Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

Nikolas Hulewsky
  • 4.9 (95)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Nikonomics—the show for entrepreneurs and Wantrapreneurs, looking to make their first million. I bring firsthand experience, having bought and sold over a dozen businesses, achieved multiple 7-figure exits, and generated over $100 million in revenue. Each week, I blend humor with real insights from successful entrepreneurs, sharing growth strategies, deal insights, and unique business ideas you won’t find elsewhere. Ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Hit play and let’s get to work. Follow me on Twitter @CoFoundersNik or YouTube @NikonomicsPodcast.

  1. 1H AGO

    280 - Best of 2025! Understanding the Nuances of Advanced Language Models with Richard Marmorstein

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Richard Marmorstein (https://x.com/@twitchard). In this episode, Richard shares some fascinating ways he's leveraging AI in both his personal life, like creating a custom storybook using Google AI Studio for his son, and professionally, showcasing the expressive text-to-speech capabilities of Hume AI. We also dive into practical business applications of AI voice technology and explore the crucial differences between general language models and reasoning models like those from OpenAI. Plus, Richard gives us a peek into how he uses AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT to enhance his workflow as a software developer. Questions This Episode Answers: • What is an MCP and how does it enable tool use with language models? • What makes Hume AI's text-to-speech model different and what are its key use cases beyond creative content? • What's the difference between using a general model like ChatGPT 4.0 and a reasoning model? • How can AI assist with coding tasks and serve as a pair programmer? • What are some unconventional ways to repurpose existing content, like turning a blog into a podcast using AI? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered:00:00 Revolutionizing Conversational AI and TTS 04:20 Exploring Google's AI Studio and Image Generation 11:32 Innovations in Text-to-Speech Technology 15:47 Practical Applications of AI in Content Creation 20:59 Understanding AI Models and Their Use Cases

    25 min

  2. 2D AGO

    279 - Best of 2025! Inside the Wild West of Influencer Deals and Agency Life with Tom Stefaniuk

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Tom Stefanik (https://x.com@tomstefaniuk) about the wild world of influencer marketing. We dive deep into why over 50% of young people aspire to be influencers, the incredible growth of this multi-billion dollar industry, and how creators like Tom built massive businesses from their passion. Discover the different ways creators earn money, from early AdSense checks to selling their own products, and learn why some small, niche audiences can be far more valuable than millions of followers. Tom shares insights from his agency, Small Stream, explaining how they help creators and brands navigate this fast-changing landscape, negotiate deals, and measure success beyond just follower counts. It's a fascinating look at the future of marketing and how real businesses are being built on social media. Questions This Episode Answers: How big is the influencer marketing industry and how fast is it growing? What are the typical stages of monetization for a content creator? How do brands and businesses measure the return on investment from influencer campaigns? Is it possible for a creator to make a living with a relatively small but dedicated audience? How should creators determine their pricing for sponsorships and ad deals based on audience value? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered:00:00 The Journey of a Social Media Influencer 02:56 The Evolution of Influencer Marketing 05:48 Building a Business Around Influence 09:09 Understanding the Influencer Economy 12:02 The Shift in Marketing Budgets 14:47 Measuring Success in Influencer Campaigns 18:01 Navigating the Influencer Landscape 20:44 The Value of Audience Engagement 24:31 The Value of Podcasting and Audience Engagement 27:25 The Importance of Passion in Content Creation 30:37 Pricing Strategies for Sponsorships 33:21 The Growth of Influencer Marketing Agencies 36:34 Navigating Brand Collaborations 37:28 Revenue Distribution Between Brands and Creators 38:28 The Role of Relationships in Influencer Marketing 39:25 Challenges in the Influencer Marketing Space 40:20 The Future of Influencer Marketing 41:43 Best and Worst Influencers to Work With 42:42 Equity Deals and Long-Term Partnerships 43:38 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

    49 min

  3. FEB 12

    278 - Best of 2025! Decoding the Tech Stack: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know with Ellie Daw

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Ellie Daw (https://x.com/Ellieintech), a multiple-time founder who's built over 40 zero to one product builds! In this episode, we tackle the tech questions that keep business owners up at night. We demystify AI integration, clarify the roles of IT, CIO, and CTO, and discuss how to navigate dev shops without being taken advantage of. Ellie also introduces her new company, Yalla, designed to make your technical infrastructure visible and manage technical debt. If you're a founder or business owner with limited tech experience, this conversation is for you. Questions This Episode Answers: • What's the difference between IT, a CIO, and a CTO? • How can business owners avoid being taken advantage of by dev shops? • What does it mean for a business to be "tech-enabled"? • What is a "tech stack" and how can I track it? • What is "technical debt" and why is it a problem for my business? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered:

