The Aspiring Solopreneur

Joe Rando, Carly Ries
  • 5.0 (49)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

*Formerly known as Solopreneur: The One-Person Business Podcast* Welcome to The Aspiring Solopreneur, the weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of solopreneurship. Join us as we bring you insightful interviews with industry experts and successful solopreneurs who have mastered the art of running their own businesses. Are you a solopreneur looking for guidance on how to attract clients? Or maybe you're searching for ways to stay motivated and overcome the challenges of working alone. Perhaps you're even struggling with the intricacies of taxes and financial management. No matter what obstacles you face, The Aspiring Solopreneur Podcast is here to provide you with the knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice you need. In each episode, our hosts, Joe Rando and Carly Ries, sit down with a diverse range of guests, including seasoned solopreneurs, marketing gurus, financial experts, and productivity specialists. Together, they unpack the secrets to solo success, sharing their personal stories, strategies, and actionable tips. Learn from those who have paved the way before you, as they reveal their tried-and-true methods for growing their company of one. 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's 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: https://www.lifestarr.com/lifestarr-intro-for-solopreneurs

  1. 1D AGO

    272. How Successful Solopreneurs Think Differently About Growth

    What separates solopreneurs who stay stuck from those who scale into something bigger? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly Ries and Joe Rando sit down with attorney and business strategist Brandon Williams, whose experience working with major brands like Steve Harvey Global gives him a unique perspective on what it really takes to grow a business from a single idea into a lasting legacy. Brandon breaks down one of the biggest myths about solopreneurship: that doing it alone means building it alone. He explains why the most successful solopreneurs actively build networks, leverage contractors, and think years ahead, even when they’re just starting out. Whether you’re still in the idea phase or actively growing your business, this conversation will help you shift from thinking small to building intentionally. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why solopreneurs should think like CEOs, even on day oneHow to scale without hiring employees (using contractors and partnerships)The mindset shift that helps solopreneurs overcome imposter syndromeHow to break big, long-term goals into actionable daily prioritiesThe legal structures solopreneurs should set up early (like LLCs and contracts)Why sharing your idea accelerates growth instead of risking itHow to build confidence when entering rooms with more “established” peopleThe biggest partnership mistakes solopreneurs make (and how to avoid them)Why effort and momentum attract opportunities and supportKey Takeaways 1. Flying solo doesn’t mean building alone Solopreneurs who scale successfully surround themselves with contractors, mentors, and collaborators. 2. Confidence comes from action, not experience The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is often the willingness to try. 3. Structure makes your business real Creating an LLC, separating finances, and putting agreements in place protects your future growth. 4. Focus on where you’re going, not just where you are Thinking years ahead helps guide better decisions today. 5. Effort attracts momentum Taking consistent action creates opportunities, connections, and growth. Episode FAQs How can solopreneurs scale their business without hiring employees? Solopreneurs can scale by building a network of contractors, freelancers, and collaborators instead of hiring full-time employees. This allows them to expand their capabilities, take on more clients, and increase revenue while maintaining flexibility and low overhead. Many successful solopreneurs use contractors for marketing, operations, design, and technical work. What legal structure should a solopreneur set up when starting a business? Most solopreneurs should create an LLC (Limited Liability Company) early in their business. An LLC separates personal and business assets, protecting the owner from personal liability if legal issues arise. Solopreneurs should also open a separate business bank account and use written agreements with contractors and clients. How do solopreneurs build confidence when starting or growing a business? Solopreneurs build confidence through action, not experience alone. Taking small steps, such as networking, talking about their business, working with clients, and executing consistently, helps build belief over time. Even experienced business leaders are constantly learning, and confidence grows by doing, not waiting until everything feels perfect. 🌟 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: 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

    37 min
  2. 271. [Re-Release] Your Solo Business Won’t Stay the Same. Here’s How to Future-Proof It!

    5D AGO

    271. [Re-Release] Your Solo Business Won’t Stay the Same. Here’s How to Future-Proof It!

    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. Episode FAQs 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: 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

    18 min

  3. FEB 10

    270. The Lie Solopreneurs Believe About “Overnight Success”

    Everyone wants the shortcut. No one wants to hear the truth. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, filmmaker and media strategist Jake Isham delivers the reality most solopreneurs desperately need: you’re not failing, you’re just underestimating the volume it takes to succeed. From why real brands need thousands of reps, to how to think about content like the gym (without burning out), this conversation reframes success as a long-term, action-driven game. If you’ve ever felt behind, discouraged, or confused by “get rich quick” advice, this episode will reset your expectations in the best possible way. Episode FAQs How much content do solopreneurs really need to be successful? Most solopreneurs dramatically underestimate the volume required to build trust, authority, and momentum. Success usually comes from hundreds (or thousands) of reps over time, not a handful of viral posts. Do solopreneurs really need to become a media company? Not at the beginning. Early on, solopreneurs should focus on one marketing channel that works. But to build a long-term brand, becoming a media company, gradually and sustainably, creates leverage, trust, and visibility. What’s the best content strategy for solopreneurs with limited time? A sustainable strategy focuses on consistency over perfection. Start with one format you can maintain, treat content like a workout routine, improve form over time, and measure progress by actions taken, not short-term results. 🌟 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: 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

