Life on Mars - A podcast from MarsBased MarsBased

Explore the power of AI in streamlining content creation and productivity in our latest podcast episode. We're joined by Clemens Rychlik from Bourbon, where he serves as COO, and the man behind the Barcinno newsletter, diving into how AI, including ChatGPT, is reshaping tasks like proofreading and SEO optimization. Clemens shares his insights on using AI for authoritative content, while we discuss balancing client projects with our own. This episode is a must-listen for anyone using AI tools or interested in their potential.
We delve into how AI aids in language-related tasks such as transcription, translation, and grammar checking, highlighting efficiency boosts from tools like Otter, DeepL, and Grammarly. Àlex also shares how AI has revolutionized his Excel workflows and other day to day tasks, emphasizing the importance of human expertise in refining AI outputs and maintaining a brand's voice.
We conclude by examining AI's impact on SEO and content strategies, noting its quirks and the importance of accuracy in the digital realm. The episode also covers our hands-on experience with an internal prompt library, setting the stage for a future where AI and human creativity merge to produce impactful content as Marspace approaches its ten-year milestone.

We don't know if these show notes, generated 95% by an AI, would be seen as great in the eyes of Google, but what we know for sure is that we have the best audience in the world. Thanks a tonne for listening to our show!

By the way, we're celebrating 10 years in a few weeks. Make sure to send us questions for a special 10-years Q&A episode with the founders of MarsBased. Send them at hola@marsbased.com!
Support the show🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

Prepare to navigate the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions with insider expertise as Dimitri Steinberg and Brian Flynn from Founder Partners join me, Àlex from MarsBased, for a riveting discussion. In the ever-turbulent market of dwindling venture capital and faltering tech stocks, our guests share invaluable wisdom from their impressive careers on how to steer a company towards a lucrative sale or merger. We'll be revealing the art of reading between the lines during negotiations, the strategic finesse behind successful M&A, and why having seasoned pros at your side is a game-changer.

As we peel back the layers of M&A strategy, you'll discover why timing, organization, and information management are critical for startups looking to sell. Dimitri and Brian illuminate the intricate dance of revealing just enough to pique interest without oversharing early in potential partnerships. We also tackle the nuances of inbound acquisition offers, dissecting how to filter out the noise and recognize serious contenders. And if you're considering an advisor for your next business sale, you won't want to miss our insights on aligning incentives for a mutually beneficial outcome.

Finally, and after all the verbose AI-generated stuff, I've got to say that this is one of the most fun and insightful episodes I've recorded. The 60+ years of combined experience of these two gentlemen cannot be summarised in just one hour, so we will have to invite them again!
Support the show🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

Embark on an entrepreneurial odyssey with Keyven Ferland of La Web Shop and uncover the raw and real narrative of a bootstrapped business's ascent. From the humble beginnings of a solo design freelancer to captaining a burgeoning Canadian Shopify and e-commerce development shop, Kevan doesn't hold back on the experiences that shaped his agency's success. Throughout our vivid conversation, we traverse the landscape of early client acquisition, the embrace of simplicity through a strategic pivot from SpreeCommerce to Shopify, and the impact of savvy salesmanship on regional e-commerce.

Join us as we crack open the playbook on the evolving role of technology in meeting client needs. Kevan shares cherished stories, from custom Ruby on Rails platforms to the recent surge of Shopify, painting a picture of how he steered his company through the initial skepticism surrounding new e-commerce solutions. Moreover, we delve into the potential of no-code developments and their repercussions on the future of web development, offering a lens into the business acumen required to flourish in the e-commerce domain amidst the unrelenting tides of technological change.

We don't just stop at tech talk; the episode also journeys into the human side of running an agency. Discover how Kevan's team has expanded beyond development into realms like support, launch services, and marketing, adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the industry. We also candidly reflect on the lessons learned from a harrowing technological setback, emphasizing resilience and the power of recovery. And for a sprinkle of global aspiration, Kevan and I muse over the dreams and strategies for working with international clients and the invigorating concept of client swapping between agencies. Tune in for this wealth of insights that could ignite the spark for your next venture.

