Kenny’s Sub

Kenny's Substack focuses on transitioning to independent income, sharing practical advice, and personal experiences on freelancing, client management, product development, business strategies, and balancing work-life dynamics. Emphasis on realistic expectations, intentional planning, leveraging strengths, and continual learning through experimentation and adaptation.

Freelancing Client Management Product Development Business Strategies Work-Life Balance Entrepreneurship Mindset and Motivation Financial Planning

The hottest Substack posts of Kenny’s Sub

And their main takeaways

Lessons from $1/day challenge

299 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24

Haggling often doesn't work well in the long run. It's better to stick to your price and negotiate on other terms if needed.
$1 can feel expensive to some people. They may not see the value in what they are buying or find it too much effort for a small price.
You need to have products ready to sell. Without anything to offer, it's tough to make money. Planning ahead is crucial.

Bad first experiences

139 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Marketing Failure Personal Growth

Many people's first attempts at something new often go poorly, and that’s a common experience. Expecting failure can help you handle it better.
Most businesses face a high chance of not succeeding, especially in their early years, so it's important to stay realistic about challenges.
After a bad experience, it’s crucial to not give up on your dreams. Keep trying new things, as you might discover you enjoy or succeed at them later.

From his brother's couch to $300/hour on Upwork

179 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24

💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Marketing Consulting Remote work

Starting as a freelancer on platforms like Upwork can lead to great success, as experienced by those who raised their rates significantly while building a solid reputation.
Building a strong profile on Upwork is important because positive reviews and job history can make you more visible to clients, even if it costs you some fees.
Handling difficult clients is part of freelancing; offering refunds quickly can help maintain your reputation when problems arise.

Nulla dies sine linea

219 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24

💼 Business Productivity Entrepreneurship Self-Improvement Career development Goal setting

Setting smaller, more manageable tasks can help you feel more accomplished. It's better to focus on small wins than to aim for unrealistic goals.
Feeling overwhelmed comes from thinking you need to achieve big things every day. Recognizing smaller steps can ease that pressure.
Doing a little every day, even something small like updating a title, adds up over time and makes progress feel real. It's about consistency, not perfection.

Quitting my job to be a different person

399 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24

🎭️ Culture Identity Lifestyle Work Family Personal Growth

Quitting a job doesn't automatically change who you are. It can lead to unexpected challenges and chaos instead of a smooth transformation.
Having too much freedom can create a chaotic lifestyle. It's easy to let work take over and ignore other important parts of life like relationships and self-care.
Facing pivotal moments in life requires intentional planning and prioritization. It's crucial to balance work with family and self-care to live a more fulfilling life.

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Delusions of grandeur

239 implied HN points • 21 May 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Market research Startups Business strategy Project management

Having big ideas can be exciting, but it's important to ground them in reality. You might be really enthusiastic about your dreams, but they need to be achievable in the real world.
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and ignore warnings. Just because something feels good doesn't mean it will be successful.
Learning from failure is okay. Taking risks and experiencing disappointment can teach you valuable lessons for the future.

From 0 SEO experience to an agency

179 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Sales Management Personal Development

To succeed, it's important to go all out and fully engage in your work. Learning from past experiences and caring about people can make business more enjoyable and rewarding.
Staying committed to your daily routines helps maintain momentum. Missing a day is okay, but try not to miss two in a row to keep moving forward.
Effective communication is key, especially in sales. By planning questions and being genuinely curious, you can connect better with people and help them achieve their goals.

The corporate solopreneur

159 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24

💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Consulting Networking Project management

It's important to understand the context of your clients' businesses. Many small businesses don't have complex plans like big corporations do.
Asking detailed project questions can be unhelpful when working with smaller clients. They may only need basic support for their immediate needs.
Using the right tools for each specific job is crucial. If your current skills don’t fit, it's okay to seek help or adapt your approach.