    40 min

  4. FEB 5

    269. The Real Reason You’re Not Standing Out As A Solopreneur

    Standing out in a crowded market isn’t about being louder; it’s about being clearer. In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly Ries and Joe Rando break down why competition isn’t the real problem for most solopreneurs. The real issue? Vague positioning, hidden personalities, and businesses that look like everyone else. You’ll learn how to differentiate yourself even when your industry feels oversaturated, why your personal approach is often your biggest advantage, and how clarity around who you aren’t for can actually attract better clients. The conversation also tackles the role of AI and content overload, the importance of having a clear point of view, and why transparency, storytelling, and authenticity matter more than ever. If you’re a solopreneur struggling to stand out, attract the right clients, or feel lost in a sea of competitors, this episode offers a practical checklist to help you show up differently, and more effectively. EPISODE FAQSHow can solopreneurs stand out in a crowded market? Solopreneurs stand out by clearly communicating who they are, how they work, and who they’re best suited to help. Differentiation comes from personality, process, point of view, and transparency, not from trying to compete on volume or trends. Is competition really a problem for solopreneurs? For most solopreneurs, competition isn’t the issue. The bigger challenge is unclear positioning. Even in crowded markets, there is room for solopreneurs who clearly articulate their approach, values, and working style. What role does personal brand play in solopreneur success? Personal brand is a major advantage for solopreneurs because clients work directly with the individual, not a team or agency. Showing personality, preferences, boundaries, and transparency helps attract better-fit clients and build trust faster. 🌟 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: 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

    14 min

  5. FEB 3

    268. Your Solopreneur Business Isn’t Broken, But Your Mindset Might Be

    What if working harder isn’t the answer, and never was? In this episode, Carly Ries and Joe Rando sit down with Lori Rogers to explore why mindset isn’t “woo,” it’s strategy. You’ll learn how small, science-backed shifts in thinking can reduce burnout, increase clarity, and unlock the kind of growth that actually feels sustainable. Episode FAQs How does mindset impact success for solopreneurs? Mindset directly influences decision-making, resilience, productivity, and sales performance. Research shows that optimistic thinking improves problem-solving, increases productivity, and helps solopreneurs navigate challenges with more clarity and less burnout. What’s the difference between healthy mindset work and toxic positivity? Healthy mindset work acknowledges real challenges while choosing a productive perspective. Unlike toxic positivity, it doesn’t ignore stress or hardship; it helps solopreneurs respond with calm, clarity, and intentional action rather than overwhelm. What are simple daily habits that improve mindset and business results? Small daily practices like appreciation, brief mindfulness exercises, intentional movement, and conscious acts of kindness have been shown to increase optimism, focus, and long-term performance, without requiring more hours or hustle. 🌟 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: 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

    32 min

  6. JAN 29

    267. Hey Solopreneur! If Your Marketing Isn’t Working, Listen To This...

    Ever feel like you’re doing “all the right marketing things” but still not getting clients? This episode tackles that exact frustration head-on. If your posts are getting likes but not leads…if you’re busy with content but not booking calls…or if you’re wondering whether to pivot or quit altogether, this conversation cuts through the noise. We break down why niching down matters more than you think, how vanity metrics quietly sabotage your progress, why strategy must come before tactics, and what actually moves the needle for most solopreneurs: real human connection. This is your reminder that it’s not about doing more marketing, it’s about doing the right marketing. EPISODE FAQs Why am I marketing consistently but still not getting clients? In most cases, the issue is not effort but alignment. Common problems include targeting an audience that is too broad, unclear positioning, focusing on vanity metrics instead of real conversations, and relying on tactics without a cohesive strategy. Effective marketing requires clear audience definition, strong messaging, and activities that lead directly to trust-building and sales conversations. What matters more than social media reach or engagement for solopreneurs? For most solopreneurs, direct conversations with ideal clients are more impactful than reach, impressions, or virality. One-on-one interactions, referrals, networking, and relationship-building consistently outperform high-volume content when it comes to generating qualified leads and clients. What’s the difference between marketing strategy and marketing tactics? Strategy defines the overall direction: who the target audience is, what positioning will resonate, and what outcome the marketing should achieve. Tactics are the specific actions used to execute that strategy, such as posting on LinkedIn, running ads, attending events, or sending emails. Without strategy, tactics become scattered and ineffective. 🌟 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: 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

