep 2015 18:43:36 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3530 In this episode, we discuss returning for another season, first day of school, finishing up consulting work and returning to product work, co-founding a new company, HelpSpot 4, having a full-time sales person, Snappy, Quantic Insights, programmers and math, mobile apps for kids, Star Wars, Mad Max, and home theater setup.

 

 

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]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #58 59 59 #58 full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=623 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5588e819 In this episode, we discuss Andrey’s PhillyPopecation, Release Notes Conference, how we do sales at UserScape, why you should never offer unlimited/site licenses, Jet Brains pricing, SaaS pricing for on-premise products, Ian’s Last Of Us update, video game violence, “shooting feel” in a game, we talk AGAIN about having dogs, dead fish.

Graciously sponsored by: Release Notes Conference. Offer code: bootstrapped for $100 off.

Discuss this episode on the forums >>

 

]]> In this episode, we discuss Andrey’s PhillyPopecation, Release Notes Conference, how we do sales at UserScape, why you should never offer unlimited/site licenses, Jet Brains pricing, SaaS pricing for on-premise products, Ian’s Last Of Us update, video game violence, “shooting feel” in a game, we talk AGAIN about having dogs, dead fish.

Graciously sponsored by: Release Notes Conference. Offer code: bootstrapped for $100 off.

Discuss this episode on the forums >>

 

]]> Wed, 30 Sep 2015 14:44:40 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3821 In this episode, we discuss Andrey’s PhillyPopecation, Release Notes Conference, how we do sales at UserScape, why you should never offer unlimited/site licenses, Jet Brains pricing, SaaS pricing for on-premise products, Ian’s Last Of Us update, video game violence, “shooting feel” in a game, we talk AGAIN about having dogs, dead fish.

Graciously sponsored by: Release Notes Conference. Offer code: bootstrapped for $100 off.

Discuss this episode on the forums >>

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #59 60 60 #59 full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=628 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a412c1df In this episode we talk about photography, Userscape’s new employee, health insurance, Finsumi, building everything yourself, outsourcing, Quantic Insights, C++, customer support, working from home, audiobooks, and video games.

Graciously sponsored by: Release Notes Conference. Offer code: bootstrapped for $100 off.

 

Discuss this episode in the forums >>

 

 

]]> In this episode we talk about photography, Userscape’s new employee, health insurance, Finsumi, building everything yourself, outsourcing, Quantic Insights, C++, customer support, working from home, audiobooks, and video games.

Graciously sponsored by: Release Notes Conference. Offer code: bootstrapped for $100 off.

 

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]]> Wed, 07 Oct 2015 08:29:51 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3412 In this episode we talk about photography, Userscape’s new employee, health insurance, Finsumi, building everything yourself, outsourcing, Quantic Insights, C++, customer support, working from home, audiobooks, and video games.

Graciously sponsored by: Release Notes Conference. Offer code: bootstrapped for $100 off.

 

Discuss this episode in the forums >>

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #60: Pump the hotness 61 61 #60: Pump the hotness full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=633 https://share.transistor.fm/s/32646a4c We discuss how we don’t hold to our topic, home contractors, physical servers, internet secure, desktop software development, rewriting software from scratch, online banking, Star Wars Battlefront, Star Wars vs Star Trek (again).

Thanks to Linode for sponsoring the show this week.

Get $10 off (1 free month of a 1GB server)  https://promo.linode.com/bootstrappedfm/

 

Discuss this episode in the forums >>

 

]]> We discuss how we don’t hold to our topic, home contractors, physical servers, internet secure, desktop software development, rewriting software from scratch, online banking, Star Wars Battlefront, Star Wars vs Star Trek (again).

Thanks to Linode for sponsoring the show this week.

Get $10 off (1 free month of a 1GB server)  https://promo.linode.com/bootstrappedfm/

 

Discuss this episode in the forums >>

 

]]> Tue, 13 Oct 2015 09:46:10 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 3740 We discuss how we don’t hold to our topic, home contractors, physical servers, internet secure, desktop software development, rewriting software from scratch, online banking, Star Wars Battlefront, Star Wars vs Star Trek (again).

Thanks to Linode for sponsoring the show this week.

Get $10 off (1 free month of a 1GB server)  https://promo.linode.com/bootstrappedfm/

 

Discuss this episode in the forums >>

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #61 62 62 #61 full http://bootstrapped.fm/?p=637 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4ba587e0 In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about new hardware, Star Wars, HelpSpot Cloud, back-end systems, Quantic Insights, virtual insurance for virtual crap, and fantasy football.

Thanks to Linode for sponsoring the show this week.

Get $10 off (1 free month of a 1GB server)  https://promo.linode.com/bootstrappedfm/

 

Discuss this episode in the forums >>

 

]]> In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about new hardware, Star Wars, HelpSpot Cloud, back-end systems, Quantic Insights, virtual insurance for virtual crap, and fantasy football.

Thanks to Linode for sponsoring the show this week.

Get $10 off (1 free month of a 1GB server)  https://promo.linode.com/bootstrappedfm/

 

Discuss this episode in the forums >>

 

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2015 11:10:57 -0400 Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov 2854 In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk about new hardware, Star Wars, HelpSpot Cloud, back-end systems, Quantic Insights, virtual insurance for virtual crap, and fantasy football.

Thanks to Linode for sponsoring the show this week.

Get $10 off (1 free month of a 1GB server)  https://promo.linode.com/bootstrappedfm/

 

Discuss this episode in the forums >>

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #62: I have the flu 63 63 #62: I have the flu full 311aa39c-705d-4fff-8a44-9cdbf6c09fc0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8389e8f2 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 13:57:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3399 bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #63: How Are Sales Today? 64 64 #63: How Are Sales Today? full b29631fe-8967-4047-a505-92293c591837 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e069723 In this episode, we talk about the new app from Quantic Insights, opening up a business bank account, meditation, mellowing out with age, new Userscape office, and Fallout 4.

]]> In this episode, we talk about the new app from Quantic Insights, opening up a business bank account, meditation, mellowing out with age, new Userscape office, and Fallout 4.

]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2015 22:35:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3543 In this episode, we talk about the new app from Quantic Insights, opening up a business bank account, meditation, mellowing out with age, new Userscape office, and Fallout 4.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #64: A Carl Sagan Joint 65 65 #64: A Carl Sagan Joint full e5db5f93-50cc-4223-a007-c17bee009bf9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c15fe328 This week Andrey doesn't tell me I'm on the wrong mic until half way through and we also cover acronyms, Jessica Jones, babysitter acquisition strategies, How Are Sales Today update, HelpSpot update, we go through Andrey Butov's favorite movies and TV shows.

]]> This week Andrey doesn't tell me I'm on the wrong mic until half way through and we also cover acronyms, Jessica Jones, babysitter acquisition strategies, How Are Sales Today update, HelpSpot update, we go through Andrey Butov's favorite movies and TV shows.

]]> Thu, 03 Dec 2015 05:00:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 4089 This week Andrey doesn't tell me I'm on the wrong mic until half way through and we also cover acronyms, Jessica Jones, babysitter acquisition strategies, How Are Sales Today update, HelpSpot update, we go through Andrey Butov's favorite movies and TV shows.

]]> technology, startups, bootstrappers, software, bootstrapping No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #65: Star Wars is the 'Dora the Explorer' of science fiction. 66 66 #65: Star Wars is the 'Dora the Explorer' of science fiction. full e3fa0041-b879-4313-a765-d271be1a7599 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fd23b938 In this episode, we talk about Star Wars, how much Ian loves it and how much Andrey hates it, synchronizing hardware between home and office, code signing and certificate confirmation, international currencies and writing currency exchange code for How Are Sales Today, direct sales, the Userscape marketing plan for 2016, tracking advertising, adding more features vs releasing software earlier, and on-premise vs. software in the cloud.

Thanks to Backup Pro for sponsoring this weeks show. Get 50% off with coupon code bootstrapped.fm

Also thanks to Linode for sponsoring this weeks show. Get $20 off your first month with code: bootstrapped20

]]> In this episode, we talk about Star Wars, how much Ian loves it and how much Andrey hates it, synchronizing hardware between home and office, code signing and certificate confirmation, international currencies and writing currency exchange code for How Are Sales Today, direct sales, the Userscape marketing plan for 2016, tracking advertising, adding more features vs releasing software earlier, and on-premise vs. software in the cloud.

Thanks to Backup Pro for sponsoring this weeks show. Get 50% off with coupon code bootstrapped.fm

Also thanks to Linode for sponsoring this weeks show. Get $20 off your first month with code: bootstrapped20

]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2015 11:20:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3998 In this episode, we talk about Star Wars, how much Ian loves it and how much Andrey hates it, synchronizing hardware between home and office, code signing and certificate confirmation, international currencies and writing currency exchange code for How Are Sales Today, direct sales, the Userscape marketing plan for 2016, tracking advertising, adding more features vs releasing software earlier, and on-premise vs. software in the cloud.

Thanks to Backup Pro for sponsoring this weeks show. Get 50% off with coupon code bootstrapped.fm

Also thanks to Linode for sponsoring this weeks show. Get $20 off your first month with code: bootstrapped20

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #66: I'm Done Doing 67 67 #66: I'm Done Doing full 93821a01-8b28-4d31-ba95-b93da71080b1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e7b1e329 Wed, 03 Feb 2016 05:00:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3162 bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #67: Stuff 68 68 #67: Stuff full 714b52e0-57d6-47f1-a42e-f3ed178e2f98 https://share.transistor.fm/s/457d55fd In this episode, we talk about Mr. Rogers, releasing How Are Sales Today, writing desktop apps in C++, Parse closing and Uberdeck, Scribbleton, Userscape's new office, Userscape's partner program.

]]> In this episode, we talk about Mr. Rogers, releasing How Are Sales Today, writing desktop apps in C++, Parse closing and Uberdeck, Scribbleton, Userscape's new office, Userscape's partner program.

]]> Mon, 08 Feb 2016 11:33:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2636 In this episode, we talk about Mr. Rogers, releasing How Are Sales Today, writing desktop apps in C++, Parse closing and Uberdeck, Scribbleton, Userscape's new office, Userscape's partner program.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #68: "Butov's Brooklyn" 69 69 #68: "Butov's Brooklyn" full c9c6d8fb-49a4-41d9-9c7a-3aab75d501ce https://share.transistor.fm/s/42508151 Andrey has never seen Breaking Bad, SaaStr review, Butov does PR and advertising, adventures in email, Ian drops an idea for a product you should steal but probably won't, Butov's Brooklyn, A Chef's Life.

]]> Andrey has never seen Breaking Bad, SaaStr review, Butov does PR and advertising, adventures in email, Ian drops an idea for a product you should steal but probably won't, Butov's Brooklyn, A Chef's Life.

]]> Mon, 29 Feb 2016 07:00:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2713 Andrey has never seen Breaking Bad, SaaStr review, Butov does PR and advertising, adventures in email, Ian drops an idea for a product you should steal but probably won't, Butov's Brooklyn, A Chef's Life.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #69: "You always pay for sticking to your principles." 70 70 #69: "You always pay for sticking to your principles." full acd893ec-e680-47bf-8282-3f6d876567e3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/76b3f293 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 10:32:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3265 bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #70: "I made a lot of money off Twitter" 71 71 #70: "I made a lot of money off Twitter" full d7649031-a7fb-454d-98c0-4d909c426ba6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a3fc8e1a Mon, 18 Apr 2016 08:57:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3443 bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #71: "Jane Portman from UI Breakfast" 72 72 #71: "Jane Portman from UI Breakfast" full 38da7b16-1345-4019-8cdd-2353cf766a0c https://share.transistor.fm/s/17d6e8f4 In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk to Jane Portman about her company, UI Breakfast, her new book for SaaS founders, building a business, and UI/UX for SaaS web applications.

]]> In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk to Jane Portman about her company, UI Breakfast, her new book for SaaS founders, building a business, and UI/UX for SaaS web applications.

]]> Mon, 09 May 2016 11:06:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3336 In this episode, Ian and Andrey talk to Jane Portman about her company, UI Breakfast, her new book for SaaS founders, building a business, and UI/UX for SaaS web applications.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #72: "It's all going to $0, but in the meantime, we can make some money" 73 73 #72: "It's all going to $0, but in the meantime, we can make some money" full bad5412a-0726-4a94-b678-aa333aeae023 https://share.transistor.fm/s/67425226 We discuss naps and meditation, new HelpSpot pricing, business ideas, is Andrey and introvert?, BaconBiz conf, Butov goes to Buffalo, new product work and ideas, and car leasing.

]]> We discuss naps and meditation, new HelpSpot pricing, business ideas, is Andrey and introvert?, BaconBiz conf, Butov goes to Buffalo, new product work and ideas, and car leasing.

]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2016 04:21:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3453 We discuss naps and meditation, new HelpSpot pricing, business ideas, is Andrey and introvert?, BaconBiz conf, Butov goes to Buffalo, new product work and ideas, and car leasing.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #73: ”If you can find an agreeable parrot, ...” 74 74 #73: ”If you can find an agreeable parrot, ...” full ae24cfaa-a30e-459e-a480-c22e54f9da40 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5287819d In this week's episode, Ian and Andrey talk about going to the gym, living on Long Island, Andrey's car buying adventures, Richard Stallman's speaking requirements, new iOS APIs, Twitter, Facebook, VR, game development, customizing products for individual customers, consulting work.

]]> In this week's episode, Ian and Andrey talk about going to the gym, living on Long Island, Andrey's car buying adventures, Richard Stallman's speaking requirements, new iOS APIs, Twitter, Facebook, VR, game development, customizing products for individual customers, consulting work.

]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2016 11:26:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3561 In this week's episode, Ian and Andrey talk about going to the gym, living on Long Island, Andrey's car buying adventures, Richard Stallman's speaking requirements, new iOS APIs, Twitter, Facebook, VR, game development, customizing products for individual customers, consulting work.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #74: "Nobody ever got fired for hiring Vector Media Group" with special guest Matt Weinberg 75 75 #74: "Nobody ever got fired for hiring Vector Media Group" with special guest Matt Weinberg full 752d4d67-ea2f-4155-ac14-cd7dbf60691f https://share.transistor.fm/s/8c83e172 We're joined by our friend Matt Weinberg to chat about growing a large consultancy, software, hiring, and more. A lot of great insights in this one, don't miss it!

]]> We're joined by our friend Matt Weinberg to chat about growing a large consultancy, software, hiring, and more. A lot of great insights in this one, don't miss it!

]]> Thu, 14 Jul 2016 20:02:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 4173 We're joined by our friend Matt Weinberg to chat about growing a large consultancy, software, hiring, and more. A lot of great insights in this one, don't miss it!

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #75: "Don't you worry about Dave. You worry about Butov!" 76 76 #75: "Don't you worry about Dave. You worry about Butov!" full 3536f1b7-b201-47a2-9aeb-666efa965176 https://share.transistor.fm/s/49865844 In this episode we talk about Ian's trip to Laracon, politics, working on multiple projects simultaneously, working on web apps vs other types of products, The Hive, changes at Userscape, dogs, naps, contractors, Twitch, board games, and kids growing up.

]]> In this episode we talk about Ian's trip to Laracon, politics, working on multiple projects simultaneously, working on web apps vs other types of products, The Hive, changes at Userscape, dogs, naps, contractors, Twitch, board games, and kids growing up.

]]> Tue, 09 Aug 2016 11:03:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 4025 In this episode we talk about Ian's trip to Laracon, politics, working on multiple projects simultaneously, working on web apps vs other types of products, The Hive, changes at Userscape, dogs, naps, contractors, Twitch, board games, and kids growing up.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #76: "Cleo" 77 77 #76: "Cleo" full 8207eb8d-c2b9-4f9c-a307-4fa9c7f11270 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5565c30b We discuss the passing of Andrey's dog Cleo, moving company business models, standing desks, where you can find real news, founder vacation time needs, Ian's new ebook, Ian's hackentosh, autonomous cars.

Unpakt
Autonomous.ai standing desks
Ian's ebook, Securing the Five Figure Sale
River Raid
Sky Force Reloaded
Monsters and Monocles
Thanks to Linode for sponsoring this episode. Sign up today and get $20 off.

]]> We discuss the passing of Andrey's dog Cleo, moving company business models, standing desks, where you can find real news, founder vacation time needs, Ian's new ebook, Ian's hackentosh, autonomous cars.

Unpakt
Autonomous.ai standing desks
Ian's ebook, Securing the Five Figure Sale
River Raid
Sky Force Reloaded
Monsters and Monocles
Thanks to Linode for sponsoring this episode. Sign up today and get $20 off.

]]> Tue, 06 Sep 2016 09:51:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2966 We discuss the passing of Andrey's dog Cleo, moving company business models, standing desks, where you can find real news, founder vacation time needs, Ian's new ebook, Ian's hackentosh, autonomous cars.

Unpakt
Autonomous.ai standing desks
Ian's ebook, Securing the Five Figure Sale
River Raid
Sky Force Reloaded
Monsters and Monocles
Thanks to Linode for sponsoring this episode. Sign up today and get $20 off.

]]> technology, startups No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #77: "... is somebody being bombed?" 78 78 #77: "... is somebody being bombed?" full 605c9070-3dec-42e8-a56d-9110d46ba5a2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cdeb2008 Our guest in this episode is JD Graffam, owner of two agencies, Clear Function and Simple Focus, and several SaaS products, including Sifter, Pulse, and Ballpark.

]]> Our guest in this episode is JD Graffam, owner of two agencies, Clear Function and Simple Focus, and several SaaS products, including Sifter, Pulse, and Ballpark.

]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2016 10:26:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3278 Our guest in this episode is JD Graffam, owner of two agencies, Clear Function and Simple Focus, and several SaaS products, including Sifter, Pulse, and Ballpark.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #78: Patrick Pohler (Part 1) on Starting an API Based Real Estate SaaS 79 79 #78: Patrick Pohler (Part 1) on Starting an API Based Real Estate SaaS full 729f95be-5757-4c81-8a68-f98e7f857465 https://share.transistor.fm/s/aacc7165 #78: Patrick Pohler (Part 1) on Starting an API Based Real Estate SaaS

]]> #78: Patrick Pohler (Part 1) on Starting an API Based Real Estate SaaS

]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2016 19:00:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2087 #78: Patrick Pohler (Part 1) on Starting an API Based Real Estate SaaS

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #79: (Part 2) Patrick Pohler on Starting an API Based Real Estate SaaS 80 80 #79: (Part 2) Patrick Pohler on Starting an API Based Real Estate SaaS full 2c057b5d-55eb-4d9c-bf30-3d7996c3f9f4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4df653c3 #79: (Part 2) Patrick Pohler on Starting an API Based Real Estate SaaS

]]> #79: (Part 2) Patrick Pohler on Starting an API Based Real Estate SaaS

]]> Mon, 05 Dec 2016 19:00:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1728 #79: (Part 2) Patrick Pohler on Starting an API Based Real Estate SaaS

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #80: Brandon Kelly (Part 1) - Founder and CEO of Craft CMS 81 81 #80: Brandon Kelly (Part 1) - Founder and CEO of Craft CMS full 5e425265-585e-4e09-a35c-abb2609e278f https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba491093 Mon, 12 Dec 2016 15:20:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2031 bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #81: Brandon Kelly (Part 2) - Founder and CEO of Craft CMS 82 82 #81: Brandon Kelly (Part 2) - Founder and CEO of Craft CMS full 7316aa8d-ac14-4de4-a876-8c8c3dfb0f77 https://share.transistor.fm/s/105dda27 Mon, 19 Dec 2016 13:34:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2355 bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #82: Brian Casel (Part 1) - Founder of Audience Ops 83 83 #82: Brian Casel (Part 1) - Founder of Audience Ops full 1e90434b-6ac9-4f6c-8065-0fecdb49ccee https://share.transistor.fm/s/8abfbbfd Part one of our talk with Brian Casel about Audience Ops, the new Audience Ops Calendar, and more.

Links:

]]> Part one of our talk with Brian Casel about Audience Ops, the new Audience Ops Calendar, and more.

Links:

]]> Mon, 26 Dec 2016 04:59:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1849 Part one of our talk with Brian Casel about Audience Ops, the new Audience Ops Calendar, and more.

Links:

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #83: Brian Casel (Part 2) - Founder of Audience Ops 84 84 #83: Brian Casel (Part 2) - Founder of Audience Ops full 468aafbd-b9f4-4c6a-99d9-bae6bb45b76f https://share.transistor.fm/s/86bf1e30 Part two of our talk with Brian Casel about Audience Ops, the new Audience Ops Calendar, and more.

Links:

]]> Part two of our talk with Brian Casel about Audience Ops, the new Audience Ops Calendar, and more.

Links:

]]> Mon, 02 Jan 2017 04:07:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2447 Part two of our talk with Brian Casel about Audience Ops, the new Audience Ops Calendar, and more.

Links:

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #84: You’re on an Air, Butov - an Air! 85 85 #84: You’re on an Air, Butov - an Air! full 699f67b6-d651-46c4-ad6f-d2d08ad59127 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2f315e3b Butov needs a laptop upgrade, Ian wants simpler basketball video games, and they both talk about virtual reality.

]]> Butov needs a laptop upgrade, Ian wants simpler basketball video games, and they both talk about virtual reality.

]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2017 11:21:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3761 Butov needs a laptop upgrade, Ian wants simpler basketball video games, and they both talk about virtual reality.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #85: Garrett Dimon (Part 1) - Founder of Sifter, Currently at Wildbit 86 86 #85: Garrett Dimon (Part 1) - Founder of Sifter, Currently at Wildbit full 75e27a39-7b9f-49b2-b96d-d37b22d2ec1d https://share.transistor.fm/s/40bbe75c Part 1 of Andrey and Ian's conversation with Garret Dimon.

]]> Part 1 of Andrey and Ian's conversation with Garret Dimon.

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2017 18:12:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2067 Part 1 of Andrey and Ian's conversation with Garret Dimon.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #86: Garrett Dimon (Part 2) - Founder of Sifter, Currently at Wildbit 87 87 #86: Garrett Dimon (Part 2) - Founder of Sifter, Currently at Wildbit full 3c83d8bb-2107-42df-b956-1e7c975e701b https://share.transistor.fm/s/92904f0e Part 2 of Andrey and Ian's conversation with Garret Dimon.

]]> Part 2 of Andrey and Ian's conversation with Garret Dimon.

]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2017 07:18:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1779 Part 2 of Andrey and Ian's conversation with Garret Dimon.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #87 - Charles Perry (Part 1) - Founder of Metakite 88 88 #87 - Charles Perry (Part 1) - Founder of Metakite full e3130a34-b9e4-42d6-87db-1db5f61dfe0b https://share.transistor.fm/s/c5adf0bb Part one of Andrey & Ian's conversation with Charles Perry (founder of Metakite) about what it's like to start a new subscription-based mobile app, plus a lot more.

Links:

]]> Part one of Andrey & Ian's conversation with Charles Perry (founder of Metakite) about what it's like to start a new subscription-based mobile app, plus a lot more.

Links:

]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2017 05:14:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2203 Part one of Andrey & Ian's conversation with Charles Perry (founder of Metakite) about what it's like to start a new subscription-based mobile app, plus a lot more.

Links:

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #88 - Charles Perry (Part 2) - Founder of Metakite 89 89 #88 - Charles Perry (Part 2) - Founder of Metakite full 3c7e47cb-ca8b-4dfb-9f2f-6e1b762a8e2b https://share.transistor.fm/s/86a11249 Part two of Andrey & Ian's conversation with Charles Perry (founder of Metakite) about what it's like to start a new subscription-based mobile app, plus a lot more.

Links:

]]> Part two of Andrey & Ian's conversation with Charles Perry (founder of Metakite) about what it's like to start a new subscription-based mobile app, plus a lot more.

Links:

]]> Mon, 06 Feb 2017 05:20:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2377 Part two of Andrey & Ian's conversation with Charles Perry (founder of Metakite) about what it's like to start a new subscription-based mobile app, plus a lot more.

