🧃 139 startup ideas + lifehacks to level up your life

Today's SIP letter has 4+ juicy startup ideas and 2 lifehacks stirred together with actionable takeaways from 2 new episodes of The Startup Ideas Podcast.

Let's get sippin'.

​Episode #1: Brainstorming SaaS ideas you can build as a solo founder

Remember Dani Grant from last week’s episode?

Well, she shared her Notion doc with 139 startup ideas, and I couldn't resist digging in.

I found 8 ideas to share in this week’s solo sip session. Everything from SaaS for product specs to reinventing HQ Trivia for the dating world.

I break down what makes these ideas a sip or a spit + how I'd approach building them (if they’re worth building).

Let's start with 3 startup ideas baked into 3 big takeaways from the episode:

1) No-coding the next wave of creators

Let's talk about the no-code revolution. We're seeing a massive shift towards tools for non-technical folks to build complex apps.

Imagine giving the average Joe the power to create their own “Airbnb for pet-sitting” or an “Instagram for book lovers” - without writing a single line of code.

The idea is “Shopify for X”. But instead of peddling beard oil, you’re selling full-blown apps and platforms.

We’re not making websites anymore, we’re terraforming digital ecosystems.

Want to ride the wave? Here's how you do it:

• Target an industry ripe for disruption (Think: "Uber, but for lawn care")
• Make it dead simple to add must-have features (profiles, bookings, payments, etc)
• Build a marketplace for people to share and sell their no-code creations
• Carve out a community of creators through tutorials, forums, and showcases

Arm people with a way to easily create their wildest ideas, and you’ll have more than a business - you’ll have a movement.

A marketplace where anyone can buy a customizable dating app template, tweak it for dog lovers, and launch it in a weekend? That's the future.

Someone needs to build this, whether on top of Bubble or from scratch.

What industry needs its own Shopify? Figure that out and you’ll be surfing in the no-code swell.

(I break down the idea starting at 14:45 in the pod)

2) The opportunity in niche-focused tools

Want to know where the gold is? It's in hyper-specific tools that make professionals go "Where has this been all my life?"

Imagine a love child between Google Docs and Jira, tailor-made for product managers. You got inline Jira creation, common threads, and all the PM goodies wrapped in one package.

Why will this work? It scratches a very particular itch.

PMs will gladly pay you $20/month for a tool that streamlines their workflow and keeps everything in one place.

With almost 500,000 PMs in the US alone, we're talking about a potential goldmine. Want a slice of the pie?

Here's the playbook:

1. Validate the idea with potential users (slide into DMs)
2. Build a basic prototype (consider outsourcing to an agency)
3. Partner with product management influencers (think Lenny Rachitsky or up-and-comers)
4. Secure buy-in from 2-4 creators before going all-in

The opportunity is in solving real pain points for specific people. It doesn’t have to be PM workflows. Where else are professionals struggling with outdated tools?

You’re looking for a small, dedicated audience who'll stick to your product like glue.

When you're scratching an itch they can't reach, you're not building a product - you're crafting an obsession.

That's when you've got yourself a business.

3) Remixing classic concepts for modern audiences

Some of the best startup ideas come from taking a classic concept and giving it a modern twist.

Let's look at one example from the pod: "Blog + Newsletter in a Box"

Blogs and newsletters? Old news. But packaging it as a done-for-you service? Now we’re cooking.

There's a goldmine in making life easier for wannabe thought leaders. Trust me, thousands of them are drowning in WordPress tutorials and email marketing forums right now. Be their lifeline.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Send cold emails and DMs to connect with clients
2. Offer a one-time setup fee using existing services (Convert Kit, Substack, WordPress)
3. Deliver a 24-hour turnaround - blog set up, newsletter ready, first post published
4. Create tiered packages - Basic (newsletter + simple design), Pro (blog + newsletter + custom branding)
5. Upsell with add-ons - SEO optimization, content calendars, ghostwriting service

The idea isn’t groundbreaking, but the execution? That's all you.