The independent landscape

119 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Freelancing Product Development

Making money independently is tough, and there's no one clear way to do it. Each person has to try different methods and find what works for them.
Starting with client work is often easier than jumping straight into creating products. It allows for earning money quickly while learning about business.
Whether you choose to work alone or start an agency, finding balance is key. You need to manage time, energy, and ensure your projects get the attention they need.

What price are you willing to pay?

239 implied HN points • 13 May 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Finance Work Life Career development Freelancing

Understanding the effort needed for success can help you avoid disappointment. It's important to know what you're getting into before committing to a new venture.
Trial and error are essential when exploring new hobbies or career paths. Try different things with low commitment to see what fits you best.
Pursuing your goals requires a realistic view of the effort and resources involved. Being aware of what it takes can help you make smarter decisions.

One crucial lesson I learned travelling without money

259 implied HN points • 06 May 24

🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Lifestyle Personal Growth Experiences

Asking for help is important when you need it. It's easier to find what you need if you reach out instead of waiting for someone to offer.
Facing rejection is a normal part of asking for things. You may not get what you want on the first try, but practicing helps you get better.
Feeling resentful toward others can hold you back. Instead of blaming them, take action and ask for what you need.

Drawing his way to 100k

199 implied HN points • 27 May 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creative Process Business Strategies Freelancing Content creation

Experimenting is essential. Janis Ozolins tried many different ideas before he found success with drawing. He learned a lot through mistakes and kept exploring until he found what worked for him.
The grind is part of the job. Even if you love what you do, there are always some tasks that can feel tedious, like answering emails or bookkeeping. It’s important to find a balance between fun work and those less enjoyable tasks.
Building an audience matters. Janis didn't rely heavily on freelance work at first. Instead, he focused on creating valuable content and engaging with his audience, which naturally led to opportunities without having to chase them.

Are kids compatible with running a business?

239 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Work-life balance Parenting Freelancing

Running a business while parenting is tough. It can be hard to find time to focus on work when taking care of kids.
It's important to balance motherhood and work. Many moms need to realize they can't do everything at once, and that's okay.
Challenges will always arise in both motherhood and entrepreneurship. Learning to adapt and stay resilient is key to managing those tough times.

Is now really the right time to start?

199 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Freelancing Productivity Startups Goal setting

It's a good idea to start projects now, even if it's small. This allows for progress to begin and builds momentum over time.
Starting small can lead to important gains. Just like planting a fruit tree, the benefits will come later if you start today rather than waiting.
Taking small actions today can help reduce stress in the future. Even simple tasks, like planning or writing a title, can make a difference.

Quitting freelancing to build products

239 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24

💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Product Development Marketing Client Management

Freelancing can consume a lot of time and energy, making it hard to work on personal projects. Focusing entirely on building your own products might be a better choice for growth.
Getting paid as a freelancer can be tricky and often requires chasing clients. Having good platforms can help with payment security and reduce the hassle.
When developing products, it's important to try out various ideas. Finding what works best often means experimenting and adjusting based on feedback and demand.

A peak behind the curtains of a 20k/month consultancy

239 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24

💼 Business Consulting Freelancing Networking Entrepreneurship Client Relations

Balancing client work and personal projects is important. Setting aside specific times or days to work on personal goals can help prevent getting overwhelmed by client demands.
Being genuine and helping others can build strong professional relationships. Sharing experiences and engaging authentically on platforms like LinkedIn can lead to valuable connections.
It's crucial to keep pushing out of your comfort zone. Reflecting on your goals and staying focused on your 'why' can motivate you to pursue long-term ambitions instead of getting stuck in the short-term grind.

How I made $750k in the last 6 months

379 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Finance Marketing Personal Development Lifestyle

Many success stories online lack important context and can be misleading. It's essential to look deeper into the circumstances behind these successes.
Instead of comparing yourself directly to others, ask yourself key questions about your own situation. Consider your job, resources, and personal life before setting expectations.
Stay curious and inspired by success stories, but remember to adapt their strategies to your unique circumstances for more realistic goals.

