The Aspiring Solopreneur

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 wanting less stress, more clarity, and a business that works with your life instead of against it, this episode breaks down the biggest solopreneur lessons of 2025, and how to apply them moving forward.Episode FAQsWhat were the biggest solopreneur lessons learned in 2025?The biggest solopreneur lessons from 2025 were that human-first marketing outperforms automation, strong personal brands build more trust than “company-style” positioning, and long-term success depends on systems, community, diversified income streams, and mental health. Solopreneurs who focused on authentic connection, clear processes, and sustainable work-life balance were more resilient and experienced less stress than those chasing trends or over-relying on a single client or revenue source. Why does a human-first approach matter more than ever for solopreneurs?A human-first approach matters because audiences are increasingly skeptical of overly automated, impersonal content. In 2025, solopreneurs saw stronger engagement and trust when they showed up as real people, sharing their perspective, personality, and lived experience instead of hiding behind polished brand language. Being authentic, transparent, and emotionally relatable helps solopreneurs stand out and build meaningful relationships, especially in an AI-saturated market. How can solopreneurs reduce stress while growing their business?Solopreneurs can reduce stress by building systems and processes, diversifying income streams, avoiding over-dependence on one or two clients, and intentionally protecting mental health and work-life balance. Investing time in documentation, automation, and community support creates long-term efficiency, while multiple revenue streams and customers reduce financial risk. Treating mental health as part of the business plan helps ensure the solopreneur, and the business, remain sustainable.  🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

What if the reason your business feels stressful isn’t more work, it’s how you’re handling your money?In this episode, Megan Schwan pulls back the curtain on the financial mistakes almost every solopreneur makes (especially early on) and how to fix them without becoming a numbers nerd.We’re talking pricing mistakes, scope creep, avoiding your books, fearing taxes, and why most solopreneurs are unknowingly treating themselves like underpaid employees. Megan breaks down bookkeeping systems, tax strategies, and the Profit First method in a way that actually makes sense, and helps you step fully into the CEO role.If you’ve ever said, “I’ll look at my numbers next month,” this episode is for you.Episode FAQsWhat bookkeeping systems do solopreneurs really need to stay organized?You don’t need complicated spreadsheets or expensive tools, but you do need structure. Megan recommends:A real accounting software (like Wave, QuickBooks Online, Zoho Books, or Xero)A mileage and receipt tracking system to capture deductionsA cash flow management system like Profit First to prioritize paying yourself, saving for taxes, and stabilizing cash flowThese systems help you treat your business like a business, not a side project.What’s the first step if finances feel overwhelming or intimidating?Start doing your bookkeeping consistently. Megan emphasizes scheduling regular time to work on your business, not just in it. Reviewing your reports and understanding where your money is going builds confidence, clarity, and better decision-making. Avoiding the numbers only makes problems bigger later.How can solopreneurs become more recession-proof?Two big moves:Create a budget so you have a plan for your money and can ask smarter questions when numbers don’t match expectations.Save for taxes proactively (about 8–15% of sales) so tax bills don’t derail your cash flow or peace of mind.Megan also explains how Profit First helps solopreneurs build “real profit” and spot issues before they become emergencies. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

If 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.FAQs From The EpisodeHow early should I start planning for the new year?Earlier than you think, but not in an overwhelming way. December is a great month to ease into planning by reconnecting with your personal and professional “why,” cleaning up digital clutter, and building tiny habits you want to bring into 2026. You don’t need a full-year plan, focus on your first 90 days, because it’s specific enough to take action but flexible enough to pivot as things change.What should I prioritize during a December “business detox”?Stick to high-impact clean-ups that reduce mental load: unsubscribe from emails you never read, unfollow accounts that drain your energy, organize your workspace, clear your desktop, and gather scattered to-dos into one place. These small resets set the stage for clearer thinking and a calmer January, without requiring hours of work.How do I build new habits for 2026 without burning out before the year even starts?Start practicing them now in micro-form. If you want to wake up earlier, try doing it one or two days a week in December. If you want to spend 10 minutes engaging on LinkedIn every morning, start this week. If you want to guard your deep-work hours, experiment with checking email later in the day. You’re not aiming for perfection, just building familiarity so January doesn’t feel like a hard reset. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

