Shows
Brick By BrickThe Secrets of Mindset, SEO, and AI in DevelopmentIn this episode, Mike and Jeff discuss the differences between 'done with you' and 'done for you' services, the psychological hurdles in learning to code, and the journey from novice to competent developer. They explore the Dunning-Kruger effect, the value of solving real problems with coding projects, and the fundamental importance of asking the right questions. Additionally, they delve into the intricacies of SEO, the impact of AI on various industries, and the future of local first development.00:00 Introduction: Done With You or Done For You?00:36 The Journey to Competence in Coding00:57 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome2024-08-0537 minBrick By BrickWhy Product Management Systems Will Not Save Your BusinessIn this episode, Jeff explains the importance of clarity over systems in product management and business. He talks about how lack of clarity in problem-solving, audience understanding, and requirements leads to inefficiency and pain. Mike also shares his insights on restructuring his business for better client fulfillment. They also touch on mental models like Gaul's Law and Chesterton's Fence to approach system changes wisely.00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Clarity00:26 Revamping Project Management Systems00:45 The Myth of the Perfect System02:42 Intuition and High-Leverage Tasks03:22 Customer Feedback and Practical Bets2024-07-2926 minBrick By BrickFrameworks For Idea Validation Plus Challenges of Founder-Led Sales and SaaS ChurnIn this episode of Brick by Brick, Mike and Jeff delve into the often overlooked topic of churn in SaaS businesses. They discuss the importance of reducing churn and ensuring customer retention. The conversation then shifts towards the challenges and strategies involved in founder-led sales, particularly in early-stage startups where founders must juggle multiple roles. Jeff provides insights on how developers can balance their focus between product development and sales feedback. They also explore frameworks and systems for validating SaaS product ideas, including the use of landing pages and customer feedback. The episode concludes with practical tips on how...2024-06-1032 minBrick By BrickInside the RevOps Engine: Tech Stacks, Importance of Live Events, and High-Leverage QuestionsIn this podcast episode, Mike and Jeff discuss a wide range of topics about business, sales strategies, and tools essential for entrepreneurs. Mike opens up by sharing his tech stack that runs his business, emphasizing the importance of in-person events for networking and learning. They also dive deep into the value of having a well-defined elevator pitch for any business context. Mike offers recommendations on essential sales and marketing tools, like Apollo.io and LinkedIn Sales Navigator, explaining how they help in lead generation and customer relationship management. The hosts dissect the psychology of sales, stressing the importance of...2024-05-2741 minBrick By BrickNavigating the Idea Maze: Worst First-Time Founder Ideas, Idea Mazes, and Why Now is the Best Time to Build SoftwareIn this podcast episode, the Mike and Jeff delve into how first-time founders often gravitate towards ideas like dating apps, two-sided marketplaces, and AI for various applications, and why these might be pitfalls. They discuss how established founders avoid these ideas due to inherent risks and challenges such as customer willingness to pay and competitive landscapes. The conversation transitions into anecdotes and strategies around entering new markets and the complexities faced. They also explore frameworks like 'Profit First' for financial health in business and mental models like Jevons' Paradox, emphasizing the potential explosion in software development due to AI...2024-05-2039 minBrick By BrickFrom Army Officer to Tech Entrepreneur: The Story of Stitch3D and the 3D RevolutionIn this episode of Brick by Brick, hosts Jeff Jakinovich and Mike explore the entrepreneurial journey of Clark Yuan, CEO and founder of Stitch3D, a company at the forefront of 3D technology. Clark shares insights from transitioning from an Army intelligence officer to a tech entrepreneur, the influence of Y Combinator's survival philosophy on startup success, and the pivotal role customer feedback played in refining Stitch3D's vision. The discussion highlights the challenges of finding product-market fit, the importance of non-dilutive funding, and how deliberate hiring impacts team culture and product development. Moreover, Clark gives practical advice on...2024-05-1342 minBrick By BrickSeventeen Year-Old Builds SaaS Company With Industry ExpertsJoin us for the latest episode of Brick by Brick where Vic Giurgiu, 17-year-old founder of Affistash.com walks through his story of building (and selling) his first company. He’s now onto building an affiliate marketing SaaS with industry experts in the US. The trio discusses how to validate ideas, selling in demos, and the best tech stacks to build scalable software companies with a lean team.Timestamps:00:00 Meet Vic: The Teenage SaaS Founder00:33 Introducing Brick by Brick: A Deep Dive into Vic's Journey01:52 Vic's Early Start: From Coding to En...2024-05-0642 minBrick By BrickHow To Find My First SaaS CustomersIn episode three of 'Brick by Brick', hosts Jeff and Mike explore strategies for acquiring the first customers SaaS businesses. The discussion begins with the challenges of converting cold audiences through ads and quickly shifts to actionable strategies for identifying and securing the initial customer base. Mike shares insights from his eight years of experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding the market, defining the problem, and identifying the target customer's job title. He introduces the 'Rule of Tens' framework, which focuses on achieving customer growth milestones by securing the first customer, then moving to ten, a hundred, and so...2024-04-2932 minBrick By BrickFrom Chaos to Clarity: The Secret Sauce to Accurate Software TimelinesIn episode two of Brick By Brick, hosts Jeff and Mike delve into the challenges and strategies of estimating timelines for software development. Jeff shares his journey from frustration to discovering practical frameworks for scoping tasks and asking the right questions to avoid the common pitfalls of software estimation. The discussion highlights the paramount importance of clarity in understanding the problem, the customer, and ensuring alignment within the team. They introduce the concept of assessing tasks based on their complexity and uncertainty, offering a novel approach to estimate more accurately. The episode also emphasizes the necessity of explicit documentation...2024-04-2223 min
Brick By BrickSaaS MVP Decoded: The Good, The Bad, The UglyThis episode of 'Brick by Brick' dives into MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) in the SaaS world. We talk about the great stuff, the problems, and the big oopsies of creating MVPs. Hear stories of success and mistakes from a SaaS builder and seller. Learn what works, what doesn't, and how to make your MVP shine. Perfect for anyone interested in SaaS, whether you're starting out or just curious. Tune in to get the scoop on MVPs!Connect with Mike: Twitter / X LinkedIn SaaS Lead Flow Connect with Jeff:2024-04-1039 min