My comprehensive year in review covering personal achievements, business developments, and investment strategies in 2024. I share a detailed breakdowns of my wealth allocation, business portfolio performance, and social media growth. The review emphasizes a shift toward business simplification, increased focus on AI and technology integration, and the importance of building sustainable, scalable ventures.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:38 Biggest wins
05:54 Biggest losses and lessons
11:47 - Q&A from social media
18:00 - Growth across social platforms
25:00 - Wealth breakdown and investments
33:03 - Business updates
48:16 - Productivity gains
50:48 - New insights and learnings

Key Points:
• Personal milestone of having first child and significant net worth achievement
• Business portfolio performance across Late Checkout Agency, Boring Marketing, and other ventures
• Portfolio breakdown: 75% stocks, 16% private equity, 7% real estate, 2% crypto
• Platform growth across YouTube (11K to 146K subscribers), X/Twitter (361K to 420K followers)
• Strategic shift toward simplification and focus on building "skyscrapers, not strip malls"

1) BIG WINS 2024:

• Had a baby 
• Started lifting consistently (+15-20 lbs muscle)
• Grew podcast into major platform
• Hit personal net worth milestone

2) Portfolio breakdown (fascinating):

• 75% stocks
• 16% private equity
• 7% real estate
• 2% crypto

Top holdings:
• 10% Berkshire
• 10% SPY
• 8% Apple
• 7% Amazon

3) Business Updates:

Late Checkout Agency (LCA):
• Found their niche: AI interfaces + community products
• Booked solid with major brands
• Started taking equity deals with billion-dollar companies

 Boring Marketing & Boring Ads:

• Both crushing it
• $100M+ in ad spend managed
• 76 meetings booked in next few weeks
• Unbundling tools for DIY customers
• Created Boring Holdings umbrella company

5) Key productivity unlocks:

• Switched to Yerba Mate for afternoon energy
• Simplified from Notion to Apple Notes
• Using Things app for to-do lists
• Less tools, more focus

6) Platform Growth 2024:

YouTube: 11K → 146K subs
X: 361K → 420K followers
LinkedIn: 82K → 149K
Newsletter: 72K → 120K subs
Podcast: 360K → 575K downloads

7) Best decision framework:

"Friday Afternoon Test"

- Only make big decisions Friday PM when tired
- If it still feels right then, it's probably right
- Prevents caffeine-fueled impulse choices

8/ MAJOR hiring insight:

"Day Zero Integrity Test"
• Give unclear instructions for small task
• See if they ask questions or just guess
• Reveals everything about future behavior

9/ Key lessons:

• Trust but verify (especially with remote teams)
• Simple over Complex
• Double down on what's working
• Build skyscrapers, not strip malls
• Tech investment over immediate profits

10) 2025 Focus:

• Finding long-term business partners
• Building more proprietary tech
• Simplifying business structure
• Going harder on current opportunities
• Scaling what works

Notable Quotes:
"If this scales, do I want to be in that business? If not, what is the business that I want to be in?"
"My main mission is to build skyscrapers, not strip malls."

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

Join me as I chat with  Daniel Dalen, CEO and Founder of Ecomflow, as we explore various startup ideas and business opportunities, focusing on embeddable businesses and the Shopify ecosystem. We discuss the potential of credibility badges, analyzing both successful and unsuccessful business concepts while sharing insights on product development, aesthetics, and bootstrapping versus venture capital approaches.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:39 - Startup Idea 1: Best Product Plaques for Credibility
09:00 - Startup Idea 2: Embeddable Businesses
31:49 - Startup Idea 3: Shopify ecosystem opportunities
45:53 - Building sustainable businesses
59:47 - Content creation strategy discussion

Key Points:
• Discussion of embeddable businesses and their potential in 2025
• Analysis of credibility badges/plaques as a business model
• Deep dive into Shopify ecosystem opportunities
• Insights on aesthetic vs luxury software products

1) First startup idea: "Best Product of Year" Certification Business

• Similar to Better Business Bureau model
• Sell digital badges + physical plaques to startups
• ~$200/year subscription model
• 99% margins, pure SaaS play
• Key challenge: Need massive distribution to create credibility

2) Second concept: "Embeddable Businesses"