In this episode, Will Simpson gets honest about the moment he realized he didn’t want a boss. He breaks down the identity crisis that hit after leaving decades of COO/CTO life, the surprising advantage founders over 40 actually have, why solopreneurs must unlearn corporate thinking, and how embracing “good enough” is the key to launching anything. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too late, too structured, too corporate, or too unsure to build something of your own…this conversation is the permission slip you’ve been waiting for.FAQs From The EpisodeWhat makes this episode valuable for solopreneurs who come from the corporate world?Will explains exactly why corporate experience does translate, just not in the ways you think. He talks through the mindset traps, the “ambient stress” you leave behind, and how to rewire yourself for small-ball thinking, fast execution, and building something that actually energizes you.Does Will think it’s harder to become a founder after 40?Not at all, he argues the opposite. According to Will, founders over 40 bring unmatched domain expertise, resilience, and clarity. The data supports it, and he shares why experience gives mid-career professionals an overlooked edge that younger founders simply can’t replicate.What’s Will’s top advice for solopreneurs who want to use AI or no-code tools?He stresses that AI can help you build prototypes fast, but not without structure, constraints, and actual expertise guiding it. He breaks down why you can’t “speak” a fully functional app into existence, how to think like a builder instead of a coder, and why you should ship an MVP that’s slightly embarrassing. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

If 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 you're dreaming, pivoting, or feeling stuck, press play before you plan another move. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

Okay friends, buckle up, because today’s episode is one of those “wait… why has no one explained success like THIS before?” moments. We’re talking with Kyle Austin Young who breaks down success not as a magical personality trait, but as something you can literally math your way into.Kyle takes us into the world of probability hacking, a shockingly simple way to figure out your real chances of success in anything (launching a business, writing a book, running a marathon) and then shows you how to change those odds in your favor.If you’ve ever wondered why some goals finally click, and others fall apart even when you want them just as much…this conversation is going to change how you think forever.FAQs from the EpisodeWhat exactly is probability hacking, and do I need to be good at math to use it?Nope! Probability hacking is simply listing out everything that has to go right for your goal to succeed…then calculating your actual chances instead of relying on vibes and wishful thinking. Kyle walks through it using basic numbers you can do on your phone, no spreadsheets, and no formulas that look like they escaped from NASA.How does this help me as a solopreneur?Because solopreneurs love goals…but often underestimate how many things have to align to actually hit them. Kyle’s framework helps you see where your plan is fragile, what’s likely to derail it, and, most importantly, how to systematically remove risk so your odds of success jump dramatically. How do I know whether to keep pushing or quit a goal?Kyle doesn’t believe in quitting, he believes in pausing strategically. If your odds still look terrible even after removing risk, he suggests exploring alternate paths that may get you to your real underlying goal more efficiently. It’s not giving up; it’s probability-based pivoting. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

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 quiet, and the powerful mindset shifts that help you move forward with confidence (including why “I’m not selling-I’m helping” changes everything).If you’ve ever hesitated to hit publish, announce your business, or send that first promo email, this conversation is going to feel like a giant exhale. You’re not alone, and after this episode, you won’t stay stuck.FAQs From The EpisodeHow do I promote my business without feeling salesy or annoying?Absolutely, this comes up constantly. The key is reframing. Promotion isn’t about pushing; it’s about helping. Share stories, tips, and solutions that genuinely support your audience. If your intent is to serve, people won’t experience your message as “salesy," they’ll experience it as valuable. And the people who aren’t your ideal clients? They’ll self-select out. That’s a good thing.What if my work isn’t perfect yet? Should I wait until it’s ready?Short answer: No. Long answer: still no. Perfectionism is fear wearing a fancy outfit. Your audience can’t benefit from what they can’t see. Put the version out that is good enough to help someone right now. Then improve it based on real feedback instead of imagined critique. Visibility creates clarity.How do I get comfortable being visible if it feels so vulnerable?Start in your comfort zone and expand outward. If video feels like jumping off a cliff, start with written posts. If posting publicly feels overwhelming, start by sharing with a small circle. Momentum comes from micro-bravery. And remember: every solopreneur you admire felt this same discomfort. It’s not a sign you’re doing it wrong; it’s a sign you’re doing it. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