Links:

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #89 - It's The Open Desert That Got Me 90 90 #89 - It's The Open Desert That Got Me full 248d5b83-1ab3-4cc0-9b81-f6732d189b95 https://share.transistor.fm/s/30e86c45 In this episode we talk about Ian & NPS, Butov's attempts to hire millennials, and paying people to watch video games.

]]> In this episode we talk about Ian & NPS, Butov's attempts to hire millennials, and paying people to watch video games.

]]> Tue, 25 Apr 2017 08:40:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3453 In this episode we talk about Ian & NPS, Butov's attempts to hire millennials, and paying people to watch video games.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #90 - Butov Plus Plus 91 91 #90 - Butov Plus Plus full 346b93df-6011-464c-8e14-2d7294c2472b https://share.transistor.fm/s/acee46f2 In this episode we discuss Butov's new addition to the family, experimenting with frameworks & languages, family vacations, old phones, & more.

]]> In this episode we discuss Butov's new addition to the family, experimenting with frameworks & languages, family vacations, old phones, & more.

]]> Fri, 09 Jun 2017 06:17:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3717 In this episode we discuss Butov's new addition to the family, experimenting with frameworks & languages, family vacations, old phones, & more.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #91 - I'd Wear A Full Face Mask 92 92 #91 - I'd Wear A Full Face Mask full 18a7f9f6-98d0-4bac-89e7-425f4d325e56 https://share.transistor.fm/s/68a7e227 In this episode we discuss Laracon, getting healthy, how millennials go to the gym, and more.

]]> In this episode we discuss Laracon, getting healthy, how millennials go to the gym, and more.

]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2017 02:58:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2633 In this episode we discuss Laracon, getting healthy, how millennials go to the gym, and more.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #92 - Elevator Algorithms 93 93 #92 - Elevator Algorithms full a65a0b73-d032-4fc4-a9b7-a175be798b7c https://share.transistor.fm/s/f3250ccd In this episode we continue our follow-up on Laracon, talk about all things hotels, plus poker, Thermostat.io, watching games on Twitch, & more.

]]> In this episode we continue our follow-up on Laracon, talk about all things hotels, plus poker, Thermostat.io, watching games on Twitch, & more.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2017 02:16:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2494 In this episode we continue our follow-up on Laracon, talk about all things hotels, plus poker, Thermostat.io, watching games on Twitch, & more.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #93 - Thinner, Leaner, Meaner 94 94 #93 - Thinner, Leaner, Meaner full 33336fb0-5bad-49e2-9112-d4fa8597fd59 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3d0b3460 In this episode we discuss Ian's "mancation", if Seinfeld still has it, an update on Andrey's weight loss and his new app, and more.

]]> In this episode we discuss Ian's "mancation", if Seinfeld still has it, an update on Andrey's weight loss and his new app, and more.

]]> Tue, 05 Sep 2017 02:15:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2322 In this episode we discuss Ian's "mancation", if Seinfeld still has it, an update on Andrey's weight loss and his new app, and more.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #94 - Franchise Friends 95 95 #94 - Franchise Friends full 41a8190a-a53e-43f4-aa86-145e835ebaa0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8d03ed55 In this episode we discuss kindergarten, kids destroying tablets, side projects for founders, encryption in Scribbleton, and more.

]]> In this episode we discuss kindergarten, kids destroying tablets, side projects for founders, encryption in Scribbleton, and more.

]]> Tue, 12 Sep 2017 02:18:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3017 In this episode we discuss kindergarten, kids destroying tablets, side projects for founders, encryption in Scribbleton, and more.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #95 - I Started Fresh, and It's Glorious 96 96 #95 - I Started Fresh, and It's Glorious full 183de3b3-1232-49ae-96e2-08c5e47e861f https://share.transistor.fm/s/88ceb86f In this episode we discuss hearing trips to and from NYC, nostalgia for high school, the 'New Renaissance Butov', and more.

]]> In this episode we discuss hearing trips to and from NYC, nostalgia for high school, the 'New Renaissance Butov', and more.

]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2017 03:04:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2179 In this episode we discuss hearing trips to and from NYC, nostalgia for high school, the 'New Renaissance Butov', and more.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #96 - It's All Possibility.....And Work 97 97 #96 - It's All Possibility.....And Work full 2c0a4630-5aef-4f1a-8678-5462dee90955 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e53a0a67 In this episode we discuss the beginnings of Ian's new CRUD app, Scribbleton upgrades, freezing your credit, Las Vegas, and more.

]]> In this episode we discuss the beginnings of Ian's new CRUD app, Scribbleton upgrades, freezing your credit, Las Vegas, and more.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2017 03:37:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2294 In this episode we discuss the beginnings of Ian's new CRUD app, Scribbleton upgrades, freezing your credit, Las Vegas, and more.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #97 - ButovOrBust.com 98 98 #97 - ButovOrBust.com full 831eabe5-5c11-47cf-897c-64a8788bb923 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6d5495ab In this episode we discuss being sick, what happens when you get an influx of clients, and a bunch of updates on everything from Scribbleton to Thermostat to Ian's new project, LaraTalent.

]]> In this episode we discuss being sick, what happens when you get an influx of clients, and a bunch of updates on everything from Scribbleton to Thermostat to Ian's new project, LaraTalent.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2017 08:32:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2002 In this episode we discuss being sick, what happens when you get an influx of clients, and a bunch of updates on everything from Scribbleton to Thermostat to Ian's new project, LaraTalent.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #98 - The Landsman Game Challenge 99 99 #98 - The Landsman Game Challenge full 274143f4-0fd4-47e4-a23c-12c8d6de058b https://share.transistor.fm/s/ff1b0f51 In this episode we discuss solo parenting, Disney on Ice, future conference plans, and a plan to live stream Ian playing video games.

]]> In this episode we discuss solo parenting, Disney on Ice, future conference plans, and a plan to live stream Ian playing video games.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2017 07:36:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1779 In this episode we discuss solo parenting, Disney on Ice, future conference plans, and a plan to live stream Ian playing video games.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #99 - Star Wars: The Last Jedi w/ Taylor Otwell (SPOILERS!) 100 100 #99 - Star Wars: The Last Jedi w/ Taylor Otwell (SPOILERS!) full f21e4c92-2e65-44b5-88bd-f9131cdcb48b https://share.transistor.fm/s/399f49d5 In a special episode of Bootstrapped, Taylor Otwell (creator of Laravel) joins Ian to talk about 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'.

WARNING: This podcast contains spoilers for 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'. If you haven't seen that movie yet (and seriously, what are you waiting for), wait to listen to this podcast until afterwards!

]]> In a special episode of Bootstrapped, Taylor Otwell (creator of Laravel) joins Ian to talk about 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'.

WARNING: This podcast contains spoilers for 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'. If you haven't seen that movie yet (and seriously, what are you waiting for), wait to listen to this podcast until afterwards!

]]> Sat, 16 Dec 2017 08:01:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3337 In a special episode of Bootstrapped, Taylor Otwell (creator of Laravel) joins Ian to talk about 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'.

WARNING: This podcast contains spoilers for 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'. If you haven't seen that movie yet (and seriously, what are you waiting for), wait to listen to this podcast until afterwards!

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #100 - All About Butov 101 101 #100 - All About Butov full e81c3216-cb71-444d-8ccb-82beefdf469e https://share.transistor.fm/s/09a30453 In this episode we discuss Butov's workout routine, the pros and cons of hiring a part-time employee, and upcoming conference plans.

]]> In this episode we discuss Butov's workout routine, the pros and cons of hiring a part-time employee, and upcoming conference plans.

]]> Mon, 29 Jan 2018 03:23:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1684 In this episode we discuss Butov's workout routine, the pros and cons of hiring a part-time employee, and upcoming conference plans.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #101 - All About Landsman 102 102 #101 - All About Landsman full 2bf919d2-0526-4552-aa90-274f11829d4e https://share.transistor.fm/s/8836f297 In this episode we discuss planning for Laracon Online, what's coming up next for Helpspot & Thermostat, and investing in startups.

]]> In this episode we discuss planning for Laracon Online, what's coming up next for Helpspot & Thermostat, and investing in startups.

]]> Mon, 05 Feb 2018 03:05:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2068 In this episode we discuss planning for Laracon Online, what's coming up next for Helpspot & Thermostat, and investing in startups.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #102 - I'm Running On Fumes 103 103 #102 - I'm Running On Fumes full 7956496f-4cf2-4840-a30e-77967865030f https://share.transistor.fm/s/c89b1792 In this episode we discuss parenting at the park, hiring a plumber, cutting & bulking > marketing, the awesomeness of Peers Conference ⭐, hiring a contractor for Scribbleton, & more.

]]> In this episode we discuss parenting at the park, hiring a plumber, cutting & bulking > marketing, the awesomeness of Peers Conference ⭐, hiring a contractor for Scribbleton, & more.

]]> Sun, 15 Apr 2018 14:14:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3654 In this episode we discuss parenting at the park, hiring a plumber, cutting & bulking > marketing, the awesomeness of Peers Conference ⭐, hiring a contractor for Scribbleton, & more.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #103 - There's No Scarcity On Piñatas 104 104 #103 - There's No Scarcity On Piñatas full 16bdb0e5-0653-4501-bf5b-3137b360dd9e https://share.transistor.fm/s/7ff8bfc3 In this episode we discuss conferences & traveling, birthday parties for kids, .app domains, and Andrey's new GDPR-related project Consent Monitor.

]]> In this episode we discuss conferences & traveling, birthday parties for kids, .app domains, and Andrey's new GDPR-related project Consent Monitor.

]]> Tue, 22 May 2018 17:50:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 3280 In this episode we discuss conferences & traveling, birthday parties for kids, .app domains, and Andrey's new GDPR-related project Consent Monitor.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #104 - I Don't Want To Talk About GDPR The Whole Time w/ Natalie Nagele from Wildbit 105 105 #104 - I Don't Want To Talk About GDPR The Whole Time w/ Natalie Nagele from Wildbit full ca46e2d8-8a59-43d3-b0b8-810fdc9b9a1b https://share.transistor.fm/s/6a546d29 In this episode we're joined by Natalie Nagele from Wildbit to talk about starting a business vs. consulting, employees with side hustles, how to pick conferences to attend, and yes, GDPR.

]]> In this episode we're joined by Natalie Nagele from Wildbit to talk about starting a business vs. consulting, employees with side hustles, how to pick conferences to attend, and yes, GDPR.

]]> Thu, 31 May 2018 14:22:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 4066 In this episode we're joined by Natalie Nagele from Wildbit to talk about starting a business vs. consulting, employees with side hustles, how to pick conferences to attend, and yes, GDPR.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Ian Landsman Andrey Butov Dave Hicking #105 - A new iteration of Bootstrapped 106 106 #105 - A new iteration of Bootstrapped full dda42dc7-4174-4ce1-b70f-c8dcc9ba5163 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5dbf0eae A short and special episode in which I share some news about the podcast.

]]> A short and special episode in which I share some news about the podcast.

]]> Fri, 13 Sep 2019 01:29:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 121 A short and special episode in which I share some news about the podcast.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #106: Sylvestre Dupont - Co-founder of Parseur 107 107 #106: Sylvestre Dupont - Co-founder of Parseur full d63473f0-e8fa-4c4b-8e7a-63c2f81b603d https://share.transistor.fm/s/8be1c2cf Sylvestre and I discuss getting those first 10 customers, moving to a new country when your startup earns enough to replace your day job, and the difficulty of supporting customers from a cruise ship.

We also discuss:

  • Collecting domain names
  • Leaving consulting to bootstrap a SaaS
  • Bootstrapping with the generosity of the French government
  • The tough months before the first sale - and then the elation after the first sale
  • Using Quora to land the first customers - and to learn the language used by your potential customers
  • Using Zapier for leads
  • The difficulty of opening a Dutch business when you don't speak Dutch
  • Choosing a place to live when you work remotely
  • The challenges and rewards of bootstrapping from Mauritius
  • Translating your website for SEO gains
  • Travelling the world by cargo ship
  • Supporting customers from a cruise ship via satellite Internet

Links:

Find Sylvestre on Twitter at @slybridges

]]> Sylvestre and I discuss getting those first 10 customers, moving to a new country when your startup earns enough to replace your day job, and the difficulty of supporting customers from a cruise ship.

We also discuss:

  • Collecting domain names
  • Leaving consulting to bootstrap a SaaS
  • Bootstrapping with the generosity of the French government
  • The tough months before the first sale - and then the elation after the first sale
  • Using Quora to land the first customers - and to learn the language used by your potential customers
  • Using Zapier for leads
  • The difficulty of opening a Dutch business when you don't speak Dutch
  • Choosing a place to live when you work remotely
  • The challenges and rewards of bootstrapping from Mauritius
  • Translating your website for SEO gains
  • Travelling the world by cargo ship
  • Supporting customers from a cruise ship via satellite Internet

Links:

Find Sylvestre on Twitter at @slybridges

]]> Fri, 13 Sep 2019 01:35:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2707 Sylvestre and I discuss getting those first 10 customers, moving to a new country when your startup earns enough to replace your day job, and the difficulty of supporting customers from a cruise ship.

We also discuss:

  • Collecting domain names
  • Leaving consulting to bootstrap a SaaS
  • Bootstrapping with the generosity of the French government
  • The tough months before the first sale - and then the elation after the first sale
  • Using Quora to land the first customers - and to learn the language used by your potential customers
  • Using Zapier for leads
  • The difficulty of opening a Dutch business when you don't speak Dutch
  • Choosing a place to live when you work remotely
  • The challenges and rewards of bootstrapping from Mauritius
  • Translating your website for SEO gains
  • Travelling the world by cargo ship
  • Supporting customers from a cruise ship via satellite Internet

Links:

Find Sylvestre on Twitter at @slybridges

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #107: Robert Brandl - Founder of WebsiteToolTester 108 108 #107: Robert Brandl - Founder of WebsiteToolTester full 9fe790a9-6445-4af1-bfa8-0699098f13b0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6651610a Robert and I discuss how to hire and manage freelancers. We also discuss how having children forces you to change the way you work.

Robert's 4 tips for a healthy freelancer relationship:

  1. Meet in person from time to time, if possible
  2. Pay at the higher end of their expected rate
  3. Remember the Golden Rule: Treat them they way you expect to be treated
  4. Let them know the positive results of their work

Links:

  • Robert Brandl's company: https://www.tooltester.net/
  • Robert on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertBrandl
  • Pat Flynn on "The Baby Effect": https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/the-effect-my-kids-have-had-on-my-business/
  • Zapier for automating repetitive tasks: https://zapier.com
  • Upwork for hiring and paying Freelancers: https://www.upwork.com/
  • Domestika: a Spanish site for finding creative freelancers: https://www.domestika.org/en
]]> Robert and I discuss how to hire and manage freelancers. We also discuss how having children forces you to change the way you work.

Robert's 4 tips for a healthy freelancer relationship:

  1. Meet in person from time to time, if possible
  2. Pay at the higher end of their expected rate
  3. Remember the Golden Rule: Treat them they way you expect to be treated
  4. Let them know the positive results of their work

Links:

  • Robert Brandl's company: https://www.tooltester.net/
  • Robert on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertBrandl
  • Pat Flynn on "The Baby Effect": https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/the-effect-my-kids-have-had-on-my-business/
  • Zapier for automating repetitive tasks: https://zapier.com
  • Upwork for hiring and paying Freelancers: https://www.upwork.com/
  • Domestika: a Spanish site for finding creative freelancers: https://www.domestika.org/en
]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2019 06:07:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2200 Robert and I discuss how to hire and manage freelancers. We also discuss how having children forces you to change the way you work.

Robert's 4 tips for a healthy freelancer relationship:

  1. Meet in person from time to time, if possible
  2. Pay at the higher end of their expected rate
  3. Remember the Golden Rule: Treat them they way you expect to be treated
  4. Let them know the positive results of their work

Links:

  • Robert Brandl's company: https://www.tooltester.net/
  • Robert on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertBrandl
  • Pat Flynn on "The Baby Effect": https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/the-effect-my-kids-have-had-on-my-business/
  • Zapier for automating repetitive tasks: https://zapier.com
  • Upwork for hiring and paying Freelancers: https://www.upwork.com/
  • Domestika: a Spanish site for finding creative freelancers: https://www.domestika.org/en
]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #108: Hannah Adcock - Owner of Contented Strategy 109 109 #108: Hannah Adcock - Owner of Contented Strategy full 90f82f08-4337-49a7-a2bd-8aadf8cf93e7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9cbf4559 Hannah and I discuss content strategy for bootstrappers.

Hannah's website: https://contentedstrategy.com/

Hannah's book: "Content Strategy for Solopreneurs, Startups, Charities and Growing Businesses": https://contentedstrategy.com/content_strategy_for_startups.html

How to do a content audit: https://contentedstrategy.com/blog/2019/05/17/startup-content-audit.html

Traction by Gabriel Weinberg: https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Startup-Achieve-Explosive-Customer/dp/1591848369

]]> Hannah and I discuss content strategy for bootstrappers.

Hannah's website: https://contentedstrategy.com/

Hannah's book: "Content Strategy for Solopreneurs, Startups, Charities and Growing Businesses": https://contentedstrategy.com/content_strategy_for_startups.html

How to do a content audit: https://contentedstrategy.com/blog/2019/05/17/startup-content-audit.html

Traction by Gabriel Weinberg: https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Startup-Achieve-Explosive-Customer/dp/1591848369

]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2019 04:07:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1741 Hannah and I discuss content strategy for bootstrappers.

Hannah's website: https://contentedstrategy.com/

Hannah's book: "Content Strategy for Solopreneurs, Startups, Charities and Growing Businesses": https://contentedstrategy.com/content_strategy_for_startups.html

How to do a content audit: https://contentedstrategy.com/blog/2019/05/17/startup-content-audit.html

Traction by Gabriel Weinberg: https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Startup-Achieve-Explosive-Customer/dp/1591848369

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #109: Andy Brice - Founder of EasyDataTransform 110 110 #109: Andy Brice - Founder of EasyDataTransform full 611420c7-4717-410f-8226-56fa315e682f https://share.transistor.fm/s/4dab5eb6 Andy and I discuss why he's created a new product, even though he already has two successful products.

We also discuss:

  • how he manages a portfolio of three desktop apps as a one-person team
  • how to name products
  • choosing a market
  • usability testing
  • choosing to remain a one-person team
  • the benefits of the founder doing customer support
  • why many one-person businesses are actually two-people businesses

Links:

  • Easy Data Transform: https://www.easydatatransform.com/
  • Andy's blog: https://successfulsoftware.net/
  • Easy Data Transform's demo video: https://successfulsoftware.net/2019/09/11/easy-data-transform-video/
  • Andy's other products: https://www.perfecttableplan.com/ and https://www.hyperplan.com/
  • "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Think-Revisited-Usability/dp/0321965515
  • Steve Krug talking about usability at Business of Software: https://businessofsoftware.org/2008/07/steve-krug-to-s/
]]> Andy and I discuss why he's created a new product, even though he already has two successful products.

We also discuss:

  • how he manages a portfolio of three desktop apps as a one-person team
  • how to name products
  • choosing a market
  • usability testing
  • choosing to remain a one-person team
  • the benefits of the founder doing customer support
  • why many one-person businesses are actually two-people businesses

Links:

  • Easy Data Transform: https://www.easydatatransform.com/
  • Andy's blog: https://successfulsoftware.net/
  • Easy Data Transform's demo video: https://successfulsoftware.net/2019/09/11/easy-data-transform-video/
  • Andy's other products: https://www.perfecttableplan.com/ and https://www.hyperplan.com/
  • "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Think-Revisited-Usability/dp/0321965515
  • Steve Krug talking about usability at Business of Software: https://businessofsoftware.org/2008/07/steve-krug-to-s/
]]> Fri, 04 Oct 2019 03:29:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2504 Andy and I discuss why he's created a new product, even though he already has two successful products.

We also discuss:

  • how he manages a portfolio of three desktop apps as a one-person team
  • how to name products
  • choosing a market
  • usability testing
  • choosing to remain a one-person team
  • the benefits of the founder doing customer support
  • why many one-person businesses are actually two-people businesses

Links:

  • Easy Data Transform: https://www.easydatatransform.com/
  • Andy's blog: https://successfulsoftware.net/
  • Easy Data Transform's demo video: https://successfulsoftware.net/2019/09/11/easy-data-transform-video/
  • Andy's other products: https://www.perfecttableplan.com/ and https://www.hyperplan.com/
  • "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Think-Revisited-Usability/dp/0321965515
  • Steve Krug talking about usability at Business of Software: https://businessofsoftware.org/2008/07/steve-krug-to-s/
]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #110: "Living the Bootstrapper dream" with Robin Warren, founder of Corrello 111 111 #110: "Living the Bootstrapper dream" with Robin Warren, founder of Corrello full 6849f541-b767-42a6-9446-77767ac62212 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3e9e9229 Robin and I discuss living the Bootstrapper dream - and how the dream changes over time. We also go off topic and discuss surfing up the Bristol Channel.

Links:

  • Robin’s company, Corrello: Dashboards for Scrum and Kanban teams using Trello: https://getcorrello.com/
  • Robin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/robinwarren
  • Robin's blog post "$0 to $1k MRR in 57 months":
    https://getcorrello.com/blog/2016/04/13/0-1k-mrr-57-months/
  • Britstrapped podcast interview with Robin, From 0 MRR to "Living the Dream":
    http://www.britstrapped.com/280d7224
  • Surfing up the Bristol channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKA39LQOIck
]]> Robin and I discuss living the Bootstrapper dream - and how the dream changes over time. We also go off topic and discuss surfing up the Bristol Channel.

Links:

  • Robin’s company, Corrello: Dashboards for Scrum and Kanban teams using Trello: https://getcorrello.com/
  • Robin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/robinwarren
  • Robin's blog post "$0 to $1k MRR in 57 months":
    https://getcorrello.com/blog/2016/04/13/0-1k-mrr-57-months/
  • Britstrapped podcast interview with Robin, From 0 MRR to "Living the Dream":
    http://www.britstrapped.com/280d7224
  • Surfing up the Bristol channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKA39LQOIck
]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2019 05:41:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2075 Robin and I discuss living the Bootstrapper dream - and how the dream changes over time. We also go off topic and discuss surfing up the Bristol Channel.

Links:

  • Robin’s company, Corrello: Dashboards for Scrum and Kanban teams using Trello: https://getcorrello.com/
  • Robin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/robinwarren
  • Robin's blog post "$0 to $1k MRR in 57 months":
    https://getcorrello.com/blog/2016/04/13/0-1k-mrr-57-months/
  • Britstrapped podcast interview with Robin, From 0 MRR to "Living the Dream":
    http://www.britstrapped.com/280d7224
  • Surfing up the Bristol channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKA39LQOIck
]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #111: "Should I apply for TinySeed?" with Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos 112 112 #111: "Should I apply for TinySeed?" with Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos full 6ad5192e-73bd-4c3a-b629-cb4b13fb2f9f https://share.transistor.fm/s/6265af2a I'm joined by Craig Hewitt for the first of several episodes in which he is my cohost.

TinySeed is a "startup accelerator designed for bootstrappers." Craig was accepted into TinySeed's first cohort.

To help me answer the question, "Should I apply for TinySeed?", Craig tells me what it has been like for him. We discuss why he applied, how it has changed his business so far, and what unexpected benefits there are have been.

Links:

  • Castos: podcast hosting and analytics platform: https://castos.com/
  • Rogue Startups podcast: https://roguestartups.com/. I highly recommend this podcast!
  • TinySeed: https://tinyseed.com/
  • The 5 Phases of the Customer Journey comes from this out-of-print book: https://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Advertising-Eugene-M-Schwartz/dp/0887232981
]]> I'm joined by Craig Hewitt for the first of several episodes in which he is my cohost.

TinySeed is a "startup accelerator designed for bootstrappers." Craig was accepted into TinySeed's first cohort.

To help me answer the question, "Should I apply for TinySeed?", Craig tells me what it has been like for him. We discuss why he applied, how it has changed his business so far, and what unexpected benefits there are have been.

