The Koerner Office - Business Ideas and Deep Dives with Chris Koerner

Latest Episodes:

Billy Quit his Job to Start an AI App Agency: Here's How | Ep. # 150 Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

I sat down with Billy Howell to explore his journey into building and selling apps with AI as a self-taught solopreneur. Billy shared how he transitioned from defense consulting into the world of simple app creation. We talked about the power of AI-driven tools like Replit for rapidly creating simple solutions, and his first successful app. He talked about leveraging Upwork to find initial clients and build a freelance business. Billy also touched on his strategy for tackling "shiny object syndrome" and the potential for reselling custom-built apps. If you're curious about creating simple apps and potentially starting your own agency, Billy's experience is a must-hear. Find Billy on Twitter (Billy J Howell) and explore his work at https://stupid-simple-apps.com/.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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00:00 From Zero to Full-Time: The Journey of a Self-Taught Coder
02:59 Vibe Coding: Building Apps with Natural Language
05:47 Choosing the Right AI Coding Tools
09:06 Navigating Upwork: Finding Clients and Jobs
11:58 Building Custom Solutions for Niche Markets
14:56 The Last 10%: Overcoming Development Hurdles
17:49 Shiny Object Syndrome: Managing Multiple Projects
21:09 Scaling Your Freelance Business
24:01 Distribution Strategies for SaaS Tools
26:56 Personal Branding and Sharing Your Journey

AI Agents and Deep Research Hacks. The Latest Updates⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #149 Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I talk about the latest in AI and some unique business ideas. We begin by comparing ChatGPT and Perplexity, highlighting the strengths of Perplexity's deep research function. Our conversation touches on our experiences with custom GPTs and the power of using AI for identifying emerging trends. We also discuss the current reality of AI agents versus more traditional RPA. Later, we explore the idea of leveraging AI to create forward-looking industry reports, a concept brought up by Zach Ashburn. Finally, Nik shares the incredible entrepreneurial journey of Ethan Kohan, from the world of gambling to the unexpected success of vending machines on college campuses.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Share your ideas with us:

Nik@cofounders.com
Chris@cofounders.com

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

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00:00 The Rise of AI and Research Tools
02:56 Custom GPTs and Their Applications
05:50 Deep Research and Market Trends
08:48 Exploring Unique Business Ideas
12:07 The Evolution of Agents in AI
15:07 Predicting Future Trends with AI
18:01 Innovative Business Models and Side Hustles

Everything I'm Working on in March 2025 | Ep. # 148 Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

Dear diary, here are all the businesses I accidentally started this month.
Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---
00:00 New Beginnings: Church and Personal Growth
10:51 Innovative Event Ideas: Interactive Business Nights
13:14 Marketing Strategies: Billboards and Audience Engagement
16:03 Content Creation: Growth and Monetization Strategies
18:20 Business Ventures: Successes and Challenges
20:55 Community Engagement: Q&A and Listener Feedback

How to Test Your Business Ideas Before Launching with Sam (Part 2/2)⏐Ep. #147 Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Here's part 2 of my latest conversation with Sam. If you haven't already, go listen to part 1 (Ep. #145) now!
I sat down with Sam Thompson again and we talked about a bunch of potential business ideas. We started riffing on how people still pay for simple AI wrappers even though they could use AI themselves, which led us to think about simple AI models like a pay-as-you-go option for deep research. The conversation then bounced to the idea of a super simple ChatGPT-like interface that anyone could use without any problem. We spent a good chunk of time brainstorming merch and apparel, looking at how brands like God Is Dope and Dad Gang built a strong following. We also talked about quickly testing these ideas using Facebook ads and print-on-demand services. Finally, we talked about the concept of a niche online marketplace for products that "never touched plastic." You can find Sam on Twitter (https://x.com/ImSamThompson), and check out what he's up to at https://www.unlimitedcontent.com/

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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00:00 The Role of AI in Business and Human Behavior
02:52 Innovative Business Ideas and Market Saturation
06:11 Subscription Models and User Engagement
08:58 Branding and Resonance Marketing
11:50 Testing Ideas and Market Feedback
15:12 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Action
18:06 Marketplace Models and Business Strategies