    42 min

  4. FEB 10

    277 - Best of 2025! Turning AI Ideas Into Real Income with Chris Koerner

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I sit down with Chris Koerner for another episode of Holdco Bros! In this episode, we brainstorm a fresh batch of business ideas, starting with a brand-new concept Chris launched minutes before recording: a "give-to-get" platform for discovering AI use cases. We debate the power of personality quizzes to revolutionize hiring and culture fit, and I share a game-changing prompt engineering hack that involves asking LLMs to reverse-engineer their own prompts.We also explore Manus, a tool that can generate full pitch decks in minutes, and discuss how to use Perplexity Labs to create high-value lead magnets from market data. Chris breaks down his real-time experiment validating a secret Pickleball Club using Facebook Ads and Typeform to measure high intent, and we wrap up with a look at the unsexy but profitable world of bathtub refinishing. Questions This Episode Answers: 1. How can AI help you create professional pitch decks in under 15 minutes? 2. What is the "reverse engineering" trick for writing better AI prompts? 3. How can you use personality quizzes to improve hiring and employee retention? 4. What is the most effective way to validate a local business idea using Facebook Ads? 5. How can industry reports generated by AI serve as powerful lead magnets for B2B sales? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 - Underrated AI business idea 00:35 - “HowAreYouUsingAI.com” explained 05:22 - AI quiz to match tools with your business 10:16 - Personality-based hiring with AI 17:00 - Manus AI creates pitch decks automatically 24:35 -Genius AI prompt engineering method 29:25 - What Perplexity Labs can actually do 34:15 - $2K AI reports used as lead magnets

    37 min

  5. FEB 5

    276 - Best of 2025! How Government Backstopping Impacts the Entrepreneurial Landscape with Jon Matzner

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Jon Matzner (https://x.com/MatznerJon). In this episode, we dive into the "Matzner Mind" and Jon’s unique approach to satirizing business influencers and gurus without being malicious. We discuss why building a massive following is often a trap, and why niche communities defined by influence and affluence are far more valuable than broad attention. The conversation heats up when we get into a serious debate about the SBA (Small Business Administration). Jon challenges me on whether SBA loans are just a "subsidy for boomers" and an inappropriate use of government force, while I argue they are a vital tool for economic mobility for entrepreneurs like myself. We wrap up by discussing why you should document your journey as a "fellow traveler" rather than trying to be an expert while building your business. Questions This Episode Answers: Why is having influence and affluence in a niche audience more valuable than millions of views?Is the SBA a necessary tool for entrepreneurs or an unethical use of taxpayer dollars?How can you critique business gurus and influencers effectively without being a "hater"?Why is distribution considered the only defensible moat in the age of AI?Why should founders create content about their struggles instead of just sharing "how-to" advice?Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Importance of Pointy Opinions 03:04 Influencers and Satire in Business 06:02 Building a Brand Through Authenticity 09:00 The Value of Distribution and Attention 11:49 Influence and Affluence in Community Building 14:46 The Role of Authority in Marketing 18:11 The Podcast as an Intimate Medium 21:03 Debating the SBA Loan Program 24:29 Understanding the SBA: A Boomer Subsidy or Entrepreneurial Support? 26:21 The Role of the SBA in Economic Mobility 28:47 National Defense and Economic Supremacy: A Dual Perspective 30:45 The Impact of Government on Monopolies and Economic Mobility 32:34 Causation vs. Correlation in Economic Growth 34:56 Healthcare Costs and Government Intervention 36:49 The SBA's Structure and Its Implications 39:14 The Debate on Government Involvement in Business Loans 42:35 Prioritizing Government Reforms: Where Should Focus Lie? 46:30 The Importance of Personal Journey in Entrepreneurship

    49 min

  6. FEB 3

    275 - Best of 2025! Beyond ChatGPT: Exploring Perplexity and the Deep Dive Revolution with Chris Koerner