Links:

  • Castos: podcast hosting and analytics platform: https://castos.com/
  • Rogue Startups podcast: https://roguestartups.com/. I highly recommend this podcast!
  • TinySeed: https://tinyseed.com/
  • The 5 Phases of the Customer Journey comes from this out-of-print book: https://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Advertising-Eugene-M-Schwartz/dp/0887232981
]]> Fri, 18 Oct 2019 03:31:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1967 I'm joined by Craig Hewitt for the first of several episodes in which he is my cohost.

TinySeed is a "startup accelerator designed for bootstrappers." Craig was accepted into TinySeed's first cohort.

To help me answer the question, "Should I apply for TinySeed?", Craig tells me what it has been like for him. We discuss why he applied, how it has changed his business so far, and what unexpected benefits there are have been.

Links:

  • Castos: podcast hosting and analytics platform: https://castos.com/
  • Rogue Startups podcast: https://roguestartups.com/. I highly recommend this podcast!
  • TinySeed: https://tinyseed.com/
  • The 5 Phases of the Customer Journey comes from this out-of-print book: https://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Advertising-Eugene-M-Schwartz/dp/0887232981
]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #112: Three ways to use podcasts for marketing. Featuring Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos 113 113 #112: Three ways to use podcasts for marketing. Featuring Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos full cfd3dd26-d079-4bb5-9312-bba460625b95 https://share.transistor.fm/s/374cf172 Craig and I discuss how bootstrappers can use the podcasting ecosystem to promote their products.

We discuss three ways to use podcasts - and the pros and cons of each:

  1. Start and run your own podcast
  2. Do the "podcast circuit" as an interesting guest with riveting insights
  3. Sponsor podcasts

We 'go meta' and talk about why Steve has launched the new iteration of the Bootstrapped podcast.

We also talk about:

  • "credit card required upfront" trials versus "no credit card required" trials.
  • the life-cycle email sequences using activity-based triggers that we've recently added to Feature Upvote.
  • the danger of applying data-based marketing approaches to products when your product doesn't have enough data
  • why Steve doesn't do A/B testing - yet
]]> Craig and I discuss how bootstrappers can use the podcasting ecosystem to promote their products.

We discuss three ways to use podcasts - and the pros and cons of each:

  1. Start and run your own podcast
  2. Do the "podcast circuit" as an interesting guest with riveting insights
  3. Sponsor podcasts

We 'go meta' and talk about why Steve has launched the new iteration of the Bootstrapped podcast.

We also talk about:

  • "credit card required upfront" trials versus "no credit card required" trials.
  • the life-cycle email sequences using activity-based triggers that we've recently added to Feature Upvote.
  • the danger of applying data-based marketing approaches to products when your product doesn't have enough data
  • why Steve doesn't do A/B testing - yet
]]> Fri, 25 Oct 2019 02:44:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1759 Craig and I discuss how bootstrappers can use the podcasting ecosystem to promote their products.

We discuss three ways to use podcasts - and the pros and cons of each:

  1. Start and run your own podcast
  2. Do the "podcast circuit" as an interesting guest with riveting insights
  3. Sponsor podcasts

We 'go meta' and talk about why Steve has launched the new iteration of the Bootstrapped podcast.

We also talk about:

  • "credit card required upfront" trials versus "no credit card required" trials.
  • the life-cycle email sequences using activity-based triggers that we've recently added to Feature Upvote.
  • the danger of applying data-based marketing approaches to products when your product doesn't have enough data
  • why Steve doesn't do A/B testing - yet
]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #113: "The idea of public speaking fills me with unspeakable terror", featuring Craig Hewitt 114 114 #113: "The idea of public speaking fills me with unspeakable terror", featuring Craig Hewitt full 768c7ffa-f8f8-429d-9ece-544419e0fe6f https://share.transistor.fm/s/8799b5a1 We discuss how you can become a speaker at events, and whether this is a viable way to raise awareness of your product and services.

Topics include:

  • Why speak at events and conferences
  • Getting started as a speaker
  • What event organisers look for in potential speakers
  • Non-obvious benefits from speaking at events
  • Steve's champagne-spilling behaviour when speaking in public
  • Craig's experience speaking recently at MicroConf Europe
  • TinySeed Tales: https://www.startupsfortherestofus.com/tinyseed-tales/castos-1-a-non-technical-saas-founder
  • Traction by Gabriel Weinberg: https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Startup-Achieve-Explosive-Customer/dp/1591848369
]]> We discuss how you can become a speaker at events, and whether this is a viable way to raise awareness of your product and services.

Topics include:

  • Why speak at events and conferences
  • Getting started as a speaker
  • What event organisers look for in potential speakers
  • Non-obvious benefits from speaking at events
  • Steve's champagne-spilling behaviour when speaking in public
  • Craig's experience speaking recently at MicroConf Europe
  • TinySeed Tales: https://www.startupsfortherestofus.com/tinyseed-tales/castos-1-a-non-technical-saas-founder
  • Traction by Gabriel Weinberg: https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Startup-Achieve-Explosive-Customer/dp/1591848369
]]> Fri, 01 Nov 2019 03:12:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1757 We discuss how you can become a speaker at events, and whether this is a viable way to raise awareness of your product and services.

Topics include:

  • Why speak at events and conferences
  • Getting started as a speaker
  • What event organisers look for in potential speakers
  • Non-obvious benefits from speaking at events
  • Steve's champagne-spilling behaviour when speaking in public
  • Craig's experience speaking recently at MicroConf Europe
  • TinySeed Tales: https://www.startupsfortherestofus.com/tinyseed-tales/castos-1-a-non-technical-saas-founder
  • Traction by Gabriel Weinberg: https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Startup-Achieve-Explosive-Customer/dp/1591848369
]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #114: "The Tables are Turned", with Craig Hewitt 115 115 #114: "The Tables are Turned", with Craig Hewitt full ac3e9d55-88f1-471a-a57d-d66f81da8695 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3939286d Craig turns the tables and interviews me about Feature Upvote and about this podcast.

We discuss:

  • why Steve launched Feature Upvote when he already had a successful product.
  • doing things differently the second time around.
  • the beauty of "expansion revenue".
  • B2C vs B2B (spoiler alert: B2B has a whole lot of advantages).
  • the Bootstrapped podcast 10 episodes into its new iteration.
]]> Craig turns the tables and interviews me about Feature Upvote and about this podcast.

We discuss:

  • why Steve launched Feature Upvote when he already had a successful product.
  • doing things differently the second time around.
  • the beauty of "expansion revenue".
  • B2C vs B2B (spoiler alert: B2B has a whole lot of advantages).
  • the Bootstrapped podcast 10 episodes into its new iteration.
]]> Sun, 10 Nov 2019 05:26:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1743 Craig turns the tables and interviews me about Feature Upvote and about this podcast.

We discuss:

  • why Steve launched Feature Upvote when he already had a successful product.
  • doing things differently the second time around.
  • the beauty of "expansion revenue".
  • B2C vs B2B (spoiler alert: B2B has a whole lot of advantages).
  • the Bootstrapped podcast 10 episodes into its new iteration.
]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #115: Living Abroad While Bootstrapping, with Craig Hewitt 116 116 #115: Living Abroad While Bootstrapping, with Craig Hewitt full 4975e3d9-9e96-4283-bbf8-828d774695db https://share.transistor.fm/s/5e28ebcf Craig and I are both bootstrapping our businesses while living in foreign countries. In this episode we discuss what that's like for us personally. We also discuss the challenging practicalities of visas, languages, and business while living abroad.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

We also discuss:

  • Craig's efforts with paid acquisition
  • how Steve refined the sign-up process for Feature Upvote
]]> Craig and I are both bootstrapping our businesses while living in foreign countries. In this episode we discuss what that's like for us personally. We also discuss the challenging practicalities of visas, languages, and business while living abroad.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

We also discuss:

  • Craig's efforts with paid acquisition
  • how Steve refined the sign-up process for Feature Upvote
]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2019 04:37:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2069 Craig and I are both bootstrapping our businesses while living in foreign countries. In this episode we discuss what that's like for us personally. We also discuss the challenging practicalities of visas, languages, and business while living abroad.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

We also discuss:

  • Craig's efforts with paid acquisition
  • how Steve refined the sign-up process for Feature Upvote
]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #116: Pricing your product in multiple currencies, with Ed Freyfogle from OpenCage 117 117 #116: Pricing your product in multiple currencies, with Ed Freyfogle from OpenCage full 3309c175-922d-4c12-9e36-7d4fb9166a3b https://share.transistor.fm/s/b081a099 I’m joined by Ed Freyfogle for the first of several episodes in which he is my cohost. Ed is the co-founder of OpenCage Geocoder, a bootstrapped, profitable SaaS.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Mockless.

We discuss:

  • the bootstrapping scene in Barcelona, where both Ed and I live
  • the advantages of offering your product in multiple currencies
  • which currencies to offer
  • dealing with currency fluctuations
  • how this affects your marketing content
  • how Quaderno has helped both of us do best-in-class invoicing.

We also rant a little about how some businesses could improve the finer details of billing.

]]> I’m joined by Ed Freyfogle for the first of several episodes in which he is my cohost. Ed is the co-founder of OpenCage Geocoder, a bootstrapped, profitable SaaS.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Mockless.

We discuss:

  • the bootstrapping scene in Barcelona, where both Ed and I live
  • the advantages of offering your product in multiple currencies
  • which currencies to offer
  • dealing with currency fluctuations
  • how this affects your marketing content
  • how Quaderno has helped both of us do best-in-class invoicing.

We also rant a little about how some businesses could improve the finer details of billing.

]]> Fri, 22 Nov 2019 03:38:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2242 I’m joined by Ed Freyfogle for the first of several episodes in which he is my cohost. Ed is the co-founder of OpenCage Geocoder, a bootstrapped, profitable SaaS.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Mockless.

We discuss:

  • the bootstrapping scene in Barcelona, where both Ed and I live
  • the advantages of offering your product in multiple currencies
  • which currencies to offer
  • dealing with currency fluctuations
  • how this affects your marketing content
  • how Quaderno has helped both of us do best-in-class invoicing.

We also rant a little about how some businesses could improve the finer details of billing.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #117: Selling to Developers 118 118 #117: Selling to Developers full 97502657-a326-4f8c-aab6-342b28e16b26 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e48c15c5 Ed from OpenCage Geocoder and I talk about the marketing techniques that work - and don't work - when you product is targeted towards developers.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Easy Data Transform.

 

]]> Ed from OpenCage Geocoder and I talk about the marketing techniques that work - and don't work - when you product is targeted towards developers.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Easy Data Transform.

 

]]> Sun, 01 Dec 2019 12:16:35 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2066 Ed from OpenCage Geocoder and I talk about the marketing techniques that work - and don't work - when you product is targeted towards developers.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Easy Data Transform.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #118: Should your product go Freemium? 119 119 #118: Should your product go Freemium? full caa1e6a6-ccde-47b4-ab0b-7e01d8d354bf https://share.transistor.fm/s/c4f7198c Steve and Ed consider whether Freemium is a viable business model for bootstrappers.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is IvyBackup.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Steve and Ed consider whether Freemium is a viable business model for bootstrappers.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is IvyBackup.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Fri, 06 Dec 2019 04:15:37 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2093 Steve and Ed consider whether Freemium is a viable business model for bootstrappers.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is IvyBackup.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #119: Small team habits part 1 120 120 #119: Small team habits part 1 full 8907c4a4-c176-46da-b081-7392ecbfb757 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b2de4ea7 Ed shares his top 5 habits he recommends for small bootstrapping teams, to keep your product as good as it should be.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Mimiran, the CRM for people who hate selling.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Ed shares his top 5 habits he recommends for small bootstrapping teams, to keep your product as good as it should be.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Mimiran, the CRM for people who hate selling.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Fri, 13 Dec 2019 08:08:35 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1772 Ed shares his top 5 habits he recommends for small bootstrapping teams, to keep your product as good as it should be.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Mimiran, the CRM for people who hate selling.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #120: Small team habits part 2: Steve's turn 121 121 #120: Small team habits part 2: Steve's turn full cd47cc31-8f45-4963-92e9-858bbda5bcf6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0a934af7 Last week we heard Ed's top 5 habits for small teams. This week, Steve shares the habits he uses to keep his small team productive.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Checkvist, the professional list making tool.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Last week we heard Ed's top 5 habits for small teams. This week, Steve shares the habits he uses to keep his small team productive.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Checkvist, the professional list making tool.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Fri, 20 Dec 2019 05:06:07 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1850 Last week we heard Ed's top 5 habits for small teams. This week, Steve shares the habits he uses to keep his small team productive.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Checkvist, the professional list making tool.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #121: Handling cancellations in a subscription product 122 122 #121: Handling cancellations in a subscription product full f5a27ff4-eae5-4800-b251-2e45c617bd31 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5afe2204 Ed Freyfogle of OpenCage Geocoder and I (founder of Feature Upvote) discuss how we handle customer cancellation requests in our respective SaaS products. We discuss how we might do it differently.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Vivid.fm. Vivid helps podcasters reach more subscribers via social sharing by automatically creating video teasers.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Ed Freyfogle of OpenCage Geocoder and I (founder of Feature Upvote) discuss how we handle customer cancellation requests in our respective SaaS products. We discuss how we might do it differently.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Vivid.fm. Vivid helps podcasters reach more subscribers via social sharing by automatically creating video teasers.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Thu, 09 Jan 2020 22:18:01 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2054 Ed Freyfogle of OpenCage Geocoder and I (founder of Feature Upvote) discuss how we handle customer cancellation requests in our respective SaaS products. We discuss how we might do it differently.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Find out how, thanks to Balsamiq, you can promote your bootstrapped business for free on the podcast.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Vivid.fm. Vivid helps podcasters reach more subscribers via social sharing by automatically creating video teasers.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #122: My desktop app got acquired! 123 123 #122: My desktop app got acquired! full fd07f565-4d55-4bdb-ba63-dd07f5b2567a https://share.transistor.fm/s/07b220c5 Steve tells Ed all about the sale of his desktop app. We talked about why I sold off the desktop app I've been running for 12 years, how I found a purchaser, and the emotional ride of negotiating and handing over the app.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Bootstrapped listeners, to try Balsamiq for free, visit balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped where you will find a promo code giving you an extended trial and a hefty discount.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Versoly. Versoly is the easiest way to build a SaaS website that converts without worrying about coding, design or hosting.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Steve tells Ed all about the sale of his desktop app. We talked about why I sold off the desktop app I've been running for 12 years, how I found a purchaser, and the emotional ride of negotiating and handing over the app.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Bootstrapped listeners, to try Balsamiq for free, visit balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped where you will find a promo code giving you an extended trial and a hefty discount.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Versoly. Versoly is the easiest way to build a SaaS website that converts without worrying about coding, design or hosting.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Fri, 17 Jan 2020 19:59:34 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1865 Steve tells Ed all about the sale of his desktop app. We talked about why I sold off the desktop app I've been running for 12 years, how I found a purchaser, and the emotional ride of negotiating and handing over the app.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Bootstrapped listeners, to try Balsamiq for free, visit balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped where you will find a promo code giving you an extended trial and a hefty discount.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is Versoly. Versoly is the easiest way to build a SaaS website that converts without worrying about coding, design or hosting.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #123: "Why I sold my SaaS" - with Courtenay Farquharson, founder of Parserr 124 124 #123: "Why I sold my SaaS" - with Courtenay Farquharson, founder of Parserr full 8e794134-c6ad-4e0f-b08f-59c1c5e2edba https://share.transistor.fm/s/9b9b207d Courtenay Farquharson shares how he built up Parserr to more than $10K monthly revenue - and why he sold it.

We also talk about:

  • bootstrapping in the Microsoft ecosystem
  • bootstrapping in Australia

Courtenay on Twitter: https://twitter.com/courtzz

Courtenay's next endeavour: sleepapp.com.au

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Bootstrapped listeners, to try Balsamiq for free, visit balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped where you will find a promo code giving you an extended trial and a hefty discount.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is HelpNinja, a simple help desk system focussed on bootstrapped businesses.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Courtenay Farquharson shares how he built up Parserr to more than $10K monthly revenue - and why he sold it.

We also talk about:

  • bootstrapping in the Microsoft ecosystem
  • bootstrapping in Australia

Courtenay on Twitter: https://twitter.com/courtzz

Courtenay's next endeavour: sleepapp.com.au

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Bootstrapped listeners, to try Balsamiq for free, visit balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped where you will find a promo code giving you an extended trial and a hefty discount.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is HelpNinja, a simple help desk system focussed on bootstrapped businesses.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Thu, 23 Jan 2020 18:10:06 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1898 Courtenay Farquharson shares how he built up Parserr to more than $10K monthly revenue - and why he sold it.

We also talk about:

  • bootstrapping in the Microsoft ecosystem
  • bootstrapping in Australia

Courtenay on Twitter: https://twitter.com/courtzz

Courtenay's next endeavour: sleepapp.com.au

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Bootstrapped listeners, to try Balsamiq for free, visit balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped where you will find a promo code giving you an extended trial and a hefty discount.

Our guest sponsor, courtesy of Balsamiq, is HelpNinja, a simple help desk system focussed on bootstrapped businesses.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #124: Goals for 2020 125 125 #124: Goals for 2020 full 0472e474-0253-4b60-937a-dd4250bdf8c3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1ab59d51 Steve and Ed discuss what they hope to achieve by the end of 2020 - both professionally and personally.

We also discuss the importance of knowing your non-goals, that is, things your explicit decide NOT to do.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Bootstrapped listeners, to try Balsamiq for free, visit balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped where you will find a promo code giving you an extended trial and a hefty discount.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

Review us on Apple Podcasts! Here's how to do this from your computer:

  1. Go to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bootstrapped/id623143926
  2. Click on "Listen on Apple Podcasts", which will open the Apple Podcasts app.
  3. Click on "Write a Review". It is in the footer area.

 

]]> Steve and Ed discuss what they hope to achieve by the end of 2020 - both professionally and personally.

We also discuss the importance of knowing your non-goals, that is, things your explicit decide NOT to do.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Bootstrapped listeners, to try Balsamiq for free, visit balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped where you will find a promo code giving you an extended trial and a hefty discount.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

Review us on Apple Podcasts! Here's how to do this from your computer:

  1. Go to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bootstrapped/id623143926
  2. Click on "Listen on Apple Podcasts", which will open the Apple Podcasts app.
  3. Click on "Write a Review". It is in the footer area.

 

]]> Fri, 31 Jan 2020 16:40:11 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2322 Steve and Ed discuss what they hope to achieve by the end of 2020 - both professionally and personally.

We also discuss the importance of knowing your non-goals, that is, things your explicit decide NOT to do.

Thanks to Balsamiq who sponsored this episode. Bootstrapped listeners, to try Balsamiq for free, visit balsamiq.com/go/bootstrapped where you will find a promo code giving you an extended trial and a hefty discount.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

Review us on Apple Podcasts! Here's how to do this from your computer:

  1. Go to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bootstrapped/id623143926
  2. Click on "Listen on Apple Podcasts", which will open the Apple Podcasts app.
  3. Click on "Write a Review". It is in the footer area.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #125: Tracking what you spend on your business 126 126 #125: Tracking what you spend on your business full fb248256-8728-4f10-8d58-b5087affe061 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bf02594a I'm joined again by frequent guest co-host Ed Freyfogle.

We talk about how we track the spending on our businesses.

We mentioned a rewards card for Startups from Cledara.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find the best email newsletter service for you with EmailToolTester's calculator.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> I'm joined again by frequent guest co-host Ed Freyfogle.

We talk about how we track the spending on our businesses.

We mentioned a rewards card for Startups from Cledara.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find the best email newsletter service for you with EmailToolTester's calculator.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Thu, 13 Feb 2020 20:48:03 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1775 I'm joined again by frequent guest co-host Ed Freyfogle.

We talk about how we track the spending on our businesses.

We mentioned a rewards card for Startups from Cledara.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find the best email newsletter service for you with EmailToolTester's calculator.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #126: Why Dave Rodenbaugh acquired an existing business instead of starting from scratch 127 127 #126: Why Dave Rodenbaugh acquired an existing business instead of starting from scratch full 73b7f9f3-8036-43ea-8eba-8fb787fbbc72 https://share.transistor.fm/s/20bd347f When Dave Rodenbaugh wanted to run a software business, he decided to buy an existing one. He tells me why he did this, how he chose the business, and what he did right and wrong along the way.

He also shares - painfully - his embarrassing $50K mistake.

Dave runs Recapture and is co-host of the Rogue Startups podcast.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester's deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> When Dave Rodenbaugh wanted to run a software business, he decided to buy an existing one. He tells me why he did this, how he chose the business, and what he did right and wrong along the way.

He also shares - painfully - his embarrassing $50K mistake.

Dave runs Recapture and is co-host of the Rogue Startups podcast.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester's deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Thu, 20 Feb 2020 17:20:10 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2100 When Dave Rodenbaugh wanted to run a software business, he decided to buy an existing one. He tells me why he did this, how he chose the business, and what he did right and wrong along the way.

He also shares - painfully - his embarrassing $50K mistake.

Dave runs Recapture and is co-host of the Rogue Startups podcast.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester's deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #127: SaaS products we use to run our businesses 128 128 #127: SaaS products we use to run our businesses full c456b72a-82c5-4f7e-a7f1-c39e8299edd0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/253717bb We discuss some of the SaaS products we rely on to run our businesses: what they are and why we use them.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester's deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> We discuss some of the SaaS products we rely on to run our businesses: what they are and why we use them.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester's deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Thu, 27 Feb 2020 22:26:16 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1886 We discuss some of the SaaS products we rely on to run our businesses: what they are and why we use them.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester's deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #128: Dealing with bootstrapper stress 129 129 #128: Dealing with bootstrapper stress full cc9402a8-3b38-4ded-978a-4989c187405b https://share.transistor.fm/s/591c1b87 Bootstrapping is stressful. I share seven ways I try to manage the stress of being a software bootstrapper.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester's deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Bootstrapping is stressful. I share seven ways I try to manage the stress of being a software bootstrapper.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester's deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Fri, 06 Mar 2020 00:56:36 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1113 Bootstrapping is stressful. I share seven ways I try to manage the stress of being a software bootstrapper.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester's deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #129: Driving to Mongolia while running a mission-critical SaaS 130 130 #129: Driving to Mongolia while running a mission-critical SaaS full b2ab14eb-fbc3-4d0b-bf2f-47145481fa8f https://share.transistor.fm/s/9c677483 Julian Wilde of Wormly describes how he was able to drive across central Asia - often in countries without easily-available Internet - while running a monitoring SaaS.

We also reminisce about running a software company before Stripe, AWS and the Digital Nomad phenomenon.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester's deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Julian Wilde of Wormly describes how he was able to drive across central Asia - often in countries without easily-available Internet - while running a monitoring SaaS.

We also reminisce about running a software company before Stripe, AWS and the Digital Nomad phenomenon.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester's deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2020 19:37:17 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1981 Julian Wilde of Wormly describes how he was able to drive across central Asia - often in countries without easily-available Internet - while running a monitoring SaaS.

We also reminisce about running a software company before Stripe, AWS and the Digital Nomad phenomenon.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester's deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #130: A brief hiatus 131 131 #130: A brief hiatus full d5f9235f-5038-4c58-91a9-dd498d7c15e4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/56c6ba22 A short episode where I explain why the podcast is on break for a few weeks.

Spoiler alert: the pandemic has left me stranded 16,816 km from home. Until I find a way home, I can't easily record new episodes. Listen for the full story!

Hopefully I'll be back with new episodes in a few weeks.

 

]]> A short episode where I explain why the podcast is on break for a few weeks.

Spoiler alert: the pandemic has left me stranded 16,816 km from home. Until I find a way home, I can't easily record new episodes. Listen for the full story!

Hopefully I'll be back with new episodes in a few weeks.

 

]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2020 20:40:31 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 272 A short episode where I explain why the podcast is on break for a few weeks.

Spoiler alert: the pandemic has left me stranded 16,816 km from home. Until I find a way home, I can't easily record new episodes. Listen for the full story!

