STARTUP or SHUTUP! : Startup Playbook for Founders & Creators

Colin Fraley | Founders & Creator Economy

Business growth and go-to-market strategies for creators, startup founders, and indie builders. STARTUP or SHUTUP! is the zero-fluff entrepreneurship podcast where host Colin Fraley trades highlight reels for real playbooks: how guests found their first customers and fans, validated product-market fit (PMF), built repeatable go-to-market (GTM) motions, and scaled revenue without the guru noise. Each episode breaks down what actually worked—customer acquisition, audience growth, pricing and packaging, sales systems, partnerships, sponsorships, community funding, and launching offers that convert. You’ll hear the wins, the face-plants, and the “SHUTUP!” moment when the strategy clicks and momentum finally shows up. If you’re a creator, influencer, DJ, artist, party promoter, indie founder, tech builder, or investor looking for practical business growth tactics, this show is for you. Episodes drop every other Tuesday morning. Powered by PeerFounder.com. Keywords: diary of ceo, business growth, go-to-market strategies, go to market, GTM, product-market fit, PMF, entrepreneurship, startup podcast, indie founder, creator economy, audience growth, customer acquisition, first customers, first fans, marketing strategy, sales strategy, pricing strategy, offer creation, product launch, growth marketing, demand generation, partnerships, sponsorships, brand deals, community funding, crowdfunding, bootstrapping, venture capital, fundraising, founder stories, startup lessons, startup playbook, business systems, scalable systems, operations, revenue growth, monetization, creator monetization, influencer marketing, event promotion, sell out events, ticket sales, digital products, online business, solopreneur, side hustle, tech startup, B2B SaaS, DTC, personal brand, content strategy, distribution, retention, conversion rate optimization, CRO, lead generation, pipeline, positioning, messaging, market validation, MVP, traction, growth tactics, startup growth, creator business, founder mindset, building in public, startup investing, angel investing, business podcast, marketing podcast, sales podcast, startup advice, startup strategy, go-to-market plan, GTM playbook, PMF framework, growth systems, scaling a business, founder-led growth, community building, brand strategy, business development

  1. How to Start a Nail Business in Chicago | NBN Nails | Owner Nasjali Cruz

    JAN 6

    How to Start a Nail Business in Chicago | NBN Nails | Owner Nasjali Cruz

    Thinking about how to start a nail business in Chicago? In this episode, Owner Nasjali Cruz of NBN Nails (NBN Chicago) breaks down exactly how she built a bookings-driven studio in Lakeview—covering Gel-X, structured gel, acrylic, pricing strategy, policies that prevent no-shows, marketing that fills the calendar, and when to expand beyond nails. What you’ll learn Step-by-step: turning nail skills into a real nail tech business Services to offer (Gel-X, structured gel, acrylic) and how to position each Pricing & timing: setting rates by time blocks, complexity, and product cost Policies that protect profits (deposits, cancellation/no-show) Chicago marketing: IG/UGC, reviews, and local partnerships that actually book Hiring & standards for a consistent client experience Smart expansion (adjacent beauty services) and the KPIs to watch About the guestNasjali Cruz, owner of NBN Nails (NBN Chicago), opened her a Lakeview studio at age 18 & is known for structured gel, Gel-X, acrylic, and a polished client experience. Book NBN Chicago:nbnchicago.glossgenius.com About this showStartup or Shutup! spotlights real founders building real businesses—tactics you can use this week. Subscribe for more nail salon owner interviews, small business marketing, and how-to episodes. Keywordsstart a nail business in Chicago, nail salon Chicago, nail tech pricing, Gel-X Chicago, structured gel Chicago, acrylic nails Chicago, how to start a nail salon, nail tech marketing, booking policies no-show, small business podcast Hashtags#NailBusiness #ChicagoNails #GelX #StructuredGel #AcrylicNails #NailTech #NailSalonOwner #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #StartupOrShutup

