My Biggest Failure, And Success, Of 2024 Streamlined Solopreneur: Tips To Help Solopreneurs Automate Their Business podcast

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I hate CRMs. I know I need one—I’m doing more coaching, getting more inbound leads, and ranking in the top three organic search results for podcast coaches on Google. But no matter how many times I’ve tried HubSpot, Zoho, or whatever the flavor of the week is, they’ve never fit into my workflow. So I did a totally normal, not weird thing: I built my own CRM. In this episode, I walk through the simple system I set up using Notion, Todoist, Make.com , and my website. I’ll share why I built it this way, how it automates lead tracking and follow-ups, and why reducing friction is the key to sticking with any system. Plus, I’ll show you how you can apply this same approach to streamline your own processes—without forcing yourself into tools that don’t work for you. For all of the links mentioned in this episode, go to https://streamlined.fm/464 Top Takeaways The best CRM (or any tool) is the one you’ll actually use—start simple and build on tools you already know. If you struggle with sticking to a system, it’s likely because it doesn’t fit your natural workflow. Adapt the system, not yourself. Don’t limit yourself because of past experience. There is lots of flexibility in the apps we use today, and you can take advantage of that. Show Notes Screenshots I posted on LinkedIn Automations Database Notion Todoist Make.com Gravity Forms Want to see the automations I use? Get access to my 40+ Automations Database at streamlined.fm/automation . Send feedback to https://streamlinedfeedback.com Feeling stuck? Check out my unstuck sessions at https://casabona.org/unstuck ★ Support this podcast ★…

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Growing a YouTube Channel in a Crowded Field with Stephen Robles 37:51

6 днів тому37:51

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Stephen Robles is not only a Shortcuts and automation expert—he’s also built a successful YouTube channel covering Apple products, smart home tech, and (of course) Shortcuts. But he didn’t just start making random videos. He figured out how to create content that people actually want to watch. In this episode, Stephen breaks down his YouTube strategy: how he finds content ideas, how he packages videos for success, and why your title and thumbnail might be killing your views . If you’re a creator trying to grow on YouTube, this episode is packed with insights. For all of the links mentioned in this episode, go to https://streamlined.fm/463 Top Takeaways Your packaging (title & thumbnail) is everything. If no one clicks, no one watches—so spend time making them compelling. Experiment with content angles. Stephen didn’t review the iPhone 15—he focused just on USB-C, which made his video stand out. Consistency matters, but smart workflows matter more. He records multiple camera angles at once, uses AI to edit, and batches content to maximize efficiency. Show Notes Stephen’s YouTube Channel (Shortcuts Playlist) Stephen’s Shortcuts Community Apple Shortcuts App Pushcut (for running Shortcuts automatically) Toolbox Pro (adds more actions to Shortcuts) Actions (another Shortcuts-enhancing app) Lutron Smart Switches Meross Homebridge (for adding non-HomeKit devices to Apple Home) Matt Cassinelli (Shortcuts Expert) Federico Viticci & MacStories (Apple & Automation) Gling.ai (AI-powered video editing tool) Transcriptionist (AI transcription app for Mac & iOS) ChatGPT API (for automating title ideas, OCR, and more) CleanShot X (for high-quality screen recordings on Mac) Ecamm Live iZotope RX10 (audio cleanup & enhancement tool) DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (compact gimbal camera for video shooting) David Sparks (MacSparky) – Focus Modes & Productivity Expert CGP Grey (YouTube Creator & Podcast Host, known for productivity & focus mode setups) Streamlined Feedback (Submit podcast & automation questions) Unstuck Sessions (1-on-1 coaching to get past business roadblocks) Want my Shortcuts and 40 more automations? Check out My Automations Database Send Feedback: https://streamlinedfeedback.com ★ Support this podcast ★…

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An Introduction to Apple’s Shortcuts with Stephen Robles 32:45