• Greg built http://offerbutton.com as an example
• Place buttons/widgets on other people's websites
• Own digital real estate across the web
• Similar to "Sent with Superhuman" model
• Massive distribution potential through viral embedding

3) Fascinating insight on software categories:

Luxury Software is DEAD
Aesthetic Software is the FUTURE

• Users care more about design than status
• Example: People use Superhuman for its clean UI
• Shows they value design-thinking
• Growing trend in 2024+

4) On building Shopify apps:

• Massive opportunity in DTC ecosystem
• Need to deeply understand specific pain points
• Niche down (ex: CRO for specific industries)
• Can charge premium as money constantly flowing
• Avoid competing with Shopify's core features

5) Building mindset insights from Daniel Dalen:

• Bootstrap over VC if possible
• Focus on cash flow positive businesses
• Build with people who share your values
• Success = freedom to choose your projects
• Document over promote when building in public

6) Hot Take from Greg:

"The wealthiest people have the least amount of recurring meetings"

True wealth = control of your time
Automation over Meetings
Clear calendar = Clear mind

7) Key lesson on content:

Stop asking for likes/subs
Start asking for genuine feedback
Let quality speak for itself
Focus on documenting the journey
Real value drives real engagement

Notable Quotes:
"I feel like luxury software is old, and the new wave is gonna be aesthetic software." - Greg Isenberg
"The wealthiest people have the least amount of recurring meetings." - Greg Isenberg

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

FIND DANIEL ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/danielvandalen
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danieldalen/videos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danieldalen/

I share my experience growing from zero to 145,000 LinkedIn followers in 14 months, generating millions in revenue. I detail specific strategies for LinkedIn growth, including leveraging the new video tab, creating engaging story posts, and utilizing infographics. The presentation explains how to properly monetize a LinkedIn following through strategic content posting and lead magnet implementation.

This talk was given at Andrew Wilkinsons IP2 conference

Learn more about IP3
Andrew's Newsletter: https://neverenoughnewsletter.kit.com/signup
Andrew's Twitter/X: https://x.com/awilkinson
Andrew's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeverEnough2024

Episode Timestamps: 

00:00 - Intro
02:05 - The ACP Funnel Explained
02:50 - Case Study: BoringMarketing.com
04:42 - Tactical Tips for Going Viral on LinkedIn
06:10 - Leveraging Video Content on LinkedIn
08:10 - Crafting Compelling Stories for Engagement
09:46 - Using Infographics to Boost Engagement
10:31 - Monetizing Your LinkedIn Audience
12:16 - Creating Effective Lead Magnets

Key Points:
• LinkedIn in 2024 is comparable to Twitter in 2020 for viral growth potential
• Three main strategies for LinkedIn growth: video content, storytelling posts, and viral infographics
• Monetization through strategic lead magnets and post-editing techniques
• Building the ACP (Audience-Community-Product) funnel for business growth

1) The ACP Framework:
• Audience first
• Convert to Community
• Build Product for them
Example: Boring Marketer → Free community → $8M ARR SEO tool business

2) Why LinkedIn in 2025?
"LinkedIn right now is 2020 Twitter - it's fishing with dynamite"
Greg grew 125K followers in 14 months with just 15 hours of work 

3) LINKEDIN HACK #1: Video Content 

LinkedIn just added a video tab. Nobody knows this yet.
Two options:
• Faceless content with AI voiceover (use @elevenlabs)
• Record yourself

Pro tip: Videos are getting INSANE reach right now

4) LINKEDIN HACK #2: Stories that Convert
• Get someone to interview you
• Extract 15 career stories
• Focus on vulnerable moments
• MUST pair with photo of yourself
• Use storytelling frameworks

5) LINKEDIN HACK #3: Viral Infographics
• Find previously viral infographics
• Repost with credit
• Add universally agreeable caption
• Example: "This year's gonna be great" → 151K likes

6) THE MONETIZATION STRATEGY
Don't put links in original posts!
Secret sauce:
• Post content
• Wait 4 hours
• If more than150 likes, EDIT post to add link
• LinkedIn won't suppress it

7) LEAD MAGNET MASTERY:
Don't sell directly. Create valuable free content.
Example:
• Made startup ideas database
• 5,000 downloads in 30 days
• Segment in ConvertKit
• Nurture → Monetize later

8) KEY TAKEAWAY:
2025 will be HUGE for LinkedIn.
Start now while organic reach is insane.
Even 15 hours can build a massive following that drives millions in revenue.