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), for another episode of HCB with Chris Koerner! In this episode, we dive deep into the latest AI tools, debating whether the $200/month ChatGPT Pro plan is actually worth it compared to Perplexity's Deep Research features. We discuss why Chris prefers Perplexity over Operator for research tasks and share our specific prompting frameworks for getting the best results. We also brainstorm unique business ideas, including a breakdown of the banana ketchup market in the Philippines and how to validate niche trends using Google Trends data. Later, we get real about the state of AI agents versus Robotic Process Automation (RPA), pitch a mobile side hustle inspired by Activate Games, and share the wild story of Ethan Cohen pivoting from a sports book to retrofitting vending machines with credit card readers. Questions This Episode Answers: 1. Is the $200 ChatGPT Pro plan better for deep research than Perplexity? 2. How can you use AI and Google Trends to identify international product opportunities like banana ketchup? 3. What is the difference between true AI agents and Robotic Process Automation (RPA)? 4. How can you turn a high-cost retail concept like Activate Games into a low-cost mobile side hustle? 5. Can you build a profitable business by retrofitting old vending machines with modern technology? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered:00:00 The Rise of AI and Deep Research 05:51 Custom GPTs and Their Applications 12:05 Exploring Business Ideas Through AI 18:06 The Future of Agents and Automation 23:54 Innovative Business Models and Side Hustles

    36 min

  7. JAN 29

    274 - Best of 2025! No Code, No Problem: Building a Startup with Lovable AI with Corey Pierson

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Corey about his journey building a SaaS application, PetDocument, entirely with AI without any prior coding experience. We dive into how he leveraged AI tools like Lovable AI to turn a "fairy tale business idea" into a live, functional platform at petdocument.com, solving a real-world problem for pet owners. Learn about his experience using natural language prompting instead of traditional coding and how he navigated the process from idea to launch in a matter of months. Questions This Episode Answers: • What's your business and how are you using AI? • What is your professional background? • Did you have any prior coding experience? • How did you actually build this SaaS platform? • How long did the entire building process take? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 Harnessing AI for SaaS Development 02:57 Identifying Real-World Problems 06:13 Building a Pet Documentation Platform 09:07 The Development Process and Tools Used 12:02 Leveraging AI for Coding Assistance 15:11 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

    20 min

  8. JAN 27

    273 - Best of 2025! How Embracing a Grudge Can Fuel Your Success with Liana Fricker

    MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Liana Fricker (https://x.comlianafricker). Liana is an incredible entrepreneur who has operated at the fascinating intersection of SMBs and venture capital in the UK and wider Europe. She's helped over a hundred companies through her accelerator, becoming a key resource for founders. Our conversation explores her core belief: that where you end doesn't have to be where you start. We dive deep into how a doll idea transformed into Uplift 360, a venture-backed material circularity company for the defense industry. Liana shares her unique approach to identifying promising ideas using thematic intelligence and the PESTLE analysis framework, revealing how she spots future trends like the push towards "going analog" amidst digital overwhelm from things like ChatGPT. We also discuss the essential traits of successful founders, including openness, curiosity, humility, being of service, and the willingness to collaborate, and even the surprising power of having a "grudge". Finally, Liana unpacks the "tragedy of the purpose-powered founder" and the importance of embracing both ambition and profit. Questions This Episode Answers: • How do you know which startup ideas are truly worth pursuing? • What are the top traits that define successful founders? • How can entrepreneurs effectively spot and interpret emerging trends? • What does it mean to balance purpose with profit as a founder? • How did an accelerator grow from a community for skill-swapping? Enjoy the conversation! __________________________ Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback. Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts. __________________________ MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT __________________________ This week we covered: 00:00 The Purpose-Powered Founder 01:28 Entrepreneurial Journeys and Transformations 07:04 Building Community and Accelerators 09:49 Evaluating Ideas in Entrepreneurship 22:23 Traits of Successful Founders 30:00 The Balance of Altruism and Profit

    36 min
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4.9
out of 5
95 Ratings

About

Welcome to Nikonomics—the show for entrepreneurs and Wantrapreneurs, looking to make their first million. I bring firsthand experience, having bought and sold over a dozen businesses, achieved multiple 7-figure exits, and generated over $100 million in revenue. Each week, I blend humor with real insights from successful entrepreneurs, sharing growth strategies, deal insights, and unique business ideas you won’t find elsewhere. Ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Hit play and let’s get to work. Follow me on Twitter @CoFoundersNik or YouTube @NikonomicsPodcast.

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