The difference between making money and a hobby

239 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Startups E-commerce Freelancing

Tinkering can be fun and educational, but it often doesn't lead to making real money. People who quit their jobs to experiment might not find traction if they aren't committed to serious efforts.
If you want to succeed financially, it’s important to pick ideas with high demand. Avoid spending lots of time on small projects that don’t bring much profit.
A solid marketing plan is just as crucial as having a good product. Without a way to promote what you're selling, you might just have a hobby instead of a business.

4 lessons I learned giving 2 million to small businesses

259 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Small business Grants Funding Work Culture

People often feel too scared to ask for what they want, but pushing through that fear can lead to success. It's important to be respectful when following up and seek solutions when faced with a 'no.'
Making mistakes is a part of learning and won't ruin a business if there’s a solid financial backup. It's wise for businesses to have enough savings to cover expenses in tough times.
Prioritizing getting actual customers is more important than focusing on future revenue hopes. It's better to earn money now than gamble on uncertain future profits.

One trick to better your freelancing

179 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24

💼 Business Freelancing Hiring Contracts Client Relations

Hiring others can really help your freelancing business. It lets you see how different people work and what good service looks like.
The way freelancers respond to your messages says a lot about them. Good communication is key and helps you decide who to hire.
Keep your job postings clear and ask simple questions. This helps filter out freelancers who aren't paying attention to what you need.

Why build when you could buy?

159 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investment E-commerce Startups Market research

Buying a business takes time and patience. It's important to understand that finding the right one isn't quick and you might go through many options before finding the right fit.
Having clear criteria for what you're looking to buy is crucial. It's better to focus on specific areas that interest you rather than being too broad in your search.
Expect to sift through a lot of possibilities. The process can be frustrating, but staying logical and not letting emotions lead your decisions will help you find the right business.

Is the market really saturated?

239 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Freelancing Economics Personal Development Work Culture

Blaming external factors for challenges is just a way to avoid taking responsibility. It's important to focus on what you can control to improve your situation.
The difference between blame and responsibility matters a lot. Instead of making excuses about the economy or competition, focus on the steps you can take to move forward.
A positive mindset and determination can help you overcome tough circumstances. Hard work and grit can lead to success, even when the odds seem against you.

When should you offer a productized service?

199 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Sales Freelancing Consulting

Productized services are service offerings that are made to be like products with clear packages and prices. This helps both service providers and clients understand exactly what to expect.
There are many benefits to productized services, such as easier pricing, scalability, and clearer communication. However, this model isn't for everyone and might limit customization for clients with specific needs.
To create a productized service, it's important to define what you offer clearly, set up attractive packages, and build trust with potential clients through testimonials and clear terms.

I launch it, it fails, and I feel like shit

179 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Mindset Marketing Product Development Personal Growth

Treat your failures as experiments. Instead of feeling like a failure, see it as a chance to learn and improve.
Try many ideas and reflect on them. The more you try, the better you get at figuring out what works and what doesn’t.
Use mindfulness techniques like meditation and journaling. This helps you understand your feelings and bounce back faster after setbacks.

One question to know if you’re truly independent

219 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24

💼 Business Freelancing Income Streams Client Relations Mental health

Being able to walk away from a situation means you have leverage and control. It shows you can handle consequences and find alternatives.
If you're not confident about walking away from something, you might want to explore other income options. This way, you create choices for yourself.
Sometimes you might have to accept a lack of leverage and deal with situations you can't change. It's okay to move on and not let it affect your peace of mind.

Managing cancer, an agency and building SaaS products

99 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship SaaS Startups Health Leadership

Managing a business while dealing with serious health issues like cancer requires clear delegation and smart prioritization. It's important to have a supportive team that can share the workload.
Building a business with multiple co-founders can offer different strengths and perspectives. Sharing a common dream and working closely together helps in navigating the challenges of starting a company.
Balancing client work with developing your own products can be tricky but is essential for long-term success. Treating internal projects like client projects with clear goals can help maintain focus and ensure progress.

Are you putting products on a pedestal?