Notable Quotes:
"LinkedIn is fishing with dynamite right now." - Greg
"I grew from zero to 125,000 followers with probably like 15 hours of work in 14 months." - Greg

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

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

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

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

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

Join me as I chat with Mike Hudack, CEO of Sling Money, as we deep dive into AI startup strategy by discussing frameworks for building AI companies, product development approaches, and go-to-market strategies. The conversation covers practical advice for entrepreneurs considering AI ventures, from choosing between B2B and B2C models to pricing strategies and competition analysis. Hudack shares insights from his experience at Facebook and current venture Sling Money.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:12 - AI agent framework and startup ideas
08:19 - Discussion of successful AI companies
16:20 - B2B vs B2C strategy
19:28 - Product development philosophy
25:20 - How to think about Competitors 
28:40 - Go-to-market strategies
33:46 - Pricing and monetization discussion
39:16 - Mark Zuckerberg's Perspective on AI

Key Points:
• Framework for AI agents: single clear action, instant feedback, bounded decisions, zero friction
• Three promising AI companies discussed: Greenlight (fin-crime), Granola (note-taking), Gradient Labs (customer service)
• B2C vs B2B strategy: B2C has higher potential but higher risk, B2B offers more predictable outcomes
• Product development approach: focus on solving genuine pain points and building with meaning

1) On picking AI startup ideas:

Look for repetitive, time-consuming tasks that:
• Have clear actions
• Provide instant feedback
• Make bounded decisions
• Create zero friction

Examples: Flight booking, restaurant reservations, scheduling

2) The most promising AI companies right now:

• Green Lite - Automating financial compliance
• Granola - AI-powered collaborative note-taking
• GradientLabs - Next-gen customer service
• Domu - AI debt collection with empathy

All solving specific, manual problems with tight feedback loops.

3) Framework for choosing what to build:

Run a "regret minimization" exercise:
• Imagine yourself 5-10 years in the future
• Consider all possible outcomes
• Pick something meaningful you'd be proud to work on
• Must be excited to wake up for it every day

4) On B2B vs B2C products:

B2B:
• Easier to validate
• Clear path to revenue
• Lower failure rate
• Smaller outcomes

B2C:
• Bigger potential upside
• Harder to get right
• Need to catch lightning
• More glory (if it works)

5) On pricing AI products:

Formula:
(Human labor cost saved + Emotional damage prevented) × (20-50% discount) = Your price

Pro tip: You CAN raise prices later if you build something people truly love.

6) Go-to-market strategy for AI products:

• Build in public
• Create early waitlists
• Find your core believers
• Let them help shape the product
• Focus on native content for your audience's platform

7) On competition:

Don't be afraid to copy primitives (basic features everyone needs)

BUT:
• Stay true to your vision
• Keep a mental tab on competitors
• Don't get sucked into being reactive
• Maintain consistent narrative

Most important lesson: Build something YOU deeply care about. The most successful products come from genuine passion, not just market opportunity.

Notable Quotes:
"We don't make services to make money, we make money to make better services." - Mike Hudack (citing Walt Disney/Facebook)
"If you build a thing which is beautiful and people love and has a place in their lives, you can charge more for it later." - Mike Hudack

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

FIND MIKE ON SOCIAL

Mike’s Website: https://hudack.com/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/mhudack
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhudack/
Sling Money: https://sling.money/

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into various lead generation strategies. Jonathan shares his strategies and frameworks for building a client pipeline without having a large online following. 

00:00 - Intro
03:13 - The Dream 100 Strategy
11:01 - The Canvas Strategy (for reaching out)
18:12 - Go Where Your Audience Lives
27:21 - The Power of Strategic Gifting
36:33 - Content Creation (if you choose to)
40:47 - Key Mindset Shift around Content Creation

1) The Dream 100 Strategy:
• Make a list of 100 people/orgs who already talk to your target audience
• Research their platforms, reach, content
• Focus on building relationships with them
• Can start with just 10-20 names

Example: Web design agency targeting founders? Start with podcast hosts, community leaders

2) The Canvas Strategy (for reaching out):
• Don't just ask for favors
• Focus on providing extreme value first
• Make thoughtful, detailed pitches
• Show you've done your homework
• Be patient and play the long game

3) Go Where Your Audience Lives:
• Join paid communities ($149/mo is nothing if you land 1 client)
• Lurk in Reddit threads
• Answer Quora questions in detail
• Participate in Discord servers
• Be the MOST valuable member

No promotion, just pure value.