8 днів тому32:45

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I’ve been talking a lot about automation this year, and one tool that keeps coming up is Apple’s Shortcuts app. So I brought in Stephen Robles , a YouTuber and podcaster who’s been using Shortcuts since it was called Workflows before Apple bought it. We get into what Shortcuts actually does, and how you can use it to automate repetitive tasks, eliminate friction, and make your iPhone way more useful. Stephen also shares some incredible automation ideas, from formatting podcast show notes to controlling smart home devices. If you’ve ever thought, I wish my phone just did this for me, there’s a good chance Shortcuts can make that happen. For all of the links mentioned in this episode, go to https://streamlined.fm/462 Top Takeaways Shortcuts can automate almost anything. Whether it’s formatting text, logging data, or running workflows with a tap, it’s a game-changer. The Action Button takes it further. You can assign multiple shortcuts to one button press, making it even more versatile. Home automation can be super smart. Stephen shares how his smart shades close when he turns on the bathroom fan and how his patio fans activate when it gets hot. Show Notes Stephen’s YouTube Channel (Shortcuts Playlist) Stephen’s Shortcuts Community Apple Shortcuts App Pushcut (for running Shortcuts automatically) Toolbox Pro (adds more actions to Shortcuts) Actions (another Shortcuts-enhancing app) Lutron Smart Switches Send Feedback: https://streamlinedfeedback.com ★ Support this podcast ★…

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Being a Solopreneur Mom vs. a Solopreneur Dad with Leah Remillet 26:57

13 днів тому26:57

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Leah and I might be in different stages of parenting, but we have very similar situations — 3 kids, running a business, spouse who also works. So in part 2 of our interview, we jump into the societal expectations of moms and dads, discussing the stark differences in how each is perceived. Leah shares how she navigated running a business while being a hands-on mom and the challenges of unspoken gender roles in parenting. We also discuss our own anxiety with bringing kids up today vs. when we were kids — and how we’re trying to fix it. Top Takeaways Moms Face More Pressure to “Do It All” – The expectation is still that moms handle home responsibilities, even when they work full-time. Balance Looks Different at Different Stages – Leah’s balance shifted as her kids grew older, and Joe’s approach has to be different with younger kids. Perfection is the Enemy of Good Parenting – It’s okay to not have Pinterest-perfect parties or homemade treats. Focus on being present instead. Show Notes Listen to Part 1 Leah Remillet Balancing Busy Podcast My 2025 Yearly Theme The Brick Device The Anxious Generation Why Over-Parenting Is Creating Anxiety—and What to Do Instead with Dr. Camillo Ortiz Send feedback at https://streamlinedfeedback.com ★ Support this podcast ★…

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Does Work-Life Balance Exist? With Leah Remillet 43:34

15 днів тому43:34

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Work-Life Balance is a myth! Or is it? In today’s conversation with Leah Remillet, we talk all about our goal as solopreneur parents to have everything – as in “AND,” not “OR.” Leah emphasizes that balance isn’t about equal time for everything but about feeling good in YOUR core areas of life. She explains her framework for achieving work-life balance through priorities, presence, and purpose and offers practical strategies like setting boundaries, system stacking, and discipline to maintain balance. Top Takeaways Set Boundaries with Your Work – Create office hours, shut down your computer, or build whatever boundaries you need to to make that mental shift. Perfection is a Myth – Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong, focus on the “bright spots” where things go well and build from there. System Stacking is Key – Small, intentional habits (like meal prepping, scheduling breaks, and using alarms) create long-term balance. Show Notes Leah Remillet Balancing Busy Podcast My 2025 Yearly Theme The Brick Device The Anxious Generation Why Over-Parenting Is Creating Anxiety—and What to Do Instead with Dr. Camillo Ortiz Send feedback at https://streamlinedfeedback.com ★ Support this podcast ★…

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I rearranged my office! [Joe's Audio Notes] 12:34

20 днів тому12:34

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This weekend, I completely rearranged my office—and I couldn’t be happier with the results. What started as frustration with my camera framing turned into a full workspace transformation. In this episode, I break down: - Why I moved my desk and how it improved my video setup - The changes I made to declutter and improve cable management - The unexpected number of extra USB cables and extension cords I found (seriously, where did they all come from?) - Why I finally got rid of my massive softbox lights - My ongoing whiteboard dilemma and plans for even more optimization Timelapse of my Office Rearrangement https://youtu.be/H8Ar19kSBjE Got questions or office setup tips? Let me know! ★ Support this podcast ★…

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Automation 101 for Busy Solopreneurs 17:24

