The Opportunity Podcast

AI tools are already answering your customers' questions. The real question is, how do you ensure your business is part of those answers?In this episode, we sit down with Sergey Lucktinov, an AI search visibility expert who has spent more than a decade navigating algorithm shifts and rethinking how businesses get discovered online. Sergey breaks down how visibility works in the age of AI and what business owners need to do to make sure their brand is actually being mentioned, not silently skipped. We explore how AI has fundamentally changed SEO. The focus is no longer on keywords and backlinks alone, but on meaning, trust, and whether your content is eligible to be retrieved by AI systems in the first place. Sergey shares how years of surviving major search changes led him to develop Semantic Retrieval Optimization (SRO), a framework built specifically for how AI systems retrieve, evaluate, and surface content today. He explains how to format content so large language models (LLMs) can easily understand and reuse it, and why AI has quietly leveled the playing field, giving smaller companies new opportunities to compete with much larger brands in search. We also break down Semantic Entity Networks (SENs) and how they fit into modern on-page optimization, as well as the biggest mistakes and misconceptions businesses have about LLM optimization.If you want to understand how to increase your visibility in AI search, this episode is a must-listen. Topics Discussed in this episode: How Sergey developed his Semantic Retrieval Optimization (SRO) strategy (02:35)  How AI has transformed SEO and how this affects visibility (06:18) Understanding how to format your content to suit LLMs (08:29) AI has leveled the playing field for smaller companies in search (13:57) Explaining SENs and how they fit into on-page optimization (17:09) The biggest mistakes and misconceptions about LLM optimization (22:11) Cost optimizations you can use to increase your retrieval rate (24:38) Calculating leads and audience size that come from LLMs (30:38) The future of SEO and AI (32:26) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Semantic Vector Sergey's personal site  Sergey's book about semantic SEO, SRO & AI Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to dominate AI search visibility!  

You don't need to drain your bank account to buy a business. In fact, many of the best deals are done with very little personal capital. In this episode, Greg breaks down how buyers structure acquisitions using financing instead of their own money. There are two buckets of money you can draw from when buying a business: your own personal funds and external financing. One of the most powerful external financing tools Greg highlights is seller financing. This approach allows you to structure deals where the seller essentially lends you the money, often interest-free, and can be combined with earnouts to maximize your buying power without draining your personal savings. Debt isn't always the enemy, either. Greg shares how it can be a friend when structured correctly, but he also warns about the dangers of over-leveraging and how too much debt can make a business fragile. Whether you're stepping into acquisitions for the first time or are a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical strategies and insights for buying a business with limited upfront capital. Topics Discussed in this episode: Financing the deal with your personal money vs external financing (03:43) Debt is your friend when buying a business (08:05) Seller financing and earnouts (12:04) Combining traditional funding with seller financing and earnouts (18:14) The more debt you put on a business, the more fragile it becomes (22:28) How brokers can help you get the best deal (25:32) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to buy a business without emptying your pockets!

Buying an online business can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to acquisitions. In this week's podcast episode, we sit down with Matt Raad, a seasoned digital business buyer and coach who has helped countless first-time buyers navigate the acquisition process with confidence. Due diligence takes center stage as Matt explains what really matters when evaluating an online business and how skipping this step can turn a promising deal into an expensive mistake. For beginners, he breaks down the types of businesses that are best suited for first-time buyers and why simpler models often outperform flashy ones. We also cover beginner-friendly deal structures, including how to reduce risk and preserve capital when buying your first site. After the deal closes, Matt shares practical post-acquisition growth strategies for smaller websites that don't require huge teams or budgets.We also dig into a topic many new buyers underestimate: why you should never sell a business yourself and instead work with a broker who understands deal structure, negotiations, and risk. Finally, we address a common myth head-on: online businesses are no longer as passive as they once were, and Matt explains what buyers should realistically expect today. If you're thinking about buying your first online business or refining your acquisition strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use immediately. Topics Discussed in this episode: Pivoting from buying brick-and-mortar businesses to digital businesses (01:53) Never sell a business yourself; always use a broker (09:54) The importance of doing good due diligence (14:04) The best kind of businesses for newbies to buy (15:46) Deal structures for beginners (30:41) Post-acquisition growth strategies for small sites (35:50) Online businesses are not as passive as they used to be (42:05) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter eBusiness Institute Digital Investors podcast Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to buy your first online business with confidence!  

