The Life-First Solopreneur (formerly The Aspiring Solopreneur)

In this quick but powerful sound bite episode, Carly Ries and Joe Rando tackle one of the most important distinctions for anyone considering solo entrepreneurship: freelancer vs. solopreneur . What sets them apart? Why does it matter? And most importantly, how can you transform your mindset—and your approach—to stand out in a crowded market? Whether you're stuck chasing gigs on platforms like Upwo...

We’re diving straight into the heart of what matters most—your time. In this episode, Carly, Will, and Joe are rolling up their sleeves to tackle the number one solopreneur struggle: wasting precious hours on tasks that don’t serve your growth. From automating your email (yes, you can escape that inbox vortex!) to figuring out what truly lights you up, we’re laying out a game plan to make 2025 you...

Are you ready to break free from the 9-to-5 grind and turn your passion into your livelihood? In this sound bite episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , hosts Carly Ries and Joe Rando dive into the exciting—and sometimes daunting—journey of solopreneurship. They share their own cautionary tales, practical tips, and cheerleading moments to inspire you to make the leap with confidence. From planning y...

In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly Ries and Joe Rando are joined by Danielle Hendon, a CPA and owner of 4 Corners CFO , with a refreshingly approachable vibe. Danielle breaks down intimidating money matters into digestible nuggets of wisdom, starting with what it means for a business to be “bankable.” Spoiler: It’s about setting yourself up for financial support before you need it!...

Feeling like you’re constantly chasing your next paycheck or running out of time to grow your business? You’re not alone! In this short episode, Carly and Joe dive into the game-changing potential of recurring revenue for solopreneurs. From Joe's firsthand experience building subscription-based businesses to Carly's actionable tips for keeping your pipeline full, you’ll learn how to create financi...

In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur , we’re joined by Jessica Lackey, a powerhouse dedicated to helping solopreneurs build authority, streamline systems, and create businesses that actually fit their lives. Jessica shares how she turned free masterclasses and a thoughtfully crafted newsletter into powerful tools for growth—and how you can too. Dive into Jessica's strategies for repurposing...

In today's quick sound bite episode, we're tackling a topic that's on every solopreneur's mind—work-life balance. It's easy to feel like the hustle is never-ending, but achieving balance isn't a far-off dream.  In fact, it's completely within reach, as long as you make it a priority in your business plan.  In this episode, we explore practical ways that we use to weave flexibility and balance into...

Let's kick off the new year with a reminder that balance is key! In this episode, we sat down with Renee La Tour, the Business Strategist behind the Ticket To Freedom program, that helps solopreneurs remove themselves from the day-to-day of their business by leveraging AI, automation & delegation. She's a full-time traveler and part-time entrepreneur, coining the term Fancy Nomad™ to describe...

As solopreneurs, we often wear all the hats and that can make it tricky to balance keeping clients happy while protecting your time and energy. But here’s the secret: setting clear expectations and boundaries doesn’t just help you ; it makes your clients happier in the long run too. In this episode, we’ll cover practical strategies for creating win-win scenarios with your clients. If you’ve ever f...

With the new year approaching, it's important to remember that setting boundaries for yourself and your business is not only OK but it's also encouraged! Which, is why we re-released this episode. Enjoy! On this episode of The One-Person Business Podcast, we discuss aligning values, setting boundaries, and achieving true balance in both personal and professional realms. Our guest, Lisa Couturier,...

Let’s be honest—marketing can feel overwhelming. Between ads, fancy software, and endless advice telling you to “invest big to get big,” it’s easy to think effective marketing is out of reach if you’re not rolling in cash. But here’s the truth: You don’t need a massive budget to make a massive impact.  In today’s short episode, we’re breaking down the myth that marketing has to be expensive. We’ll...

Today, we're diving into a topic that could completely reshape how you think about scaling your business: franchising. Whether you're looking to grow beyond your one-person operation or dreaming of building a business that operates like clockwork without you in the driver's seat 24/7, franchising might just be the game-changer you need. And who better to guide us through the ins and outs of this s...

