From Software Engineer to AI Curator: Leo's Unexpected Entrepreneurial Journey

Leo, a software engineer, stumbled upon the world of digital products after finding inspiration in a Notion template. His passion for information gathering and the booming field of AI led him to curate a collection of AI tools for the general public.

Starting with a simple Notion page showcasing various AI tools, Leo bootstrapped his business without initial funding. He faced challenges promoting his product, but actively sought guidance and implemented strategies like offering freebies and launching on Product Hunt.

Leo's first dollar online marked a turning point, validating his efforts. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing customer needs, learning from mistakes, and taking action on ideas over striving for perfection. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Focus on solving a single problem effectively and remember, success is a journey, not a destination.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how it led you to where you are now?

I have been a software engineer for 18 years, primarily focusing on software development. I hadn't ventured into creating digital products until 2023 when I stumbled upon a Notion template shared by a Twitter user, sparking my interest in creating digital products.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I wanted to leverage my expertise in information gathering to curate a collection of AI tools to share with others.

Were there any particular market trends or gaps you noticed that influenced your decision to start this business?

In 2023, AI was rapidly evolving, with numerous tools emerging. I wanted to compile a directory of AI tools for the general public.

What were the initial steps you took to launch your business?

I gathered various AI tools online (their names, websites, descriptions, pricing), categorized them, and presented them on a Notion page.

How did you fund your Digital Business initially?

Since I only needed to invest my time initially, I didn't require funding. To this day, I haven't pursued funding.

Did you face any challenges or obstacles during the early stages, and how did you overcome them?

Promoting my product to strangers was a significant challenge. I continuously tried to learn from Twitter influencers, shamelessly promoting my product. We're here to make money.

What strategies did you use to grow your business?

Initially, the strategy was simple: offering freebies to introduce myself. Later on, it involved various discounts and promotions, as well as launching on Product Hunt.

What tools do you use for your business?

Notion, Figma, and Gumroad.

How did you acquire your first customers?

Mainly through the Notion Gallery. Uploading my templates to Notion Gallery provided excellent traffic.

Can you share any significant milestones or turning points in your business's growth journey?

Earning my first dollar from the internet was a significant turning point. It made me believe that with effort, rewards are attainable.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an entrepreneur?

I don't consider myself a full-fledged entrepreneur yet, but the biggest challenge remains promoting my product and convincing users to spend money.

What lessons have you learned from these challenges?

Firstly, solve problems for your customers. Only when you genuinely solve a problem or provide convenience will they pay you.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could go back and start over?

I might spend more time acquiring potential users and understanding their thoughts and needs before diving into product development.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out as an entrepreneur?

Take action on your ideas. Don't dwell on perfection. Launch first, then iterate.

What are some common misconceptions about starting a business that you'd like to address?

The common misconception is that one needs to create a groundbreaking product. In reality, the market is vast, with numerous problems to solve. If your product genuinely addresses one problem, that's sufficient.

Is there any particular mindset or approach that you believe is crucial for entrepreneurial success?

Don't expect your first venture or product launch to be groundbreaking.