Buying a business is one of the biggest financial decisions most entrepreneurs will ever make. For many first-time buyers, it's terrifying. You're putting a meaningful chunk of your net worth on the line and hoping you've chosen wisely. So what actually makes a business safe to buy? In this episode, Greg Elfrink breaks down the realities of business risk and shares practical criteria buyers can use to separate stable, reliable businesses from the ones that keep you up at night.Greg starts by reminding us that there's no such thing as a risk-free business. But some businesses are undeniably safer than others, and the patterns are surprisingly consistent. One of the strongest signals of safety is age. An older business has weathered economic cycles, algorithm changes, and industry shifts. If it has survived for years, there's usually a reason.Diversified revenue and diversified traffic are non-negotiables. If the business relies on one product, one client, or one traffic source, it only takes one disruption to put everything at risk. We also dig into how risk levels differ between online businesses and brick-and-mortar operations, and why size matters more than most buyers expect. Bigger businesses often come with stronger systems, cleaner financials, and teams that keep things running, even when the owner steps away. Finally, Greg outlines the advantages of working with a business broker, especially for first-time buyers navigating due diligence, negotiations, and valuation questions. If you want a clearer picture of what a safe acquisition really looks like, and how to confidently choose your next business, this episode is for you. Topics Discussed in this episode: There's no such thing as a risk-free business (01:35) The older the business is, the safer it tends to be (04:20) Diversification of revenue (07:49) Look for multiple sources of traffic (10:27) Online businesses vs brick and mortar businesses (12:23) Size of the business (15:30) Benefits of using a business broker (17:50) The bigger the business, the less risky it becomes (21:55) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to separate safe businesses from risky ones.  

If you want to squeeze more revenue out of your existing traffic, this week's podcast episode is a must-listen. We're diving deep into one of the most misunderstood, yet most profitable, parts of ecommerce growth: conversion rate optimization. CRO expert Jasper De Munyk joins Greg to break down the fundamentals of Shopify CRO, including what a healthy optimization process actually looks like and why it's far more than "changing button colors." If you're wondering where to even begin, we cover what to tackle first when doing CRO, plus the stage of growth when investing in CRO makes the biggest impact. We explore the biggest CRO mistakes and misconceptions that cause businesses to waste time, chase vanity metrics, or ignore easy wins hiding in plain sight. We also dig into the future, discussing how AI is reshaping CRO, from rapid data analysis to automated testing, and where human judgment still plays an essential role.  If you're serious about growing your ecommerce business sustainably, without simply spending more on ads, this episode will be your new playbook. Topics Discussed in this episode: The fundamentals of eCommerce CRO (05:59) Common CRO mistakes and misconceptions (11:21) What to tackle first when doing CRO (14:31) What stage of growth should you be at when investing in CRO? (20:03) How AI is changing CRO (28:26) Exploring the mechanical side of CRO (33:56) How to turn customer data into actionable insights (39:18) How to make CRO a routine part of your business (42:17) How often businesses should revisit their CRO (46:14) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Golden Web Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to unlock rapid growth through conversation rate optimization!  

If you know exactly what problems your customers face before and after they buy from you, you could build offers that practically sell themselves.In this episode, Greg breaks down his simple but powerful "before and after" formula. It starts by understanding the before: the frustrations, questions, and roadblocks your customers face long before they make a purchase. Solve that, and you earn the sale. But once you've solved it, new problems appear, and that's your opportunity to build trust, add value, and guide customers deeper into your ecosystem. We also look at how to map the entire customer journey so you can clearly see each problem in sequence. When you know the full chain of needs, you can build a product lineup that supports your customers at every step. Finally, we explore vertical integration: how smart businesses automate this whole process by owning more steps in the value chain. If you want a simple, repeatable way to grow, this episode is for you. Topics Discussed in this episode: The before and after formula (What problems are your customers facing?) (01:52) Implementing the formula by mapping out the customer journey (05:44) Curating your product offering (07:28) Examples (10:47) eCommerce (10:47) SaaS (13:37) Marketing Agencies(16:55) Course Creators (21:16) Using vertical integrations to automate this problem-solving process (23:58) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to increase customer lifetime value, expand your offer stack, and build a business that people stick with!  

