Shows
The Aspiring Solopreneur263. [Re-Release] Why Nobody Notices Your Solo Business (and How to Fix It)Most solopreneurs make the mistake of trying to serve everyone and end up standing out to no one. In this short and punchy episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe dive into one of the most overlooked steps in building a successful solo business: positioning. They break down why niching down isn’t limiting, but rather the key to charging more, marketing smarter, and actually getting noticed. If you’ve ever said, “My product is for anybody,” this episode will make you rethink everything.
2026-01-1512 min
The Aspiring Solopreneur262. How to Build Systems That Support Work-Life Balance as a SolopreneurWhat if building a business that supports your life actually isn’t about hustle…but about resilience, systems, and intention?In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe sit down with Mike Lynch, creator, RV-lifer, automation strategist, and founder of Flywheel Factory, for a refreshingly honest conversation about what solopreneurship really looks like behind the scenes.Mike shares the truth most people won’t say out loud: it’s harder than you think, it takes longer than you expect, and the path rarely looks the way you planned. But it’s also where creativity...
2026-01-1331 min
The Aspiring Solopreneur261. [Re-Release] The Biggest Mistake Solopreneurs Make: Selling to “Everyone”Before you dive headfirst into your solopreneur journey, there are two things you absolutely need to nail down: your competition and your customers.In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Joe and Carly continue the series on the Solopreneur Success Cycle and break down why “everyone” is not your audience, how to spot opportunities your competitors are overlooking, and why creating personas (yes, even giving them names and backstories) can completely change how you connect with your market. Whether you’re refining your niche or just starting to sketch out your customer base, this episode will gi...
2026-01-0816 min
The Aspiring Solopreneur257. [Re-Release] How To Stop Shiny Object Syndrome From Wrecking Your WorkflowEver wonder which tools and services you actually need as a solopreneur, and which ones are just shiny distractions?In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe revisit one of the most debated sections of their book, Solopreneur Business For Dummies: setting up your company’s tools and services.From creating rock-solid SOPs to knowing when to outsource, to avoiding the dreaded “tool overload,” they break down how to make smarter choices that actually save you time. Plus, they share how AI can help today (and where it still falls short). If you’ve ever...
2025-12-2612 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur255. The Biggest Solopreneur Lessons from 2025 (What Actually Worked and What Didn’t)After years of working alongside solopreneurs, 2025 finally gave us something new: real data, real patterns, and real lessons we couldn’t ignore. In this episode, Carly and Joe step back from the nonstop AI conversation to unpack what actually moved the needle for solopreneurs this year, and what didn’t. From why “human-first” marketing is outperforming polished automation, to the growing importance of personal brand, systems, community, diversified income, and mental health, this is a practical, honest look at what it truly takes to build a sustainable solo business.If you’re heading into the next year w...
2025-12-1818 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur253. The December Reset Tricks Solopreneurs Swear ByIf the holidays feel like a chaotic mash-up of family gatherings, last-minute tasks, and pressure to magically “figure out next year,” this episode is your breath of fresh air. Carly and Joe break down why December is actually the perfect time to prep your business, without overhauling your life, and how reconnecting with your why can completely change the way you enter 2026. They’ll walk you through mini-detox habits that clear mental clutter, lifestyle-first planning that puts joy back on the calendar, and small routines you can start now to build real momentum before January even arrives.F...
2025-12-1109 min
The Aspiring Solopreneur251. [Re-Release] Don't Skip This Step: The Secret To Building A Solo Business You'll LoveIf you’re ready to create a business that supports your life instead of running it, this is the episode you need.Carly and Joe dive into Step Zero of the Solopreneur Success Cycle: Defining Your Goals, and spoiler alert: it’s way deeper than “make money” or “gain freedom.”You’ll learn how to uncover your true why, build goals that actually guide your decisions, and avoid creating a business you secretly resent. From toddler-style questioning to "change charts" and accountability hacks, this episode is your blueprint for building a business you actually like.Whether y...
2025-12-0412 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur249. You Built It…Now You’re Scared to Share It? Let’s Fix That.You know that electric rush when you finally build the business you’ve been dreaming about? And then, right as you’re about to tell people… you freeze?In this episode, Carly and Joe dive into one of the least discussed but most universal solopreneur struggles: the fear of actually putting yourself out there. Why do so many solopreneurs, yes, even the wildly successful ones, get stuck right at the moment visibility matters most?From perfectionism to vulnerability to the dread of “seeming salesy,” we break down why this happens, the hidden costs of staying qu...
2025-11-2709 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur248. AI Funnels, Printables & Passive Income…But Without the ScamsIf you’ve been getting hammered with “AI income hacks” on Instagram and TikTok, you are not alone. Carly has been targeted so aggressively that she’s starting to suspect her phone can hear her thoughts, so today, she and Joe sit down with Becky Beach, a solopreneur who actually does this stuff successfully. From AI-powered funnels to Instagram chatbots to wildly profitable printable products, Becky breaks down exactly how she built a decade-long business that lets her make real money while still having time for her family. She shares the mistakes she made early, the systems she reli...