Hopefully I'll be back with new episodes in a few weeks.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #132: COVID-19 and our businesses 132 132 #132: COVID-19 and our businesses full ec0af2cb-2f4d-4f2b-a25d-90591735d9ce https://share.transistor.fm/s/17f2bf7d (Looking for Episode 131? For boring, technical reasons, there is no episode 131.)

Ed Freyfogle and I discuss how COVID-19 is affecting our lives, our families, and our businesses.

We also talk a little about my acquisition of Saber Feedback.

Things we mention in the show:

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> (Looking for Episode 131? For boring, technical reasons, there is no episode 131.)

Ed Freyfogle and I discuss how COVID-19 is affecting our lives, our families, and our businesses.

We also talk a little about my acquisition of Saber Feedback.

Things we mention in the show:

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2020 21:32:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1881 (Looking for Episode 131? For boring, technical reasons, there is no episode 131.)

Ed Freyfogle and I discuss how COVID-19 is affecting our lives, our families, and our businesses.

We also talk a little about my acquisition of Saber Feedback.

Things we mention in the show:

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #133: Why Matt Bearman chose to sell his bootstrapped product, Saber Feedback 133 133 #133: Why Matt Bearman chose to sell his bootstrapped product, Saber Feedback full bce479dc-b674-43ab-9e33-1a5ae810934b https://share.transistor.fm/s/ea12fccd Matt Bearman, original founder of Saber Feedback, discusses the experience of creating, growing, and then selling Saber Feedback.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Matt Bearman, original founder of Saber Feedback, discusses the experience of creating, growing, and then selling Saber Feedback.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Thu, 07 May 2020 18:41:36 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1776 Matt Bearman, original founder of Saber Feedback, discusses the experience of creating, growing, and then selling Saber Feedback.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #134: Why I chose to acquire Saber Feedback 134 134 #134: Why I chose to acquire Saber Feedback full bae4d82f-68e1-475b-bf86-ac0e6ad7492b https://share.transistor.fm/s/4032d43a Frequent guest co-host Ed Freyfogle has questions. Lots of questions. About why I acquired Saber Feedback, what the acquisition process was like, and what plans I have for Saber Feedback in the coming months.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Frequent guest co-host Ed Freyfogle has questions. Lots of questions. About why I acquired Saber Feedback, what the acquisition process was like, and what plans I have for Saber Feedback in the coming months.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Thu, 14 May 2020 21:08:58 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1922 Frequent guest co-host Ed Freyfogle has questions. Lots of questions. About why I acquired Saber Feedback, what the acquisition process was like, and what plans I have for Saber Feedback in the coming months.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #135: How to improve Saber Feedback's website content, with Hannah Adcock of Contented Strategy 135 135 #135: How to improve Saber Feedback's website content, with Hannah Adcock of Contented Strategy full d5aa0136-c088-4c27-a305-f810ffb16b79 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ad896447 Content specialist Hannah Adcock audited Saber Feedback's website. In this episode, she tells us what's good about our site and what needs to change.

Hannah runs Contented Strategy. She was on the podcast a few months ago, when she talked about the benefit of a content audit.

In this episode Hannah is way more specific. She tears down the Saber Feedback website, section by section. And then she presents a plan for improvement.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Content specialist Hannah Adcock audited Saber Feedback's website. In this episode, she tells us what's good about our site and what needs to change.

Hannah runs Contented Strategy. She was on the podcast a few months ago, when she talked about the benefit of a content audit.

In this episode Hannah is way more specific. She tears down the Saber Feedback website, section by section. And then she presents a plan for improvement.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Thu, 21 May 2020 19:42:16 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1906 Content specialist Hannah Adcock audited Saber Feedback's website. In this episode, she tells us what's good about our site and what needs to change.

Hannah runs Contented Strategy. She was on the podcast a few months ago, when she talked about the benefit of a content audit.

In this episode Hannah is way more specific. She tears down the Saber Feedback website, section by section. And then she presents a plan for improvement.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #136: Website security for bootstrappers 136 136 #136: Website security for bootstrappers full b4efdaf7-35c5-421f-a649-a60a99c0d454 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f0985073 Security audits! Bug bounty programs! Frequent unsolicited pen-testing! When you put a website on the Internet, it almost immediately faces non-stop security attacks.

Ed and I discuss the ways we handle this within the resources available to us as bootstrappers.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

 

]]> Security audits! Bug bounty programs! Frequent unsolicited pen-testing! When you put a website on the Internet, it almost immediately faces non-stop security attacks.

Ed and I discuss the ways we handle this within the resources available to us as bootstrappers.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

 

]]> Sat, 30 May 2020 01:49:04 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1855 Security audits! Bug bounty programs! Frequent unsolicited pen-testing! When you put a website on the Internet, it almost immediately faces non-stop security attacks.

Ed and I discuss the ways we handle this within the resources available to us as bootstrappers.

Thanks to EmailToolTester who sponsored this episode.  Find which email newsletter service actually reaches your customers with EmailToolTester’s deliverability report.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #137: Derrick Grigg - Founder of PageProofer 137 137 #137: Derrick Grigg - Founder of PageProofer full f7bd0986-f352-475c-941e-02040a523889 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bc41257e Derrick's product is a direct competitor to one of my products. So it was extremely generous of him to speak openly about the challenges and successes of running PageProofer.

We also discussed:

  • the challenge of having many competitors
  • having  years of work annihilated by one Steve Jobs announcement
  • the challenge of separating personal life from work time when you are a solo founder.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Derrick's product is a direct competitor to one of my products. So it was extremely generous of him to speak openly about the challenges and successes of running PageProofer.

We also discussed:

  • the challenge of having many competitors
  • having  years of work annihilated by one Steve Jobs announcement
  • the challenge of separating personal life from work time when you are a solo founder.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2020 19:51:19 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1998 Derrick's product is a direct competitor to one of my products. So it was extremely generous of him to speak openly about the challenges and successes of running PageProofer.

We also discussed:

  • the challenge of having many competitors
  • having  years of work annihilated by one Steve Jobs announcement
  • the challenge of separating personal life from work time when you are a solo founder.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #138: "Epic Guide" Marketing 138 138 #138: "Epic Guide" Marketing full 70ec130e-daa5-40cb-ac35-f9ac8225847f https://share.transistor.fm/s/80a56727 We discuss Ed Freyfogle's recent experience creating the OpenCage Reverse Geocoding guide, an example of an "epic guide" approach to content marketing. 

Useful links:

  • The OpenCage Reverse Geocoding guide: https://opencagedata.com/reverse-geocoding
  • Adam Duvander, who helped Ed create the guide: https://twitter.com/adamd
  • Adam's company: https://everydeveloper.com/
  • Adam's personal site: http://www.adamd.org/

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> We discuss Ed Freyfogle's recent experience creating the OpenCage Reverse Geocoding guide, an example of an "epic guide" approach to content marketing. 

Useful links:

  • The OpenCage Reverse Geocoding guide: https://opencagedata.com/reverse-geocoding
  • Adam Duvander, who helped Ed create the guide: https://twitter.com/adamd
  • Adam's company: https://everydeveloper.com/
  • Adam's personal site: http://www.adamd.org/

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2020 01:20:50 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1699 We discuss Ed Freyfogle's recent experience creating the OpenCage Reverse Geocoding guide, an example of an "epic guide" approach to content marketing. 

Useful links:

  • The OpenCage Reverse Geocoding guide: https://opencagedata.com/reverse-geocoding
  • Adam Duvander, who helped Ed create the guide: https://twitter.com/adamd
  • Adam's company: https://everydeveloper.com/
  • Adam's personal site: http://www.adamd.org/

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #139: Selling to Developers with Peter Suhm of Branch CI 139 139 #139: Selling to Developers with Peter Suhm of Branch CI full 577fc454-a000-4e9f-aaf8-fceb93b2fb66 https://share.transistor.fm/s/470e17d6 Ed chats with Peter Suhm about the challenges and rewards of selling to developers. Peter is the founder of Branch, a deployment tool for WordPress developers.

Peter on twitter: https://twitter.com/petersuhm

Branch: https://branchci.com

WP Pusher, another product by Peter for WordPress developers: https://wppusher.com

Out of Beta, Peter's podcast: https://outofbeta.fm  (recommended!)

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Ed chats with Peter Suhm about the challenges and rewards of selling to developers. Peter is the founder of Branch, a deployment tool for WordPress developers.

Peter on twitter: https://twitter.com/petersuhm

Branch: https://branchci.com

WP Pusher, another product by Peter for WordPress developers: https://wppusher.com

Out of Beta, Peter's podcast: https://outofbeta.fm  (recommended!)

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Fri, 19 Jun 2020 01:56:53 -0400 Ed Freyfogle Ed Freyfogle 1684 Ed chats with Peter Suhm about the challenges and rewards of selling to developers. Peter is the founder of Branch, a deployment tool for WordPress developers.

Peter on twitter: https://twitter.com/petersuhm

Branch: https://branchci.com

WP Pusher, another product by Peter for WordPress developers: https://wppusher.com

Out of Beta, Peter's podcast: https://outofbeta.fm  (recommended!)

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #140: How NOT to handle customer payment problems 140 140 #140: How NOT to handle customer payment problems full 163e7dde-4926-404c-b246-fe409decb30d https://share.transistor.fm/s/01747deb This was a painful episode to record. I had problems getting some customers to pay. How I handled it was a cascade of mistakes. I tell Ed the story, and he gives me advice on what I should have done. 

Ed tells us about his recent effort to add a once-off pricing plan to his SaaS.

We also mentioned Ed's appearance on the Slow and Steady podcast, where he shared 25+ practical tips for running your SaaS. 

We're open for listener questions! Got a topic or question you'd like us to discuss on the podcast? Let us know on our discussion forum.

 

]]> This was a painful episode to record. I had problems getting some customers to pay. How I handled it was a cascade of mistakes. I tell Ed the story, and he gives me advice on what I should have done. 

Ed tells us about his recent effort to add a once-off pricing plan to his SaaS.

We also mentioned Ed's appearance on the Slow and Steady podcast, where he shared 25+ practical tips for running your SaaS. 

We're open for listener questions! Got a topic or question you'd like us to discuss on the podcast? Let us know on our discussion forum.

 

]]> Thu, 25 Jun 2020 21:44:46 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1997 This was a painful episode to record. I had problems getting some customers to pay. How I handled it was a cascade of mistakes. I tell Ed the story, and he gives me advice on what I should have done. 

Ed tells us about his recent effort to add a once-off pricing plan to his SaaS.

We also mentioned Ed's appearance on the Slow and Steady podcast, where he shared 25+ practical tips for running your SaaS. 

We're open for listener questions! Got a topic or question you'd like us to discuss on the podcast? Let us know on our discussion forum.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #141: A Saber Feedback update three months after acquisition 141 141 #141: A Saber Feedback update three months after acquisition full 6291b887-c3db-4858-a569-260ded6181bb https://share.transistor.fm/s/0457bbb5 I openly report on the challenges and successes I've had in the first three months of owning Saber Feedback. And yes, I do reveal customer numbers, revenue, and traffic volume!

 

]]> I openly report on the challenges and successes I've had in the first three months of owning Saber Feedback. And yes, I do reveal customer numbers, revenue, and traffic volume!

 

]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2020 05:07:14 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 935 I openly report on the challenges and successes I've had in the first three months of owning Saber Feedback. And yes, I do reveal customer numbers, revenue, and traffic volume!

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #142: Revisiting our pre-pandemic yearly goals 142 142 #142: Revisiting our pre-pandemic yearly goals full 0554bee6-1926-472a-b03c-63d68cdc4d98 https://share.transistor.fm/s/db31369d We revisit the goals we made in January 2020. We consider what progress we've made despite the current massive global uncertainty.

Back in January, in episode #124, Ed and Steve stated their goals for 2020. Then COVID-19 happened, changing many of the assumptions we had when we made those goals.

We’re open for listener questions! Got a topic or question you’d like us to discuss on the podcast? Let us know on our discussion forum.

]]> We revisit the goals we made in January 2020. We consider what progress we've made despite the current massive global uncertainty.

Back in January, in episode #124, Ed and Steve stated their goals for 2020. Then COVID-19 happened, changing many of the assumptions we had when we made those goals.

We’re open for listener questions! Got a topic or question you’d like us to discuss on the podcast? Let us know on our discussion forum.

]]> Sun, 26 Jul 2020 04:41:56 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2062 We revisit the goals we made in January 2020. We consider what progress we've made despite the current massive global uncertainty.

Back in January, in episode #124, Ed and Steve stated their goals for 2020. Then COVID-19 happened, changing many of the assumptions we had when we made those goals.

We’re open for listener questions! Got a topic or question you’d like us to discuss on the podcast? Let us know on our discussion forum.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #143: When should you refactor your product's code? 143 143 #143: When should you refactor your product's code? full 7a68e5a3-d2ae-47c7-ba47-332098b80940 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0edda879 When, if ever, should you, should make changes to your product's code that don't change its external behaviour?

How do you weigh up the risks of breaking things against the ease of future development?

Steve and Ed get way more technical than usual in this episode.

We mention Refactoring, the book by Martin Fowler.

We want listener questions! Post your question here and we'll discuss it in a future episode of Bootstrapped.

 

]]> When, if ever, should you, should make changes to your product's code that don't change its external behaviour?

How do you weigh up the risks of breaking things against the ease of future development?

Steve and Ed get way more technical than usual in this episode.

We mention Refactoring, the book by Martin Fowler.

We want listener questions! Post your question here and we'll discuss it in a future episode of Bootstrapped.

 

]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2020 07:03:33 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1900 When, if ever, should you, should make changes to your product's code that don't change its external behaviour?

How do you weigh up the risks of breaking things against the ease of future development?

Steve and Ed get way more technical than usual in this episode.

We mention Refactoring, the book by Martin Fowler.

We want listener questions! Post your question here and we'll discuss it in a future episode of Bootstrapped.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #144: Patrick Hathaway, cofounder of Sitebulb on selling a desktop app with subscription pricing 144 144 #144: Patrick Hathaway, cofounder of Sitebulb on selling a desktop app with subscription pricing full bc64b3e1-48b8-40c2-9cdf-750da8239922 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4bee9c54 Patrick Hathaway is the cofounder of Sitebulb, a website auditing tool for SEO consultants and agencies. Patrick tells us why he made a desktop app when his competitors offer cloud apps.

We also talk about how Patrick uses awesome release notes as a marketing tool. 

We finish up with a discussion the pros and cons of using Paddle as a payment processor.

Sitebulb: https://sitebulb.com/

Sitebulb's release notes: https://sitebulb.com/release-notes/

 

 

]]> Patrick Hathaway is the cofounder of Sitebulb, a website auditing tool for SEO consultants and agencies. Patrick tells us why he made a desktop app when his competitors offer cloud apps.

We also talk about how Patrick uses awesome release notes as a marketing tool. 

We finish up with a discussion the pros and cons of using Paddle as a payment processor.

Sitebulb: https://sitebulb.com/

Sitebulb's release notes: https://sitebulb.com/release-notes/

 

 

]]> Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:56:34 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2194 Patrick Hathaway is the cofounder of Sitebulb, a website auditing tool for SEO consultants and agencies. Patrick tells us why he made a desktop app when his competitors offer cloud apps.

We also talk about how Patrick uses awesome release notes as a marketing tool. 

We finish up with a discussion the pros and cons of using Paddle as a payment processor.

Sitebulb: https://sitebulb.com/

Sitebulb's release notes: https://sitebulb.com/release-notes/

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #145: The Hacker News front page experience, 5-hour workdays and 4-day workweeks 145 145 #145: The Hacker News front page experience, 5-hour workdays and 4-day workweeks full b63696fb-cbb1-4e6e-bffd-0c3e1c71b3ea https://share.transistor.fm/s/9afec60c Ed reintroduces himself, Steve shares his experience of making it to the front page of Hacker News, and we discuss Quaderno's 5-hour work day and Wildbit's 4-day work week.

Links:

Discuss these topics and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

]]> Ed reintroduces himself, Steve shares his experience of making it to the front page of Hacker News, and we discuss Quaderno's 5-hour work day and Wildbit's 4-day work week.

Links:

Discuss these topics and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

]]> Sat, 22 Aug 2020 07:55:14 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1860 Ed reintroduces himself, Steve shares his experience of making it to the front page of Hacker News, and we discuss Quaderno's 5-hour work day and Wildbit's 4-day work week.

Links:

Discuss these topics and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #146: Selling your business at any revenue level, with Kevin McArdle of SureSwift Capital 146 146 #146: Selling your business at any revenue level, with Kevin McArdle of SureSwift Capital full 2b83efe7-b821-4af0-8dbf-362302af5755 https://share.transistor.fm/s/de529fee Kevin McArdle of SureSwift Capital has acquired almost 40 online businesses, most of them B2B SaaS products.

We talk about the process of getting acquired, as the seller and founder of an online business.

Kevin tells me the options for getting acquired at 4 different revenue levels:

  • $1,000 to $4,000 monthly revenue
  • $10K to $20K monthly revenue
  • $20K to $50K monthly revenue
  • $100K+ monthly revenue

Links

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> Kevin McArdle of SureSwift Capital has acquired almost 40 online businesses, most of them B2B SaaS products.

We talk about the process of getting acquired, as the seller and founder of an online business.

Kevin tells me the options for getting acquired at 4 different revenue levels:

  • $1,000 to $4,000 monthly revenue
  • $10K to $20K monthly revenue
  • $20K to $50K monthly revenue
  • $100K+ monthly revenue

Links

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> Sat, 29 Aug 2020 03:20:50 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2308 Kevin McArdle of SureSwift Capital has acquired almost 40 online businesses, most of them B2B SaaS products.

We talk about the process of getting acquired, as the seller and founder of an online business.

Kevin tells me the options for getting acquired at 4 different revenue levels:

  • $1,000 to $4,000 monthly revenue
  • $10K to $20K monthly revenue
  • $20K to $50K monthly revenue
  • $100K+ monthly revenue

Links

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #147: "You get to do this however works for you" with Laura Roeder, founder of MeetEdgar 147 147 #147: "You get to do this however works for you" with Laura Roeder, founder of MeetEdgar full f7daf67c-8faf-42ec-bab4-0defcb22987c https://share.transistor.fm/s/f44a4221 Laura Roeder talks about why she doesn't do demo calls unlike most other SaaS founders - and how bootstrapping frees you up to run your business the way that works for you.

Laura is the founder of MeetEdgar, a social media scheduling tool, and cofounder of Paperbell, coaching software.

Links

Remember, as Laura says, "You get to do this however works for you"

 

]]> Laura Roeder talks about why she doesn't do demo calls unlike most other SaaS founders - and how bootstrapping frees you up to run your business the way that works for you.

Laura is the founder of MeetEdgar, a social media scheduling tool, and cofounder of Paperbell, coaching software.

Links

Remember, as Laura says, "You get to do this however works for you"

 

]]> Fri, 04 Sep 2020 16:22:49 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1876 Laura Roeder talks about why she doesn't do demo calls unlike most other SaaS founders - and how bootstrapping frees you up to run your business the way that works for you.

Laura is the founder of MeetEdgar, a social media scheduling tool, and cofounder of Paperbell, coaching software.

Links

Remember, as Laura says, "You get to do this however works for you"

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #148: Hrishi Mittal, founder of Learnetto, on the struggle to get traction 148 148 #148: Hrishi Mittal, founder of Learnetto, on the struggle to get traction full f553c939-3ad4-4401-bbdc-3ec7e1c60fda https://share.transistor.fm/s/6c4c1744 Ed Freyfogle steps in for me this week and interviews Hrishi Mittal, founder of online learning platform Learnetto.

Hrishi shares his struggle to progress past a point of having limited success without finding real traction. He also talks about his desire to bring on a cofounder.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> Ed Freyfogle steps in for me this week and interviews Hrishi Mittal, founder of online learning platform Learnetto.

Hrishi shares his struggle to progress past a point of having limited success without finding real traction. He also talks about his desire to bring on a cofounder.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:08:48 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1827 Ed Freyfogle steps in for me this week and interviews Hrishi Mittal, founder of online learning platform Learnetto.

Hrishi shares his struggle to progress past a point of having limited success without finding real traction. He also talks about his desire to bring on a cofounder.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #149: A Saber Feedback update six months after acquisition 149 149 #149: A Saber Feedback update six months after acquisition full 3b2cf2af-7e8f-4071-b7a8-6f673da3ebd4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/52213a12 Ed Freyfogle is back again. This week he interviews Steve on his progress with Saber Feedback, six months after acquisition.

Ed marvels at how many words we were able to write about feedback buttons.

We also talk a bit about co-working in the age of Covid.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> Ed Freyfogle is back again. This week he interviews Steve on his progress with Saber Feedback, six months after acquisition.

Ed marvels at how many words we were able to write about feedback buttons.

We also talk a bit about co-working in the age of Covid.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> Sun, 27 Sep 2020 08:06:18 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2236 Ed Freyfogle is back again. This week he interviews Steve on his progress with Saber Feedback, six months after acquisition.

Ed marvels at how many words we were able to write about feedback buttons.

We also talk a bit about co-working in the age of Covid.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #150: How to solve my SEO problems, with Robert Brandl of ToolTester Network 150 150 #150: How to solve my SEO problems, with Robert Brandl of ToolTester Network full 07ebabd8-3b5a-4b61-b0b9-bef093704a11 https://share.transistor.fm/s/763db158 Robert Brandl of ToolTester Network built his company by developing excellent SEO skills. In this episode he turns his skills to Saber Feedback, and gives me awesome advice on how to solve my SEO problems.

We also talk about his recent acquisition of https://howtogetonline.com/

Other links:

]]> Robert Brandl of ToolTester Network built his company by developing excellent SEO skills. In this episode he turns his skills to Saber Feedback, and gives me awesome advice on how to solve my SEO problems.

We also talk about his recent acquisition of https://howtogetonline.com/

Other links:

]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2020 03:58:02 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2404 Robert Brandl of ToolTester Network built his company by developing excellent SEO skills. In this episode he turns his skills to Saber Feedback, and gives me awesome advice on how to solve my SEO problems.

We also talk about his recent acquisition of https://howtogetonline.com/

Other links:

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #151: Advice on validating and building a bootstrapped B2B SaaS 151 151 #151: Advice on validating and building a bootstrapped B2B SaaS full b7bb4328-ce8e-421b-a39e-54cd74d578df https://share.transistor.fm/s/1fd26f08 I answer several questions from a loyal listener who wants advice on building a B2B SaaS similar in scope and style to my product, Feature Upvote.

 

]]> I answer several questions from a loyal listener who wants advice on building a B2B SaaS similar in scope and style to my product, Feature Upvote.

 

]]> Fri, 09 Oct 2020 15:56:24 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1362 I answer several questions from a loyal listener who wants advice on building a B2B SaaS similar in scope and style to my product, Feature Upvote.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #152: Practical knowledge sharing for bootstrappers 152 152 #152: Practical knowledge sharing for bootstrappers full 4afa765d-0576-4560-8c8d-bd7728d04262 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1584d1ef Ed and I discuss knowledge sharing for bootstrappers, and even for one-person teams. How do you make sure the important knowledge for your business gets remembered, shared, and used?

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

]]> Ed and I discuss knowledge sharing for bootstrappers, and even for one-person teams. How do you make sure the important knowledge for your business gets remembered, shared, and used?

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

]]> Sat, 17 Oct 2020 03:04:56 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1915 Ed and I discuss knowledge sharing for bootstrappers, and even for one-person teams. How do you make sure the important knowledge for your business gets remembered, shared, and used?

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #153: "What should I do with Saber Feedback?" 153 153 #153: "What should I do with Saber Feedback?" full f410195b-e76d-4b23-82d5-d061623c797f https://share.transistor.fm/s/a7c978a4 I seek Ed's advice on some Saber Feedback stuff. We talk about pricing, free plans, legacy framework woes, and database hosting.

We also chat about:

  • running  Geomob as an online conference instead as a COVID alternative to an in-person conference
  • automating away common customer support enquiries

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

Other links:

 

]]> I seek Ed's advice on some Saber Feedback stuff. We talk about pricing, free plans, legacy framework woes, and database hosting.