Your revenue may be rising… but your business value might not be. And for founders planning an exit, that's the only number that matters. In this week's podcast, Greg is joined by Mark Osborne, author of Are Your Leads Killing Your Business? and one of the only Certified Exit Planning Advisors focused specifically on sales and marketing.  Mark breaks down the most common exit-planning mistakes founders make long before they think about selling. We dive into why sales, marketing, and customer success shouldn't operate as silos, but as a single value-building engine, plus the quickest operational "wins" founders can implement to free up resources and accelerate growth.Mark also outlines the key systems buyers care about most, and reveals the crucial difference between chasing more revenue and building true enterprise value. If you're planning an exit or want to build a business worth more tomorrow than it is today, this episode is essential listening. Topics Discussed in this episode: Mark's background - From managing unknown bands to helping businesses grow (02:13) How to choose the right software to aid your growth (07:32) Most common exit planning mistakes entrepreneurs make (10:40) Combining sales, marketing, and customer success(20:15) Big wins that free up resources to focus on growth (28:02) Key systems founders should focus on when exit planning (30:42) The difference between growing revenue vs growing business value (36:25) Are your leads killing your business? (40:40) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Free copy of Are Your Leads Killing Your Business? Mark's LinkedIn Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to transform your business into an asset that buyers will fight over.  

What you do after buying a business determines whether it becomes a winner or a money pit.The best way to ensure success? Copy what private equity does. After all, they're the most experienced post-acquisition growth specialists in the business. In our latest podcast episode, Greg explores the PE strategies that turn acquisitions into scalable, profitable ventures. Greg starts with the golden rule: stabilize cash flow before making any big moves. Once the foundation is solid, you can dive into creating leverage through efficiency and eliminating redundancies across departments. This ensures every part of the business is running lean and smart. Pricing is another critical lever. Greg explains how testing price elasticity and optimizing pricing strategies can unlock hidden revenue potential. He also guides listeners through operational deep dives to remove bloat and streamline processes, helping business owners maximize profitability. Of course, no growth plan works without clear financial control. Greg explains how truly understanding your numbers sets the stage for smarter decisions and faster scaling. And for those ready to push further, he explores inorganic growth opportunities like strategic partnerships and bolt-on acquisitions. Whether you've just closed your first deal or your fiftieth, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you turn your acquisition into a powerhouse business. Topics Discussed in this episode: Why you should take a private equity approach to post-acquisition growth (03:19) Stabilize the cash flow before making any big changes (06:05) Build leverage through efficiency (06:58) Redundancy elimination across different departments (08:32) Pricing Optimization and testing price elasticity (16:14) Doing an operational deep dive to remove bloat (23:29) Getting a good grip on the business's financials (29:00) Look for inorganic growth opportunities (32:37) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to turn any acquisition into a sustainable growth machine.  

If you're thinking about selling your online business, there's one part of the process that can make or break your deal: due diligence. Many sellers underestimate how important it is, and how much control they actually have over the process. In this week's podcast episode, Greg sits down with Ahmed Raza, founder of Rapid Diligence, to unpack the realities of due diligence and how sellers can prepare to maximize their exit. Ahmed starts by breaking down what due diligence really is and the steps sellers should take long before they go to market. He explains which diligence requests sellers can push back on, and the most common diligence myths and misconceptions. Ahmed shares how buyer habits have evolved over the past few years and how, in some cases, due diligence can actually help sellers negotiate a higher sale price. We also dive into due diligence success rates, negotiation strategies when diligence turns tricky, and the typical timeline sellers should expect as their business works its way through the due diligence process. If you're planning an exit, this episode will help you avoid costly surprises, protect your leverage, and position your business for a smoother, more profitable sale. Topics Discussed in this episode: What is due diligence, and how sellers should prepare for it (03:53) How due diligence changes over different business models (11:16) Analyzing key man risk and team diligence (17:33) Due diligence requests that sellers can push back on (26:14) Biggest due diligence myths and misconceptions (29:17) How buyer habits have changed over the last few years (34:26) When due diligence can help you sell your business for more  (39:08) Due diligence success rates (41:50) How to negotiate better deals and work around due diligence issues (46:07) How long the due diligence process takes on average (49:21) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Rapid Diligence Sit back, grab a coffee, and get the insider's perspective on what really happens during due diligence.  