If 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 relies on now, and what solopreneurs need to know before diving into digital products or automations. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can this AI-funnel thing actually work?”...this episode is your answer.FAQs From The EpisodeCan I actually start with zero list and zero social media following?Yes, but not overnight. Becky makes it clear this is not a get-rich-quick play. She recommends picking a niche you genuinely care about, creating small pieces of free value, and using those to build your list through lead magnets. Social media helps, but email is what converts.Do I need design skills to sell printables or digital products?Nope. Becky happens to be a trained designer, but plenty of sellers rely on Canva, templates, or affiliate programs to get started. You can promote other creators’ printables while you learn, then create your own later.Are AI funnels and chatbots too saturated now to work?Not if you bring something unique. Becky explains that even though AI is everywhere, most people execute poorly. Your edge is: – niching down – making user-friendly products – offering consistent free content – using your story and personality as your differentiator AI tools help automate and scale, but they only work if your foundation is solid. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

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 down exactly how he builds them: what’s easy, what you need to prepare, and what most solopreneurs totally overlook.If you’ve ever said, “I wish a GPT could do this for me…” Good news: after this episode, it can.FAQs From The EpisodeDo I actually need a paid ChatGPT plan to create my own GPTs?Yes. As Joe explains, GPT creation isn’t available on the free plan. You’ll need the $20/month subscription to access the “Create” option. The good news? If you use even a handful of AI-powered tasks in your business, you’ll easily make that cost back in saved time.What kind of “training material” do I need to upload to build a useful GPT?Think brand voice guides, examples of past content, frameworks you use, instructions you follow, or any assets that show how you want your GPT to think and write. More clarity = better output. You don’t need a huge pack of documents, just a few strong examples go a long way.How do I know what kind of GPT I should create for my business?Start with the tasks you repeat constantly or the ones that drain the most time: content creation, email drafts, lead gen messages, customer onboarding, proposals, social captions, etc. If you’ve ever said, “I wish someone could just do this for me,” that’s the perfect candidate for a custom GPT. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

What happens when the Wild West days of early internet marketing collide with the deeply human side of AI? In this episode, Steven Sakach from aiCMO joins Carly to talk about blending empathy with innovation (yes, even in a world that often feels robotic and copy-and-paste). From his outrageous early-career bidding wars to his BLISS framework (Build Love Into Scalable Systems), Steven shows solopreneurs how AI can actually make your business more human, not less.If you want to use AI without losing your voice, deepen emotional connection with your clients, and build systems infused with purpose (and love), this is your episode.FAQs From The EpisodeHow do I keep my marketing from sounding generic when using AI?The key is anchoring your AI-generated content in your purpose, values, and voice. Stephen’s platform (and the approach he recommends) starts with defining your higher purpose — what you actually care about, who you serve, and why you do what you do. When AI has that context, plus your differentiators and brand voice, it stops producing “same-same” results and starts sounding unmistakably like you.How do I use AI without losing authenticity or connection with my audience?You deepen authenticity before you generate content. Ask AI to help you understand your customers’ emotional journey — what fears they have, what delights them, what frustrations they experience. Once you understand the emotional landscape, AI can help you create “surprise and delight” moments, strengthen connection, and design experiences that feel personal and human. Authenticity comes from clarity, not from avoiding AI.What systems should I build first if I want to grow but stay true to my values?Stephen suggests starting with BLISS: Build Love Into Scalable Systems. That means creating processes that aren’t just efficient, but kind — onboarding steps that lower anxiety, feedback loops that keep you aligned with client needs, and systems that consider impact on people and planet, not just profit. When you systemize kindness and empathy, your values show up consistently, not just when you remember. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