Also, since no one reads these notes, we are just using AI to create them, but if you do read them and find this message somehow, shoot me an email at alex@marsbased.com and you'll make my day.
Support the show🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

What can you achieve as an entrepreneur without leaning on venture capitalist funding? How can we communicate more effectively in the modern work landscape? Today's episode is a deep dive into the riveting world of bootstrapped businesses, communication, and entrepreneurship with our esteemed guest, Amir Salihefendic, the CEO and founder of Doist.

Amir breaks down his journey as a solo founder and unveils the secrets behind thriving in a competitive market without VC funding. He unveils the role of community and transparency in his business, highlighting the power of sharing and building in public. Our conversation also unravels the intricacies of asynchronous communication. While it may seem challenging, Amir argues that it's a pathway to more thoughtful and productive discussions. His insights on maintaining a successful business amidst a constantly changing tech world are an inspiring call to adapt and innovate relentlessly.

As we round up, Amir lends us a peek into the future, touching on the impact of AI in product development and his vision for seamless integration and functionality. He shares his thoughts on legacy building, setting a motivational tone for aspiring business owners. Whether you lead a small startup or a large enterprise, this episode is a gold mine of strategies and practical advice to help you navigate your business journey. Be ready to be inspired, challenged, and educated as we delve into the business world through Amir's lens.
Support the show🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

Brace yourselves for a riveting dialogue with Francesc Font Cot, the dynamic serial entrepreneur who co-founded Incapto Coffee, Nubelo, and Bandit. We uncover the raw truth behind the glitz and glamour of startup life and explore the harsh reality that only two out of 10 startups survive. Francesc, with his decades of experience, offers a rare perspective on the elusive success of serial entrepreneurship.

We explore the metamorphosis of business models, emphasizing the criticality of revenue, profits, and cash flow. Francesc shares candid anecdotes from his venture with Bandit, shedding light on the triumphs and tribulations of his business journey. We also delve into the intriguing world of digital native vertical brands, crowdfunding, and venture capital funding for growth. Francesc and his co-founder Joaquim’s innovative ideas turned opportunities into thriving businesses, breaking new grounds in the coffee industry.

Lastly, we navigate through the challenging terrains of startup life, exploring the art of brand building under capital constraints. Francesc shares his superpower – the ability to stay calm and make the best decisions in the face of adversity. We explore his journey of creating and implementing a successful business model, highlighting the importance of understanding the value chain in the coffee industry. This is a truly enlightening conversation, highlighting Francesc's approach to marketing and selling her product, which sets her apart in the industry. A must-listen for anyone who's looking to make waves in the startup world.

The AI-generated captions for this podcast episode labeled Francesc as "Francesca Von Gott". What a truly epic name.
Support the show🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

With our special guest, Khash Sajadi, the founder and CEO of Cloud 66, we're unlocking the story of a technology that transformed the world of software deployment. Imagine a world where developers are freed from the drudgery of repetitive tasks. Cloud 66 began as a solution to that exact problem, and Khash takes us on a journey from the early days of the company, through the evolution of its technology stack, to its present success.

We embrace the nitty-gritty details of technology, discussing everything from the revival of Rails-based startups to the pros and cons of microservices and monoliths. What are the implications of measuring technical debt as a key performance indicator? How does the availability of talent influence our choices in technology? Khash provides intriguing insights into these questions and more. Not just that, we delve into the emergence of Go as a popular programming language and the impact of containerization and Kubernetes on the industry.

But it's not all tech-specs and jargon. Khash regales us with the humorous story of how a small mistake led to him winning the 'Donkey of the Week' award at his company. To top it off, we tackle the often overlooked complexities of pricing for software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies, underscoring the importance of predictability and feature distinction. So, buckle up for a roller coaster ride through the highs and lows, the successes and mistakes, the serious and the fun facets of the software industry.


Support the show🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/