Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show about how founders of early-stage companies launched their businesses into the world.

This week, Ian Black talks to Aidan Cramer about his business AI Apply, which leverages generative AI to help job seekers find and apply for the best job opportunities. Aidan also shares his experience in building multiple businesses and the importance of finding product-market fit. Aidan shares his philosophy on killing ideas that don't work and focusing on the core offering, as well as his growth targets and the strategies he is using to achieve them, including content creation and influencer marketing.

Website

https://aiapply.co/

Tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@aidancramer

Twitter

https://twitter.com/AidanCramer

We Discuss

What Generative AI is

Common Mistakes in Job Applications

Experimentation with Different Business Ideas

How to Achieve Fast Growth and Profitability

New Perspectives on Defining Product Market Fit

Listening to Customers and Their Ideas

Defining Success and Growth Targets

Content Creation and Strategy

Choosing the Right Co-founder

Sacrifices and Loneliness of Entrepreneurship

Motivations and Rewards of Entrepreneurship

Advice for Starting a Business

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Host: Ian Black

Intro Music:

⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life⁠ License code: 9TQ4MEAPMU4WJWZ4

Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show about how founders of early-stage companies launched their businesses into the world.

This week, Ian Black talks to Patrick Manning, the founder of Alio, an allergy-friendly protein bar company, who shares his journey from medical school to entrepreneurship. He saw a need for a protein bar free from the top nine food allergens and high in protein, and decided to create it himself. He shares his perspective on overcoming doubts and challenges as a founder and the unique lessons he has learned through entrepreneurship.

Website

https://livealio.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/livealionow

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/livealio

Chapters

Introduction and Background

Identifying the Need for Allergy-Friendly Protein Bars

Transition from Medical School to Entrepreneurship

Finding a Mentor and Overcoming Fear

Lessons Learned from Starting a Business

Challenges in Recipe Development and Manufacturing

Rebranding and Refining the Product

Market Response to the Relaunch of Allio

Importance of Customer Feedback and Launch Strategy

Delegating and Bringing in Experts

Building a Team and Seeking External Funding

Organic Marketing Strategies

Effective Sales Tactics through Engagment with Facebook Groups

Sales Channels and Retail Expansion

Profitability and Margin Refinement

Shelf Life and Expiry Dates

Daily Operations and Balancing Work

Future Team Expansion

Overcoming Doubts and Challenges

Advice for Founders and Dealing with Doubt

Setting Goals and Managing Friction

Product Expansion and New Flavors

Challenges in Scaling and Retail Expansion

The Power of Creation and Overcoming Challenges

Where to Find Alio

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Host: Ian Black

Intro Music:

https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life License code: 9TQ4MEAPMU4WJWZ4

Shane Monks O'Byrne teaches people how to build camper vans and live a van life. He shares his journey into entrepreneurship, the philosophy of van life, and the lessons he learned from building his latest startup - https://www.thevanconversion.com.

Contents:

• Introduction and Background
• Shane's Business: Teaching People to Build Camper Vans
• The Philosophy of Van Life
• Shane's Journey into Entrepreneurship
• Choosing the Right Path as an Entrepreneur
• Lessons from Investing Applied to Life
• Balancing Details and Output in Design
• Finding Fun and Passion in Work
• Finding Passion and Interests
• Using Childhood as a Starting Point
• Questioning False Assumptions and Self-Doubt
• Exploring Different Interests and Skills
• Learning New Skills and Trying Something New
• Learning How to Build a Van
• Documenting the Van Conversion Process
• Transitioning from Building Vans to Writing a Book
• Launching the Book and Building a Sustainable Business
• Preparing for a Long-Term Bike Journey
• Handling the Business During Time Away
• Starting a Business: Choosing the Right Direction

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