4) The Power of Strategic Gifting:
• Doesn't need to be expensive ($5-50 can work)
• Make it personal and meaningful
• Think long-term relationship building
• One mentor landed a huge deal with a $50k guitar gift
• Small gestures = big memories

5) Content Creation (if you choose to):
• Focus on MASSIVE value over production quality
• Create 5+ hour detailed tutorials
• Answer common questions exhaustively
• "Low quality, high effort" is the new formula
• Example: mastering . com's 11-hour tutorials

6) Key Mindset Shift:

Stop obsessing over:
• Social media metrics
• Personal branding
• Complex marketing funnels

Start focusing on:
• High-leverage relationships
• Direct value creation
• Being present where your audience is

7) The ROI is INSANE:
• Single partnerships can generate millions
• One webinar can outperform months of ads
• Relationship-based leads convert better
• More sustainable than viral marketing
• Less stressful than being an "influencer"

Pro Tip: Review your Dream 100 list every quarter. Most businesses forget this and focus on low-leverage tasks instead.

Links Mentioned: 

The Dream 100 Google Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1a7d1GSZoJq_pT2Ptbvc9HsZWPxNsQDhRcUvT6d1V2Jw/edit?gid=0#gid=0

The Canvas Strategy Ep: https://youtu.be/fr5xG_bTV44

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL

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

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

00:00 - Intro
01:40 - Concept Behind Dr. AI and App Feature Overview
05:37 - Designing the User Experience
08:42 - Inspiration and Primitives in App Design
11:10 - User Experience and Simplicity
16:05 - Gamification and User Engagement
17:26 - Shareability and Marketing Potential
20:07 - History Feature and User Retention
21:14 - Symptoms Quiz Design
23:58 - Incorporating Sources and References
24:39 - Chatbot Functionality
25:33 - Marketing Strategy and Influencer Outreach
28:34 - Prompting for AI Responses
33:15 - Go-to-Market Strategy Discussion
37:14 - Identifying Target Influencers
41:04 - Pricing Structure and Revenue Models

1) The Core App Features:

• Skin scan for diagnosis
• Symptoms quiz
• Medical chatbot
• History tracking

Key insight: Keep it SIMPLE. Basic features done well better than complex features done poorly.

2) UX Design Strategy:

- Start with basic wireframes
• Copy "primitives" from successful apps
• Design for influencer marketing
• Put app name on key screens
• Make results instantly digestible

Pro tip: Design screens thinking about how influencers will showcase them in content.

3) Growth Strategy:

Target audience = concerned parents
Best channels:
• Mom influencers
• Family content creators
• Parenting communities

Look for creators with 250k+ views/video
Budget: $4-5k per 1M views

4)Monetization Structure:

Weekly pricing model works best:
• $4-7/week
• No free trial initially
• A/B test different prices
• Optimize for repeat users

Strategy: People will delete/resubscribe when needed

5) Technical Implementation:

- Use ChatGPT API with custom prompts
• Bypass medical disclaimers creatively
• Build clear diagnosis displays
• Include danger levels (1-5)
• Add sources for credibility

6) Marketing Angles:

- Target anxious parents
• Focus on peace of mind
• Show quick diagnosis stories
• Emphasize "should I see a doctor?" use case
• Leverage influencer storytelling

7) Key Success Factors:

• Heavy disclaimers
• Accurate diagnostics
• Simple UX
• Clear value prop
• Strong retention hooks

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

FIND ZACH ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/zach_yadegari

In this episode, I am joined by Dan Shipper, co-Founder and CEO of Every, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro
01:12 - Startup Idea 1: Advanced Voice Notes 
08:59 - Startup Idea 2: N of 1: Personalized Data Science Marketplace 
16:12 - Startup Idea 3: Great Books Reimagined
28:28 - Trend to Watch: Voice-First Products 
34:33 - Distribution Strategy for AI Apps

1) Advanced Voice Notes 

Imagine voice notes you can actually talk to!
- Record your thoughts while walking
• AI creates smart summaries
• Team members can "interview" the recording
• Get deeper context without endless follow-up questions

The future of media might be media you can talk to.