In today's sound bite episode, we’re tackling a topic that hits home for every solopreneur: taking time off.  As a solopreneur, your time is your currency—stepping away from work can feel like a trade-off between relaxation and revenue, or between recharging and losing momentum. But here’s the thing: burnout isn’t good for business, and neither is running on empty. So, how do you balance the need...

Today’s episode is one you cannot miss if you’ve ever wondered, “How do I get noticed in a crowded market?” Well, one of the ways to do that is through PR, or public relations, and getting media attention, but if you’re like us, that is an intimidating world and for many it seems like it’s reserved for larger companies, but that simply isn’t true. No media experience? No problem.  We have Simone S...

Are you a solopreneur looking for a way to stand out, connect deeply with your audience, and build authority in your niche? Podcasting might be the perfect strategy for you! In this short episode, we’re diving into why creating a podcast can be a game-changer for your business. From amplifying your personal brand to building trust and even generating leads, we’ll explore how solopreneurs can lever...

On this episode of The One-Person Business Podcast, we go on a journey into the world of business podcasting, guided by George B. Thomas's expertise and passion. Listeners gain practical tips, inspiration, and a comprehensive understanding of how to create a successful and impactful podcast in the dynamic business landscape. We discuss: The role having a brand plays in business podcasting - Spoile...

Hosting events has been an absolute game-changer for lead generation and building genuine connections. Joe and Carly are huge fans of taking something as simple as a webinar, giving it a little makeover, and calling it an “event.”  Trust us, it makes a world of difference! When you frame it as an event, it instantly feels more exciting and engaging—not just for your audience but for you too. Event...

With Thanksgiving coming up, we are re-releasing a previous episode to focus on time with family. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday! OK, if we're being honest, the topic for today’s episode is just as much for us as it is for you. We have been behind the scenes creating some awesome products for solopreneurs, and as the marketing gal (Carly) for LifeStarr, it’s been up to me to develop a la...

Staying motivated as a solopreneur can be so hard! Whether you're in the thick of scaling your business or just starting out, finding ways to keep that momentum going is key.  In this short episode, we talk about the importance of celebrating milestones big and small, setting aside time for self-care, how time-blocking can help you stay focused without burning out, and more! So, be sure to tune in...

Today, we’re diving into a topic that keeps business owners awake at night almost as effectively as a triple espresso: marketing. It’s the puzzle that everyone loves to hate…until they get some expert guidance. And that’s exactly what we have for you today! Meet Donna Amos, the mastermind behind The Marketing Blueprint: From Planning to Profit and owner of Solopreneur Solutions, LLC.   Donna has o...

Our topic for today is one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, aspects of solopreneur success: and that is lead nurturing.  As a solopreneur, your leads are more than just names on a list—they’re potential partners, loyal clients, and future advocates for your brand. But here’s the thing: if you’re not actively nurturing those connections, you’re missing out on the full potential of your n...

Who doesn’t love a good comeback story?  Our guest, Matt Theriault, made millions, lost it all, and then rebuilt his wealth from scratch, emerging stronger and more resilient.  In this episode, he opens up about the challenges he faced as a solopreneur in the early days of building his real estate empire and reveals the mindset shifts that kept him going when things got tough. Whether you’re looki...

Some of the most powerful yet often overlooked tools in a solopreneur's journey are collaborations and partnerships. Running a business solo doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. In fact, building strategic alliances can open doors to new audiences, fresh ideas, and shared resources—all while keeping your independence intact. Whether you're looking to co-host a project, cross-promote with a fellow...

We're talking a lot this week about forming partnerships, collaboration, relationship-building, etc., and in light of that we thought it would be relevant to bring back a previous episode on building community as a solopreneur, because honestly, if you can do that, building those partnerships will be a breeze. Building a community is important, but it can be easier said than done if you've never d...

Is SEO still relevant in the age of AI? As AI tools continue to reshape how we search, communicate, and even run our businesses, some are wondering if the traditional SEO playbook still holds value. In this short episode, we discuss the evolving role of SEO and what solopreneurs need to know to stay ahead. Whether you’re just starting to build your online presence or looking to level up your strat...