If newsletters aren’t for you, you can remix your own classic:

• Spot a successful old-school concept ripe for an update
• Find the pain points (hint: it's usually tech setup or consistent execution)
• Brainstorm modern twists - maybe mash up two concepts
• Start small - test your idea with a handful of clients

Another good example is "Virtual Interior Design" - classic home decorating services powered by AR and AI.

The beauty of this approach? You're starting with a proven concept. Half your market research is done.

Sure, you'll hit some speed bumps. Differentiating in a crowded market isn’t easy. Scaling without sacrificing quality takes finesse. But that's where your creativity comes in.

Remember: Uber was just taxis + smartphones. Airbnb was just couch-surfing + pretty photos.

Sometimes, you just need to take an oldie and make it a banger.

What classic concept could you spin into gold?

Full 19-minute episode links: ​
​YouTube​, Spotify, ​Apple Podcasts​

Or skip straight to the juicy parts:

​02:05 Startup Idea 1: Product Spec Doc SaaS
​04:04 Startup Idea 2: Developer Portfolio Site Builder
​08:20 Startup Idea 3: Blog + Newsletter in a Box
​11:03 Startup Idea 4: Virtual Workspaces
​12:30 Startup Idea 5: Turntable FM 2.0
​13:31 Startup Idea 6: JSFiddle Meets Twitter
​14:45 Startup Idea 7: Shopify for X
​16:04 Startup Idea 8: HQ Trivia for Dating

​Episode #2: Bookmarks, lifehacks, and startup gold with Jonathan Courtney

Your best ideas rarely hit when you're glued to your phone. They come when you're in the shower, on a walk, or staring off into space. Wherever your mind has room to wander.

Want more room?

I have a simple rule: use social media on desktop only.

You'll be amazed at how much time you have for your actual life.

Benefits? More focus, less anxiety, and ideas flowing faster than egg juice.

Now that your mind has some breathing room, let's fill it with fresh insights.

​Jonathan Courtney is back to serve up:

• A startup idea that could turn your forgotten bookmarks into gold
• Life hacks you'll wish you knew years ago
• 6 books to help you level up in entrepreneurship

If you're up for a mix of silly and smart, with some genuinely useful nuggets sprinkled in, watch the video on YouTube - like, subscribe, and leave a comment telling us what you think.

Keep reading for 1 startup idea and 2 lifehacks from my conversation with Jicecream:

1) Startup Idea: Resurface bookmarks with AI drips

Do you have a stack of saved tweets and articles piling up somewhere? I bet you do.

We all save stuff for later, but "later" never comes. "Drip" is here to solve that problem. (s/o Amer from AJ&Smart for the concept)

Here's the idea: An AI tool to scan your X bookmarks, saved articles, and screenshots. It then serves you bite-sized nuggets of wisdom daily (or as often as you want it).

It’s more than reminders - it’s connecting and curating the insights you’ve collected, like a personal content sommelier.

No more information overload. Just a steady stream of stuff you’re interested in.

Here’s how you could build Drip into a profitable business:

1. Start simple: Focus on X/Twitter bookmarks for entrepreneurs
2. Build an MVP that sends short summaries via SMS or notifications
3. Test with a small group of power users (hint: start with your network)
4. Iterate based on their feedback, then integrate into other platforms like Pocket, Evernote, Chrome, etc.
5. Monetize with paid subscriptions - JC said he would pay easily $10/month for this

This idea addresses a common pain point, offering a solution that’s both simple and sophisticated. That's where the real magic (and value) is.

By turning forgotton bookmarks into related resources, Drip becomes a must-have tool for creators and entrepreneurs.

The productivity market is booming, and tools that help are in high demand. This idea has serious potential.

Who knows? You might just change how people remember ideas.

2) Lifehack 1: Use analogies, people remember them

Let's talk about making your ideas stick like superglue.

How? Painting pictures with analogies.

Our brains are wired for stories and comparisons. When you say, "Our startup is disrupting the market," people go "meh."

But when you go, "We're like Uber, but for dog walking," suddenly everyone's ears perk up.

When you explain something using a relatable analogy, it’s like turning on a light bulb in someone’s head. They get it. They see the connection. And that’s powerful.

Analogies bridge the gap between the known and the unknown, creating those "aha!" moments.