2) N of 1: Personalized Data Science Marketplace 

Remember Netflix's $1M algorithm challenge?
Now ANYONE can be a data scientist with GPT-4.
- Post personal/business datasets
• Set bounties for predictions
• Perfect for health tracking
• New way to do personalized science

Market size: Think Kaggle but for everyone.

3) Great Books Reimagined 

Classic literature is valuable but hard to digest.

The opportunity:
• AI-powered modern translations
• Format classics for specific audiences
• Create multimedia versions
• Add interactive elements

Two markets:
- Students (massive TAM)
- Business intellectuals (high willingness to pay)

4) The Luxury AI Paradox 

Key insight: As AI makes things cheaper, human-made becomes luxury.

Examples:
• Broadway shows
• Handmade clothing
• Mechanical watches

Opportunity: Look for what AI is making cheap, then create premium human-made alternatives.

5) Voice-First Products 

Huge trend: Kids growing up with voice interfaces (Apple Watch + Siri)

Opportunities:
• Voice-first travel booking
• Conversational commerce
• Voice-native discovery engines

TAM: Could capture 1-5% of existing markets just by being voice-first.

6) Distribution Strategy for AI Apps 

Dan's approach:
• Build media presence first
• Target like-minded audience
• Use early adopters for feedback
• Start with YouTube → funnel to email
• Product-led growth after initial traction

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

FIND DAN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/danshipper
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danshipper/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EveryInc/videos
Every: https://every.to
Spiral: https://spiral.computer/
Sparkle: https://makeitsparkle.co

Join me as I chat with Jacky Chou, a serial entrepreneur, as we dive deep into growth hacking opportunities. Jacky shares his strategies and frameworks for how to growth hack businesses using SEO and keyword research.

Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:46 Most AI companies are leaving money on the table
11:04 Paid Ads for InteriorAI
15:04 Jacky's million dollar SEO plan with Reddit
21:13 Other Neglected Platforms to beat VC-funded startups
24:57 Startup Idea 1: NSFW AI O.F. 
35:31 Community Building in 2024

1) Most AI companies are leaving money on the table

Case study: InteriorAI (by Pieter Levels)

- Missing out on ~50K/month
- Could monetize through affiliate content
- Should create blog targeting high-value keywords
- Opportunity for "retail rank & rent" ($1-2K/month per placement)

2) Jacky's million dollar SEO plan with Reddit:

- Find keywords where Reddit ranks #2 (tons right now!)
- Share your product as a "user" (no links!)
- Target all related long-tail keywords
- Look at AI-related terms (massive growth)
- Replicate across Quora, Medium, LinkedIn

3) Keyword Research Gold:

"AI video generator" trends:

- Search volume is exploding
- Reddit ranking #2 consistently
- CBC around $1.50
- Huge opportunity for indie hackers
- Most big players ignoring UGC platforms

4) Dark Horse Opportunity: Adult AI Market

- Extremely low keyword difficulty (KD: 2)
- High search volume
- Most competitors doing poor execution
- AI chat + OF management tools needed
- Mid 6-7 figures/month potential
(Not for everyone, but opportunity exists)

5) Community Building in 2024:

- @JackieChou hitting $80K/month
- Built from 15K YouTube subs
- Key: Sell transformation, not just community
- Focus on membership benefits
- Bundle partnerships/tools

Key Takeaway:

To win in 2024: Do what VC-funded startups won't:

- Target neglected platforms
- Create authentic content
- Build real communities
- Ignore "brand concerns" early
- Focus on actual user value

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIND JACKY ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/indexsy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacky-chou/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@indexsy/videos
Advise: https://advise.so/apply/

Join me as I chat with Omar Choudhry, a serial entrepreneur, as we dive deep into how to build and scale directories. Omar shares his strategies and frameworks for how to use AI and SEO to build and scale cash flowing directories.