    16 min

  7. JAN 27

    266. Productivity for ADHD Solopreneurs (Without the Rigid Systems)

    Ever feel like traditional productivity advice just…doesn’t work for your brain? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly Ries and Joe Rando sit down with ADHD coach and former academic Skye Waterson for a refreshing, practical conversation about overwhelm, focus, and building a business that actually works with your brain, not against it. Skye shares her wild origin story (including being recruited by the New Zealand government to train their intelligence services), why so many entrepreneurs experience ADHD traits, and how solopreneurs can prioritize, delegate, systematize, and scale without burning out. You’ll learn a simple prioritization filter that instantly reduces overwhelm, how to build a “map of your business,” smarter ways to delegate using AI, and one surprisingly powerful mindset shift that can help you start tasks more consistently. If you’ve ever struggled with focus, felt scattered, resisted rigid systems, or wondered why your motivation seems inconsistent, this episode will feel like someone finally put words (and tools) to your experience. EPISODE FAQs How can solopreneurs with ADHD stay focused and reduce overwhelm? Solopreneurs with ADHD (or ADHD-like traits) benefit from externalizing their thoughts instead of trying to hold everything mentally. In this episode, Skye Waterson teaches a prioritization method that starts by writing down every task (work and personal), then filtering for true urgency and importance. This approach reduces cognitive overload, supports executive functioning, and helps overwhelmed solopreneurs focus on what actually matters instead of reacting to everything. What productivity systems work best for solopreneurs who hate rigid structure? Instead of complex planners or overly strict systems, Skye recommends starting with a “map of your business," a simple visual of how clients find you, how you sell, how you deliver, and how you retain or grow relationships. This gives solopreneurs clarity and control without requiring perfection. The goal isn’t rigid structure; it’s building flexible systems that support your energy, creativity, and attention. How can solopreneurs use AI to delegate and scale without hiring a team? Skye explains that many tasks can now be delegated to AI instead of people, such as turning a voice explanation into an SOP, organizing processes, drafting documentation, or clarifying workflows. For solopreneurs who feel overwhelmed by delegation or who aren’t ready to hire, using AI as a “thinking partner” can dramatically reduce workload, improve consistency, and support sustainable growth. 🌟 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: 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

    28 min

  8. JAN 22

    265. The Psychology Behind Pricing That Actually Converts

    If you’re a solopreneur wondering “Am I charging enough?” or feeling awkward about raising your prices, this episode is for you. In this episode, Carly Ries and Joe Rando tackle one of the most common questions solopreneurs ask: How should I price my services or products? They unpack why pricing isn’t about greed, it’s about fairness, value, and respecting the years of expertise you bring to the table. You’ll hear why charging based only on time keeps you stuck, how underpricing attracts the wrong clients and leads to burnout, and why shifting toward value-based pricing can protect your energy while increasing your income. They also explore how niching down makes your work more valuable, why higher prices often signal greater credibility, and how your pricing can evolve as your business grows. If you struggle with imposter syndrome around pricing, worry you’re “too expensive,” or feel unsure how to confidently quote your work, this episode will help you rethink pricing with clarity and confidence. Episode FAQs How should a solopreneur price their services? Solopreneurs should price based on value delivered, not just time spent. Your pricing should reflect the problem you solve, the outcomes you create, and the years of expertise behind your work, not simply an hourly rate. Value-based pricing attracts better clients and supports sustainable income. Why do solopreneurs struggle with charging higher prices? Many solopreneurs undercharge because of imposter syndrome, fear of seeming greedy, or wanting to be “nice.” But underpricing often leads to burnout, difficult clients, and income ceilings. Confident pricing helps attract clients who respect your work and your time. Is niching down really necessary to raise your prices? Yes. Niching down makes your expertise clearer and more valuable. When you specialize in a specific audience or problem, clients perceive you as the go-to expert, which makes it much easier to justify higher pricing and attract better-fit opportunities. 🌟 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: 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

    14 min
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About

*Formerly known as Solopreneur: The One-Person Business Podcast* Welcome to The Aspiring Solopreneur, the weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of solopreneurship. Join us as we bring you insightful interviews with industry experts and successful solopreneurs who have mastered the art of running their own businesses. Are you a solopreneur looking for guidance on how to attract clients? Or maybe you're searching for ways to stay motivated and overcome the challenges of working alone. Perhaps you're even struggling with the intricacies of taxes and financial management. No matter what obstacles you face, The Aspiring Solopreneur Podcast is here to provide you with the knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice you need. In each episode, our hosts, Joe Rando and Carly Ries, sit down with a diverse range of guests, including seasoned solopreneurs, marketing gurus, financial experts, and productivity specialists. Together, they unpack the secrets to solo success, sharing their personal stories, strategies, and actionable tips. Learn from those who have paved the way before you, as they reveal their tried-and-true methods for growing their company of one. 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's 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: https://www.lifestarr.com/lifestarr-intro-for-solopreneurs

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Rando, Carly Ries
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    273
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021-2024 WorkStarr, Inc.
  • Show Website
    The Aspiring Solopreneur

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