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:
If you’ve ever wondered how to future-proof your visibility without losing your authenticity, this one’s for you.
FAQs From The Episode
What’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 Solopreneurs
Are 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:
Total 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 Show
What 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.”
🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for Solopreneurs
Are 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:
Total value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.
👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you?
Join LifeStarr Intro for Free
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 Solopreneurs
Are 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:
Total 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 Episode
How 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 Solopreneurs
Are 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:
Total 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 Episode
How 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 Solopreneurs
Are 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:
Total 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!
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!
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 Episode
What 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.
🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for Solopreneurs
Are 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:
Total value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.
👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you?
Join LifeStarr Intro for Free
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.
🌟 Featured Resource: LifeStarr Intro for Solopreneurs
Are 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:
Total value: $65/month. Your cost? Zero.
👉 Ready to stop struggling solo and build a business that works for you?
Join LifeStarr Intro for Free
Have you ever wondered how to get in front of the right audience without constantly chasing leads?
In this episode, Christina Lenkowski shares how solopreneurs can use podcast guesting as a powerful tool to build credibility, attract clients, and grow their businesses. From pitching yourself with confidence to turning interviews into lasting opportunities, you’ll learn exactly how to make guest podcasting work for you.
Making 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 Episode
How do I know which changes to make first in my business?
Start by sequencing smartly. Not every change needs to happen at once, and some are dependent on others. Look at the order of operations: what’s foundational and what relies on that foundation. Begin with the changes that unlock or support others, so you don’t waste time redoing work.
I’m worried about overwhelming myself while making improvements. How do I avoid burnout?
The Smooth Method emphasizes managing your load and energy. Take on one change at a time, and give yourself breaks between projects. Running a business while trying to improve it is demanding, and protecting your time and sanity ensures you don’t stall out before seeing results.
How do I make sure changes actually stick and pay off?
First, track your success with clear metrics. Define what “done” and “successful” look like before you start. Then, after implementation, harvest the lessons by reflecting and documenting what worked and what didn’t. This way, every improvement becomes a repeatable process rather than a one-off experiment.
Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever.
All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies.
When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there?
It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.”
So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place.
Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in.
This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back.
Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.
Making 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 how to turn it into a clear, strategic plan.
Popular Questions and Answers From The Episode
How do I know which business changes to tackle first?
Start with survival. If something threatens the health of your business, like a major client loss or a broken system, it automatically goes to the top of your list. Joe calls this the “Peril” step in the PRIORITY framework. Handle what keeps the doors open before anything else.
What if I have a change in mind, but I don’t have the skills or resources to pull it off?
Then it’s not a priority...yet. Implementation and resources are key filters in the framework. If you can’t realistically execute the change now, put it on a “someday/maybe” list instead of draining energy and momentum.
How do I avoid wasting time on changes that don’t move my business forward?
Ask whether the change creates real opportunity and aligns with your vision. Will it grow revenue, reduce stress, or bring you closer to your long-term goals? If it’s just a shiny object, it might feel exciting, but it won’t serve your bigger picture.
Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever.
All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies.
When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there?
It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.”
So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place.
Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in.
This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back.
Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.
You’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 business aligned with the life you want to live.
Popular Questions and Answers From The Episode
What’s the first thing solopreneurs should address when improving their business?
If there’s an existential threat, that has to come first. These are big, business-ending issues—like a major competitor undercutting your prices, new technology disrupting your industry, or a business model that simply isn’t working. Before worrying about tweaks or small improvements, solopreneurs need to tackle these threats head-on to ensure survival.
What are the “seven failure modes” solopreneurs should watch out for?
Joe outlined seven common failure modes:
Recognizing which one you’re facing is the first step toward fixing it.
How do solopreneurs know when it’s time to reimagine their business?
It’s time to reimagine when your business stops serving your life. Even if it’s profitable and running smoothly, if you’ve lost enthusiasm, feel misaligned, or your personal goals have shifted, that’s a signal to step back. Sometimes improving your business isn’t about fixing broken systems—it’s about reshaping it so it supports the life you want today, not the one you wanted years ago.
Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever.
All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies.
When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there?
It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.”
So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place.
Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in.
This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back.
Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.
After 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:
Why is it important to document issues instead of just fixing them right away?
Because not every problem is urgent. Writing issues down helps you pause, evaluate the impact, and decide whether it needs immediate attention or can wait until you’re in the improvement phase. It also preserves the insights you have in the moment or ideas you might forget months later when you finally revisit the problem.
What framework can solopreneurs use to prioritize what to work on?
The Eisenhower Matrix is a powerful tool. It helps you separate tasks into four categories: urgent and important, urgent but not important, important but not urgent, and neither urgent nor important. Doing this allows solopreneurs to focus on what truly drives the business forward rather than just reacting to whatever feels pressing in the moment.
How can writing things down reduce stress for solopreneurs?
Carrying everything in your head creates mental clutter and even sleepless nights. By getting issues, tasks, and ideas out of your brain and into a trusted system, whether that’s a notebook, worksheet, or an app, you free up mental space. You’ll rest easier knowing nothing important will slip through the cracks.
Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever.
All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies.
When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there?
It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.”
So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place.
Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in.
This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back.
Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.
Ever 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 felt stuck between doing it all yourself, hiring help, or buying yet another app, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Three Episode Takeaways
Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever.
All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies.
When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there?
It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.”
So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place.
Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in.
This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back.
Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.
Think of onboarding like a marriage: you don’t stop showing up once the vows (or the sale) are made. In this episode, they unpack why onboarding is the delight phase of the buyer’s journey, how to prevent buyer’s remorse, and the small but powerful touches that turn customers into lifelong fans (and evangelists).
If you’ve ever wondered how to make sure your clients feel like they “married the right business,” this one’s for you.
A Few Q&As From The Episode
Why is onboarding such a critical step after a sale?
Answer: Because the sale isn’t the finish line, it’s the starting point of the customer relationship. Onboarding reassures buyers they made the right decision, prevents buyer’s remorse, sets clear expectations, and begins building long-term trust.
What are some simple ways solopreneurs can make onboarding effective?
Answer: Start with a warm welcome, whether it’s a personalized email, a short video, or even a handwritten note. Follow up with clear next steps, resources, or tutorials to help customers get value quickly. The key is making clients feel seen, supported, and confident right away.
How does great onboarding impact future sales and referrals?
Answer: Thoughtful onboarding turns new customers into fans and fans into evangelists. When clients feel cared for and successful with your product or service, they’re far more likely to renew, upgrade, or tell their friends about you, which makes lead generation and sales much easier down the line.
Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever.
All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies.
When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there?
It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.”
So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place.
Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in.
This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back.
Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.
Sales 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 Episode
How can solopreneurs approach sales without feeling sleazy?
By reframing sales as service. Instead of trying to push a product, focus on finding people who have problems you can genuinely solve. When you approach conversations with the goal of helping rather than selling, it becomes natural, authentic, and far less intimidating, even for introverts.
What does “level of touch” mean in sales planning?
The level of touch refers to how much interaction you have with a potential customer. High-touch sales involve more personal engagement, like coaching calls or consultations, while low-touch or no-touch sales rely on things like websites, emails, or quick transactions for lower-priced products. Solopreneurs need to match their sales process to both their offering and the time they can realistically invest.
Why is qualifying leads so important?
Not every prospect is worth your time. By qualifying leads, making sure they have a problem you can solve, the authority to make a decision, and the budget to buy, you avoid wasting hours chasing “tire kickers.” A simple system for filtering leads upfront saves time, energy, and frustration later on.
Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever.
All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies.
When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there?
It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.”
So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place.
Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in.
This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back.
Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.
After 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 works for solopreneurs.
Important Takeaways From The Episode
Why is marketing strategy more important than tactics for solopreneurs?
Because tactics change constantly. New platforms, AI tools, and algorithms come and go, but if you have a clear strategy, knowing who you serve, what your brand stands for, and how you build trust, you can adapt to any trend. Strategy is your foundation, tactics are just the tools you plug in along the way.
How does AI impact solopreneur marketing?
AI is creating noise in the marketplace, making it harder for people to know what’s authentic. The good news? That actually gives solopreneurs an edge. Solopreneurs have always relied on real human connection and trust to grow their businesses, and those skills are now more valuable than ever. AI can support your work by handling repetitive tasks, but it should never replace your strategy or your voice.
What are the key steps to building an effective solopreneur marketing strategy?
It comes down to five essentials:
This loop ensures your marketing always stays people-centered, no matter the trends.
Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever.
All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies.
When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there?
It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.”
So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place.
Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in.
This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back.
Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.
* 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 our very own George B. Thomas not only attended, but presented multiple times. So you have some very credible sources sharing their insights today.
From groundbreaking strategies to fresh perspectives on automation, AI, and scaling small businesses, this episode is packed with golden nuggets for solopreneurs who want to stay ahead of the curve.
Whether you're looking for new ways to generate leads, streamline your processes, or take your customer experience to the next level, this episode has you covered.
Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever.
All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies.
When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there?
It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.”
So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place.
Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in.
This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back.
Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.
Now that we're halfway through the Solopreneur Success Cycles series we're doing leading up to the launch of our book, Solopreneur Business For Dummies, we wanted to re-release the first episode in the series that gives an overview of what it is, so that new listeners can be brought up to speed. It also serves as a good refresher for those who are following along!
Ever feel like you're building your solo business one guess at a time?
In this episode, Carly and Joe pull back the curtain on the Solopreneur Success Cycle, the foundational framework behind their new book Solopreneur Business for Dummies. From defining your goals (hello, Step Zero!) to tweaking, refining, and reimagining your business as it grows, they break down the entire cycle designed specifically for one-person businesses.
It's not a lecture, it’s a roadmap with a healthy side of real talk, laughs, and lessons you can apply right away. Whether you buy the book or not (but, like, you should), this series is your shortcut to building a business that actually works for you.
Okay, this might be the craziest offer we’ve ever made. We’re giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever.
All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies.
When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there?
It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There’s gotta be a better way.”
So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place.
Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in.
This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it’s not coming back.
Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You’re in. For good.