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 team member. Upload or paste your brand guidelines, audience description, business plan, examples of your writing, and list of do’s/don’ts into a custom GPT. Then, add instructions that reinforce your tone, values, target audience, and preferred outputs. Revisit the training regularly, because AI can “forget” if everything stays in one long chat thread.What tasks should I delegate to AI, and which ones should stay 100% mine?Delegate:Drafting (blogs, emails, social posts)Research summariesBrainstorming ideasRewriting in different tonesOrganizing messy textNever delegate:Strategic thinkingTopic selectionOpinions or point of viewFinal editsAny part of your brand voice that requires nuanceAI can assemble the pieces, but you must decide what the puzzle looks like.How do I keep AI from drifting, forgetting instructions, or making weird mistakes?Use a custom GPT (not just one long chat). Put your recurring instructions directly into the system prompt so they don’t fall out of the context window. Reinforce boundaries often (“never use profanity,” “don’t use dashes,” etc.), provide examples, and correct mistakes as they happen. Think of it as ongoing performance management. The more feedback and clarity you give, the better it performs. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

In this episode, Luke Hessler gets radically real about losing everything and rebuilding faster using the only assets no one can take: mindset, skills, and relationships. We dig into personal branding for any personality (yes, introverts), the “one post a day for a year” muscle, turning your warm network into real leads (today), and scaling without employees by fixing fulfillment first and systemizing customer acquisition. It’s gritty, generous, and wildly practical.FAQs From The EpisodeI’m introverted. Can I really build a personal brand without being on camera all day? Yes. A personal brand is just your authentic offline reputation, online. If video drains you, lead with thoughtful written posts, frameworks, and slow-paced explanations. The people who think like you will prefer it. Pick one platform, post once daily for a year, and use simple content buckets (e.g., Expertise, Process, Personal). Watch engagement to see what lands, then iterate.I need leads fast on a tiny budget. What should I do this week? Start with your warm network. Make a handwritten (or spreadsheet) list of every relevant contact and call them. Offer a small “beta” program to a few ideal clients for free in exchange for a testimonial, a case study, and 1–2 introductions. Measure it like math: if 1 in 10 says “yes,” and you need 5 clients, make 50 quality outreaches. Don’t overcomplicate. Sort for the “ready now,” not convince the “not now.”How do I scale without hiring employees and avoid burning out? Fix fulfillment first. Ensure partners/vendors can handle increased volume so new sales don’t create churn. Then systemize customer acquisition (choose one core motion: landing page + traffic, affiliates, or cold outbound that sets appointments). Expect a short initial sprint (the jet uses 80% of fuel on takeoff), then automate/outsourcing what worked: repurpose posts, templatize outreach, use software or reliable vendors. Choose a sustainable cadence over heroics. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

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 resultsWhy clarity > cleverness in your copyAnd why human connection still beats machine optimization every timeIf you’ve ever wondered how to future-proof your visibility without losing your authenticity, this one’s for you.FAQs From The EpisodeWhat’s the difference between SEO and AEO, and do I really need both? SEO helps search engines (like Google) find you. AEO helps AI engines (like ChatGPT or Perplexity) understand and surface your content. While SEO is still valuable, AEO focuses more on structure, clarity, and credibility signals that make AI choose you as the source when answering questions. You don’t need to overhaul everything. Just start optimizing for both audiences: humans and machines.I’m a coach/consultant/service provider. Does AEO even matter for me? For most solopreneurs, relationships and referrals still drive the majority of business. But AEO is a long-term play. If someone asks an AI tool, “Who’s the best productivity coach for solopreneurs?” or “What’s the SMOOTH method?”—you want your name, content, or frameworks to appear. It’s not urgent, but it’s smart to start now so you’re discoverable later.What’s one simple AEO tweak I can make today? Add an FAQ section (like this!) to your website or blog posts. AI scrapes well-structured Q&A content, and it’s one of the easiest ways to signal authority. Bonus tip: use clear, direct language over clever wording. AI prioritizes clarity, and so do readers. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