2025-11-2521 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur247. If You’re Not Using Custom GPTs Yet...Start Here!If you've ever wondered how Joe somehow whips up a custom GPT for literally everything, from content creation to arguing with him when ChatGPT gets too agreeable, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. Carly finally asks the question the whole community’s been thinking: “How is Joe doing that?” And this time, he actually shows us.Step-by-step.On-screen.In real time.Whether you want a GPT that writes in your brand voice, handles your workflows, or just keeps you honest (looking at you, You’re Wrong GPT), Joe breaks...
2025-11-2011 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur245. STOP Letting AI Think for You (Seriously, Don’t Do This)AI isn’t coming for your solopreneur job, but it will happily take your tasks. In this episode, Carly and Joe break down how to turn AI into the world’s most over-eager intern: fast, enthusiastic, occasionally clueless, and totally coachable. From using AI without losing your voice…to avoiding “hallucination traps”… to building a GPT that actually remembers what you told it, this episode shows solopreneurs exactly how to manage AI, not get managed by it.FAQs From The Episode:How do I actually ‘train’ AI for my business?”Treat it like onboarding a new t...
2025-11-1316 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur243. Warning: “Zero-click search” could kill your traffic. Here’s the fix.If you thought SEO was complicated…meet its AI-powered cousin.In this episode, Carly and Joe break down the buzzword that dominated INBOUND, AEO (AI Engine Optimization), and explain what it actually means for solopreneurs. Spoiler: it’s not about gaming algorithms or chasing clicks. It’s about making sure your voice, ideas, and frameworks show up when AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini answer your audience’s questions.You’ll learn:What AEO really is (and what it isn’t)The small tweaks that help your content stand out in AI search resul...
2025-11-0614 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur241. Your Solo Business Won’t Stay the Same. Here’s How to Future-Proof It!Wouldn’t it be nice if your business could just stay perfect forever: same clients, same income, same flow? Yeah… we wish! In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe get real about how to future-proof your business (and yourself) for the inevitable changes ahead. From spotting shifts in your industry to using AI and automation wisely, diversifying income streams, and planning for the long haul, this episode is your blueprint for staying resilient no matter what tomorrow throws your way.It’s not about predicting the future, it’s about being ready for it.
2025-10-3017 min
Adventurous EntrepreneursDesign Your Business to Serve Your Life: Solopreneur Wisdom with Joe RandoWhat if your business was built around your life—not the other way around?In this episode of Adventurous Entrepreneurs, TJ sits down with Joe Rando—serial entrepreneur, software innovator, and champion of solopreneurs—to unpack what it really takes to build a business that supports the lifestyle you want. From early real estate ventures and the dot-com crash to founding multiple tech startups and now launching LifeStarr, Joe shares hard-earned lessons from 30+ years in business.You’ll learn:The costly mistake of building a business you don’t want to run (an...
2025-10-2443 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur239. You Are the Business: Why “Self-Care” Is Really Profit ProtectionYou’ve got your solopreneur business humming: systems in place, clients happy, goals aligned...but there’s one crucial piece most of us forget: our own well-being. In this episode, Carly and Joe get real about the not-so-glamorous (but absolutely essential) side of solopreneurship, balancing your business and your life. From scheduling workouts like meetings to curbing doomscrolling and finding your community, they unpack the habits that keep you sane and successful. Because when you are your business, taking care of yourself isn’t optional, it’s strategy.Q&As From The EpisodeHow can...
2025-10-2417 min
The Aspiring Solopreneur237. [Re-Release]: Future-Proof Your Solo Biz: Stay Relevant Without Losing Your Mind - Sound Bite EpisodeIf you're still getting your business advice from that one guy on LinkedIn who hasn't updated his profile since 2014... this episode is your wake-up call.We're diving into what it really means to future-proof your solo business—and spoiler: it’s not just about hopping on the latest tech trend. From decluttering your feed to actually talking to your audience, Carly and Joe share no-fluff strategies to help you stay ahead without burning out.Whether you’re overwhelmed by AI hype or stuck in scroll mode, this episode will help you cut through the no...
2025-10-1610 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur236. From Rock Bottom to Rebuild: The Mindset Every Solopreneur NeedsEver hit rock bottom (physically, mentally, or in your business )and wondered how to climb back stronger? Zachary Del Monaco has done it twice before age 25. From spinal surgery that left him relearning how to walk to rebuilding his business and relationship with his father, Zach shares what it really takes to rise again as a solopreneur. In this powerful and personal episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, he joins Carly and Joe to talk about grit, authenticity, and the small wins that build unstoppable momentum. Get ready for an episode that’s part inspiration, part bl...
2025-10-1526 min
The Aspiring Solopreneur235. [Re-Release] Is Your Solo Business Actually Feasbile? Find Out!So, you’ve got a business idea you’re excited about. But here’s the big question: does it actually work on paper, or will it drain your bank account before it takes off?In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe break down how to test the feasibility of your business idea, spot potential deal-breaking showstoppers, and price your services with confidence (without letting imposter syndrome drag you down). If you’re ready to stress-test your solo venture before you dive in headfirst, this one’s for you.