We also chat about:

  • running  Geomob as an online conference instead as a COVID alternative to an in-person conference
  • automating away common customer support enquiries

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

Other links:

 

]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2020 06:39:15 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2088 I seek Ed's advice on some Saber Feedback stuff. We talk about pricing, free plans, legacy framework woes, and database hosting.

We also chat about:

  • running  Geomob as an online conference instead as a COVID alternative to an in-person conference
  • automating away common customer support enquiries

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

Other links:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #154: Finding and recruiting freelance developers with Robin Warren of Corrello 154 154 #154: Finding and recruiting freelance developers with Robin Warren of Corrello full 75837b0a-a75d-4085-9d87-fdd35f1bcbef https://share.transistor.fm/s/421294e5 Robin Warren of Corrello tells me how he finds and recruits freelance developers for his bootstrapped software company.

We also talk about:

  • Robin's business creating Trello Power-ups
  • Using Product Hunt to hone your marketing message
  • Juggling multiple products

Links:

 

]]> Robin Warren of Corrello tells me how he finds and recruits freelance developers for his bootstrapped software company.

We also talk about:

  • Robin's business creating Trello Power-ups
  • Using Product Hunt to hone your marketing message
  • Juggling multiple products

Links:

 

]]> Fri, 30 Oct 2020 03:38:54 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1996 Robin Warren of Corrello tells me how he finds and recruits freelance developers for his bootstrapped software company.

We also talk about:

  • Robin's business creating Trello Power-ups
  • Using Product Hunt to hone your marketing message
  • Juggling multiple products

Links:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #155: Competing in a crowded market with Alex Yumashev of Jitbit 155 155 #155: Competing in a crowded market with Alex Yumashev of Jitbit full ff9832e9-330b-4f0c-bb65-e910dd563c17 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cef425c2 Alex runs a successful help desk software company with only 3 employees, competing in a crowded market.

We discuss:

  • the importance of industry knowledge,
  • the customer awareness funnel,
  • advanced SEO techniques,
  • bringing on a co-founder after you've already got traction.

Links:

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

]]> Alex runs a successful help desk software company with only 3 employees, competing in a crowded market.

We discuss:

  • the importance of industry knowledge,
  • the customer awareness funnel,
  • advanced SEO techniques,
  • bringing on a co-founder after you've already got traction.

Links:

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

]]> Fri, 06 Nov 2020 02:52:07 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1945 Alex runs a successful help desk software company with only 3 employees, competing in a crowded market.

We discuss:

  • the importance of industry knowledge,
  • the customer awareness funnel,
  • advanced SEO techniques,
  • bringing on a co-founder after you've already got traction.

Links:

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #156: "May I have a discount?" 156 156 #156: "May I have a discount?" full e06cce2d-6a74-446e-b4e7-a40819c6fcbb https://share.transistor.fm/s/ef183c3e Discounts, discounts, discounts! Ed and I discuss how we respond to customers asking for discounts, whether we should offer Cyber Monday offers, and how offering discounts can hurt future sales.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> Discounts, discounts, discounts! Ed and I discuss how we respond to customers asking for discounts, whether we should offer Cyber Monday offers, and how offering discounts can hurt future sales.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2020 03:44:33 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1847 Discounts, discounts, discounts! Ed and I discuss how we respond to customers asking for discounts, whether we should offer Cyber Monday offers, and how offering discounts can hurt future sales.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #157: Dealing with your business's endless administration burden 157 157 #157: Dealing with your business's endless administration burden full fb49b383-b5dd-46d2-8497-abd1318c1912 https://share.transistor.fm/s/74fd855b Ed and Steve discuss the endless burden of busy-work that comes with running a business - and how we try to minimise it.

We also mention Ed's new marketing-related hire, Feature Upvote's dashboard design overhaul, and using a content agency to write blog posts for Saber Feedback.

The invoice handling service we mentioned is GetMyInvoices.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

]]> Ed and Steve discuss the endless burden of busy-work that comes with running a business - and how we try to minimise it.

We also mention Ed's new marketing-related hire, Feature Upvote's dashboard design overhaul, and using a content agency to write blog posts for Saber Feedback.

The invoice handling service we mentioned is GetMyInvoices.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2020 02:04:46 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1722 Ed and Steve discuss the endless burden of busy-work that comes with running a business - and how we try to minimise it.

We also mention Ed's new marketing-related hire, Feature Upvote's dashboard design overhaul, and using a content agency to write blog posts for Saber Feedback.

The invoice handling service we mentioned is GetMyInvoices.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #158: Not 1, not 2, but 3 bootstrapped SaaS successes with Moritz Dausinger of refiner.io 158 158 #158: Not 1, not 2, but 3 bootstrapped SaaS successes with Moritz Dausinger of refiner.io full cd241814-bfe2-42a2-95c7-a23fda240c13 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0f99d5e3 Moritz Dausinger, founder of refiner.io, chats about his success as a serial founder of bootstrapped SaaS products. He founded and sold two B2B SaaS apps, and now he's doing it a third time.

Moritz shares some real-world practical, proven tips based on his repeat successes.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

 

]]> Moritz Dausinger, founder of refiner.io, chats about his success as a serial founder of bootstrapped SaaS products. He founded and sold two B2B SaaS apps, and now he's doing it a third time.

Moritz shares some real-world practical, proven tips based on his repeat successes.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

 

]]> Fri, 27 Nov 2020 11:49:52 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2164 Moritz Dausinger, founder of refiner.io, chats about his success as a serial founder of bootstrapped SaaS products. He founded and sold two B2B SaaS apps, and now he's doing it a third time.

Moritz shares some real-world practical, proven tips based on his repeat successes.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #159: Enterprise sales hell, SEO frustration and self-doubt 159 159 #159: Enterprise sales hell, SEO frustration and self-doubt full e2804ef0-baa1-44ec-bc6c-c594ee3c439f https://share.transistor.fm/s/39b3d49e Ed and Steve talk about recent challenges and successes in their bootstrapped SaaS businesses. Ed tells of the agony of doing enterprise sales. Steve admits to  self-doubt when waiting for SEO results.

Some things we discussed:

 

]]> Ed and Steve talk about recent challenges and successes in their bootstrapped SaaS businesses. Ed tells of the agony of doing enterprise sales. Steve admits to  self-doubt when waiting for SEO results.

Some things we discussed:

 

]]> Fri, 04 Dec 2020 01:51:12 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2069 Ed and Steve talk about recent challenges and successes in their bootstrapped SaaS businesses. Ed tells of the agony of doing enterprise sales. Steve admits to  self-doubt when waiting for SEO results.

Some things we discussed:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #160: Creating great email onboarding sequences, with Liz Painter of Comma Comma 160 160 #160: Creating great email onboarding sequences, with Liz Painter of Comma Comma full 6a012630-4ad5-4c8a-a158-4fea7ecc4c6e https://share.transistor.fm/s/025c09fa Liz is an expert in onboarding email sequences. Over the course of this episode, Liz helps me design a great email sequence for Saber Feedback.

On the way, there are plenty of practical tips for better emails that you can apply to your product's emails.

Want to see the results of my conversation with Liz? Sign up for Saber Feedback, and experience the new onboarding sequence first-hand.

Discuss this episode and other topics on our forum for bootstrappers.

 

 

]]> Liz is an expert in onboarding email sequences. Over the course of this episode, Liz helps me design a great email sequence for Saber Feedback.

On the way, there are plenty of practical tips for better emails that you can apply to your product's emails.

Want to see the results of my conversation with Liz? Sign up for Saber Feedback, and experience the new onboarding sequence first-hand.

Discuss this episode and other topics on our forum for bootstrappers.

 

 

]]> Fri, 11 Dec 2020 02:48:34 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2491 Liz is an expert in onboarding email sequences. Over the course of this episode, Liz helps me design a great email sequence for Saber Feedback.

On the way, there are plenty of practical tips for better emails that you can apply to your product's emails.

Want to see the results of my conversation with Liz? Sign up for Saber Feedback, and experience the new onboarding sequence first-hand.

Discuss this episode and other topics on our forum for bootstrappers.

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #161: The inglorious launch of my first product 161 161 #161: The inglorious launch of my first product full 2e460888-41fd-45f4-9e9f-a5ded3699d87 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7cf437dc This is a talk I recently gave at Barcelona's ESIC business school. Ostensibly, I spoke on working with intangibles as products. But actually, I told the story of how I started as a bootstrapper - and revealed how clueless I was at the beginning.

So, if you are curious about how I got started creating and selling software products, then you'll enjoy this episode.

]]> This is a talk I recently gave at Barcelona's ESIC business school. Ostensibly, I spoke on working with intangibles as products. But actually, I told the story of how I started as a bootstrapper - and revealed how clueless I was at the beginning.

So, if you are curious about how I got started creating and selling software products, then you'll enjoy this episode.

]]> Fri, 18 Dec 2020 10:53:01 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1231 This is a talk I recently gave at Barcelona's ESIC business school. Ostensibly, I spoke on working with intangibles as products. But actually, I told the story of how I started as a bootstrapper - and revealed how clueless I was at the beginning.

So, if you are curious about how I got started creating and selling software products, then you'll enjoy this episode.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #162: Reviewing our 2020 goals 162 162 #162: Reviewing our 2020 goals full 4c398724-5d68-46ae-96d9-8a2c4aef92ac https://share.transistor.fm/s/3f489240 Steve and Ed look back at the goals they set for 2020 at the beginning of the year. What goals did we hit? What goals eluded us? What did we learn along the way?

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Steve and Ed look back at the goals they set for 2020 at the beginning of the year. What goals did we hit? What goals eluded us? What did we learn along the way?

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2020 04:13:56 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1658 Steve and Ed look back at the goals they set for 2020 at the beginning of the year. What goals did we hit? What goals eluded us? What did we learn along the way?

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #163: Our goals for 2021 163 163 #163: Our goals for 2021 full 5bb68a95-6356-42f7-a6ac-89790528610f https://share.transistor.fm/s/d642c127 Ed and I discuss what we want to achieve in 2021. Last year, unexpected world events turned our "goals for 2020" upside-down. Having learnt no lesson whatsoever from this, we fearlessly enter 2021 with plans!

We mentioned Ed's personal blog in this episode.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Ed and I discuss what we want to achieve in 2021. Last year, unexpected world events turned our "goals for 2020" upside-down. Having learnt no lesson whatsoever from this, we fearlessly enter 2021 with plans!

We mentioned Ed's personal blog in this episode.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> Mon, 04 Jan 2021 05:55:46 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1912 Ed and I discuss what we want to achieve in 2021. Last year, unexpected world events turned our "goals for 2020" upside-down. Having learnt no lesson whatsoever from this, we fearlessly enter 2021 with plans!

We mentioned Ed's personal blog in this episode.

Discuss this episode and more on our discussion forum for Bootstrappers.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #164: A Saber Feedback update 9 months after acquisition 164 164 #164: A Saber Feedback update 9 months after acquisition full a60efbfa-4048-428f-9daf-133ffa9dbd7f https://share.transistor.fm/s/174cb1f5 Ed grills me on my progress with Saber Feedback, my B2B SaaS, nine months after I acquired it. We talk about SEO, competitors, getting backlinks, finding a niche, and resisting the temptation to write code instead of doing marketing.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> Ed grills me on my progress with Saber Feedback, my B2B SaaS, nine months after I acquired it. We talk about SEO, competitors, getting backlinks, finding a niche, and resisting the temptation to write code instead of doing marketing.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> Fri, 08 Jan 2021 03:31:18 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2227 Ed grills me on my progress with Saber Feedback, my B2B SaaS, nine months after I acquired it. We talk about SEO, competitors, getting backlinks, finding a niche, and resisting the temptation to write code instead of doing marketing.

Discuss this topic and more on the Bootstrapped discussion forum.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #165: Finding and hiring freelancers 165 165 #165: Finding and hiring freelancers full 983579ae-c46c-427c-a684-e3e4240ab121 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a8a412a5 In this episode I answer some listener questions about freelancers. I discuss how to find, hire, and communicate with freelancers.

Discuss this topic and more with the Bootstrapped community.

 

]]> In this episode I answer some listener questions about freelancers. I discuss how to find, hire, and communicate with freelancers.

Discuss this topic and more with the Bootstrapped community.

 

]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2021 02:42:36 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1435 In this episode I answer some listener questions about freelancers. I discuss how to find, hire, and communicate with freelancers.

Discuss this topic and more with the Bootstrapped community.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #166: Making an Open Source business work with Allan Jardine of DataTables 166 166 #166: Making an Open Source business work with Allan Jardine of DataTables full 0c335e7f-116c-4559-84a0-d872d862e7df https://share.transistor.fm/s/8f40f9a8 Allan Jardine is the creator of DataTables, a popular jQuery plugin. We discuss his challenges and successes as he learned how to make a viable business from creating Open Source software.

We also discuss Allan's new SaaS product, CloudTables.

Discuss this topic and more with the Bootstrapped community.

 

]]> Allan Jardine is the creator of DataTables, a popular jQuery plugin. We discuss his challenges and successes as he learned how to make a viable business from creating Open Source software.

We also discuss Allan's new SaaS product, CloudTables.

Discuss this topic and more with the Bootstrapped community.

 

]]> Fri, 29 Jan 2021 02:51:46 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1631 Allan Jardine is the creator of DataTables, a popular jQuery plugin. We discuss his challenges and successes as he learned how to make a viable business from creating Open Source software.

We also discuss Allan's new SaaS product, CloudTables.

Discuss this topic and more with the Bootstrapped community.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #167: The blog gets posts once every 13 years 167 167 #167: The blog gets posts once every 13 years full fb90ffed-2086-4d52-9bec-373b20450cd5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/582b817c Ed and Steve talk about the mental stress of having real-time business metrics, how to find a business mentor, and Steve's attempt to get started with enterprise sales.

And we talk about the blog that posts very infrequently.

Discuss this topic and more with the Bootstrapped community.

 

]]> Ed and Steve talk about the mental stress of having real-time business metrics, how to find a business mentor, and Steve's attempt to get started with enterprise sales.

And we talk about the blog that posts very infrequently.

Discuss this topic and more with the Bootstrapped community.

 

]]> Fri, 05 Feb 2021 03:35:37 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1914 Ed and Steve talk about the mental stress of having real-time business metrics, how to find a business mentor, and Steve's attempt to get started with enterprise sales.

And we talk about the blog that posts very infrequently.

Discuss this topic and more with the Bootstrapped community.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #168: Twitter for Marketing, and Zombie Customers 168 168 #168: Twitter for Marketing, and Zombie Customers full 03b2740b-6eb4-4e47-97d8-a3abf3cbaed5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5086137a Ed and I cover a lot of ground this week:

  • podcasting nerves
  • geotrivia as marketing
  •  a brief foray into geopolitics
  • using Twitter for marketing
  • the frustrating unpredictability of what marketing efforts will bear fruit
  • the pleasure of working from home
  • dealing with zombie customers

The Bootstrapped podcast now has its own Twitter account - follow to receive daily tips for bootstrappers.

 

]]> Ed and I cover a lot of ground this week:

  • podcasting nerves
  • geotrivia as marketing
  •  a brief foray into geopolitics
  • using Twitter for marketing
  • the frustrating unpredictability of what marketing efforts will bear fruit
  • the pleasure of working from home
  • dealing with zombie customers

The Bootstrapped podcast now has its own Twitter account - follow to receive daily tips for bootstrappers.

 

]]> Fri, 19 Feb 2021 03:48:16 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1892 Ed and I cover a lot of ground this week:

  • podcasting nerves
  • geotrivia as marketing
  •  a brief foray into geopolitics
  • using Twitter for marketing
  • the frustrating unpredictability of what marketing efforts will bear fruit
  • the pleasure of working from home
  • dealing with zombie customers

The Bootstrapped podcast now has its own Twitter account - follow to receive daily tips for bootstrappers.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #169: Email newsletter or no email newsletter? The great debate. 169 169 #169: Email newsletter or no email newsletter? The great debate. full 5f6f552e-a7ee-4700-b662-9bc03294714a https://share.transistor.fm/s/083d8116 We argue for and against having a monthly email newsletter for your product. Ed is firmly in the "No way" corner. Steve represents the "You gotta have a newsletter" side. Let the debate begin!

Also mentioned:

 

]]> We argue for and against having a monthly email newsletter for your product. Ed is firmly in the "No way" corner. Steve represents the "You gotta have a newsletter" side. Let the debate begin!

Also mentioned:

 

]]> Fri, 05 Mar 2021 02:37:10 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2033 We argue for and against having a monthly email newsletter for your product. Ed is firmly in the "No way" corner. Steve represents the "You gotta have a newsletter" side. Let the debate begin!

Also mentioned:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #170: "Be so good they can't ignore you", with Peldi of Balsamiq 170 170 #170: "Be so good they can't ignore you", with Peldi of Balsamiq full c9a18427-8613-4925-ab06-471d8c74af34 https://share.transistor.fm/s/67c755ef Peldi Guilizzoni is the founder of low-fidelity wireframing tool Balsamiq. 

Peldi and Steve discuss: 

  • why Peldi tracks almost nothing except revenue and profits
  • talking to customers instead of using analytics
  • on being "so good they can't ignore you"
  • how to apply a coder's approach to marketing
  • how Balsamiq is run like a "cozy restaurant on the web"
  • not getting to code much when running a software company
  • the painful experience of rewriting Balsamiq Wireframes from scratch that took five years(!)
  • choosing technology carefully for your company

This episode is also on YouTube.

Discuss this episode on our community.

]]> Peldi Guilizzoni is the founder of low-fidelity wireframing tool Balsamiq. 

Peldi and Steve discuss: 

  • why Peldi tracks almost nothing except revenue and profits
  • talking to customers instead of using analytics
  • on being "so good they can't ignore you"
  • how to apply a coder's approach to marketing
  • how Balsamiq is run like a "cozy restaurant on the web"
  • not getting to code much when running a software company
  • the painful experience of rewriting Balsamiq Wireframes from scratch that took five years(!)
  • choosing technology carefully for your company

This episode is also on YouTube.

Discuss this episode on our community.

]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2021 02:45:56 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2195 Peldi Guilizzoni is the founder of low-fidelity wireframing tool Balsamiq. 

Peldi and Steve discuss: 

  • why Peldi tracks almost nothing except revenue and profits
  • talking to customers instead of using analytics
  • on being "so good they can't ignore you"
  • how to apply a coder's approach to marketing
  • how Balsamiq is run like a "cozy restaurant on the web"
  • not getting to code much when running a software company
  • the painful experience of rewriting Balsamiq Wireframes from scratch that took five years(!)
  • choosing technology carefully for your company

This episode is also on YouTube.

Discuss this episode on our community.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #171: Nick Franklin, founder of ChartMogul 171 171 #171: Nick Franklin, founder of ChartMogul full 1dea4d77-909c-4970-b987-8ff9b54ffd69 https://share.transistor.fm/s/39d5ebff Nick Franklin and I talked about what it is like to go down the venture capital route instead of bootstrapping. 

For me this was a glimpse into another way of doing things.

Nick and I discussed:

  • why he used outside investment to create ChartMogul
  • ChartMogul's focus on creating good content
  • finding a steady stream of interesting things to write about
  • the difficulty of knowing how customers are acquired
  • getting pricing right

Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nick_Franklin 

ChartMogul: https://chartmogul.com/

This episode is also on YouTube.

Discuss this episode on our community.

]]> Nick Franklin and I talked about what it is like to go down the venture capital route instead of bootstrapping. 

For me this was a glimpse into another way of doing things.

Nick and I discussed:

  • why he used outside investment to create ChartMogul
  • ChartMogul's focus on creating good content
  • finding a steady stream of interesting things to write about
  • the difficulty of knowing how customers are acquired
  • getting pricing right

Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nick_Franklin 

ChartMogul: https://chartmogul.com/

This episode is also on YouTube.

Discuss this episode on our community.

]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2021 11:22:46 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2096 Nick Franklin and I talked about what it is like to go down the venture capital route instead of bootstrapping. 

For me this was a glimpse into another way of doing things.

Nick and I discussed:

  • why he used outside investment to create ChartMogul
  • ChartMogul's focus on creating good content
  • finding a steady stream of interesting things to write about
  • the difficulty of knowing how customers are acquired
  • getting pricing right

Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nick_Franklin 

ChartMogul: https://chartmogul.com/

This episode is also on YouTube.

Discuss this episode on our community.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #172: Getting rid of Google Analytics, with Alex Yumashev 172 172 #172: Getting rid of Google Analytics, with Alex Yumashev full ed5bfcdb-7100-4edc-bc25-80ce86802898 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a639a109 Alex Yumashev, founder of JitBit, returns to the show. We discuss: 

  • why Alex ditched Google Analytics from his website
  • how he keeps his work interesting after so many years running the same business
  • why differentiation is often not possible
  • finding freelancers
  • the good and bad of being a bootstrapping entrepreneur 

Alex's company: https://www.jitbit.com/ 

Also mentioned: 

  • Plausible Analytics (https://plausible.io/)
  • https://f5bot.com/ 

This episode is also on YouTube.

Discuss this episode on our community.

]]> Alex Yumashev, founder of JitBit, returns to the show. We discuss: 

  • why Alex ditched Google Analytics from his website
  • how he keeps his work interesting after so many years running the same business
  • why differentiation is often not possible
  • finding freelancers
  • the good and bad of being a bootstrapping entrepreneur 

Alex's company: https://www.jitbit.com/ 

Also mentioned: 

  • Plausible Analytics (https://plausible.io/)
  • https://f5bot.com/ 

This episode is also on YouTube.

Discuss this episode on our community.

]]> Fri, 26 Mar 2021 03:38:55 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2585 Alex Yumashev, founder of JitBit, returns to the show. We discuss: 

  • why Alex ditched Google Analytics from his website
  • how he keeps his work interesting after so many years running the same business
  • why differentiation is often not possible
  • finding freelancers
  • the good and bad of being a bootstrapping entrepreneur 

Alex's company: https://www.jitbit.com/ 

Also mentioned: 

  • Plausible Analytics (https://plausible.io/)
  • https://f5bot.com/ 

This episode is also on YouTube.

Discuss this episode on our community.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #173: Reducing the support workload with Ed Freyfogle 173 173 #173: Reducing the support workload with Ed Freyfogle full efe7d32b-5c25-4fc2-aa19-6336544c2796 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a87e650b Ed Freyfogle is back! We talk about Ed's systematic attempt to reduce his support workload.

Discuss this episode on our community.

This episode is also on YouTube.

]]> Ed Freyfogle is back! We talk about Ed's systematic attempt to reduce his support workload.

Discuss this episode on our community.

This episode is also on YouTube.

]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 05:38:54 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1873 Ed Freyfogle is back! We talk about Ed's systematic attempt to reduce his support workload.

Discuss this episode on our community.

This episode is also on YouTube.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #174: Corey Haines, founder of the Swipe Files community 174 174 #174: Corey Haines, founder of the Swipe Files community full 7a9ecac7-8c51-4932-90de-97f68bc97736 https://share.transistor.fm/s/24f98242 My guest in this episode is Corey Haines, founder of Swipe Files. Swipe Files is a membership site that provides content, community, and courses to help you master marketing.

Discuss this episode on our community.

This episode is also on YouTube.

 

]]> My guest in this episode is Corey Haines, founder of Swipe Files. Swipe Files is a membership site that provides content, community, and courses to help you master marketing.

Discuss this episode on our community.

This episode is also on YouTube.

 

]]> Fri, 09 Apr 2021 03:34:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2123 My guest in this episode is Corey Haines, founder of Swipe Files. Swipe Files is a membership site that provides content, community, and courses to help you master marketing.

Discuss this episode on our community.

This episode is also on YouTube.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #175: Riskiness of being a side project's customer 175 175 #175: Riskiness of being a side project's customer full 3fb77c8a-5855-4c2c-b441-c2793505f234 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a14f9303 Ed and Steve discuss 

  • the return of Microconf Europe as an in-person event
  • working out if a new feature is worth the effort
  • weighing the risk of becoming a customer of someone’s side project

Discuss this episode and more with our community.

This episode is also on YouTube.

 

]]> Ed and Steve discuss 

  • the return of Microconf Europe as an in-person event
  • working out if a new feature is worth the effort
  • weighing the risk of becoming a customer of someone’s side project

Discuss this episode and more with our community.

