Hustle & Flowchart: Mastering Business & Enjoying the Journey

Sometimes, you only need one smart idea to change your whole business. On this episode, I talked with Bill McIntosh, an entrepreneur and tech builder, about how fast things are moving with A.I. and business. We broke down how people can build websites, sales funnels, and apps (even full businesses) with just a few prompts thanks to new A.I. technologies. Bill brought in real stories, lessons, and numbers from his hands-on experience and explained the concept of “vibe coding”—a fresh way people are creating online today. If you’re wondering how to use A.I. to start or grow your own website, app, or business, you’ll find plenty of practical ideas here. Topics Discussed * AI-Assisted Creation: How the evolution of AI is enabling rapid website, app, and sales funnel creation—even for non-technical entrepreneurs. * Vibe Coding Explained: Bill demystifies the concept of “vibe coding,” discussing its opportunities and potential pitfalls. * Entrepreneurial Principles: The timeless business fundamentals Bill still relies on—even as technology changes. * Solving Real Problems: A step-by-step approach to using research and online communities to identify business opportunities and create solutions. * Challenges of AI Tools: Early adopter experiences with AI coding platforms, and the need for more accessible, user-friendly solutions. * Buildy AI: Bill introduces his new venture, detailing how it helps entrepreneurs launch and scale digital businesses easily. * App & Funnel Creation: Practical tips and stories around building sales funnels, websites, and custom apps with AI. * Fundraising & Startup Growth: Insights into scaling a tech company through fundraising versus bootstrapping. * The Future of AI Entrepreneurship: Predictions for industry adoption, and how “one prompt” could unleash creative and business potential for anyone. Resources Mentioned * Buildy AI: https://www.buildy.ai/ * Base44: https://base44.com/ * Lovable: https://lovable.dev/ * Replit: https://replit.com/ * GitHub: https://github.com/ Hustle & Flowchart is proud to be part of the HubSpot Network. * Hubspot has launched a whole new suite of AI Tools, check them on the Hubspot Spotlight: https://www.hubspot.com/spotlight * Check out other podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork 🤖 Chat with Joe's AI Clone: https://hustleandflowchart.com/aijoe 📰 Newsletter: https://hustleandflowchart.com/subscribe 🎙️ Podcast: https://hustleandflowchart.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joefier/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joefier/

In this episode of Hustle & Flowchart, host Joe Fier welcomes Greg Merrilees, founder of Studio 1 Design and acclaimed web design strategist, for an insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of websites in the AI era. Greg unpacks how artificial intelligence is transforming traffic, trust, and web conversion, and shares actionable strategies for businesses and personal brands looking to stand out online. The episode dives deep into website optimization, AI-driven search changes, lead magnets, and the non-negotiable human element that helps brands build real trust with audiences. It’s a must-listen for anyone wanting to future-proof their online presence and convert more visitors into loyal customers. TOPICS DISCUSSED * The Changing Digital Landscape: How AI is shifting who gets discovered online and why traditional web traffic strategies may not be enough. * Web Design for the AI Era: What’s really changed with website design and conversion since AI has started influencing user behavior. * Brand Positioning & Authority: Why it’s now more important than ever to stand out from competitors and how to find your brand’s unique edge. * Interactive Lead Magnets: Moving beyond static PDFs to interactive tools and quizzes to engage and convert warmer web traffic. * Strategic Website Copy: How much copy your site needs now, depending on the warmth of your audience and your traffic’s source. * The Five Core Web Principles: Greg’s blueprint for high-converting websites—audience understanding, positioning, strategy, psychology, and conversion-focused design. * Ongoing Optimization: Why your website’s never truly “done” and how to keep iterating with AI-driven tools and user feedback. * Using Tools Like Delphi & Microsoft Clarity: Leveraging new AI and analytics platforms to enhance user experience and trust. * Building Emotional Connection: How unique design and humanizing your brand can break through the “sea of sameness” created by AI. * Greg’s Vision for the Future: Insights on vibe coding, dynamic websites, and how AI might shape work and life balance. RESOURCES MENTIONED * Next Level Website Design Book: https://www.nextlevelwebsitedesign.com/ [https://www.nextlevelwebsitedesign.com/] * Studio 1 Design: https://studio1design.com/ [https://studio1design.com/] * Greg's Delphi Clone: https://studio1design.com/ai/ [https://studio1design.com/ai/] * Delphi: https://hustleandflowchart.com/delphi [https://hustleandflowchart.com/delphi] * Microsoft Clarity: https://clarity.microsoft.com/ [https://clarity.microsoft.com/] Connect with Joe Fier 🤖 Chat with Joe's AI Clone: https://aibuildteam.ai/ask-joe/ [https://aibuildteam.ai/ask-joe/] 📰 Newsletter: https://hustleandflowchart.com/subscribe 🎙️ Podcast: https://hustleandflowchart.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joefier/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joefier/ Loved the episode? Be sure to subscribe to Hustle & Flowchart on your favorite podcast app to get inspiring conversations, actionable strategies, and next-level insights delivered straight to your ears every week. Don’t miss our next episode—your online business will thank you for it!