22 дні тому17:24

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Automation can feel overwhelming, but it all boils down to four simple components: triggers, actions, conditions, and timing. Once you understand these, you can start automating repetitive tasks, saving yourself hours of work and mental energy. In this episode, I break down these components with real-world examples, like home automation and business workflows, and share how you can use them to create seamless systems for your solopreneur business. Then, I’ll tell you how you can start thinking about your tasks in terms of these components. Top Takeaways Triggers are the events that kick off an automation, like a form submission or a specific time of day. Identifying what starts a process is the first step in building an efficient system. Actions are the tasks your automation performs after the trigger, whether it’s sending an email, updating a database, or turning off your smart lights. Start identifying daily tasks that could benefit from automation. Map out the trigger, action, condition, and timing to see how you can streamline your workflow. Show Notes Slides from My Podfest Talk Automations Template Database Send Feedback ★ Support this podcast ★…

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2025 Starts Now for me — here’s why 19:09

29 днів тому19:09

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January was chaotic for me, with family time over the holidays, snow days, travel for Podfest, and a house full of sick people. Despite all that, my business kept running smoothly thanks to the systems and processes I’ve built over the years. Instead of stressing over a “lost” month, I decided to start 2025 in February, reframing my timeline and giving myself permission to adapt. This experience reinforced the importance of creating margin—not just in your weekly schedule but as a core part of your business—to handle unexpected disruptions while still moving forward. Top Takeaways My systems and processes provided me was more margin than I thought. Despite not working for half of December and a lot of January, I was still able to continue producing my podcast, posting here, generating leads, and sending out proposals. The calendar year is arbitrary. The things I wanted to do that I didn't do in January can easily move into February. And I already know my systems can support those changes. Building margin into your business isn’t just about avoiding burnout—it’s about ensuring you have the space to adapt and thrive, even during busy or unpredictable times. Show Notes Read the LinkedIn post Leave feedback at StreamlinedFeedback.com ★ Support this podcast ★…

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Automation and Delegation are Worth It 19:30

5 weeks тому19:30

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“How do I know if investing in automation is worth it?” This was a question someone asked me after my talk at Podfest. And it’s a fair question. We don’t want to waste time and money on something that won’t pay off. So in today’s episode, I tell you exactly how to know if automation and delegation are worth the investment. Top Takeaways Understand Opportunity Cost : Opportunity cost is the value of what you give up when choosing one activity over another. For solopreneurs, this often means the lost income or time that could be spent on billable work. Automation Rule of Thumb : Automate repetitive tasks you’ve done at least three times and that require consistent inputs and outputs. But do the task manually first to ensure automation makes sense. Take Small Risks for Big Gains : Test delegation by hiring a VA or outsourcing small tasks. Even $50/week can help you reclaim time to avoid burnout or spend with family. Show Notes Why You’re Losing Money when You Mow the Lawn Send feedback to StreamlinedFeedback.com ★ Support this podcast ★…

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Using AI: Disclose It or Don’t Use It 19:46

6 weeks тому19:46

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This one might ruffle some feathers, but I’m OK with that. I think we NEED to disclose the usage of AI in creative work more. It’s less about signaling that you cheated in some way — on the contrary, I don’t think using AI is de-facto cheating. It’s about honesty, integrity, and transparency. So my policy is simple: if you use AI to write, record, or produce something, it should be disclosed in the same way affiliate links or paid promotion has to be disclosed . And today, I explore why I feel so strongly about that. Top Takeaways Establish Clear Guidelines for AI Disclosure: I tell my readers how and when I use AI. If it contributes more than 5% of an article’s total word count, I write it at the bottom of the piece. AI Produces Mediocrity: As Jason Snell said**,** AI tends to average out content, making most of it mediocre at best. If you want to stand out, you can’t just rely on AI. Human Connection is Irreplaceable: In a world where AI threatens to erode personal connection, it’s up to us to keep our content human. Show Notes My AI Manifesto: We Must Disclose the Use of AI My AI Disclosures Page Send Feedback ★ Support this podcast ★…

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How to Create Content Your Audience Actually Wants 25:03