This episode is also on YouTube.

 

]]> Fri, 16 Apr 2021 02:57:06 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2052 Ed and Steve discuss 

  • the return of Microconf Europe as an in-person event
  • working out if a new feature is worth the effort
  • weighing the risk of becoming a customer of someone’s side project

Discuss this episode and more with our community.

This episode is also on YouTube.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #176: Tips for self-publishing a book, with science fiction writer Aidan Doyle 176 176 #176: Tips for self-publishing a book, with science fiction writer Aidan Doyle full 87413989-a233-4ee8-ba7e-3e3c8aa20aef https://share.transistor.fm/s/32c54cbf Aidan Doyle is a science fiction writer. Amongst his work are two self-published books, including The Writer's Book of Doubt. I'm planning to produce a book later this year as a marketing endeavour for Feature Upvote. So I chatted with Aidan to get tips on how to do this well.

Discuss this episode with the Bootstrapper community.

 

]]> Aidan Doyle is a science fiction writer. Amongst his work are two self-published books, including The Writer's Book of Doubt. I'm planning to produce a book later this year as a marketing endeavour for Feature Upvote. So I chatted with Aidan to get tips on how to do this well.

Discuss this episode with the Bootstrapper community.

 

]]> Fri, 23 Apr 2021 02:30:16 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2042 Aidan Doyle is a science fiction writer. Amongst his work are two self-published books, including The Writer's Book of Doubt. I'm planning to produce a book later this year as a marketing endeavour for Feature Upvote. So I chatted with Aidan to get tips on how to do this well.

Discuss this episode with the Bootstrapper community.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #177​: When life is turned upside down, with Nick Swan of SEOTesting 177 177 #177​: When life is turned upside down, with Nick Swan of SEOTesting full 24d136aa-e906-4918-84cd-ce487df00708 https://share.transistor.fm/s/50456070 Nick Swan was about to launch paid plans for his SaaS when a sudden terrible life event changed everything for Nick and his family.

"The doctor said, 'You have to go the main hospital now. Drive straight up there. Don't even pack a bag.' He didn't say what it was, but he said it was serious."

We discuss how this affected his life, his family and his mentality as a bootstrapper.

Nick's SaaS, SEOTesting

 

]]> Nick Swan was about to launch paid plans for his SaaS when a sudden terrible life event changed everything for Nick and his family.

"The doctor said, 'You have to go the main hospital now. Drive straight up there. Don't even pack a bag.' He didn't say what it was, but he said it was serious."

We discuss how this affected his life, his family and his mentality as a bootstrapper.

Nick's SaaS, SEOTesting

 

]]> Fri, 30 Apr 2021 10:44:57 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2052 Nick Swan was about to launch paid plans for his SaaS when a sudden terrible life event changed everything for Nick and his family.

"The doctor said, 'You have to go the main hospital now. Drive straight up there. Don't even pack a bag.' He didn't say what it was, but he said it was serious."

We discuss how this affected his life, his family and his mentality as a bootstrapper.

Nick's SaaS, SEOTesting

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #178: The Hungry Time, with Ed Freyfogle 178 178 #178: The Hungry Time, with Ed Freyfogle full 622edbd9-e3ef-4976-be43-824a24917783 https://share.transistor.fm/s/74ecd0e9 Both Ed and Steve are feeling a little bit stressed, perhaps at the beginning of burnout. We discuss why this might be, and what we are doing about it.

We also reveal our who guest host will be, stepping in for the next few weeks while I take a break.

This episode is also on YouTube.

]]> Both Ed and Steve are feeling a little bit stressed, perhaps at the beginning of burnout. We discuss why this might be, and what we are doing about it.

We also reveal our who guest host will be, stepping in for the next few weeks while I take a break.

This episode is also on YouTube.

]]> Fri, 07 May 2021 04:00:07 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2061 Both Ed and Steve are feeling a little bit stressed, perhaps at the beginning of burnout. We discuss why this might be, and what we are doing about it.

We also reveal our who guest host will be, stepping in for the next few weeks while I take a break.

This episode is also on YouTube.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #179: (Peldi) The GDPR 3 years later with Aleth Gueguen of GDPR for SaaS 179 179 #179: (Peldi) The GDPR 3 years later with Aleth Gueguen of GDPR for SaaS full 91bdb3a5-d8af-4400-8cbd-c7feee38188f https://share.transistor.fm/s/caf52b5d Peldi Guilizzoni steps in as host this week, and chats with GDPR expert Aleth Gueguen about how the GDPR is shaping and affecting our SaaS businesses.

Topics include:

  • Is the GDPR being enforced?
  • How has it changed our businesses?
  • How can we shape new businesses  to ensure we meet data protection requirements?
  • Does the GDPR give larger businesses an unfair advantage?

 

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

 

]]> Peldi Guilizzoni steps in as host this week, and chats with GDPR expert Aleth Gueguen about how the GDPR is shaping and affecting our SaaS businesses.

Topics include:

  • Is the GDPR being enforced?
  • How has it changed our businesses?
  • How can we shape new businesses  to ensure we meet data protection requirements?
  • Does the GDPR give larger businesses an unfair advantage?

 

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

 

]]> Sat, 15 May 2021 02:36:12 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2401 Peldi Guilizzoni steps in as host this week, and chats with GDPR expert Aleth Gueguen about how the GDPR is shaping and affecting our SaaS businesses.

Topics include:

  • Is the GDPR being enforced?
  • How has it changed our businesses?
  • How can we shape new businesses  to ensure we meet data protection requirements?
  • Does the GDPR give larger businesses an unfair advantage?

 

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #180: Managing the mental ups and downs with Geraldine DeRuiter and Rand Fishkin 180 180 #180: Managing the mental ups and downs with Geraldine DeRuiter and Rand Fishkin full de39aab0-83a2-4e65-be75-0a044448c871 https://share.transistor.fm/s/27d631e3 Peldi Guilizzoni continues this mini-season as he chats with married couple Geraldine DeRuiter (author) and Rand Fishkin (software founder) on how their fields differ - and how they are more similar than you'd think. 

Peldi, Geraldine, and Rand discuss:

  • How the software industry is less special that we think
  • Dealing with the loneliness and isolation of being a founder or author
  • Managing your own psychology
  • How a supportive partner shares your mental ups and downs 
  • The value of having a peer group (aka friends) for mutual support
  • The challenge to ignore the VC hype machine

Geraldine's blog: The Everywhereist. 

Rand's company SparkToro.

 

]]> Peldi Guilizzoni continues this mini-season as he chats with married couple Geraldine DeRuiter (author) and Rand Fishkin (software founder) on how their fields differ - and how they are more similar than you'd think. 

Peldi, Geraldine, and Rand discuss:

  • How the software industry is less special that we think
  • Dealing with the loneliness and isolation of being a founder or author
  • Managing your own psychology
  • How a supportive partner shares your mental ups and downs 
  • The value of having a peer group (aka friends) for mutual support
  • The challenge to ignore the VC hype machine

Geraldine's blog: The Everywhereist. 

Rand's company SparkToro.

 

]]> Fri, 21 May 2021 03:26:37 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2627 Peldi Guilizzoni continues this mini-season as he chats with married couple Geraldine DeRuiter (author) and Rand Fishkin (software founder) on how their fields differ - and how they are more similar than you'd think. 

Peldi, Geraldine, and Rand discuss:

  • How the software industry is less special that we think
  • Dealing with the loneliness and isolation of being a founder or author
  • Managing your own psychology
  • How a supportive partner shares your mental ups and downs 
  • The value of having a peer group (aka friends) for mutual support
  • The challenge to ignore the VC hype machine

Geraldine's blog: The Everywhereist. 

Rand's company SparkToro.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #181: Conducting customer interviews for the reluctant, with Asia Orangio of DemandMaven 181 181 #181: Conducting customer interviews for the reluctant, with Asia Orangio of DemandMaven full 73380721-e2d3-4c50-b643-6d8a4bd8a4a4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d8c2e8c3 Peldi Guilizzoni continues this mini-season as he chats with Asia Orangio of DemandMaven on how founders can - and should - conduct customer interviews, and how to deal with the discomfort us bootstrappers often feel with this type of work.

Topics includes

  • the discomfort for some of us of talking to customers - but why you should do it anyway
  • how to find the right customers to talk to
  • why delegating customer interviews might actually be a good idea.
  • how to actually conduct a customer interview
  • what not to say,  and how not to ask questions

Asia's company, DemandMaven.

Asia on Twitter.

You can watch this episode on YouTube.

 

 

]]> Peldi Guilizzoni continues this mini-season as he chats with Asia Orangio of DemandMaven on how founders can - and should - conduct customer interviews, and how to deal with the discomfort us bootstrappers often feel with this type of work.

Topics includes

  • the discomfort for some of us of talking to customers - but why you should do it anyway
  • how to find the right customers to talk to
  • why delegating customer interviews might actually be a good idea.
  • how to actually conduct a customer interview
  • what not to say,  and how not to ask questions

Asia's company, DemandMaven.

Asia on Twitter.

You can watch this episode on YouTube.

 

 

]]> Fri, 28 May 2021 02:41:56 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2096 Peldi Guilizzoni continues this mini-season as he chats with Asia Orangio of DemandMaven on how founders can - and should - conduct customer interviews, and how to deal with the discomfort us bootstrappers often feel with this type of work.

Topics includes

  • the discomfort for some of us of talking to customers - but why you should do it anyway
  • how to find the right customers to talk to
  • why delegating customer interviews might actually be a good idea.
  • how to actually conduct a customer interview
  • what not to say,  and how not to ask questions

Asia's company, DemandMaven.

Asia on Twitter.

You can watch this episode on YouTube.

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #182: Responsible product design with Trine Falbe 182 182 #182: Responsible product design with Trine Falbe full 8e249517-074f-4682-b4f2-5b2038e5279c https://share.transistor.fm/s/a0d0bcbf Peldi Guilizzoni continues this mini-season as he chats with Trine Falbe, UX strategist & designer, on responsible product design.

Gamification, dark patterns,  artificial "roadblocks", notifications  frameworks that exist only to hook you into the product - why bootstrappers shouldn't mindlessly copy these techniques.

Show notes:

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

 

]]> Peldi Guilizzoni continues this mini-season as he chats with Trine Falbe, UX strategist & designer, on responsible product design.

Gamification, dark patterns,  artificial "roadblocks", notifications  frameworks that exist only to hook you into the product - why bootstrappers shouldn't mindlessly copy these techniques.

Show notes:

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

 

]]> Fri, 04 Jun 2021 03:16:52 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2001 Peldi Guilizzoni continues this mini-season as he chats with Trine Falbe, UX strategist & designer, on responsible product design.

Gamification, dark patterns,  artificial "roadblocks", notifications  frameworks that exist only to hook you into the product - why bootstrappers shouldn't mindlessly copy these techniques.

Show notes:

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #183: Feeling bored and stuck in your business? With Peldi and Ed 183 183 #183: Feeling bored and stuck in your business? With Peldi and Ed full 54a5493d-8580-4798-b5d8-f30ec1681a5c https://share.transistor.fm/s/240d0a76 Peldi concludes this mini-season with an open and honest discussion with Ed Freyfogle about a problem every business owner eventually encounters. How do you keep at it when you are feeling bored? Are we stuck in our businesses?

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

]]> Peldi concludes this mini-season with an open and honest discussion with Ed Freyfogle about a problem every business owner eventually encounters. How do you keep at it when you are feeling bored? Are we stuck in our businesses?

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

]]> Fri, 11 Jun 2021 06:44:10 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1644 Peldi concludes this mini-season with an open and honest discussion with Ed Freyfogle about a problem every business owner eventually encounters. How do you keep at it when you are feeling bored? Are we stuck in our businesses?

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #184: When team members quit, with Ed and Steve 184 184 #184: When team members quit, with Ed and Steve full a87832a4-9cc9-4335-9c60-785ca8f57b89 https://share.transistor.fm/s/52c61745 Ed and Steve discuss what it is like when a core team member quits, how to reduce the chance of it happening, and how to make our businesses resilient enough to handle it.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

 

]]> Ed and Steve discuss what it is like when a core team member quits, how to reduce the chance of it happening, and how to make our businesses resilient enough to handle it.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

 

]]> Fri, 18 Jun 2021 05:42:40 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1858 Ed and Steve discuss what it is like when a core team member quits, how to reduce the chance of it happening, and how to make our businesses resilient enough to handle it.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #185: Selling a small stake of your company, with Moritz Dausinger of Refiner.io 185 185 #185: Selling a small stake of your company, with Moritz Dausinger of Refiner.io full 48c9bdfd-e3ec-447b-b7ff-4222591f48e0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d8d6f0b4 Moritz Dausinger, three-time bootstrapper, tells me why he recently sold a small stake of Refiner.io to Earnest Capital.

Between recording and publishing this episode, Earnest Capital renamed as the Calm Company Fund.

Links:

 

 

 

]]> Moritz Dausinger, three-time bootstrapper, tells me why he recently sold a small stake of Refiner.io to Earnest Capital.

Between recording and publishing this episode, Earnest Capital renamed as the Calm Company Fund.

Links:

 

 

 

]]> Sun, 27 Jun 2021 06:38:17 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1881 Moritz Dausinger, three-time bootstrapper, tells me why he recently sold a small stake of Refiner.io to Earnest Capital.

Between recording and publishing this episode, Earnest Capital renamed as the Calm Company Fund.

Links:

 

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #186: Marketing to Developers with Adam DuVander 186 186 #186: Marketing to Developers with Adam DuVander full e5cd5386-3e41-4690-a69a-1ce3ff1d4080 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9320c1cd While Steve enjoys a summer break, Ed Freyfogle steps in this week to interview Adam DuVander. Adam helps companies like yours market to developers.

Ed chats with Adam DuVander about his book "Developer Marketing Does Not Exist"

 

]]> While Steve enjoys a summer break, Ed Freyfogle steps in this week to interview Adam DuVander. Adam helps companies like yours market to developers.

Ed chats with Adam DuVander about his book "Developer Marketing Does Not Exist"

 

]]> Fri, 16 Jul 2021 03:04:01 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1729 While Steve enjoys a summer break, Ed Freyfogle steps in this week to interview Adam DuVander. Adam helps companies like yours market to developers.

Ed chats with Adam DuVander about his book "Developer Marketing Does Not Exist"

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #187: A Saber Feedback update 187 187 #187: A Saber Feedback update full c1c5e2eb-2cff-4b69-b7eb-def0a24c9812 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9dc563b0 It's 15 months since I acquired Saber Feedback. I talk about the challenges I've faced so far, the bottleneck I'm currently facing, and where things are headed.

  • Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveofmcleod
  • Bootstrapped on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bootstrapped_fm

 

]]> It's 15 months since I acquired Saber Feedback. I talk about the challenges I've faced so far, the bottleneck I'm currently facing, and where things are headed.

  • Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveofmcleod
  • Bootstrapped on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bootstrapped_fm

 

]]> Fri, 23 Jul 2021 06:22:24 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1187 It's 15 months since I acquired Saber Feedback. I talk about the challenges I've faced so far, the bottleneck I'm currently facing, and where things are headed.

  • Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveofmcleod
  • Bootstrapped on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bootstrapped_fm

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #188: Switching from Bootstrapped to Investor-Funded, with Craig Hewitt of Castos 188 188 #188: Switching from Bootstrapped to Investor-Funded, with Craig Hewitt of Castos full a6156ae6-06ab-4d9e-9042-763fd59e3ef0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5c9c1c4c Craig Hewitt runs Castos, a podcast hosting and analytics company. He returns to the show to talk about why he recently sold a chunk of his bootstrapped company to a round of investors.

Links:

 

]]> Craig Hewitt runs Castos, a podcast hosting and analytics company. He returns to the show to talk about why he recently sold a chunk of his bootstrapped company to a round of investors.

Links:

 

]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2021 02:57:07 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1859 Craig Hewitt runs Castos, a podcast hosting and analytics company. He returns to the show to talk about why he recently sold a chunk of his bootstrapped company to a round of investors.

Links:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #189: The agony of the enterprise sale process, with Ed Freyfogle 189 189 #189: The agony of the enterprise sale process, with Ed Freyfogle full efd6242c-ce9f-4105-8bdb-f924afe1ab17 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b15a5e63 Ed and Steve go in deep on some enterprise sales work they've both been doing lately for their bootstrapped, mostly self-service SaaS products.

]]> Ed and Steve go in deep on some enterprise sales work they've both been doing lately for their bootstrapped, mostly self-service SaaS products.

]]> Fri, 06 Aug 2021 01:52:31 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1796 Ed and Steve go in deep on some enterprise sales work they've both been doing lately for their bootstrapped, mostly self-service SaaS products.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #190: Resellers and product-based podcasts, with Peldi of Balsamiq 190 190 #190: Resellers and product-based podcasts, with Peldi of Balsamiq full ff72a9cf-733b-41a0-953f-2b7e1340a2a5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4335cd9d Peldi, founder of Balsamiq, drops by. We discuss two unrelated topics. First, resellers - why they exist and how to accommodate them. Second, the challenges and benefits of having a podcast for your product.

 

]]> Peldi, founder of Balsamiq, drops by. We discuss two unrelated topics. First, resellers - why they exist and how to accommodate them. Second, the challenges and benefits of having a podcast for your product.

 

]]> Fri, 13 Aug 2021 02:39:32 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1577 Peldi, founder of Balsamiq, drops by. We discuss two unrelated topics. First, resellers - why they exist and how to accommodate them. Second, the challenges and benefits of having a podcast for your product.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #191: On quietly successful SaaS businesses, and saying goodbye to our forum 191 191 #191: On quietly successful SaaS businesses, and saying goodbye to our forum full 689d7d69-f0d6-4448-b197-e4e68f21ddf9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b1298d86 In this solo episode, I talk about successful yet quiet SaaS business all around us. I also tell the full story of why our forum has been closed and put permanently into archive mode.

Recommended alternative communities to our now-closed community:

  • Indie Hackers - if you are just getting started and want to chat with others just getting started
  • Founder Summit (paid) - if your business is viable and you like to run a calm company
  • MicroConf Connect - “a space for founders and their teams of independently funded startups to connect with like minded individuals.”
  • MegaMaker (paid) - A community for bootstrappers
  • Find 10 or so people at a similar stage in your businesses and make a private Slack account.

 

]]> In this solo episode, I talk about successful yet quiet SaaS business all around us. I also tell the full story of why our forum has been closed and put permanently into archive mode.

Recommended alternative communities to our now-closed community:

  • Indie Hackers - if you are just getting started and want to chat with others just getting started
  • Founder Summit (paid) - if your business is viable and you like to run a calm company
  • MicroConf Connect - “a space for founders and their teams of independently funded startups to connect with like minded individuals.”
  • MegaMaker (paid) - A community for bootstrappers
  • Find 10 or so people at a similar stage in your businesses and make a private Slack account.

 

]]> Mon, 23 Aug 2021 04:24:15 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1156 In this solo episode, I talk about successful yet quiet SaaS business all around us. I also tell the full story of why our forum has been closed and put permanently into archive mode.

Recommended alternative communities to our now-closed community:

  • Indie Hackers - if you are just getting started and want to chat with others just getting started
  • Founder Summit (paid) - if your business is viable and you like to run a calm company
  • MicroConf Connect - “a space for founders and their teams of independently funded startups to connect with like minded individuals.”
  • MegaMaker (paid) - A community for bootstrappers
  • Find 10 or so people at a similar stage in your businesses and make a private Slack account.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #192: How the pandemic overturned my business, with Mark Littlewood of Business of Software 192 192 #192: How the pandemic overturned my business, with Mark Littlewood of Business of Software full 115e96e5-cfa3-4ec6-bab3-1a0fdcfee9d4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/80c23161 Mark Littlewood runs the Business of Software, a series of annual conferences to help us run our software companies better. Mark very openly shares how COVID-19 has hit his business, and his need to adapt almost overnight.

We talk about the upcoming Business of Software online conference, 27 - 29 September 2021, and how Mark's team make online events work.

 

]]> Mark Littlewood runs the Business of Software, a series of annual conferences to help us run our software companies better. Mark very openly shares how COVID-19 has hit his business, and his need to adapt almost overnight.

We talk about the upcoming Business of Software online conference, 27 - 29 September 2021, and how Mark's team make online events work.

 

]]> Fri, 27 Aug 2021 03:48:28 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1669 Mark Littlewood runs the Business of Software, a series of annual conferences to help us run our software companies better. Mark very openly shares how COVID-19 has hit his business, and his need to adapt almost overnight.

We talk about the upcoming Business of Software online conference, 27 - 29 September 2021, and how Mark's team make online events work.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #193: The fine details of the Saber Feedback acquisition 193 193 #193: The fine details of the Saber Feedback acquisition full c8fa4c92-b68b-4494-bc75-e34d5752fae1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/029bc41e If you've ever thought of selling your business, or acquiring one, you'll enjoy this episode. Matt Zeunert, founder of DebugBear, was curious about the details of my acquisition of Saber Feedback. So we switch roles for this episode, and the guest became the interviewer. Matt asks the questions, and I answer!

 

]]> If you've ever thought of selling your business, or acquiring one, you'll enjoy this episode. Matt Zeunert, founder of DebugBear, was curious about the details of my acquisition of Saber Feedback. So we switch roles for this episode, and the guest became the interviewer. Matt asks the questions, and I answer!

 

]]> Fri, 03 Sep 2021 03:12:15 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2117 If you've ever thought of selling your business, or acquiring one, you'll enjoy this episode. Matt Zeunert, founder of DebugBear, was curious about the details of my acquisition of Saber Feedback. So we switch roles for this episode, and the guest became the interviewer. Matt asks the questions, and I answer!

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #194: We talk about our vacations 194 194 #194: We talk about our vacations full 6f2cfa10-95b1-4631-8329-f2d934cac49a https://share.transistor.fm/s/11d4243c It's good to take a break!

In this episode Ed and I get self-indulgent and talk about our vacations. From time to time we make a tenuous link between our vacations and our  bootstrapped businesses.

 

]]> It's good to take a break!

In this episode Ed and I get self-indulgent and talk about our vacations. From time to time we make a tenuous link between our vacations and our  bootstrapped businesses.

 

]]> Fri, 10 Sep 2021 02:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1799 It's good to take a break!

In this episode Ed and I get self-indulgent and talk about our vacations. From time to time we make a tenuous link between our vacations and our  bootstrapped businesses.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #195: Back to School 195 195 #195: Back to School full a0091aa9-e8fd-4d72-8420-d6cff085b25b https://share.transistor.fm/s/f4927f24 Ed and Steve talk about the challenge of continuing to learn how to run our businesses better, and the challenges we encounter in ongoing learning.

 

]]> Ed and Steve talk about the challenge of continuing to learn how to run our businesses better, and the challenges we encounter in ongoing learning.

 

]]> Fri, 17 Sep 2021 05:45:14 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1686 Ed and Steve talk about the challenge of continuing to learn how to run our businesses better, and the challenges we encounter in ongoing learning.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #196: Our Mental Wellbeing as Bootstrappers, with Robin Warren 196 196 #196: Our Mental Wellbeing as Bootstrappers, with Robin Warren full c83cd46a-d39e-46b6-ace6-8b7a8f9b7ef6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/398c2ac1 Three-time guest Robin Warren, founder of Corrello, achieves "very infrequent guest co-host" status. We chat about a number of aspects of mental wellbeing for bootstrappers - getting out of the house, taking breaks, dealing with boredom, and making your business less dependent on you.

Show links:

 

]]> Three-time guest Robin Warren, founder of Corrello, achieves "very infrequent guest co-host" status. We chat about a number of aspects of mental wellbeing for bootstrappers - getting out of the house, taking breaks, dealing with boredom, and making your business less dependent on you.

Show links:

 

]]> Fri, 24 Sep 2021 07:54:24 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1960 Three-time guest Robin Warren, founder of Corrello, achieves "very infrequent guest co-host" status. We chat about a number of aspects of mental wellbeing for bootstrappers - getting out of the house, taking breaks, dealing with boredom, and making your business less dependent on you.