What happens when a bartender from New York gets hit by a car, and ends up building a $350 million real estate empire? Jason Yarusi joins The Aspiring Solopreneur to share how that wake-up call sparked his Live 100 mindset, a simple yet powerful framework for breaking patterns, building momentum, and magnifying results. From redefining success to fighting perfectionism, Jason gets real about how self-awareness, consistent action, and gratitude can completely reshape your life and business.FAQs From The ShowWhat exactly is the “Live 100” framework?Live 100 is Jason Yarusi’s three-part system, Break, Build, and Magnify, for creating lasting change. You start by breaking habits that no longer serve you, then build meaningful rituals through consistent, intentional action, and finally magnify your growth by inspiring others and compounding small wins over time.Jason talks a lot about self-awareness. How can solopreneurs strengthen it? He recommends honest reflection without judgment (notice how you’re showing up in moments of stress and identify which “version” of yourself is leading the way). Then ask: How would the version of me who’s already achieved my goals respond right now? Over time, that awareness shifts both mindset and behavior.What does Jason mean by taking action over perfection? Perfection is just a fancy form of procrastination. Jason urges solopreneurs to take one small step, because movement creates momentum. Every step reveals new information, while inaction keeps you stuck. As he puts it, “Most people think they’re jumping off a building when really, they’re just stepping off a curb.”

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.What does it mean to future-proof your business as a solopreneur? Future-proofing is all about building resilience and adaptability into your business so you can thrive no matter what changes come your way. You can’t predict every trend or challenge, but you can create systems, habits, and strategies that help you pivot quickly, like setting aside time to review what’s shifting in your industry, automating key tasks, and staying curious about new tools and opportunities.How can I stay on top of trends without getting overwhelmed?Be intentional about what you consume. Set up Google Alerts for your niche, use AI tools to summarize relevant updates, and curate your social media feeds to focus only on accounts that bring you value. The goal isn’t to chase every shiny object,it’s to pay attention to the shifts that truly impact your clients, your market, or your workflow.What’s one of the smartest ways to make your business more resilient?Diversify your income streams within your expertise. For example, if you’re a coach, offer 1:1 sessions, but also create a digital course, downloadable resources, or a group program. That way, if one area slows down, another can pick up the slack. Bonus points if you layer in automation so some of those streams run while you’re off the clock. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

What happens when your biggest strength, helping others, starts draining your energy?In this empowering episode, returning guest Leah Marone, psychotherapist and author of Serial Fixer, joins Carly for a heart-to-heart about why solopreneurs often fall into “fixer mode.” You’ll learn how to stop rescuing and start empowering, how to calm your inner critic, and how to set boundaries without guilt. If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “I’ll just do it myself,” this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.FAQs From The EpisodeHow can solopreneurs tell if they’re a “serial fixer”? If you constantly jump in to solve problems that aren’t yours, feel drained after “helping,” or struggle to let others handle things, even small tasks, you might be in fixer mode. Leah calls this “micro codependency.” It’s not about bad intentions—it’s about overextending yourself in the name of helping.What’s the difference between rescuing and empowering? Rescuing means taking ownership of someone else’s problem; empowering means supporting them to find their own solution. Leah shares her favorite mantra: “Support, don’t solve.” That small mindset shift gives people their own reps while freeing you from unnecessary emotional labor.How can solopreneurs set boundaries without feeling guilty? Leah explains that guilt often comes from your inner pleaser, the part of you that fears rejection or judgment. The fix? Recognize that this voice is trying to protect you. Appreciate its intention, but guide it gently toward balance. Sustainable boundaries come from understanding your internal drivers, not ignoring them. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