In this timely and insightful episode, Joe Fier sits down with SEO industry pioneer Jason Barnard, who brings 27 years of experience in search optimization to the table. As AI-driven platforms like Google, ChatGPT, and TikTok play an increasingly decisive role in how businesses are found online, the discussion dives deep into how to take real control of your digital identity, build trust with AI, and position yourself for the next era of search. Jason breaks down the importance of knowledge panels, the rise of walled gardens, and the urgent need for brands to become understandable and credible—before it's too late. TOPICS DISCUSSED * The New Age of Search: Why traditional SEO tactics are no longer enough and how AI-powered engines now guide users down the decision funnel. * AI’s Role in Brand Discovery: How platforms like Google, ChatGPT, and TikTok are shaping who gets found online—sometimes knowing more about your business than your own customers. * Building a Walled Garden: Strategies to keep users engaged on your website and nurture them through your own content funnel, not just Google’s or TikTok’s. * The Importance of Knowledge Panels: What they are, why they’re a KPI for algorithmic understanding, and how to structure your website and online presence to earn one. * Content Creation for the Future: Why up-to-date information and unique data (“information gaps”) will be more valuable than ever as AI saturates standard topics. * Bot Traffic and the Bot Economy: The surprising reality of how much bot traffic comes from TikTok, Meta, Amazon, and even mysterious newcomers (like Petalbot). * Protecting & Optimizing Your Content: How to use tools like Cloudflare to control which bots can access your content—balancing visibility with site performance and business goals. * Action Steps for Digital Understandability: How to create an effective “About” page and build an infinite loop of self-corroboration across the web to make your brand machine-readable. RESOURCES MENTIONED * Kalicube –  https://kalicube.com/guides [https://kalicube.com/guides] * Jason Barnard - https://jasonbarnard.com/ [https://jasonbarnard.com/] * Google Search Results for Jason Barnard - https://www.google.com/search?q=jason+barnard [https://www.google.com/search?q=jason+barnard] * Cloudflare – https://www.cloudflare.com/ [https://www.cloudflare.com/] * Scott Duffy – https://scottduffy.com/ [https://scottduffy.com/] * Gert Mellak - https://gertmellak.com/ [https://gertmellak.com/] Connect with Joe Fier 🤖 Chat with Joe's AI Clone: https://aibuildteam.ai/ask-joe/ [https://aibuildteam.ai/ask-joe/] 📰 Newsletter: https://hustleandflowchart.com/subscribe 🎙️ Podcast: https://hustleandflowchart.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joefier/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joefier/ If you found this episode insightful, don’t miss future conversations that can shape the way you grow your business in the digital world! Hit “Subscribe” on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend or colleague who needs to stay ahead of the AI-powered search revolution. Your voice keeps our community thriving—thanks for tuning in!