179 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24

💼 Business E-commerce Marketing Entrepreneurship Freelancing Product Development

It's easier to sell services than products. Many successful people started with client work before launching their products because it's more certain and quicker.
Working on client projects helps you learn business skills. You can use these skills to market products later on more effectively.
Balancing client work and product development can be tough. It's important to make time for both, or you might end up feeling overwhelmed and miss out on important parts of your life.

Building a portfolio of sides hustles

99 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Side Hustles Income Streams Work-life balance Digital Products

Starting side hustles early can lead to multiple income streams. It helps not to rely on just one source of income, as different hustles can balance each other out.
Focusing on personal passion instead of customer demands can reduce stress in side hustles. Enjoying what you do makes the work more fulfilling.
Building relationships rather than just selling products can lead to more meaningful interactions and success. Providing value first can create loyal followers who appreciate your work.

Is the grass greener on the consulting side?

119 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23

💼 Business Consulting Entrepreneurship Freelancing Project management Work-life balance

Jumping into freelancing or consulting can seem better, but it often comes with its own challenges. It's important to realize that every choice has its problems.
Finding the right work-life balance is key. It's okay to take breaks from things you do regularly to avoid burnout.
When choosing what to work on, ask yourself what problems you're willing to tackle. Not every job will be perfect, and it's vital to focus on what truly motivates you.

Going cold turkey as a solopreneur

79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Creator Economy Solopreneurship Income Strategies Work-life balance

There is a lot of misinformation in the creator economy, and it's important to recognize what is genuine versus what is just noise. It's easy to get caught up in trends that aren't based on real experience.
As a solopreneur, you can choose to focus on what truly matters for your lifestyle, instead of just chasing profit. Finding a balance between work and personal life helps you enjoy what you do.
Experimentation is key when building your business. Trying out different ideas helps you find what fits your values before committing to a specific path.

High energy on Mondays. Low on Fridays. Then what?

79 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Coaching Freelancing Work-life balance Small business

Finding meaningful work can bring energy and fulfillment, even if it means taking a risk like starting a business.
Challenges and surprises, especially money-related, can be stressful, but learning to manage those moments is key to growth.
As a solopreneur, taking full responsibility for both successes and failures allows for deeper personal growth and resilience.

The consulting grass needs watering to be greener

39 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23

💼 Business Freelancing Consulting Entrepreneurship Strategy Design

Freelancing allows for more control and fulfillment in your work. You can choose projects that excite you instead of being stuck in a regular job.
It's important to build strong relationships and always keep your pipeline full. Referrals can greatly help in getting new clients and sustaining your business.
Shifting your mindset about value and time is crucial. It's about delivering impact, not just billing hours, and you can charge for the value you bring.

Roads to self-employment and beyond

19 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23

💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Product Development Agency Self-employment

Many people move from a steady job to freelancing, then to running an agency or creating products. This path allows them to gain independence and explore new opportunities.
Freelancing offers flexibility but can feel like juggling multiple smaller jobs. It's important to find a balance and not get stuck doing client work forever.
Building in-demand products is a key goal for many freelancers. This helps them earn more and reduces their reliance on client work.

From corporate slave to bored freelancer to boring businesses

19 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startup Freelancing Product Development Passive Income

After working in a corporate job, Ayush realized he wanted more control over his life and income. He decided to quit and pursue entrepreneurship to build passive income and assets.
He experimented with various online business ideas, including freelance work and e-commerce, but found more success in digital products and software. He aimed to focus on products that can grow and generate income over time.
Ayush learned the importance of focus and long-term planning in business. He now emphasizes building sustainable businesses with evergreen demand and higher leverage, like software, instead of just temporary spikes from services or e-books.

Do you really need an audience?

2 HN points • 26 Feb 24

💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship E-commerce Freelancing Customer Acquisition

You don't need a big audience to start selling your services. There are platforms like Upwork and Fiverr where people are already looking for help.
Using existing marketplaces helps you find customers faster and validate your ideas. It's a smart way to know if there's demand for what you want to offer.
Building a following takes time and can be draining. Focus on getting in front of the right people instead of waiting for an audience to form.