Note: In this episode, Greg is interviewed on the SirLinksalot's SEO Podcast. We're sharing the interview here so that you don't miss out on the useful M&A insights that Greg shares. Greg returns to the SirLinksalot's SEO Podcast to share his insights from selling over 2,400 businesses and playing a part in turning 90 people into millionaires. Few people have a front-row seat to the changing landscape of online business like he does. In this episode, Greg dives into what really makes an online business sellable today, drawing from years of experience watching deals happen behind the scenes. They also explore the booming trend of faceless YouTube channels, why they're exploding in popularity, and how creators are building entire empires without ever showing their faces. Of course, no conversation about the future of digital business would be complete without AI. Greg shares his perspective on how artificial intelligence is transforming the way entrepreneurs operate, scale, and exit their businesses in a rapidly evolving digital economy. Whether you're building, buying, or just curious about the future of online business, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter SirLinksalot's SEO Podcast Sit back, grab a coffee, and enjoy this episode!  

Amazon is more competitive than ever. Between rising fees, tariff hikes, and a flood of new sellers, standing out takes more than just great products. Few people understand this reality better than Jason Boyce. An Amazon veteran, Jason launched the very first basketball hoop business on the platform back in 2003, long before Amazon became the giant it is today. After selling his brand, he went on to build a successful agency, Avenue 7 Media, dedicated to helping other Amazon sellers grow. In this episode, Jason reveals why retail media is now essential for growth and how sellers can tap into it to target customers more effectively than ever before. Jason also shares his seven proven avenues for profitable growth, explores how AI is reshaping the future of agencies and entrepreneurs, and gives practical advice for tackling today's biggest challenges, from tariffs to rising fees. We also dive into why discounting and underpricing your products is a losing game, and Jason highlights the macro trends every Amazon entrepreneur should be preparing for in the months ahead. If you want to move beyond survival mode and truly scale your Amazon business, this episode is packed with strategies and insights to help you get there. Topics Discussed in this episode: How Jason started the very first basketball hoop business on Amazon (01:58) Why Jason decided to sell his Amazon business (10:06) The inspiration behind Jason's Amazon agency (12:20) The power of using retail media to grow Amazon businesses (17:12) The ins and outs of Amazon DSP (24:45) Jason's seven avenues for profitable growth (27:32) How AI will impact agencies and entrepreneurs (34:33) How to overcome current market challenges like tariffs and fees (37:43) Why you shouldn't be the cheapest product in your category (44:01) The macro trends that Amazon sellers should prepare for (49:42) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Avenue 7 Media Avenue 7 Lift AI tool waitlist Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to dominate the Amazon marketplace using the power of retail media!  

Affiliate marketing is far from dead. In fact, it's evolving faster than ever. While many have written it off as an outdated model, the smartest affiliates are quietly cashing in by adapting to shifts in algorithms, AI, and consumer behavior. In this week's podcast, Greg sits down with Niels Zee, affiliate entrepreneur, author, and founder of Afframp. Niels breaks down what's working in 2025 and how top affiliates continue to rack up big wins. Niels shares how the Google Helpful Content Update completely reshaped his entrepreneurial journey, pushing him to rethink strategies and embrace adaptability. He reveals why pivoting and staying flexible are the real superpowers for affiliates, and how to scale faster with tactics like negotiating above-market commission rates and using Google Ads to supercharge campaigns. We also dive into how to build long-term sustainability instead of chasing short-term wins, and how to evaluate offers that are actually worth promoting. Plus, Niels uncovers today's most promising niches, explains why YouTube is becoming a must-use channel, and shares practical strategies for avoiding burnout in a high-pressure industry. Whether you're new to affiliate marketing or a seasoned pro looking to sharpen your edge, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive in 2025. Topics Discussed in this episode: How the Helpful Content Update changed Niels' entrepreneurial journey (02:00) The importance of pivoting and flexibility for affiliates (06:30) Using Google Ads to boost your affiliate business (14:27) How to get above-market commission rates (19:31) What top affiliates are doing to keep succeeding (23:59) How to build longevity as an affiliate (26:11) Evaluating a good affiliate offer (29:35) The best verticals and niches to operate in (32:45) Using YouTube to boost your affiliate business (35:19) How to avoid burnout while scaling your business (46:33) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our newsletter Afframp Niels site  Niels LinkedIn The Payout Mafia by James Dooley and Niels Zee Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to succeed as an affiliate in 2025 and beyond!  