Joe Fier sits down with renowned brand integrity expert and four-time bestselling author David Corbin, for a frank, energetic, and insightful conversation. Coming to you straight from his pickleball court—with his trademark humor and warmth—David shares his powerful philosophy: shining a light on the negatives in business and life isn’t just necessary, it’s transformative. Through stories, practical exercises, and candid wisdom, David guides listeners to face uncomfortable truths, align with their core values, and leverage adversity for lasting brand (and personal) success. If you’re ready for some no-nonsense inspiration to level up your business, this episode is a must-listen! TOPICS DISCUSSED * The Power of Illumination: Why facing negatives head-on (not hiding from them!) is the key to personal and business growth. * "Tripping" with Your Business: David’s unique exercise for dialoguing with your business—asking what it needs you to do and who you need to be. * Brilliant on the Basics: Stories about legendary figures like Tony Gwynn, and the importance of mastering fundamental habits. * Brand Integrity vs. Brand Slaughter: How companies (often unknowingly) destroy their own brands, and how to spot and prevent “brand slaughter.” * David’s Award-Winning Invention: The story behind Rejuvenation Stations—innovative wellness pods now helping hospital staff combat burnout nationwide. * The Illuminated Brand Formula: A powerful, actionable framework to audit and strengthen your brand integrity. * Humanity in the Age of AI: Why our human spirit, values, and connection set us apart, and how to protect them in a tech-driven world. * Personal Growth Through Self-Awareness: David’s strategies for self-check-ins, gratitude, and celebrating your own “aha” moments. * Life Lessons and Business Wisdom: From cultivating joy and gratitude, to nurturing relationships and staying true to yourself as an entrepreneur. RESOURCES MENTIONED * David Corbin’s Website: https://davidcorbin.com/ [https://davidcorbin.com/] * Rejuvenation Stations: https://www.rejuvenationstations.com/ [https://www.rejuvenationstations.com/] CONNECT WITH JOE FIER 🤖 Chat with Joe's AI Clone: https://aibuildteam.ai/ask-joe/ [https://aibuildteam.ai/ask-joe/] 📰 Newsletter: https://hustleandflowchart.com/subscribe 🎙️ Podcast: https://hustleandflowchart.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joefier/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joefier/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, help us illuminate more entrepreneurial journeys! Subscribe wherever you listen, leave us a review, and share Hustle & Flowchart with a friend who needs to hear this wisdom. Your support helps us grow—and brings you even more inspiring, actionable conversations every week. Let’s keep hustling, learning, and flowing—together.

Joe Fier sits down with Aaron Young, entrepreneur, author, and creator of the "Unshackled Owner" method. Aaron shares game-changing insights on how to design a business that doesn’t own you—one that thrives beyond your own time and energy. From the foundational question every business owner should be asking, to real-life stories (including how Aaron earned nearly $1M while physically unable to run his company), this episode is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs at any stage. Tune in for a mix of mindset shifts, practical frameworks, and inspirational proof that you really can build freedom and scale—on your own terms! Topics Discussed * The Core Question: Why it’s crucial to define the real outcome you're building toward in your business, and how most entrepreneurs skip this step. * Unshackled Owner Concept: What it means to build a business that operates without you, and how it differs from simply being self-employed. * Building Systems & Teams: The principles behind creating a culture and team that can continue running and even growing your business in your absence. * Surviving and Thriving During Crisis: Aaron’s powerful personal story of being unexpectedly removed from his business for 14 months, and how systems allowed the company to not just survive, but thrive. * Big Business Lessons for Any Size Company: Why these principles work for both solopreneurs and large organizations, and how to practically implement them. * Seven Critical Steps to Unshackling Your Business: Aaron’s proven formula, including developing vision, building the right team, creating intentional culture, and more. * Investor & Partnership Mindset: Understanding your business as an asset and making short-term sacrifices for long-term growth. * Creating Longevity Through Loyalty: How intentional leadership and support during tough times (like the 2008 crash) builds lasting, committed teams. * Living Your Freedom Goal: The importance of defining and designing a business that enables the lifestyle and freedom you really want. Resources Mentioned * Unshackled: The 7 Levels of Business Excellence * Barnes & Noble Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unshackled-aaron-scott-young/1144437542?ean=9781636983530 * Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Unshackled-7-Levels-Business-Excellence/dp/1636983537/ * Aaron Scott Young Website: https://aaronscottyoung.com/ [https://aaronscottyoung.com/] * Laughlin Associates: https://laughlinusa.com Hustle & Flowchart is proud to be part of the HubSpot Network. * Hubspot has launched a whole new suite of AI Tools, check them on the Hubspot Spotlight: https://www.hubspot.com/spotlight * Check out other podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork Connect with Joe Fier 🤖 Chat with Joe's AI Clone: https://aibuildteam.ai/ask-joe/ [https://aibuildteam.ai/ask-joe/] 📰 Newsletter: https://hustleandflowchart.com/subscribe 🎙️ Podcast: https://hustleandflowchart.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joefier/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joefier/