Show links:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #197: Life is unpredictable, and a pricing experiment 197 197 #197: Life is unpredictable, and a pricing experiment full 7270d23b-8846-4068-a1fa-3b559403edc2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/292410c2 Ed is recovering from an accident, so Steve goes solo in this episode. Ed's accident gets Steve musing on the unpredictability of life, and what we can do to partly prepare ourselves and our businesses for this.

Steve then abruptly changes topic and challenges all listeners to make a bold pricing experiment.

Email Steve at steve @ barbarysoftware dot com

Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveofmcleod

 

]]> Ed is recovering from an accident, so Steve goes solo in this episode. Ed's accident gets Steve musing on the unpredictability of life, and what we can do to partly prepare ourselves and our businesses for this.

Steve then abruptly changes topic and challenges all listeners to make a bold pricing experiment.

Email Steve at steve @ barbarysoftware dot com

Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveofmcleod

 

]]> Fri, 01 Oct 2021 09:21:16 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1211 Ed is recovering from an accident, so Steve goes solo in this episode. Ed's accident gets Steve musing on the unpredictability of life, and what we can do to partly prepare ourselves and our businesses for this.

Steve then abruptly changes topic and challenges all listeners to make a bold pricing experiment.

Email Steve at steve @ barbarysoftware dot com

Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveofmcleod

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #198: Backing up 170 Petabytes of customer data, with Simon Bennett of SnapShooter 198 198 #198: Backing up 170 Petabytes of customer data, with Simon Bennett of SnapShooter full ee24fec6-54d1-47af-bb57-9f062417de14 https://share.transistor.fm/s/56df9cad Simon runs SnapShooter, a service that performs scheduled server backups. We discuss:

  • why backups is NOT a dull business
  • how the pandemic pushed him to make the jump to full-time
  • charging his first customer just $2/month - and quickly learning to charge much more
  • a "I did a rm -rf on the wrong server" story

Links: 

]]> Simon runs SnapShooter, a service that performs scheduled server backups. We discuss:

  • why backups is NOT a dull business
  • how the pandemic pushed him to make the jump to full-time
  • charging his first customer just $2/month - and quickly learning to charge much more
  • a "I did a rm -rf on the wrong server" story

Links: 

]]> Fri, 15 Oct 2021 03:56:15 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1935 Simon runs SnapShooter, a service that performs scheduled server backups. We discuss:

  • why backups is NOT a dull business
  • how the pandemic pushed him to make the jump to full-time
  • charging his first customer just $2/month - and quickly learning to charge much more
  • a "I did a rm -rf on the wrong server" story

Links: 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #199: Creating a successful podcast with Jane Portman of UI Breakfast 199 199 #199: Creating a successful podcast with Jane Portman of UI Breakfast full ebdc206c-6746-44fe-b80a-504d99fb75f7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ca4b4a73 Jane Portman is the host of UI Breakfast, a podcast covering UI/UX design, products, marketing.  Jane recently crossed the  2 million downloads milestone. Jane and I discussed the journey from the first episodes, with almost no listeners, to where she is today.

Jane is also co-founder of Userlist. We discuss how Jane's podcasting experience helps with Userlist.

Links:

 

]]> Jane Portman is the host of UI Breakfast, a podcast covering UI/UX design, products, marketing.  Jane recently crossed the  2 million downloads milestone. Jane and I discussed the journey from the first episodes, with almost no listeners, to where she is today.

Jane is also co-founder of Userlist. We discuss how Jane's podcasting experience helps with Userlist.

Links:

 

]]> Fri, 22 Oct 2021 08:15:33 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2026 Jane Portman is the host of UI Breakfast, a podcast covering UI/UX design, products, marketing.  Jane recently crossed the  2 million downloads milestone. Jane and I discussed the journey from the first episodes, with almost no listeners, to where she is today.

Jane is also co-founder of Userlist. We discuss how Jane's podcasting experience helps with Userlist.

Links:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #200: Positioning for bootstrappers with April Dunford 200 200 #200: Positioning for bootstrappers with April Dunford full 3da2b399-bfd2-4fab-8b79-ddb05de2fc95 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e9bc1328 April Dunford has a well-deserved reputation as the expert in product positioning within the tech industry. April and I discussed how bootstrappers can go about product positioning.

Links:

 

 

]]> April Dunford has a well-deserved reputation as the expert in product positioning within the tech industry. April and I discussed how bootstrappers can go about product positioning.

Links:

 

 

]]> Fri, 05 Nov 2021 05:13:56 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2096 April Dunford has a well-deserved reputation as the expert in product positioning within the tech industry. April and I discussed how bootstrappers can go about product positioning.

Links:

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #201: Running an email newsletter business, with Peter Cooper of Cooperpress 201 201 #201: Running an email newsletter business, with Peter Cooper of Cooperpress full ada37bf6-ad04-4ade-8df8-c68ca4840c10 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9b89fa5e I chat with Peter Cooper, who runs several email newsletters, including JavaScript Weekly, Ruby Weekly, React Status, and Postgres Weekly. These all live under the collective banner of Cooperpress.

Links:

 

]]> I chat with Peter Cooper, who runs several email newsletters, including JavaScript Weekly, Ruby Weekly, React Status, and Postgres Weekly. These all live under the collective banner of Cooperpress.

Links:

 

]]> Fri, 12 Nov 2021 05:30:08 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2093 I chat with Peter Cooper, who runs several email newsletters, including JavaScript Weekly, Ruby Weekly, React Status, and Postgres Weekly. These all live under the collective banner of Cooperpress.

Links:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #202: Bridget Harris, co-founder of YouCanBookMe 202 202 #202: Bridget Harris, co-founder of YouCanBookMe full 663c743d-d519-4922-9e7f-58336af03e30 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c3fdaab2 Bridget is co-founder and CEO of YouCanBook.me, an online scheduling tool. I chat with Bridget Harris about the 10-year journey of starting and growing her company as a bootstrapped SaaS. Amongst other things we discuss the financial sacrifices bootstrappers have to make in a rapidly growing business.

Links:

 

 

]]> Bridget is co-founder and CEO of YouCanBook.me, an online scheduling tool. I chat with Bridget Harris about the 10-year journey of starting and growing her company as a bootstrapped SaaS. Amongst other things we discuss the financial sacrifices bootstrappers have to make in a rapidly growing business.

Links:

 

 

]]> Fri, 19 Nov 2021 06:12:59 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2004 Bridget is co-founder and CEO of YouCanBook.me, an online scheduling tool. I chat with Bridget Harris about the 10-year journey of starting and growing her company as a bootstrapped SaaS. Amongst other things we discuss the financial sacrifices bootstrappers have to make in a rapidly growing business.

Links:

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #203: A recap of the interview mini-season 203 203 #203: A recap of the interview mini-season full b1374818-1854-4df9-abb9-96af7786cd6e https://share.transistor.fm/s/6bcb3c46 I conclude the mini season of interviews with a brief summary of the five interviews I conducted. A few weeks ago, my cohost had a cycling that student that broke his jaw. As a result he had to take a break from the podcast while he was recovering. In the meantime, I invited a few people to come onto the podcast and talk about their businesses, their work and themselves.

The episodes:

]]> I conclude the mini season of interviews with a brief summary of the five interviews I conducted. A few weeks ago, my cohost had a cycling that student that broke his jaw. As a result he had to take a break from the podcast while he was recovering. In the meantime, I invited a few people to come onto the podcast and talk about their businesses, their work and themselves.

The episodes:

]]> Fri, 26 Nov 2021 07:02:43 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 800 I conclude the mini season of interviews with a brief summary of the five interviews I conducted. A few weeks ago, my cohost had a cycling that student that broke his jaw. As a result he had to take a break from the podcast while he was recovering. In the meantime, I invited a few people to come onto the podcast and talk about their businesses, their work and themselves.

The episodes:

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #204: Ed can speak again 204 204 #204: Ed can speak again full 104a8d96-05c6-40e7-be04-42bd72986bc3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/714f2350 Ed tells us about his accident he had, and the impact it had on his life and business. He also talks about how it got him reflecting about his business.

 

]]> Ed tells us about his accident he had, and the impact it had on his life and business. He also talks about how it got him reflecting about his business.

 

]]> Fri, 03 Dec 2021 06:45:47 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1329 Ed tells us about his accident he had, and the impact it had on his life and business. He also talks about how it got him reflecting about his business.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #205: A rapid Saber Feedback update 205 205 #205: A rapid Saber Feedback update full 21dc7659-ec4a-4818-a7d4-91a6993b62ac https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d531de5 I give Ed an update on what I've achieved on Saber Feedback in recent months.

A new app design, ripping out the SPA architecture, replacing our payment processor with Paddle, and hiring a marketing assistant. It's been busy!

If you have a friend or colleague or acquaintance who you think would enjoy this episode, please let them know about it!

 

]]> I give Ed an update on what I've achieved on Saber Feedback in recent months.

A new app design, ripping out the SPA architecture, replacing our payment processor with Paddle, and hiring a marketing assistant. It's been busy!

If you have a friend or colleague or acquaintance who you think would enjoy this episode, please let them know about it!

 

]]> Fri, 10 Dec 2021 07:11:01 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1676 I give Ed an update on what I've achieved on Saber Feedback in recent months.

A new app design, ripping out the SPA architecture, replacing our payment processor with Paddle, and hiring a marketing assistant. It's been busy!

If you have a friend or colleague or acquaintance who you think would enjoy this episode, please let them know about it!

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #206: Looking back at our goals for 2021 206 206 #206: Looking back at our goals for 2021 full a352152c-09fd-4a3c-adcc-b4ea8cf912c9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b454ff17 Back in episode 163, Ed and I set our goals for 2021. In this episode we look back at those goals and we ask ourselves, how well did we do in achieving them?

Steve mentioned the Catalan Christmas tradition of Caga Tió. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about Caga Tió.

]]> Back in episode 163, Ed and I set our goals for 2021. In this episode we look back at those goals and we ask ourselves, how well did we do in achieving them?

Steve mentioned the Catalan Christmas tradition of Caga Tió. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about Caga Tió.

]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2021 04:26:15 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1755 Back in episode 163, Ed and I set our goals for 2021. In this episode we look back at those goals and we ask ourselves, how well did we do in achieving them?

Steve mentioned the Catalan Christmas tradition of Caga Tió. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about Caga Tió.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #207: Our goals for 2022 207 207 #207: Our goals for 2022 full 9650e460-2533-44e2-8131-dffdb3d2b79c https://share.transistor.fm/s/cd204805 Ed and I discuss the goals we'd like to achieve in 2022.

While we were recording this episode, we had some problems with our recording software. Now I was able to rescue the recording, but you will hear a few audio glitches.

In this episode, I mentioned that I'm hiring a part-time digital marketing expert for Feature Upvote. If you know someone who suits the position, please let them know.

]]> Ed and I discuss the goals we'd like to achieve in 2022.

While we were recording this episode, we had some problems with our recording software. Now I was able to rescue the recording, but you will hear a few audio glitches.

In this episode, I mentioned that I'm hiring a part-time digital marketing expert for Feature Upvote. If you know someone who suits the position, please let them know.

]]> Fri, 24 Dec 2021 10:58:05 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1660 Ed and I discuss the goals we'd like to achieve in 2022.

While we were recording this episode, we had some problems with our recording software. Now I was able to rescue the recording, but you will hear a few audio glitches.

In this episode, I mentioned that I'm hiring a part-time digital marketing expert for Feature Upvote. If you know someone who suits the position, please let them know.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #208: The dismal deeds of a desperate competitor 208 208 #208: The dismal deeds of a desperate competitor full 68d99176-6a9b-4bd2-b921-079278b1b9d7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2167dc6a This week I go solo and rant about the dismal deeds of a desperate competitor. I also talk about the freedom that bootstrapping gives us to change our approach, our style, our audience while staying true to the nature of what we do.

 

]]> This week I go solo and rant about the dismal deeds of a desperate competitor. I also talk about the freedom that bootstrapping gives us to change our approach, our style, our audience while staying true to the nature of what we do.

 

]]> Fri, 14 Jan 2022 06:52:14 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1045 This week I go solo and rant about the dismal deeds of a desperate competitor. I also talk about the freedom that bootstrapping gives us to change our approach, our style, our audience while staying true to the nature of what we do.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #209: 50 tips for running a stress-free SaaS part 1 209 209 #209: 50 tips for running a stress-free SaaS part 1 full 83ebe964-fb6e-420a-aea1-81f1abe777fb https://share.transistor.fm/s/a7d64649 Ed Freyfogle shares with us his 50 tips for running a stress-free SaaS. This is based on Ed's talk he prepared for MicroConf late last year, but was unable to deliver due to misfortune.

There was a lot of good content in this recording and we recorded for much longer than usual. So we have split this recording over two episodes.

]]> Ed Freyfogle shares with us his 50 tips for running a stress-free SaaS. This is based on Ed's talk he prepared for MicroConf late last year, but was unable to deliver due to misfortune.

There was a lot of good content in this recording and we recorded for much longer than usual. So we have split this recording over two episodes.

]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2022 14:41:34 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1699 Ed Freyfogle shares with us his 50 tips for running a stress-free SaaS. This is based on Ed's talk he prepared for MicroConf late last year, but was unable to deliver due to misfortune.

There was a lot of good content in this recording and we recorded for much longer than usual. So we have split this recording over two episodes.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #210: 50 tips for running a stress-free SaaS part 2 210 210 #210: 50 tips for running a stress-free SaaS part 2 full 6b8bb471-7e93-4fd2-9ec6-148434022d00 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d5a3595d Part 2 of Ed Freyfogle's 50 tips for running a stress-free SaaS.

There was a lot of good content in this recording and we recorded for much longer than usual. So we have split this recording over two episodes. Part 1 is here.

]]> Part 2 of Ed Freyfogle's 50 tips for running a stress-free SaaS.

There was a lot of good content in this recording and we recorded for much longer than usual. So we have split this recording over two episodes. Part 1 is here.

]]> Fri, 28 Jan 2022 05:23:47 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1555 Part 2 of Ed Freyfogle's 50 tips for running a stress-free SaaS.

There was a lot of good content in this recording and we recorded for much longer than usual. So we have split this recording over two episodes. Part 1 is here.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #211: Strengthening company culture in a remote team with Peldi of Balsamiq 211 211 #211: Strengthening company culture in a remote team with Peldi of Balsamiq full bfa07bcc-832b-44c2-a210-6b55b472b831 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9fd0a01b Frequent guest Peldi, founder of Balsamiq, makes another welcome appearance.

We talk about some ways to strengthen company culture in a fully-remote team, we discuss advice that Peldi often gives to first-time entrepreneurs, and Peldi tells me why he might finally start with traditional product marketing - 14 years after he launched his product.

Find out more about Balsamiq's Office Hours.

 

 

]]> Frequent guest Peldi, founder of Balsamiq, makes another welcome appearance.

We talk about some ways to strengthen company culture in a fully-remote team, we discuss advice that Peldi often gives to first-time entrepreneurs, and Peldi tells me why he might finally start with traditional product marketing - 14 years after he launched his product.

Find out more about Balsamiq's Office Hours.

 

 

]]> Fri, 04 Feb 2022 05:23:38 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1849 Frequent guest Peldi, founder of Balsamiq, makes another welcome appearance.

We talk about some ways to strengthen company culture in a fully-remote team, we discuss advice that Peldi often gives to first-time entrepreneurs, and Peldi tells me why he might finally start with traditional product marketing - 14 years after he launched his product.

Find out more about Balsamiq's Office Hours.

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #212: When, if ever, should we refuse a customer? 212 212 #212: When, if ever, should we refuse a customer? full 7bc091d1-5af4-44c2-bf4a-98e0ce5d55bd https://share.transistor.fm/s/6f86fd49 We talk about Ed's launch of his new product line.

That leads into a meandering conversation about ethics and personal beliefs and values. In particular, when a customer signs up for our product and then we discover that customer is in a business that clashes with our own beliefs and values, what should we do and what can we do?

When is it right, ethically or legally, to refuse a customer?

 

]]> We talk about Ed's launch of his new product line.

That leads into a meandering conversation about ethics and personal beliefs and values. In particular, when a customer signs up for our product and then we discover that customer is in a business that clashes with our own beliefs and values, what should we do and what can we do?

When is it right, ethically or legally, to refuse a customer?

 

]]> Fri, 11 Feb 2022 05:11:29 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1469 We talk about Ed's launch of his new product line.

That leads into a meandering conversation about ethics and personal beliefs and values. In particular, when a customer signs up for our product and then we discover that customer is in a business that clashes with our own beliefs and values, what should we do and what can we do?

When is it right, ethically or legally, to refuse a customer?

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #213: Charles Perry, founder of RelaNet 213 213 #213: Charles Perry, founder of RelaNet full cd0b7f3c-1191-4060-b967-332591b83293 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2bb44fac Ed  interviews Charles Perry, founder of RelaNet. Charles was the co-host of Release Notes, a long-running podcast that Charles and his co-host recently ended.

It's a great conversation, addressing how, over the years, we change, our industries change, and how sometimes things do come to an end.

 

]]> Ed  interviews Charles Perry, founder of RelaNet. Charles was the co-host of Release Notes, a long-running podcast that Charles and his co-host recently ended.

It's a great conversation, addressing how, over the years, we change, our industries change, and how sometimes things do come to an end.

 

]]> Fri, 18 Feb 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1686 Ed  interviews Charles Perry, founder of RelaNet. Charles was the co-host of Release Notes, a long-running podcast that Charles and his co-host recently ended.

It's a great conversation, addressing how, over the years, we change, our industries change, and how sometimes things do come to an end.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #214: I hired a marketer 214 214 #214: I hired a marketer full 06dbce1f-924d-43df-94a6-c0a3c0f66ffc https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1c27f50 Ed and I chat about my recent experience hiring a marketing manager for Feature Upvote. Amongst other topics, we discuss how I went about finding the right person.   

]]> Ed and I chat about my recent experience hiring a marketing manager for Feature Upvote. Amongst other topics, we discuss how I went about finding the right person.   

]]> Fri, 25 Feb 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1855 Ed and I chat about my recent experience hiring a marketing manager for Feature Upvote. Amongst other topics, we discuss how I went about finding the right person.   

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #215: The domain name change that didn't go as planned, with Robert Brandl of ToolTester.com 215 215 #215: The domain name change that didn't go as planned, with Robert Brandl of ToolTester.com full cf334020-f37f-4e5e-90b4-fe996e14384e https://share.transistor.fm/s/3859e574 I chat with Robert Brandl, founder of ToolTester.com. We talk about Robert's recent experience changing the domain name of his website. It was an expensive experience, and one that, for a while, did not go to plan.

]]> I chat with Robert Brandl, founder of ToolTester.com. We talk about Robert's recent experience changing the domain name of his website. It was an expensive experience, and one that, for a while, did not go to plan.

]]> Fri, 04 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1969 I chat with Robert Brandl, founder of ToolTester.com. We talk about Robert's recent experience changing the domain name of his website. It was an expensive experience, and one that, for a while, did not go to plan.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #216: Trademarking your bootstrapped business 216 216 #216: Trademarking your bootstrapped business full b363051f-f865-46b3-8c1d-d132fe0c9e25 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c5169827 Ed tells me why and how he obtained a trademark for his business. We discuss when it is worthwhile to do this. We then talk about the trouble with having competitors clone your product or website content.

Ed mentioned how we got the EU to refund most of the costs of obtaining a trademark. Learn about the EU's "Ideas Powered for business SME Fund" here.

 

]]> Ed tells me why and how he obtained a trademark for his business. We discuss when it is worthwhile to do this. We then talk about the trouble with having competitors clone your product or website content.

Ed mentioned how we got the EU to refund most of the costs of obtaining a trademark. Learn about the EU's "Ideas Powered for business SME Fund" here.

 

]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1608 Ed tells me why and how he obtained a trademark for his business. We discuss when it is worthwhile to do this. We then talk about the trouble with having competitors clone your product or website content.

Ed mentioned how we got the EU to refund most of the costs of obtaining a trademark. Learn about the EU's "Ideas Powered for business SME Fund" here.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #217: Brian Casel of ZipMessage 217 217 #217: Brian Casel of ZipMessage full d02ddc5d-f9b4-4182-b2c4-0d2c6e52ca0e https://share.transistor.fm/s/17604cad I talk with Brian Casel, founder of ZipMessage, an asynchronous video messaging tool.

Brian has created several successful products in the past, and sometimes ran them in parallel. But he recently sold his entire portfolio of products to focus on ZipMessage. Brian explains why he made this decision.  He also talks about why sometimes you need to shut something down, even if it does seem to be kind of, sort of working.

And we talk about the feeling when you realise that a new product is really getting traction.

Links:

 

 

]]> I talk with Brian Casel, founder of ZipMessage, an asynchronous video messaging tool.

Brian has created several successful products in the past, and sometimes ran them in parallel. But he recently sold his entire portfolio of products to focus on ZipMessage. Brian explains why he made this decision.  He also talks about why sometimes you need to shut something down, even if it does seem to be kind of, sort of working.

And we talk about the feeling when you realise that a new product is really getting traction.

Links:

 

 

]]> Fri, 18 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1814 I talk with Brian Casel, founder of ZipMessage, an asynchronous video messaging tool.

Brian has created several successful products in the past, and sometimes ran them in parallel. But he recently sold his entire portfolio of products to focus on ZipMessage. Brian explains why he made this decision.  He also talks about why sometimes you need to shut something down, even if it does seem to be kind of, sort of working.

And we talk about the feeling when you realise that a new product is really getting traction.

Links:

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #218: London, in-person events, crowded pubs 218 218 #218: London, in-person events, crowded pubs full a9242f41-eefd-40e7-b4d1-c367f008b648 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e2ec7906 Ed and I chat about Ed's recent trip to London, my upcoming trip to London, the return of in-person events, and getting exposed to ideas and concepts outside of our normal channels.

We mentioned Geomob and Business of Software.

In or near London? And interested in joining me for a Bootstrapped mini-meetup in central London on the evening of April 6th or 7th? Let me know at steve@bootstrapped.fm

 

]]> Ed and I chat about Ed's recent trip to London, my upcoming trip to London, the return of in-person events, and getting exposed to ideas and concepts outside of our normal channels.

We mentioned Geomob and Business of Software.

In or near London? And interested in joining me for a Bootstrapped mini-meetup in central London on the evening of April 6th or 7th? Let me know at steve@bootstrapped.fm

 

]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1576 Ed and I chat about Ed's recent trip to London, my upcoming trip to London, the return of in-person events, and getting exposed to ideas and concepts outside of our normal channels.

We mentioned Geomob and Business of Software.

In or near London? And interested in joining me for a Bootstrapped mini-meetup in central London on the evening of April 6th or 7th? Let me know at steve@bootstrapped.fm

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #219: Leaving bootstrapper life to be an employee again, with John Ndege 219 219 #219: Leaving bootstrapper life to be an employee again, with John Ndege full d3a7af82-f56b-414f-8143-ef839d6d1319 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0001530d Ed chats with John Ndege, a former bootstrapper, about how it feels no longer being one's own boss. 

John launched and grew a product, and he ultimately sold it. Afterwards, he went back to being an employee, working for a large corporation. Ed and John discuss the advantages and frustrations you might experience when you choose the path of going back to work for someone else.

Links:

  • John's website: https://www.johnndege.com/
  • John on Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnndege

 

]]> Ed chats with John Ndege, a former bootstrapper, about how it feels no longer being one's own boss. 

John launched and grew a product, and he ultimately sold it. Afterwards, he went back to being an employee, working for a large corporation. Ed and John discuss the advantages and frustrations you might experience when you choose the path of going back to work for someone else.

Links:

  • John's website: https://www.johnndege.com/
  • John on Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnndege

 

]]> Fri, 01 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1742 Ed chats with John Ndege, a former bootstrapper, about how it feels no longer being one's own boss. 

John launched and grew a product, and he ultimately sold it. Afterwards, he went back to being an employee, working for a large corporation. Ed and John discuss the advantages and frustrations you might experience when you choose the path of going back to work for someone else.