Personal brands are all the rage, marketed as the ultimate path to business growth and success. But what if the very thing that makes you stand out is also what's keeping your business from scaling, or worse, from selling? In this week's podcast, Greg Elfrink uncovers the hidden downsides of personal branding and why it's not always the golden ticket people make it out to be. We break down Alex Hormozi's personal branding journey, looking at how his meteoric rise highlights both the power and the pitfalls of building around a personal brand. While the strategy can create visibility, Greg explains why it often makes businesses fragile: customers are buying you, not the product. That dependence makes it difficult to delegate, grow, or eventually exit. That doesn't mean personal brands have no place. As Greg points out, they're valuable for thought leaders and creators building authority. But for founders who want freedom and scalability, relying too heavily on a personality creates risk. Even more concerning, when it comes time to sell, personal brands can hurt your valuation. If your company's success is tied to your face or name, buyers see it as a liability. That can mean lower multiples or no sale at all. Download the episode to find out if personal branding is really the right growth lever for your business. Topics Discussed in this episode: Why personal brands can hinder your business growth (01:42) When you should use a personal brand (08:32) Breaking down Alex Hormozis' personal brand journey (16:42) Businesses scaled on a personal brand are inherently weak (26:12) How personal brands can hurt the sale of your business (31:40) Why you should build a product first, then build an audience (34:40) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Sit back, grab a coffee, and explore the positives and pitfalls of personal branding!

For years, many agency owners mistakenly believed that marketing agencies couldn't be sold. But that myth is fading fast, and buyers are hungrier than ever to acquire agencies. In this episode, Greg Elfrink explains why he thinks we're in the golden age of marketing agencies. He dives into why buyers are actively hunting agencies to grow their portfolios, highlighting everything from recurring revenue models to the skyrocketing importance of digital marketing across industries. Of course, no conversation about agencies in 2025 is complete without discussing AI. Greg addresses the big question: Will AI kill agencies, or will it become a tool that accelerates their growth? He also shares why agencies may be entering a profit renaissance, with more opportunities than ever to scale and succeed.But it's not all smooth sailing. Greg also breaks down the three main reasons why agencies struggle to sell and what founders can do to fix them. If you've ever wondered whether your agency has real exit potential, or if you're curious why investors are piling into this space, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Topics Discussed in this episode: Busting the myth that marketing agencies cannot be sold (01:30) Why buyers are hungry for marketing agencies (04:35) Will AI kill agencies? (09:25) The marketing agency profit renaissance (15:25) The 3 main reasons why agencies don't sell (26:46) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Episode 185 - Amos Bar Joseph's AI system Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn why marketing agencies are becoming the hottest businesses on the market!

Note: In this episode, Greg is interviewed by Matt and Liz Raad for the Digital Investor Show podcast. We're sharing the interview here so that you don't miss out on the useful M&A insights that Greg shares.Enjoy! Here's why 2025 is Creating Unprecedented Opportunities for Online Business Buyers… Where are the biggest opportunities in buying and selling online businesses right now? In this interview, Matt sits down with Greg Elfrink, head of marketing at Empire Flippers who's helped create over 100 millionaires, to share what's working, what's changed, and how to buy profitable online businesses in 2025.Greg reveals million-dollar lessons, stories, and actionable strategies for both beginners and experienced website investors. If you want to hear how to buy smart with Empire Flippers, listen to this episode. You Will Learn: How the current market reality is presenting online investors with hidden opportunities. How strategic buyers can negotiate deals in today's market. How to renovate & improve monetisation from traditional affiliate sites. Why it's important to diversify your online business traffic. Where to buy and sell smaller online businesses safely. What your next steps are for investing in today's market. Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Original Digital Investors podcast eBusiness Institute Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn new ways to grow your wealth and income with online assets.

