The Aspiring Solopreneur

The Aspiring Solopreneur

*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 SoloSuite 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

Episodes

June 12, 2025 12 mins

Tired of sleazy sales pitches? So are we.
 
In this episode, Carly and Joe unload on the cringiest sales tactics cluttering inboxes today: think cold DMs that insult your business, spammy bots pretending to be human, and desperate pitches that reek of commission breath.

But don’t worry, it’s not just a rant. They also break down how solopreneurs can build real trust, use storytelling to connect authentically, and sel...

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If you've ever felt like your to-do list is running you instead of the other way around, this episode is your reset button. Business coach Diane Helbig joins us to share real-world strategies for managing time, setting boundaries, and replacing pushy sales tactics with genuine relationship-building. From why smaller calendar blocks are a secret weapon to how to bounce back from setbacks without spiraling, Diane offers mind...

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What if scaling your solopreneur business didn’t mean hiring a team or working 80-hour weeks?

In this episode, we’re diving into creative, cost-effective ways to grow, without giving up the freedom that made you go solo in the first place.

From automating tasks and outsourcing smartly to using AI to customize your messaging and repurposing content like a pro, we’re sharing real strategies that actually work. Whether you're ...

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In this episode, we sit down with Anya Cheng, the unstoppable founder of Taelor.Style, an AI-driven clothing rental service for busy men who hate laundry and love looking sharp. From handing out resumes outside campus buildings to building a company that merges sustainability, tech, and style, Anya's journey is equal parts inspiring, resourceful, and, honestly, a little wild. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this one wi...

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Ready to stop reinventing the wheel every time you work? In this episode, Carly and Joe are talking about why solopreneurs need to embrace systems from day one!

Whether you're managing your social media, responding to client emails, or handling finances, consistency is key. And trust us, it’s not just about saving time, it’s about building a business that runs like clockwork.

Hear how documenting your processes can free up...

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It started as girl talk… and turned into one of the most honest, powerful conversations we’ve had on this show.

In this episode, Carly sits down with Athena Brownson, former professional skier turned real estate powerhouse, as she opens up about the journey from chasing air in halfpipes to battling chronic illness and redefining what it means to thrive. 

Athena shares her hard-earned wisdom on resilience, identity shifts, an...

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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 to step back without feeling...

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In this episode, Carly and Joe chat with Karen King, aka The Escapepreneur, about what it really takes to build a business that lets you work from anywhere.

From discovering your true passions to keeping things ridiculously simple (think: Facebook group + PayPal), Karen shares her journey from burnout to freedom and how you can do the same.

Whether you're craving more flexibility, family time, or just want out of your Grou...

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Ever wonder what rookie mistakes might secretly be sabotaging your solopreneur journey? In this episode, Carly and Joe dive into the biggest blunders new solopreneurs make, from flying solo a little too solo to underpricing, overplanning, and forgetting the golden rule of lead gen.

Whether you're just starting out or already in the thick of it, these are the missteps to avoid if you want to build a business that ac...

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What do addiction recovery, international web hosting, youth boxing, and AI-powered solopreneurship have in common? Ken Cox.

In this raw and inspiring episode, Ken shares how hitting rock bottom sparked a complete life overhaul—from buying a boxing gym to launching tech ventures that run on AI. If you're stuck overthinking, this episode might just be the wake-up call you need. Let's get to work.

Being a solopreneur is aweso...

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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 financial stability, reduce your s...

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What do laid-off marketers, disgruntled Gen Xers, and rule-breaking entrepreneurs have in common? They all need to hear this episode. Laura Zavelson joins us to talk about why niching down is your secret weapon, how to sell without sounding salesy, and the real reason you’re probably undercharging (hint: it’s not because you need another certification). 

Whether you're plotting your escape from corporate or building your so...

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Think your brand is just a logo and a color scheme? Think again! As a solopreneur, YOU are your brand. In this sound bite episode, we dive into what truly makes a personal brand stand out.

From embracing your unique strengths to building trust with your audience, we break down why your brand is about more than just marketing—it’s about who you are and how you show up.

Plus, we’ll tackle the common mistakes solopreneurs make ...

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Feeling lost trying to "find your passion"? You're not alone—and maybe that's not even the right thing to be chasing!

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Paul Davis, creator of the Genius Code, to uncover why passion fades, purpose sticks, and how true inspiration can unlock the life and business you were meant to build. (Warning: you might get a little teary in the best way possible.)

If you're a solopreneur cravin...

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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 ...

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Feel like your goals ghosted you this year?

You're not alone—and it's not self-sabotage.

In this episode, we’re talking to self-trust coach Dawn Ledet about why missed goals aren't failures, how to stop making your inner dialogue sound like a mean girl, and what to do when your ambition outpaces your execution.

Whether you’re a solopreneur navigating your next big move or just trying to stop rage-scrolling instead of worki...

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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.


Events create real value for ...

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What does it take to thrive as a solopreneur and truly love the life you’re building? Liz Steblay knows the answer—and she’s sharing her wisdom from over 20 years of self-employment, coaching, and business-building. In this episode, Liz reveals how she fell into solopreneurship before the term even existed, the hard lessons she learned along the way, and the six essential keys to succeeding as a solopreneur.

From navigating...

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Think you need a big budget and a bigger team to run successful virtual events? Think again.

In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly Ries and Joe Rando pull back the curtain on how their small group consistently uses virtual events to generate leads, build trust, and grow their community—without the overwhelm. From low-tech tools (spoiler: Zoom wins again) to their secret sauce for nurturing attendees before, dur...

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What do you get when you combine a smart marketing mind, a super simple service, and a willingness to do what others won’t? A thriving, outside-the-box solopreneur success story.

In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, we’re joined by William Milliken, founder of SwoopScoop, who turned a household chore into a scalable subscription business. We dive into how he built a local service empire, the creative marketing tacti...

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