7 weeks тому25:03

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Halfway through writing nearly 24 articles for my Podcast Advent project, I started to wonder if I was wasting my time. Is this worth it? Am I writing what people actually want to read? You’ve probably fallen into the same trap: spending hours creating content, unsure if it’s resonating with anyone. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and can feel like shouting into the void. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Today, we’re exploring a few things you can try to come up with content that resonates with your audience — plus I’ll tell you about my GAPS framework for content in 2025. Top Takeaways Let data lead the way : Your analytics are a treasure trove of insights. Tools like Google Analytics and Search Console can show you what content performs well so you can double down on those topics. Ask your audience : Your audience is your best resource. Invite questions through email, social media, or a dedicated feedback link, and turn their questions into valuable content. Experiment, but evaluate : Testing new ideas is important, but don’t forget to review the results. If something doesn’t work after a few tries, let it go. Disclosure: ChatGPT has contributed more than 10% to the description and takeaways for this text, fully using the episode’s transcript. Links Leave Feedback at https://streamlinedfeedback.com ★ Support this podcast ★…

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2025 Yearly Theme: The Year of Being Present 33:07

8 weeks тому33:07

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It's time for 2025's yearly theme. While The Year of Control didn't go as planned, I'm excited to have a much better plan in place for this year's theme, The Year of Being Present. Want even more podcast content, giving you a behind the scenes look at being a busy, solopreneur parent? Sign up for my free, private podcast at casabona.org/notes Show Notes My 2025 Yearly Theme Joe's Audio Notes Why We Need to Disclose AI Usage The Brick Focus App Send your feedback at streamlinedfeedback.com (00:00) - Intro (00:50) - Housekeeping (02:27) - Grading The Year of Control (13:31) - The Year of Being Present (24:13) - Helpful Tools (31:25) - Wrapping Up ★ Support this podcast ★…

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Generosity and the Future: My Favorite Christmas Story 7:44

11 weeks тому7:44

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I knew from a young age, I wanted to play the drums. I got my first small kit when I was five and when my friends and I started a "band," heavy quotes, I played paint buckets. When I was 15 years old, I knew I needed a real kit. This is the story of how I got it, and how one man's incredible kindness had a profound effect on me. Show Notes Read the Story at Casabona.org Rate: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podchaser Get Unstuck in 2025 ★ Support this podcast ★…

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My Biggest Failure, and Success, of 2024 23:00

11 weeks тому23:00

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2024 has been a transformative year for me. I learned a ton about myself and my business, and for the first time in a while I feel like I’m not flailing. I’ll have the clearest plan I’ve had in a long time in 2025 — one that’s reinforced by conversations I’ve had, not just hunches. So for the last episode of the year, I wanted to do a quick year in review where I talk about my biggest success, my biggest failure, and the lessons I learn. Plus, some feedback from last week’s episode on using AI. My Biggest Success This was definitely ranking #1 in Google for “Podcast Coach”. It shows that my work to grow this area of my business is working out! Biggest Failure My Be everywhere strategy. I made a big deal about it and abandoned after 4 months, since it was very clearly not working. It was basically all downsides. It also resulted in two other outcomes: Going to stop publishing on Medium in 2025 Shutting down my membership Lessons Know your niche. I thought I knew mine but it got a lot clearer the back half of the year, and I saw a positive impact because of it. Don’t discount SEO/Google, and even ChatGPT, which is being used for search more. As social media is fracturing further, Focus on one thing at a time. My Be Everywhere strategy left me trying to do too many things at once, and none of the succeeded. Links PodMatch Maker and Moxie Podcast Advent My Experiment with Substack and Being “Everywhere” My Be Everywhere Strategy was an Incredible Failure How to be a Scrappy Researcher (to Actually Sell Products) with Becky Pierson Davidson I’m Shutting Down my Podcast Membership We Need AI Disclosures Matt Medeiros The Podcast Setup Mike (Bagel) Barugel (00:00) - Intro (01:32) - My Biggest Success (06:01) - My Biggest Failure (09:34) - Social Media is Fracturing (11:30) - 3 Lessons from 2024 (16:25) - Feedback on Using AI ★ Support this podcast ★…

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It’s Been 2 Years Since ChatGPT Came Out. How do Solopreneurs Use It? 26:59

12 weeks тому26:59