Social commerce has become one of the most powerful drivers of online revenue, and when combined with the right video marketing strategy, it can turn casual viewers into loyal buyers faster than ever. In this episode, we sit down with Eitan Koter, co-founder of Vimmi, to explore how brands can turn content into real revenue using the combined power of social commerce and video marketing. Eitan starts by sharing his background and the story behind Vimmi, a video commerce platform helping brands drive sales with shoppable video and live shopping across storefronts and social networks. He then defines social commerce in today's context, explaining how it has evolved from simple "buy now" links to a full-scale ecosystem where video, community, and purchasing power merge seamlessly. For businesses wondering where to start, Eitan breaks down exactly how to launch your first social commerce videos, from choosing the right platforms to understanding your audience's buying triggers. He introduces his powerful Content, Community, and Commerce framework, which shows how storytelling, engagement, and sales strategy work together to drive long-term results. Listeners will also learn what makes content truly valuable in a social commerce setting, how to maintain high-quality output while producing videos at scale, and why consistency often beats one-off viral hits. Listen now and start transforming your video content into conversions that count. Topics Discussed in this episode: Eitan's background and an overview of Vimmi (02:04) A definition of social commerce and how it has evolved over the last few years (07:56) How to get started with social commerce videos (12:10) Eitan's Content Community and Commerce framework (23:09) What is valuable content when it comes to video and social commerce? (33:28) Setting up a system to ensure you can generate a high quantity of videos (41:05) The KPI's you should be tracking with your video marketing campaigns (48:34) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Vimmi Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn practical strategies to help you sell more through social commerce.

Traditionally, headcount equals scale. But in the age of AI, is this still true? In this episode, we're joined by Amos Bar Joseph, the co-founder of Swan AI, the first autonomous business. Their goal? Reaching $30 million in ARR with just three founders and a powerful fleet of AI agents. Amos explains how he is building an enterprise-level business with just three employees, and how Swan AI's autonomous business model is different from traditional AI-powered businesses. While most companies simply bolt AI onto existing workflows to automate repetitive processes, Swan AI is designed around agentic workflows, where AI agents operate with memory, goals, and decision-making capabilities. It's not just automation; it's intelligent delegation. Amos is quick to clarify: this isn't about replacing humans, it's about giving small teams superpowers. He explained how each agent is purpose-built to make their founders 100x more effective, by designing agents around them, rather than 1:1 replacing a hire. Amos explains how to ensure your agents stay accurate and aligned with business objectives, avoiding 'hallucinations' and maintaining customer trust. He also shares when to stick with classic workflows and when to switch to agents for higher-level tasks. We also tackle the provocative question: Is a one-person unicorn possible? If you're interested in building a smarter, leaner business using AI, this episode will challenge how you think about scale. Enjoy! Topics Discussed in this episode: What is an agentic workflow? (03:48) Amos's background and the origins of Swan AI (04:48) How an autonomous business is different from an AI-powered business (08:45) Why adding AI agents helps enhance employees, not replace them (13:43) How Amos is building an enterprise-level business with just 3 employees (18:26) How to control the AI agents' context and accuracy (23:33) The difference between AI automation and AI agents (28:44) When to use automations and workflows vs AI agents (35:12) The best resources for building your own AI agent (42:36) Is a one-person unicorn possible? (45:08) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Swan Amos's LinkedIn Amos's Autonomous Business Playbook Amos's Avatar Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to scale your business without bloat, using AI agents.  