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2025-10-0909 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur233. A Smarter Way to Implement Changes in Your Solo BusinessMaking changes in your business doesn’t have to feel messy or overwhelming. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe introduce the SMOOTH method, a step-by-step framework to help you sequence changes, manage your energy, communicate with transparency, and lock in the lessons you learn. If you’ve ever struggled to implement improvements without burning out or losing momentum, this method will give you the clarity and structure you need to move forward with confidence.Q&As From The EpisodeHow do I know which changes to make first in my b...
2025-10-0209 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur232. The Solopreneur’s Shortcut to Smarter DecisionsMaking changes in your business is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when everything seems important at once. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe walk you through the PRIORITY Framework, a practical tool to help you decide which changes are worth your time, energy, and resources. From spotting critical survival moves to weighing risks, opportunities, and alignment with your vision, this framework will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a never-ending list of “should-dos,” this conversation will show you ho...
2025-09-3010 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur231. 7 Failure Modes That Can Sink Your Solopreneur BusinessYou’ve worked hard to get your solopreneur business off the ground, but what happens when things start to stall, or worse, head in the wrong direction? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe dig into the “improving” phase of the Solopreneur Success Cycle. They uncover the seven most common failure modes that can quietly sabotage your progress, from burnout and stagnation to external threats and even your own mindset. Whether your business is thriving or just surviving, these insights will help you spot trouble early, course-correct with confidence, and keep your busine...
2025-09-2510 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur230. Moving From Plans to Action in the Solopreneur Success CycleAfter spending so much time laying the groundwork in the planning phase, it’s finally time to take action. In this episode, Carly and Joe step into the doing phase of the Solopreneur Success Cycle, where strategies move from paper to practice. They share how to run your business with intention, capture issues before they slip through the cracks, and decide what deserves your immediate attention versus what can wait. From simple fixes to documenting big-picture improvements, this is the phase where solopreneurs turn ideas into execution and momentum into results.Important Questions From The Episode:...
2025-09-2310 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur229. How To Stop Shiny Object Syndrome From Wrecking Your WorkflowEver wonder which tools and services you actually need as a solopreneur, and which ones are just shiny distractions? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe revisit one of the most debated sections of their book, Solopreneur Business For Dummies: setting up your company’s tools and services. From creating rock-solid SOPs to knowing when to outsource, to avoiding the dreaded “tool overload,” they break down how to make smarter choices that actually save you time. Plus, they share how AI can help today (and where it still falls short). If you’ve ever...
2025-09-1812 min
The Sprint Lane187 - The Menangle Angle - Joe Conolly and Joe RandoHosts Jessica Watkins and David Wonson are joined by Joe Conolly and Joe Rando ahead of Saturday night's eight-race card. Joe Conolly speaks about his involvement in harness racing before previewing the chances of his two runners, Helluva NZ and Loyalist NZ. Joe Rando then joins the podcast to look at Team Rando's Trotters Carousel Finalists, Familiar Tricks and Addictive Stride. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025-09-1833 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur227. Building a Sales Process You Believe InSales doesn’t have to feel slimy or stressful. In fact, when you treat it as service, selling becomes a natural extension of helping people. In this episode, Carly and Joe break down the planning side of sales for solopreneurs, from understanding levels of touch to qualifying leads and nailing your quick pitch. If the thought of selling makes you cringe, this conversation will help you rethink the process and build a sales plan that actually feels good.Important Questions Answered In This EpisodeHow can solopreneurs approach sales without feeling sl...
2025-09-1113 minThe Aspiring Solopreneur226. Why Human Connection Is Your Most Important Marketing Tactic As A SolopreneurAfter nine years of collaborating virtually, Carly and Joe finally met face-to-face at the INBOUND conference in San Francisco. The sessions were buzzing with AI talk, but Carly and Joe zeroed in on what really matters for solopreneurs: marketing strategy that puts people first. In this episode, they unpack why human connection is more powerful than any algorithm, how trust fuels business growth, and why a solid strategy beats chasing every shiny new tactic. Whether it’s AI Engine Optimization or grassroots networking, you’ll learn how to cut through the noise and build marketing that actually work...
2025-09-0912 min
The Aspiring Solopreneur225. [Re-Release] Biggest Takeaways for Solopreneurs from INBOUND 2024* In light of the INBOUND conference taking place right now, we decided to re-release the biggest takeaways from the 2024 event. While this episode was originally released last year, the information is still very relevant to solopreneurs now, so be sure to tune in! *HubSpot hosted their massive annual conference that covered the latest trends and tactics in marketing, sales, and AI…and we had two people attend who are ready to give you the biggest takeaways from the event that apply specifically to solopreneurs. Co-host of this podcast and founder of LifeStarr, Joe Rondo attended, and...
2025-09-0437 min