How to Connect the Right People and Profit⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #146 Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I, Chris, talk about the power of the middleman business model as a great way to start a low-risk business today. We discuss the core idea of connecting buyers and sellers without dealing with inventory or providing services directly. I share the concept of a "Never Touch Plastic" marketplace, similar to Etsy, but focused on environmentally conscious consumers. We also talk about building an affiliate marketing website for plastic-free products. We also discuss how the United States Postal Service represents a government-subsidized marketing method that entrepreneurs can leverage for cost-effective outreach.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Share your ideas with us:

Nik@cofounders.com
Chris@cofounders.com

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

---
Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

00:00 Government Subsidies and Marketing Channels
02:59 Innovative Business Ideas and Trends
05:52 Sourdough Starter and Microplastics
08:48 Leveraging the Postal Service for Business
12:09 Customer Acquisition Cost and Marketing Strategies
15:04 Monetizing Government Distribution Channels
17:58 Driving for Dollars and Real Estate Opportunities
20:51 AI and Survey Data Monetization
24:02 Plasma Transfusion and Health Innovations

Fresh Growth Hack Ideas with Sam, Friend of the Pod (1/2)⏐Ep. #145 Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

I sat down with Sam Thompson (https://x.com/ImSamThompson), a regular on the podcast, to riff on business ideas, starting with the development of his sourdough GPT wrapper app and how he used AI to build a website for it in a few minutes. We then talk about his marketing plans for his InstantChef GPT wrapper, focusing on leveraging viral content through automation with tools like Zapier and BannerBear. Our conversation touched on copyright concerns when using others' content. I shared my experience with AI tools like Manus and Deep Research. We also talked about digital products and exploring marketing tactics, including the use of influencers and the power of Facebook Ads Manager and more!

https://www.unlimitedcontent.com

https://www.72hoursites.com

Please note that this is part 1 of a two-part episode, come back next week for part 2!

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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00:00 The Pursuit of Practical Business Ideas
02:55 Launching the Instant Chef App
05:48 Content Creation and Automation Strategies
09:02 Navigating Copyright and Fair Use
11:51 The Value of Unique Perspectives in Entrepreneurship
14:48 Exploring Digital Product Opportunities
18:08 Leveraging Influencer Marketing for Digital Products
21:02 Simplifying Business Models with Digital Products
23:52 Creating Custom Business Plans with AI
27:12 The Future of Content Creation and SEO

How to Get Everything You Want Out of Life⏐Ep. #144 Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

I sat down with Jordan Mix, a partner working with Greg Isenberg at Late Checkout, to talk about permissionless projects. We discussed what they are, and Jordan shared the core ideas behind Ryan Holiday's canvas strategy and Jack Butcher's permissionless apprentice philosophy. He shared a few fascinating stories about how undertaking these projects, such as creating custom sneakers and responding creatively to social media posts, led to unexpected opportunities with big names. Jordan explained how this approach can create valuable connections and skills. Listen to this episode to learn how you can start your own permissionless projects!

X.com: https://x.com/jrdnmix

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-mix1/

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---

Get a free 30 day trial of HL: https://www.gohighlevel.com/chris-koerner
Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

00:00 Introduction to Permissionless Projects
05:45 The Canvas Strategy and Its Impact
11:56 Real-Life Applications of Permissionless Projects
18:06 Building Relationships Through Creative Projects
24:12 The Art of Creating Without Permission
25:09 Visualizing Business in 2023
26:36 The Birth of 'Do Within' and Permissionless Projects
27:35 Building Community and Business at Late Checkout
29:30 Finding Value in Collaboration
31:54 The Power of Being a Number Two
32:52 Learning from Experiments and Rejections
34:49 The Compounding Effect of Opportunities
36:07 Identifying Skills and Targeting Opportunities
38:03 Creating Value Without Expectation
40:54 The Asymmetric Bet of Permissionless Projects
42:19 Rethinking Networking and Problem Solving
44:10 Building a Portfolio of Experiences
45:37 Chasing Rejections and Learning from Failure

Brainstorming Businesses You Could Start Around This One Genius Marketing Channel⏐Holdco Bros Discuss! Ep. #143 Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

HoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I talk about the initial stages of starting a business and why founders are so important early on. Nik shares his thoughts on how to grow your business by gradually giving up tasks, always keeping the most important things for yourself . We also discuss some interesting business ideas, like renting out Cybertrucks. This leads to a conversation about creative marketing, specifically using Airdrop in unique ways at different events. Later in the episode, we touch on Bitcoin, the mystery of its creator Satoshi Nakamoto, and the surprising theory suggesting it might be a well-known entrepreneur.

Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnik

Share your ideas with us:

Nik@cofounders.com
Chris@cofounders.com

Timestamps below. Enjoy!

00:00 Highlights
00:30 Founders' Challenges
00:56 The Framework for Business Growth
02:26 Phases of Business Development
03:08 Avoiding Common Pitfalls
04:56 The Elon Musk Example
08:40 Optimizing for Quality of Life
09:14 Innovative Business Ideas
12:15 Airdrop Marketing Strategies
18:55 Creative Marketing Strategies
20:14 Brainstorming Unique Ideas
21:09 Airdropping at Conferences
22:34 The Value of High-Ticket Offers
23:40 Unveiling Satoshi Nakamoto
25:19 Bitcoin's Mysterious Origins
27:21 The Hidden Genius?
32:20 The Future of Bitcoin

An Insider Spills the Secrets to Starting a $1M+ SaaS Agency⏐Ep. #142 Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Get a free 30 day trial of HighLevel with this link only! https://www.gohighlevel.com/chris-koerner

I sat down with HighLevel co-founder Robin Alex (www.linkedin.com/in/robinalex) to talk about launching a profitable agency using their all in one platform that is perfect for white labeling, including AI tools, and is very popular with SaaSpreneurs. He explained that it is the ideal platform for anyone who has a business or wants to start an agency, and he detailed exactly how he would do it. Robin shared HighLevel's inspiring journey from solving his own agency's lead management issues to building a platform that now has 1,700 employees and supports five million users worldwide. He also talked about how some SaaSpreneurs are using HighLevel for recurring revenue and building very large companies, with some partners making eight-figure incomes.

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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00:00 Introduction
01:33 Introduction to High Level and Its Mission
08:35 The Journey from Marketing Agency to SaaS
15:47 Innovative Features and Unique Selling Proposition
22:31 Strategies for Small Business Engagement
26:24 Pricing Models and Revenue Potential
27:50 The Importance of Pricing Strategy
31:12 Understanding Lead Generation Models
34:06 Identifying High-Potential Industries
37:27 The Role of AI in Customer Engagement
41:13 Building a Certified Consulting Economy
47:20 The Value of Predictable Sales Models
50:43 Leveraging Franchise Networks for Growth

Greg Isenberg on AI Tools That Will Replace You (or Make You Rich) | Ep. #141 Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

I sat down with Greg Isenberg to talk about AI, automation, and the tools shaping the future. He started by breaking down his current AI stack - what he’s using, what’s overrated, and what’s actually making him more productive. We talked about the biggest AI business opportunities, how to separate real innovation from hype, and why now is the best time to act on AI trends. Greg also shared his thoughts on the role of design and user experience in AI products and why the way we interact with AI is about to change forever.

This episode is packed with valuable insights, don’t miss it.

Greg’s Podcast on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@GregIsenberg
Follow Greg on X → https://x.com/gregisenberg

Timestamps below. Enjoy!
---
Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-yt
Ask me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-ask
Learn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjk
Learn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cof
Follow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-x
Free weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nl
Share this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-all
Scrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os
---

00:00 Introduction
00:35 Greg's AI Stack
05:38 The Power of Data in AI
08:51 Recording Life with Limitless Pendant
11:38 The Future of Note-Taking and AI Tools
14:22 Exploring New AI Innovations
17:36 The Beauty of User Experience in AI Products
21:42 The Allure of AI vs. Automation
22:58 Programmatic SEO: A Case Study in Animal Aftercare
25:51 The Future of Content Farms and SEO Arbitrage
29:12 Navigating Opportunities in a Saturated Market
32:01 The Importance of Taking Action Now
33:28 Building with AI Tools: The Last Mile Challenge
35:14 Innovative Business Ideas and Accreditations
40:46 Vibe Revenue: The Reality of AI Business Models

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