The rules of selling on Amazon have changed, and sellers who don't adapt are paying the price in time, revenue, and sometimes, their entire account. In this episode, we're joined by John Cavendish, the founder of Seller Candy, an agency that deals with Seller Support on behalf of Amazon sellers.We dive into what's really going wrong behind the scenes of Amazon businesses with someone who sees it all from the inside. From shifting product launch strategies to the overlooked support issues that sabotage sellers, we uncover the patterns that can quietly erode your success. We explore the most common launch mistakes Amazon sellers make, why account suspensions are on the rise, and what proactive steps you can take to protect your account's health before it's too late. If you want to launch smarter, avoid suspension triggers, and get ahead of account health issues before they escalate, this episode is packed with essential insights. Topics Discussed in this episode: How launching a product on Amazon has changed (03:47) Common product launch mistakes entrepreneurs make (10:17) The main support problems Amazon sellers experience (11:46) The most common reasons for account suspensions (17:19) Proactive steps you can take to avoid account health issues (19:59) How Seller Candy's clients are reacting to tariffs (25:14) John's advice to US-based Amazon sellers (29:42) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Seller Candy Seller Candy Academy Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to protect your Amazon seller account from unnecessary suspensions!  

Not every SaaS success story starts with a multi-million-dollar seed round. While flashy headlines highlight startups raising big in Silicon Valley, most founders are left asking a far more practical question: Should I bootstrap, or go after funding? In this episode, we're joined by Denise Edwards, the founder of SaaS Launch, a platform that helps early-stage SaaS founders secure the right kind of capital and avoid the wrong kind of investor. We dive into the different types of funding available to SaaS founders and explain the real trade-offs between raising capital vs bootstrapping. Denise breaks down dilutive vs non-dilutive funding and what those terms actually mean for your business long-term. But it's not just about money. Denise highlights the intangible value investors can offer, like mentorship, industry connections, and strategic insights, that often outweigh the dollar signs. We also tackle some of the biggest myths and misconceptions founders believe about fundraising. Finally, Denise walks us through the anatomy of a great pitch, what to say, what to avoid, and how to stand out from the crowd. Whether you're scaling with your own savings or prepping for your first round, this episode will give you the tools and insight to make smarter funding decisions for your SaaS startup. Topics Discussed in this episode: How Denise went from working in SaaS to starting SaaS Launch(01:56) The different types of funding available to SaaS founders (06:30) The pros and cons of raising funding vs bootstrapping (09:00) Dilutive vs non-dilutive funding options (11:27) The intangible benefits that investors bring to the table (17:00) Common myths and misconceptions founders have about fundraising (20:00) The KPIs and metrics that investors look at (24:20) The biggest mistakes founders make when pitching investors (30:23) The anatomy of a great pitch (37:33) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter SaaS Launch  Denise's LinkedIn Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to take the next step in your SaaS journey with confidence.  

What if scaling your SaaS didn't require burning out or selling your soul to venture capital? In this episode, Greg sits down with seasoned SaaS founder, author, and startup mentor Rob Walling for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable, sellable SaaS business. Rob kicks things off by sharing how he stumbled into SaaS before it was cool, and how that journey led him to co-create TinySeed, an alternative funding model that puts founders first. He breaks down how TinySeed's 12-month program works, who it's for, and how it compares to traditional VC. But this episode isn't just about funding, it's about founder freedom. We dive deep into the psychological shifts that come with selling your business, how to recognize the right time to exit, and how to protect your energy both before and after a sale. Rob also shares the biggest traps SaaS founders fall into when chasing "growth at all costs" and the core traits he sees in founders who succeed. Whether you're bootstrapping, raising capital, or planning an exit, this episode is packed with honest, actionable insights that will help you scale smarter, and sell without regret. Topics Discussed in this episode: Rob's background and how he got into SaaS (02:08) The origins of TinySeed and how it differs from Venture Capital (12:09) The opportunities that are created through selling your business (19:43) A breakdown of Tiny Seed's 12-month program (22:19) The pros and cons of a "growth at all costs" mindset (28:32) The requirements needed to join Tiny Seed (30:20) The psychological effects of exiting your business (33:56) How to tell when to sell your business (39:40) How to avoid burnout before and after your exit (46:43) The characteristics that successful founders share (52:21) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Startups For The Rest Of Us podcast  Exit Strategy: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Selling Your Business without Regret TinySeed Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to take the next step in your SaaS journey with confidence.