Episode Timestamps
00:00 Intro
04:26 Overview of GuiltyChef.com
06:56 The Power of Schema in SEO
14:04 Traffic 
18:07 Monetization Potential
24:34 Overview of bestdubai.com
32:09 Live Cooking Session: Building a Directory
35:47 Using Apify for Data Scraping
39:54 Using Claude for organizing information and data
44:01 Setting Up Zapier for Automation
55:26 Formatting data on Claude 
1:06:42 Building a Comprehensive Directory

1) First directory: GuilteyChef.com

- AI-generated recipes from top restaurants
- Went from 0 to 100k monthly visitors in 7 months
- Built in ONE week as a side project
- Already monetizing with $2.99 recipe packs

Key insight: People want to recreate restaurant dishes at home

2) Second directory: BestDubai.com

- Bought domain for $1.2k (incredible deal)
- Competing with TripAdvisor in just 30 days
- AI-generated reviews & scores
- Automated everything

Smart move: Added referral tags to outbound links = restaurants see traffic source

3) The Tech Stack 

- Webflow for website
- Zapier for automation
- Claude AI for content
- Apify for data scraping
- Google Sheets as input
- Python snippets for formatting

No coding experience needed!

4) The Secret Sauce: Schema markup
Omar uses AI to generate perfect schema for each page

Why it matters:
- Helps Google understand content
- Gets rich snippets in search
- Ranks above established sites
- Most competitors do this wrong

5) The Process:

1. Get place ID from Google Maps
2. Scrape data using Appify
3. Format data for Claude
4. Generate content with AI
5. Push to Webflow CMS
6. Auto-generate everything

One place ID = complete page with images, content & SEO

6) Monetization strategies:
- Premium recipe packs
- Restaurant partnerships
- Ingredient affiliate links
- Sponsored listings
- Brand partnerships
- Custom AI tools

Pro tip: Let restaurants find YOU through analytics

7) Key Learning:
You can now compete with giants like TripAdvisor using:
- Smart AI automation
- Proper schema markup
- Geographic targeting
- Language optimization
- Clean UX design

Budget needed: Under $2k 

The future of directories is here. Time to build!

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

FIND OMAR ON SOCIAL

5 Day Sprint - Build with AI: https://www.skool.com/5-day-sprint/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omarchoudhry/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/OmarChoudhry
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarchoudhry/?originalSubdomain=uk

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into Black Friday Campaign strategy. Jonathan shares his strategies and frameworks for leveraging Black Friday regardless of what type of business you run. 

Episode Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
01:15 - The Importance of Black Friday for Businesses
04:21 - Types of Black Friday Sales
05:01 - Case Study: Endel's Renewal Strategy
08:49 - Comparing Strategies: MagicMind and AG1
12:48 - Apple's Unique Approach to Black Friday
14:25 - Creative E-commerce Strategies
20:12 - Bundling Products for Black Friday
22:51 - Startup Idea 1:  Black Friday Agency
27:55 - Gamifying Promo Codes
29:59 - Our Black Friday Buys
31:41 - Live Streaming as a Sales Strategy

1) The Store Credit Hack
Instead of basic "20% off" - tell customers they have $21.63 in store credit expiring soon

Why it works:
• Feels like "their money"
• Specific numbers boost authenticity
• Creates urgency

2) The Premium Play
How luxury brands do Black Friday:
• No discounts
• Give gift cards with purchase
• Example: Apple gives $200 credit
Keeps brand prestige while driving sales 

3) The Bundle Builder
Four Sigmatic's genius approach:
• Interactive bundle builder
• Unlocks bigger discounts at $59/$99
• Shows real-time savings
• Makes shopping fun
Steal this for your store 

4) The Bonus Stack
MagicMind's approach:
• Start with core discount
• Add digital product access
• Include physical gifts
• Stack more bonuses as week progresses

Psychology: Value over Discount

5) The Subscription Push
SaaS playbook:
• Offer renewal discounts
• Add exclusive bonuses
• Example: Endel does 50% off + premium gifts
• Works for any subscription business

6) The QVC Strategy
Modern twist:
• Run 12-hour livestream sales
• Show limited quantities
• Create FOMO
• Add exclusive bundles
• Perfect for influencer brands

7) The Campaign Timeline
Smart businesses:
• Plan 6 months ahead
• Start ads 3 days before
• Build waiting lists
• Layer in bonuses
• Peak on Friday

8) The Profit Reality
Truth bomb:
• Could make 1-2 months revenue in 1 week
• Some brands make yearly revenue
• Even "bad" years saved by Black Friday
• Ignoring it = leaving millions on table

Remember: Black Friday isn't just a discount day.
It's a strategic revenue event that can make your entire year.
Don't flub it

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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