Episode Summary:
In Episode 33 of the ‘Founders Gone AI’ podcast, hosts Kevin and Steve discuss their latest ventures into the world of AI-driven products while navigating the challenges of growing their podcast. After a brief hiatus, they are back with new ideas, including the potential addition of a third co-host who specializes in AI advocacy. The conversation touches on the importance of marketing their podcast effectively, including the use of Twitter ads to engage with the active AI community and build a following. They discuss the difficulties of gaining initial traction, emphasizing the need for strategic outreach and engaging content to draw listeners in and establish meaningful relationships within the tech space.
The hosts also delve into their personal entrepreneurial journeys, sharing updates about their respective products. Steve reveals that he is nearing the launch of a new version of his app, focusing on podcasting functionalities, while Kevin reflects on his recent product launches and the mixed outcomes they have experienced. They discuss the importance of rapid iteration and the necessity of failing fast and cheaply in order to validate ideas. Their strategies include engaging in competitive markets with AI-driven solutions and leveraging existing platforms like Shopify and WordPress. The episode serves as an insightful exploration of the realities of being a bootstrap founder in the AI landscape, highlighting the importance of persistence, adaptability, and community-building.
Episode Timeline:
00:00:01 – Introduction to Founders Gone AI
The hosts welcome listeners back to the podcast, discussing their transition from the Midlife Crisis podcast to Founders Gone AI.
00:01:53 – Podcast Direction and Guest Plans
The hosts talk about their plans to shift the podcast’s direction and potentially bring on a third co-host who is an AI advocate.
00:02:55 – Challenges of Growing a Podcast
Discussion on the challenges of promoting a new podcast and the strategies they are considering, including Twitter ads.
00:08:33 – Podcast Growth Strategies
The hosts share ideas about reaching out to influencers and using social media to grow their audience.
00:10:09 – Interviewing Experts
The hosts reflect on the value of interviewing knowledgeable guests in the AI space and how it can benefit listeners.
00:19:21 – Steve’s Product Update
Steve shares updates on his product development, including a new version of his app and the integration of Stripe.
00:25:51 – Product Launch Challenges
Discussion on the challenges of launching products and the importance of marketing to ensure visibility.
00:38:00 – Kevin’s Product Launches
Kevin shares updates on his product launches, including successes and challenges, and discusses the importance of failing fast.
00:56:30 – Exploring AI-Driven Products
Kevin discusses the shift towards developing AI-driven products and the potential benefits of entering competitive markets.
01:03:30 – Closing Thoughts
The hosts wrap up the episode discussing their excitement for future episodes and the new music created for the podcast.
Key Discussion Points:
Podcast Direction Change: The hosts discuss a shift in the podcast’s direction, aiming to include a third person who is deeply involved in AI to enhance the discussion and provide expert insights.
Marketing Strategies for the Podcast: They explore various marketing strategies to increase the podcast’s visibility, such as using Twitter ads and engaging with AI influencers to build a community around their content.
Challenges of Podcast Growth: The hosts acknowledge the challenges of gaining traction in the podcasting space, emphasizing the importance of transparency and listener engagement in overcoming these hurdles.
Product Development Insights: The conversation shifts to product development, with one host sharing updates about their own product launches, successes, and failures, discussing the importance of rapid iteration and market validation.
AI Integration in Products: They discuss the potential of AI-driven products and how integrating AI can enhance functionality and user experience, while also recognizing the need to adapt to market demands.
Resources and Links:
- Founders Gone AI Twitter: Follow us for updates, insights, and discussions on AI-driven products.
URL: https://twitter.com/FoundersGoneAI - Zapier: Automation tool that connects your apps and services to streamline workflows.
URL: https://zapier.com - Webflow: A web design tool, CMS, and hosting platform in one.
URL: https://webflow.com - Gravity Forms: A popular WordPress plugin for creating forms.
URL: https://www.gravityforms.com - Perplexity AI: AI-driven platform for generating content and insights.
URL: https://www.perplexity.ai - Udio: AI music generation platform for creating custom music tracks.
URL: https://www.udio.com