You’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 solopreneurs maintain work-life balance when their business depends entirely on them?It starts with designing your business around your life, not the other way around. Schedule movement like it’s a client meeting, set clear boundaries for work hours, and implement repeatable systems so you’re not constantly reinventing the wheel. Remember: you are the business—so maintaining your well-being is maintaining your productivity.What can solopreneurs do to combat isolation and loneliness?Working solo doesn’t mean being alone. Join local meetups, online communities, or hobby groups to stay connected. Networking is also one of the most powerful growth tools for solopreneurs—you don’t need a million clients, just meaningful relationships that keep both your business and your mindset thriving.How can solopreneurs avoid burnout and decision fatigue?Repetition and routines are your secret weapons. Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for daily tasks, batch your decisions when possible, and celebrate your wins—big or small. Recognizing progress keeps your motivation high and prevents the constant “what’s next?” pressure from draining your energy. 🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for SolopreneursAre you building a business on your own and feeling like you’re going it alone? That stops today. LifeStarr Intro is a free, forever membership built especially for solopreneurs who want real support, real resources, and real community.When you join LifeStarr Intro, you unlock:A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connectionThe LifeStarr productivity app (coming soon), built to support your workflow using GTD principles (that’s Tasks, Projects, Inbox that works)Live problem-solving meetups, expert sessions and strategies...and you don’t pay a thingTotal value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you? Join LifeStarr Intro for Free

What if your dream of working from home and spending more time with your family wasn't just possible, but wildly successful? Meet Todd and Leah Rae Getts, a couple who went from having zero business or marketing experience to making six figures a month online. How did they do it? Desperation, determination, and a whole lot of smart strategy.In this episode, we dive into their incredible journey from network marketing failures to mastering affiliate marketing, launching their own course, and achieving true freedom. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of starting an online business, their advice on branding, lead generation, and automation will change the game for you. Plus, they break down the key to standing out in a crowded market and scaling without losing your sanity. Ready to build a business and life you actually love?Hit play now!Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business.  So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro!Access LifeStarr Intro

If 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 noise and tune into what actually matters to help you run a successful solo business.Being a solopreneur is awesome but it’s not easy. It's hard to get noticed. Most business advice is for bigger companies, and you're all alone...until now. LifeStarr Intro gives you free education, community, and tools to build a thriving one-person business.  So, if you are lacking direction, having a hard time generating leads, or are having trouble keeping up with everything you have to do, or even just lonely running a company of one, be sure to check out LifeStarr Intro!Access LifeStarr Intro

Ever 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 blueprint for resilience...and all heart.Q&As from the EpisodeWhat can solopreneurs do when their business isn’t taking off as fast as they hoped?Zach reminds us that success often takes far longer than expected and that persistence is the differentiator. Most people quit during the slow, uncertain middle, but those who stay consistent eventually outlast the competition. His advice? Focus on small, daily wins instead of distant goals. Each mini-milestone builds momentum and confidence until those big results finally appear.How can solopreneurs rebuild after hitting a major setback or starting from scratch?Having faced both physical and emotional rock bottoms, Zach believes that every collapse offers a chance to rebuild stronger. Whether it’s losing a business, a partnership, or confidence, setbacks are opportunities to reassess foundations. Instead of rushing to recover, solopreneurs should focus on what they’ve learned, redefine their “why,” and rebuild with a more stable mindset and structure.Why is authenticity such an important part of solopreneur success?In Zach’s view, authenticity is what cuts through the noise (especially in a world where AI can make everything sound the same). He believes that people connect to real humans, not polished perfection. By being transparent about both victories and struggles, solopreneurs create genuine trust and attract audiences who want connection, not just content.