    1h 35m
  2. How to Build a Paid Community | Fired to Entrepreneur | Carol Tice

    10/21/2025

    How to Build a Paid Community | Fired to Entrepreneur | Carol Tice

    In this powerful episode, host Colin Fraley sits down with Carol Tice, an award-winning business journalist turned online entrepreneur, to unpack how getting fired became the best thing that ever happened to her. Carol shares how she transformed her career setback into a multimillion-dollar success story — building a 1,500-member paid community for freelance writers, scaling it to nearly $6 million in revenue, and selling it for life-changing money. From there, she hit the road in an RV with her husband and launched her latest venture, Community Growth Academy, helping coaches, creators, and consultants build thriving paid communities of their own. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: How getting fired can spark your greatest entrepreneurial breakthrough The secret to building a loyal, paying community online The behind-the-scenes story of scaling and selling a membership business How to balance freedom, travel, and business on the road Why Gen Z is leading the next wave of crowdfunding and solopreneurship 🎧 Whether you’re a solopreneur, podcaster, creator, or startup dreamer, this episode will remind you that sometimes getting fired isn’t the end — it’s your invitation to finally build something of your own. ✨ Supported by PeerFounder: If you’ve ever wanted to start your own business but didn’t know where to begin, PeerFounder helps you get your first yes and your first $500 to start or grow your idea — no credit checks, no gatekeepers. Pay it back successfully and unlock $2,500, then $7,000 to really launch your vision. Join now for lifetime access as one of the first 1,000 users at PeerFounder.com.

    1h 42m
  3. How to Be a Serial Entrepreneur | Rob Finlay

    10/07/2025

    How to Be a Serial Entrepreneur | Rob Finlay

    Rob Finlay is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and bestselling author of Beyond the Building and Hey, Dad…, a life-advice book inspired by his journey as a father of four. Over the past 25+ years, he’s built and successfully exited four companies, pioneered debt optimization strategies in commercial real estate, and founded Thirty Capital and Defease With Ease, helping advise billions in transactions. Today, Rob’s focus spans AI, data analytics, leadership, and sustainable agriculture — proving that business success and long-term impact can go hand in hand. In this episode of Startup or Shutup!, host Colin Fraley dives deep into Rob’s entrepreneurial journey — from scaling in volatile markets to balancing profit with purpose. Conversation Breakdown: Rob’s early spark for entrepreneurship and lessons from multiple business exits The evolution of commercial real estate and how AI is transforming the industry What sustainable agriculture taught him about patience, resilience, and leadership The story behind his bestselling books Beyond the Building and Hey, Dad… His “Shut Up Moment” — the leap that changed everything Why legacy and impact drive his decisions more than ever before Tune in to learn how Rob combines innovation, leadership, and sustainability to build a legacy that truly goes beyond the building. 🎙️ Sponsored by PeerFounder.com — the free-market crowdfunding platform empowering entrepreneurs to launch, fund, and grow their business on their own terms.

    1h 43m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Business growth and go-to-market strategies for creators, startup founders, and indie builders. STARTUP or SHUTUP! is the zero-fluff entrepreneurship podcast where host Colin Fraley trades highlight reels for real playbooks: how guests found their first customers and fans, validated product-market fit (PMF), built repeatable go-to-market (GTM) motions, and scaled revenue without the guru noise. Each episode breaks down what actually worked—customer acquisition, audience growth, pricing and packaging, sales systems, partnerships, sponsorships, community funding, and launching offers that convert. You’ll hear the wins, the face-plants, and the “SHUTUP!” moment when the strategy clicks and momentum finally shows up. If you’re a creator, influencer, DJ, artist, party promoter, indie founder, tech builder, or investor looking for practical business growth tactics, this show is for you. Episodes drop every other Tuesday morning. Powered by PeerFounder.com. Keywords: diary of ceo, business growth, go-to-market strategies, go to market, GTM, product-market fit, PMF, entrepreneurship, startup podcast, indie founder, creator economy, audience growth, customer acquisition, first customers, first fans, marketing strategy, sales strategy, pricing strategy, offer creation, product launch, growth marketing, demand generation, partnerships, sponsorships, brand deals, community funding, crowdfunding, bootstrapping, venture capital, fundraising, founder stories, startup lessons, startup playbook, business systems, scalable systems, operations, revenue growth, monetization, creator monetization, influencer marketing, event promotion, sell out events, ticket sales, digital products, online business, solopreneur, side hustle, tech startup, B2B SaaS, DTC, personal brand, content strategy, distribution, retention, conversion rate optimization, CRO, lead generation, pipeline, positioning, messaging, market validation, MVP, traction, growth tactics, startup growth, creator business, founder mindset, building in public, startup investing, angel investing, business podcast, marketing podcast, sales podcast, startup advice, startup strategy, go-to-market plan, GTM playbook, PMF framework, growth systems, scaling a business, founder-led growth, community building, brand strategy, business development