Whether you're pitching to VCs, creating content, or explaining an idea to your mom, analogies are your best friend.

Here's the playbook for using more analogies:

• Pick analogies that your audience will instantly recognize. The more familiar, the better.
• Simplify the idea first, then find an everyday comparison. Break a big task into small, manageable steps.
• Use stories and scenarios that your audience can picture. Instead of "he said," try "he goes" – it’s more conversational and engaging.
• Don’t overcomplicate your analogies. Simple is more relatable.

Analogies are like a Trojan horse of communication – they sneak complex ideas into the minds of the audience without them even knowing.

If you can't explain your idea with a solid analogy, you don’t understand it well enough. Ask yourself: "What's this remind me of in everyday life?" Make the abstract tangible with shapes and sounds.

Next time you're pitching, teaching, or tweeting, try an analogy.

Watch how quickly people get on your wavelength.

(JC and I share some analogies starting at 21:40 of the pod)

3) Lifehack 2: Craft a personal mission statement to guide your decisions

"What's your mission in life?" Tough question. But one worth considering.

Companies have mission statements, but what about founders?

In entrepreneurship, personal goals become secondary in the hustle of making the business work. I'm guilty of this too.

There’s a lot to do and it’s easy to get lost.

A personal mission statement is like a compass for your life.

It provides clarity, purpose, and direction. It’s your “why” – the reason you get out of bed every morning.

It's not some corporate fluff. It’s a useful guide for your decisions, keeping you focused when things get crazy (and trust me, they will).

The point of this lifehack isn't what your specific mission is. It's about having a mission, period.

Think of it as your life's tagline.

Let's break down three notable frameworks for mission statements:

1. The Three Question Framework:
   • What's most important to you?
   • What are your goals?
   • What values guide your actions?
2. The Purpose-Values-Goals Framework:
   • Purpose: What's your life about?
   • Values: What do you stand for?
   • Goals: What do you want to achieve?
3. The Five-Step Plan:
   • Identify themes from past achievements
   • List and prioritize your core values
   • Define how you want to impact different life areas
   • Set short and long-term goals
   • Synthesize all this into concise statements

Your mission can include concrete numbers (like "I want to make a million dollars a year") or personal aspirations (like "I want my children to have the best possible life"). It's about what matters most to you.

Here's how to create your personal mission statement:

1. Pick a framework that clicks with you
2. Reflect on your values, goals, and past achievements
3. Start with the classic template: "To [VERB] [WHAT] [FOR WHOM] [HOW]”
4. Write a rough draft - don't overthink it
5. Trim it down to something punchy and memorable

Remember, this is personal stuff. You don't have to broadcast it to the world. The power is in having it and using it to keep yourself on track.

Whether it’s written on a sticky note on your fridge or detailed in a document, having a clear mission helps you navigate life (and business) with purpose.

So, what's your mission?

Put pen to paper and let it guide you to bigger, better things.

(We unpack personal mission statements starting at 44:21 in the pod)

For more lifehacks and 5 book recommendations from Jicecream, watch the full episode on YouTube.

Full episode links: YouTube​, Spotify, ​Apple Podcasts​

Or jump straight into the juicy parts:

​03:45 Startup Idea 1: "Drip" - AI-powered content resurfacing
​12:51 Startup Idea 2: Entrepreneur Bookmark Newsletter
​18:40 Lifehacks
​1:04:27 Book Rec 1: Tim Ferriss’ 4-Hour Workweek
​1:08:40 Book Rec 2: Derek Sivers’ Anything You Want
​1:10:27 Book Rec 3: Bob Fifer’s Double Your Profits
​1:11:42 Book Rec 4: Jason Fried and David Heinemeier’s Rework
​1:15:54 Book Rec 5: Russell Brunson’s Traffic Secrets & Expert Secrets

I hope these episodes get your entrepreneurial juices percolating. Forward this email to a friend or share on social media to get others thinking.

And if you have a startup idea you want to workshop with me, join me for my YouTube livestreams.

I give feedback to anyone willing to share their idea on stage. Click ​here to subscribe on YouTube so you don’t miss out.

Have a creative weekend,

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