Links:

  • John's website: https://www.johnndege.com/
  • John on Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnndege

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #220: Adventures in Abandonware and WordPress 220 220 #220: Adventures in Abandonware and WordPress full 4f992932-faaa-46e2-bc52-357bd67375e3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/47edf7f4 Ed and Steve talk about a dilemma Steve is facing. An open source component heavily used by Feature Upvote has become abandoned by the maintainer, and Steve has to make a hard decision about how to deal with this.

We also talk about why and how Steve recently moved Feature Upvote's website from Jekyll to Wordpress. Yes, really, Wordpress.

 

]]> Ed and Steve talk about a dilemma Steve is facing. An open source component heavily used by Feature Upvote has become abandoned by the maintainer, and Steve has to make a hard decision about how to deal with this.

We also talk about why and how Steve recently moved Feature Upvote's website from Jekyll to Wordpress. Yes, really, Wordpress.

 

]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1881 Ed and Steve talk about a dilemma Steve is facing. An open source component heavily used by Feature Upvote has become abandoned by the maintainer, and Steve has to make a hard decision about how to deal with this.

We also talk about why and how Steve recently moved Feature Upvote's website from Jekyll to Wordpress. Yes, really, Wordpress.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #221: Brian Sierakowski of Baremetrics 221 221 #221: Brian Sierakowski of Baremetrics full fc82f747-20d8-4f52-8a85-be9f6558c158 https://share.transistor.fm/s/08b8595f My co-host Ed Freyfogle chats with Brian Sierakowski, general manager of Baremetrics. Brian stepped in to manage Baremetrics after it was acquired a year or so ago from the founder.

Ed and Brian discuss the challenges of taking over a complicated business,  Brian's trajectory from SaaS founder himself to running someone else's business, and how changing prices inadvertently gave him the chance to get valuable customer feedback.

]]> My co-host Ed Freyfogle chats with Brian Sierakowski, general manager of Baremetrics. Brian stepped in to manage Baremetrics after it was acquired a year or so ago from the founder.

Ed and Brian discuss the challenges of taking over a complicated business,  Brian's trajectory from SaaS founder himself to running someone else's business, and how changing prices inadvertently gave him the chance to get valuable customer feedback.

]]> Fri, 15 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1905 My co-host Ed Freyfogle chats with Brian Sierakowski, general manager of Baremetrics. Brian stepped in to manage Baremetrics after it was acquired a year or so ago from the founder.

Ed and Brian discuss the challenges of taking over a complicated business,  Brian's trajectory from SaaS founder himself to running someone else's business, and how changing prices inadvertently gave him the chance to get valuable customer feedback.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #222: Pierre de Wulf, co-founder of ScrapingBee 222 222 #222: Pierre de Wulf, co-founder of ScrapingBee full d3148c44-d14c-4b34-b1af-4cd2594c0b45 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a18628ec Ed chats with Pierre de Wulf, co-founder of ScrapingBee. Pierre tells us about the time his company almost got acquired - and how the deal fell apart at the final stage.

Links:

 

 

]]> Ed chats with Pierre de Wulf, co-founder of ScrapingBee. Pierre tells us about the time his company almost got acquired - and how the deal fell apart at the final stage.

Links:

 

 

]]> Fri, 22 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2128 Ed chats with Pierre de Wulf, co-founder of ScrapingBee. Pierre tells us about the time his company almost got acquired - and how the deal fell apart at the final stage.

Links:

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #223: When customer payments fail 223 223 #223: When customer payments fail full 97c63156-2574-4b43-9790-58f20f7a94e0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c2f82a81 We talk about why we are switching the podcast from weekly to fortnightly for a while. We also discuss headaches when customer payments fail and what we can do to address the problem.

Mentioned in this episode:

]]> We talk about why we are switching the podcast from weekly to fortnightly for a while. We also discuss headaches when customer payments fail and what we can do to address the problem.

Mentioned in this episode:

]]> Fri, 06 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1857 We talk about why we are switching the podcast from weekly to fortnightly for a while. We also discuss headaches when customer payments fail and what we can do to address the problem.

Mentioned in this episode:

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #224: Recalibrating prices, and Postmark got acquired 224 224 #224: Recalibrating prices, and Postmark got acquired full c88469e8-c5de-4d4a-aa1f-f0be973a7cff https://share.transistor.fm/s/8a9e7c20 Ed and I talk about how currency fluctuations are affecting our pricing. And we give our opinion on the recent acquisition of Postmark, a bootstrapping success story, by ActiveCampaign.

A brief note about an error in this episode: At one point I complain about a customer support problem I once had when trying to sign up for ActiveCampaign. After recording, I realised I had confused ActiveCampaign with CampaignMonitor. Let the record show that I've never had any experience with ActiveCampaign, good or bad! Apologies for my confusion.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> Ed and I talk about how currency fluctuations are affecting our pricing. And we give our opinion on the recent acquisition of Postmark, a bootstrapping success story, by ActiveCampaign.

A brief note about an error in this episode: At one point I complain about a customer support problem I once had when trying to sign up for ActiveCampaign. After recording, I realised I had confused ActiveCampaign with CampaignMonitor. Let the record show that I've never had any experience with ActiveCampaign, good or bad! Apologies for my confusion.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> Fri, 20 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1885 Ed and I talk about how currency fluctuations are affecting our pricing. And we give our opinion on the recent acquisition of Postmark, a bootstrapping success story, by ActiveCampaign.

A brief note about an error in this episode: At one point I complain about a customer support problem I once had when trying to sign up for ActiveCampaign. After recording, I realised I had confused ActiveCampaign with CampaignMonitor. Let the record show that I've never had any experience with ActiveCampaign, good or bad! Apologies for my confusion.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #225: BoS Europe 2022 retrospective 225 225 #225: BoS Europe 2022 retrospective full 303f50ee-a18a-48f5-8a33-c1ef2b221eee https://share.transistor.fm/s/75a15837 I first recorded this episode for the Business of Software podcast. I chat about the experience of attending the recent Business of Software Europe in-person event, together with Joe Leech, who was a speaker at the event.

Joe and I shared our thoughts on the event, Joe from the point of view of a speaker at the event, and me as an attendee.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> I first recorded this episode for the Business of Software podcast. I chat about the experience of attending the recent Business of Software Europe in-person event, together with Joe Leech, who was a speaker at the event.

Joe and I shared our thoughts on the event, Joe from the point of view of a speaker at the event, and me as an attendee.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> Fri, 03 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1701 I first recorded this episode for the Business of Software podcast. I chat about the experience of attending the recent Business of Software Europe in-person event, together with Joe Leech, who was a speaker at the event.

Joe and I shared our thoughts on the event, Joe from the point of view of a speaker at the event, and me as an attendee.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #226: Sponsoring events, podcasts, and newsletters with Peldi @ Balsamiq 226 226 #226: Sponsoring events, podcasts, and newsletters with Peldi @ Balsamiq full bc9d0b86-c22c-49c2-995f-f31c1da2c085 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2df5bf69 We are joined by a good friend of the podcast, Peldi Guilizzoni,  to discuss how to go about sponsoring events, newsletters, and podcasts to promote your product. In particular we talk about creative approaches that make your sponsorship stand out.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

 

 

]]> We are joined by a good friend of the podcast, Peldi Guilizzoni,  to discuss how to go about sponsoring events, newsletters, and podcasts to promote your product. In particular we talk about creative approaches that make your sponsorship stand out.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

 

 

]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1992 We are joined by a good friend of the podcast, Peldi Guilizzoni,  to discuss how to go about sponsoring events, newsletters, and podcasts to promote your product. In particular we talk about creative approaches that make your sponsorship stand out.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #227: Joining TinySeed with Nick Swan of SEOTesting.com 227 227 #227: Joining TinySeed with Nick Swan of SEOTesting.com full f76125e9-4808-4296-9efa-6e3b929beda3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0bfebe17 I chat with Nick Swan from SEOTesting.com. We discuss how Nick took on a co-founder for his already-established business, why Nick decided to no longer be a 1-person show, and most importantly how Nick sold a small part of his company in order to join TinySeed, a startup accelerator designed for founders who would traditionally bootstrap.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> I chat with Nick Swan from SEOTesting.com. We discuss how Nick took on a co-founder for his already-established business, why Nick decided to no longer be a 1-person show, and most importantly how Nick sold a small part of his company in order to join TinySeed, a startup accelerator designed for founders who would traditionally bootstrap.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> Fri, 01 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2142 I chat with Nick Swan from SEOTesting.com. We discuss how Nick took on a co-founder for his already-established business, why Nick decided to no longer be a 1-person show, and most importantly how Nick sold a small part of his company in order to join TinySeed, a startup accelerator designed for founders who would traditionally bootstrap.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #228: How to get backlinks (without feeling dirty) 228 228 #228: How to get backlinks (without feeling dirty) full 46613d50-2038-4f23-b9ef-aaae3685c623 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5f180c3f An effective content strategy for your product requires getting backlinks. In this episode, I share 9 strategies I use for getting backlinks for my product's website - without doing things that make me feel dirty.

Mentioned in this episode:

]]> An effective content strategy for your product requires getting backlinks. In this episode, I share 9 strategies I use for getting backlinks for my product's website - without doing things that make me feel dirty.

Mentioned in this episode:

]]> Fri, 15 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1383 An effective content strategy for your product requires getting backlinks. In this episode, I share 9 strategies I use for getting backlinks for my product's website - without doing things that make me feel dirty.

Mentioned in this episode:

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #229: Saying no to a generous acquisition offer, with Simon Bennett of SnapShooter 229 229 #229: Saying no to a generous acquisition offer, with Simon Bennett of SnapShooter full 7e2c49f1-dae6-4daa-b990-eeb9532e3ba5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/96ffada9 Simon Bennett, founder of SnapShooter, returns to the show. We chat about a generous acquisition offer Simon recently received for his company - and why he ultimately decided to not to be acquired. We also chat about Simon's new podcast, Ship SaaS Faster.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> Simon Bennett, founder of SnapShooter, returns to the show. We chat about a generous acquisition offer Simon recently received for his company - and why he ultimately decided to not to be acquired. We also chat about Simon's new podcast, Ship SaaS Faster.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> Fri, 05 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1888 Simon Bennett, founder of SnapShooter, returns to the show. We chat about a generous acquisition offer Simon recently received for his company - and why he ultimately decided to not to be acquired. We also chat about Simon's new podcast, Ship SaaS Faster.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #230: Introducing Pushing to Production 230 230 #230: Introducing Pushing to Production full 07393bfe-7998-47fc-8e81-00f5f6754633 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7d082e0f Something a bit different in this episode: we're playing an episode of the new Pushing to Production podcast, where Ed Freyfogle was the guest. It's a conversation about the technical stack Ed's product runs on. Lots of insightful discussion of the tech decisions you need to make in an API-based business.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

 

]]> Something a bit different in this episode: we're playing an episode of the new Pushing to Production podcast, where Ed Freyfogle was the guest. It's a conversation about the technical stack Ed's product runs on. Lots of insightful discussion of the tech decisions you need to make in an API-based business.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

 

]]> Fri, 19 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1999 Something a bit different in this episode: we're playing an episode of the new Pushing to Production podcast, where Ed Freyfogle was the guest. It's a conversation about the technical stack Ed's product runs on. Lots of insightful discussion of the tech decisions you need to make in an API-based business.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #231: Bad support loses customers, and payment failures 231 231 #231: Bad support loses customers, and payment failures full 048c1215-eaf5-4197-b032-d93945de8e00 https://share.transistor.fm/s/782be6bb I catch up with my frequent co-host, Ed Freyfogle, after a long summer break. Amongst other topics, we discuss how bad customer support will lose you customers. We also talk about yet more payment problems - a common theme on this podcast, and for SaaS businesses in general.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> I catch up with my frequent co-host, Ed Freyfogle, after a long summer break. Amongst other topics, we discuss how bad customer support will lose you customers. We also talk about yet more payment problems - a common theme on this podcast, and for SaaS businesses in general.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> Fri, 16 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2058 I catch up with my frequent co-host, Ed Freyfogle, after a long summer break. Amongst other topics, we discuss how bad customer support will lose you customers. We also talk about yet more payment problems - a common theme on this podcast, and for SaaS businesses in general.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #232: Running a WordPress agency, with Marc Jenkins of 16by9 232 232 #232: Running a WordPress agency, with Marc Jenkins of 16by9 full 1f55d7c3-595d-44d1-82c1-2bafe908cd3a https://share.transistor.fm/s/baefbcea I chat with Marc Jenkins, founder of 16by9, a small web studio that focuses on building WordPress sites. Marc and I talk about what its like to start and build up this type of company, and how, with some careful thinking, you can avoid letting your business become something you never wanted it to be.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> I chat with Marc Jenkins, founder of 16by9, a small web studio that focuses on building WordPress sites. Marc and I talk about what its like to start and build up this type of company, and how, with some careful thinking, you can avoid letting your business become something you never wanted it to be.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> Fri, 30 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1711 I chat with Marc Jenkins, founder of 16by9, a small web studio that focuses on building WordPress sites. Marc and I talk about what its like to start and build up this type of company, and how, with some careful thinking, you can avoid letting your business become something you never wanted it to be.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #233: Running a lifestyle business and proud of it 233 233 #233: Running a lifestyle business and proud of it full cd0d2958-b606-4cec-856e-838675f20f6f https://share.transistor.fm/s/bcb6c0e6 We have two guests interviewing each other! I invited two friends of the podcast, Andy Brice, and Robin Warren, to chat with each other about what it's like running a lifestyle business in 2022 compared to, say, 10 years ago. Although both Andy and Robin run what they call lifestyle businesses, they've taken different approaches, based on what they want to get out of their business.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

 

]]> We have two guests interviewing each other! I invited two friends of the podcast, Andy Brice, and Robin Warren, to chat with each other about what it's like running a lifestyle business in 2022 compared to, say, 10 years ago. Although both Andy and Robin run what they call lifestyle businesses, they've taken different approaches, based on what they want to get out of their business.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

 

]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1749 We have two guests interviewing each other! I invited two friends of the podcast, Andy Brice, and Robin Warren, to chat with each other about what it's like running a lifestyle business in 2022 compared to, say, 10 years ago. Although both Andy and Robin run what they call lifestyle businesses, they've taken different approaches, based on what they want to get out of their business.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #234: Ed's marketing catchup 234 234 #234: Ed's marketing catchup full 688af961-0fe5-40bc-829b-34a41ea8a1ef https://share.transistor.fm/s/3adb6c58 My frequent guest co-host Ed Freyfogle tells us about his recent marketing endeavours, including one that was inspired by April Dunford's "toilet talk". Toilet talk, you ask? All will be revealing during this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> My frequent guest co-host Ed Freyfogle tells us about his recent marketing endeavours, including one that was inspired by April Dunford's "toilet talk". Toilet talk, you ask? All will be revealing during this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1955 My frequent guest co-host Ed Freyfogle tells us about his recent marketing endeavours, including one that was inspired by April Dunford's "toilet talk". Toilet talk, you ask? All will be revealing during this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod Ed Freyfogle #235: Maeva Cifuentes, founder of Flying Cat Marketing 235 235 #235: Maeva Cifuentes, founder of Flying Cat Marketing full 69f2a7f8-5b3d-4eac-aaa0-e6a655ca1746 https://share.transistor.fm/s/89a118a9 I chat with Maeva Cifuentes, founder and CEO of Flying Cat Marketing, an SEO and content marketing agency. We discuss Maeva's journey from freelance translator to CEO of a successful marketing agency. Maeva also shares with us some practical SEO tips.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> I chat with Maeva Cifuentes, founder and CEO of Flying Cat Marketing, an SEO and content marketing agency. We discuss Maeva's journey from freelance translator to CEO of a successful marketing agency. Maeva also shares with us some practical SEO tips.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> Fri, 18 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1937 I chat with Maeva Cifuentes, founder and CEO of Flying Cat Marketing, an SEO and content marketing agency. We discuss Maeva's journey from freelance translator to CEO of a successful marketing agency. Maeva also shares with us some practical SEO tips.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #236: Steve McLeod, founder of Feature Upvote 236 236 #236: Steve McLeod, founder of Feature Upvote full 39433748-ac7f-49c9-87d2-ed2a98d4cfbc https://share.transistor.fm/s/9e094fb3 I'm the guest on my own podcast! A year ago, Ben Pages joined my company, Feature Upvote, to be our marketing manager. Ben had questions about the early days of Feature Upvote, and how this product came to be. He also wanted to know the origin of my low-stress approach to running a business. We thought, why keep this conversation to ourselves? Why not record it as a podcast interview, and share it with you? And that is exactly what we did for this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Bob Dylan quote I mis-remembered in this episode is:

A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.

 

]]> I'm the guest on my own podcast! A year ago, Ben Pages joined my company, Feature Upvote, to be our marketing manager. Ben had questions about the early days of Feature Upvote, and how this product came to be. He also wanted to know the origin of my low-stress approach to running a business. We thought, why keep this conversation to ourselves? Why not record it as a podcast interview, and share it with you? And that is exactly what we did for this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Bob Dylan quote I mis-remembered in this episode is:

A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.

 

]]> Fri, 02 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2023 I'm the guest on my own podcast! A year ago, Ben Pages joined my company, Feature Upvote, to be our marketing manager. Ben had questions about the early days of Feature Upvote, and how this product came to be. He also wanted to know the origin of my low-stress approach to running a business. We thought, why keep this conversation to ourselves? Why not record it as a podcast interview, and share it with you? And that is exactly what we did for this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Bob Dylan quote I mis-remembered in this episode is:

A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #237: Michael Koper, founder of Nusii 237 237 #237: Michael Koper, founder of Nusii full 8c46bb23-8bf4-4103-a70c-91a55b98d6ef https://share.transistor.fm/s/8c61cebb I chat with Michael Koper, founder of Nusii. We talk about what it's like when your product spends several years at a revenue plateau.

Mentioned in this episode:

]]> I chat with Michael Koper, founder of Nusii. We talk about what it's like when your product spends several years at a revenue plateau.

Mentioned in this episode:

]]> Sun, 12 Mar 2023 10:22:41 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1541 I chat with Michael Koper, founder of Nusii. We talk about what it's like when your product spends several years at a revenue plateau.

Mentioned in this episode:

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #238: B2B SaaS design with Nathan Powell 238 238 #238: B2B SaaS design with Nathan Powell full a9a5f4f4-cd10-482b-b368-19270be60a98 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d406c4b7 I chat with Nathan Powell, freelance product designer whose work these days is mainly with B2B SaaS. We chat about how developer founders can go about improving their app's UX and general design.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> I chat with Nathan Powell, freelance product designer whose work these days is mainly with B2B SaaS. We chat about how developer founders can go about improving their app's UX and general design.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> Fri, 23 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2019 I chat with Nathan Powell, freelance product designer whose work these days is mainly with B2B SaaS. We chat about how developer founders can go about improving their app's UX and general design.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #239: Our Business Heroes with The Gross Profit Podcast 239 239 #239: Our Business Heroes with The Gross Profit Podcast full 59061991-84ae-4c9b-9994-a5987c0f88ef https://share.transistor.fm/s/3b0b1f62 I was recently a guest on The Gross Profit podcast, hosted by James Kennedy. In that interview, James and I talked about our business heros, and well, it seemed to me that the conversation was a perfect fit for this podcast too.

So, with James's permission, I'm sharing with you here the entire episode of The Gross Profit podcast in which I was interviewed.

 

]]> I was recently a guest on The Gross Profit podcast, hosted by James Kennedy. In that interview, James and I talked about our business heros, and well, it seemed to me that the conversation was a perfect fit for this podcast too.

So, with James's permission, I'm sharing with you here the entire episode of The Gross Profit podcast in which I was interviewed.

 

]]> Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:02:17 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 2332 I was recently a guest on The Gross Profit podcast, hosted by James Kennedy. In that interview, James and I talked about our business heros, and well, it seemed to me that the conversation was a perfect fit for this podcast too.

So, with James's permission, I'm sharing with you here the entire episode of The Gross Profit podcast in which I was interviewed.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #240: Why I repositioned Feature Upvote to the video game industry 240 240 #240: Why I repositioned Feature Upvote to the video game industry full 6e712f4d-3f1a-431c-be57-8b70347ff9b1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dc68e8c4 I want to tell you what's happening with my product, Feature Upvote, over the last year or so. I've dramatically changed the positioning, to be a feedback management platform for the video games industry.

Here's the story of why I repositioned - and how I did it.

Check out the new "video games industry"-focused Feature Upvote home page.

 

]]> I want to tell you what's happening with my product, Feature Upvote, over the last year or so. I've dramatically changed the positioning, to be a feedback management platform for the video games industry.

Here's the story of why I repositioned - and how I did it.

Check out the new "video games industry"-focused Feature Upvote home page.

 

]]> Mon, 21 Apr 2025 10:32:37 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 1101 I want to tell you what's happening with my product, Feature Upvote, over the last year or so. I've dramatically changed the positioning, to be a feedback management platform for the video games industry.

Here's the story of why I repositioned - and how I did it.

Check out the new "video games industry"-focused Feature Upvote home page.

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #241: Podcasting 241 241 #241: Podcasting full 1959b7ff-b451-405b-95fd-a93e161f1a69 https://share.transistor.fm/s/10d9aee8 In this episode, I talk about how I'm using podcasting as a business tool. Not as a guest, not to promote my product, not as an advertiser, but as a way to build up and strengthen my network amongst my "Ideal Customer Profile" in the video games industry.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> In this episode, I talk about how I'm using podcasting as a business tool. Not as a guest, not to promote my product, not as an advertiser, but as a way to build up and strengthen my network amongst my "Ideal Customer Profile" in the video games industry.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> Wed, 14 May 2025 09:19:17 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 951 In this episode, I talk about how I'm using podcasting as a business tool. Not as a guest, not to promote my product, not as an advertiser, but as a way to build up and strengthen my network amongst my "Ideal Customer Profile" in the video games industry.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #242: Boredeom 242 242 #242: Boredeom full 0824f5f2-7d3a-4857-9458-8fca2e4e3b17 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e84f135d When you run your own little software company, be it a SaaS or old school downloadable software, and you've been doing it for several years, and you've got through the major initial challenges that were interesting and fun and rewarding to conquer in the first few years, and you've now got to that point where your product revenue is stable, and your product is pretty much feature complete, it becomes boring.

Here's 3 projects I've been working on to alleviate my bootstrapper boredom, while not putting my company in peril.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> When you run your own little software company, be it a SaaS or old school downloadable software, and you've been doing it for several years, and you've got through the major initial challenges that were interesting and fun and rewarding to conquer in the first few years, and you've now got to that point where your product revenue is stable, and your product is pretty much feature complete, it becomes boring.

Here's 3 projects I've been working on to alleviate my bootstrapper boredom, while not putting my company in peril.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:11:14 -0400 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 718 When you run your own little software company, be it a SaaS or old school downloadable software, and you've been doing it for several years, and you've got through the major initial challenges that were interesting and fun and rewarding to conquer in the first few years, and you've now got to that point where your product revenue is stable, and your product is pretty much feature complete, it becomes boring.

Here's 3 projects I've been working on to alleviate my bootstrapper boredom, while not putting my company in peril.

Mentioned in this episode:

 

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod #243: The End 243 243 #243: The End full 5013f45e-1a33-45d5-8af1-1d64cded6172 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1b3aba87 The time has come to finally put this mostly abandoned podcast to rest. It's kind of a sad day for me but it is time to do this.

Thank you listeners, thank you to Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov who gave me this podcast to take over, and thank you to Ed Freyfogle for co-hosting many episodes.


So long, farewell, adios.

]]> The time has come to finally put this mostly abandoned podcast to rest. It's kind of a sad day for me but it is time to do this.

Thank you listeners, thank you to Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov who gave me this podcast to take over, and thank you to Ed Freyfogle for co-hosting many episodes.


So long, farewell, adios.

]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:43:19 -0500 Steve McLeod Steve McLeod 139 The time has come to finally put this mostly abandoned podcast to rest. It's kind of a sad day for me but it is time to do this.

Thank you listeners, thank you to Ian Landsman and Andrey Butov who gave me this podcast to take over, and thank you to Ed Freyfogle for co-hosting many episodes.


So long, farewell, adios.

]]> bootstrapping, technology, software business No Steve McLeod