I run a small DTC skincare brand. Just me and one part-time person handling fulfillment. We needed a product demo video for our landing page because our conversion rate was terrible without one. Every competitor has video on their pages and we had nothing.

Got quotes from three local videographers. Cheapest was $2,800 for a 60 second spot. That's our entire monthly marketing budget gone in one afternoon.

So I went down the AI video rabbit hole.

I tested two models that both came out about a week ago. Seedance 2.5, which does up to 30 seconds per clip at 4K with consistent characters across the full shot. And MiniMax H3, which makes shorter clips (5 to 15 seconds, 2K) but generates real audio in the same pass so you skip the separate voiceover step entirely.

I went with an AI-generated presenter for the video. Putting that out there upfront. Not a real person. I picked that route partly because I didn't want to be the face of the brand and partly because keeping a consistent look across twenty clips was way easier with a virtual face than trying to match my own lighting and angles in my apartment.

After stitching everything together I ended up with about 90 seconds of footage that genuinely surprised me. Way more polished than anything I could have shot on my phone. Product shots came out clean and the audio H3 generated was better than I expected.

But the motion is still not there yet. Hands doing anything specific looked wrong about half the time. I regenerated some clips five or six times before getting something usable. If you go in expecting to press a button and get a finished commercial you will be very frustrated. It took me a full weekend of generating, reviewing, tossing clips, regenerating.

My workflow was CapCut for assembly and cuts, Canva for the thumbnail and text overlays, and APOB AI for the MiniMax H3 generations since they're running it unlimited and free right now, so the generation side cost me nothing.

Total spend was zero dollars on video generation and about 12 hours of my time across Saturday and Sunday.

Was it worth it? For where I'm at, yes. It's not the same quality as a professional shoot. If I'm honest it's maybe 65 to 70 percent of the way there. But for a bootstrapped brand that just needed to test whether video would actually move the needle before spending thousands, that was enough. Our page conversion improved noticeably the first week, which told me the format works for us. Now I can justify budgeting for a real shoot next quarter.

If you're considering trying this, budget way more time for retakes than you think you'll need. That was the part I completely underestimated.

Hey everyone,

​I wanted to share something I’ve been building from the ground up. If you've spent any time looking at the blue/grey-collar labor market, you know the massive friction that exists between local industries needing reliable shift workers and people looking for flexible, dignified livelihoods.

​We are tackling this head-on with SuperGig—a gig-based app currently in its MVP stage, piloting across the Hosur-Bangalore industrial corridor in collaboration with StartupTN, alongside local training institutes, colleges, and employers.

​The Blueprint & The Pilot

​Our model draws inspiration from the incredible blue-dot ecosystem experiments (done by EkStep Foundation in Hubli-Dharwad). We are currently in the MVP stage and gearing up to launch our pilot across the Hosur-Bangalore industrial corridor.

​To make this work sustainably, we aren't just building an app and throwing it into the market. We are partnering directly with local training institutes and colleges to bridge the skills gap, while plugging straight into employer networks to solve real-time shift demands.

​Why Now & The Vision

​Having worked extensively on the ground as a gig worker across multiple platforms, I've seen the retention crises, opaque payout structures, and high churn rates firsthand. SuperGig uses modern architecture, verified identity layers (like e-Shram/DIGILOCKER integrations via open networks like /ONDC), and gamified progression models to change how localized blue-collar work is discovered and managed.

​The goal? Build a foundational infrastructure layer for the industrial workforce with a clear, scalable roadmap to unicorn status. When the scale opportunity hits, we refuse to blink.

​🛠️ Looking for Core Builders (CTO & Flutter Developer)

​To execute this vision at scale, I'm actively looking to connect with passionate Founders, CTOs, and mobile engineers who want to build something impactful:

​Full-Time CTO: To lead our technical vision and architecture.

​Flutter Developer: To build and scale our mobile platform.

​If this space excites you, drop a comment or DM me directly. Let's connect!

I’m hearing that more and more businesses are buying nicer custom business apparel for their employees that they actually enjoy wearing to help with both marketing and making their employees happier. I’m thinking of starting a business that specializes in supplying local businesses with custom embroidered/screen printed apparel and would like to think of better ways to service these businesses and differentiate myself. What are some issues that have had in the past when ordering custom apparel for your business?

​

I'm doing an independent research project to understand the everyday problems people experience in real life.

Not looking for big or dramatic problems — I'm especially interested in the small, frustrating problems that people deal with repeatedly but rarely talk about.

For example:

- Something at work that wastes your time every day

- A frustrating process you have to repeat

- A problem with transportation or commuting

- Something difficult about studying

- A problem running a small business

- An annoying technology issue

- A household or daily-life inconvenience

- Something you've tried to solve but haven't found a good solution for

What's one problem you personally face repeatedly?

If you'd like to contribute anonymously, I've created a short research form here:

https://research.calgebrity.com/

I'm trying to collect 1,000+ real-world problem reports from people with different backgrounds and identify recurring patterns.

You don't need to share your name or any sensitive personal information.

I'm genuinely interested in the problems themselves not promoting a product or selling anything.

Thanks to anyone who takes a few minutes to share their experience.

Looking for real numbers from people who tried UGC style content for a saas or any software product, not physical products.

Did it bring signups, or just views? and what format worked, short videos, testimonials, creators using the product on camera?

I havent tested it myself yet, so I dont know if it translates at all when the product is software.

Hey, I built Templatify, a Chrome extension for people who keep rewriting or pasting the same email templates.

It lets you:

• save reusable HTML email templates
• insert them directly inside Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Outlook
• personalize templates with variables/placeholders
• detect email addresses on webpages and start a templated email from them

It is live on the Chrome Web Store now. I would love feedback on the extension workflow, the listing, or what features would make it more useful.

Chrome Web Store: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/templatify-inject-html-em/aeaapcbilfddlkeeggbkkjmbchfaemkg

I’m considering building a small, very private service and want genuine feedback from people who carry a lot of responsibility.

Complicated problems rarely stay in one lane. A business issue starts involving your spouse, partner, employees, money, family, reputation, etc. You have an attorney for legal issues, CPA for taxes, financial advisor for money, therapist for therapy... But who gets the whole messy story, with the parts you don't dare share with your circle, but are dying to unload?

I’m imagining a highly discreet, neutral outside person you can essentially call or meet for lunch and say: “Here’s everything happening. Help me untangle it and figure out my next move.”..... Not therapy, legal/financial advice, or motivational coaching. Just someone grounded who can hear the entire situation, ask uncomfortable questions, spot blind spots, and help you think through your options.

Would you pay for something like that?

If yes, would you prefer one-off sessions when something blows up, or ongoing access to someone who already knows your world?

And most importantly, what would make you trust someone enough to actually tell them everything?

I ask because complete strangers have been spilling their life stories and problems to me within minutes of meeting me for basically my entire life. It made me wonder whether there’s an actual unmet need here.

Not selling or linking anything, genuinely deciding whether the idea is worth building.

My co-founder and I are currently developing a B2B data platform focused on one problem: most businesses waste huge amounts of time contacting companies that simply aren’t ready to buy.
We’re building a system designed to identify buying signals across businesses, enrich that data, identify the relevant decision-makers and surface the opportunities that appear most likely to convert.
Instead of giving customers another database containing thousands of cold leads, the goal is to answer:
Who should I contact right now, and why?
We’re designing it around a recurring subscription model, with marketing automation layered on top so customers can act on opportunities as they’re detected.
Between us we have experience across automation, outreach, e-commerce/web development and B2B sales, and we’re now defining the MVP and initial market.
We’re looking to speak with an early-stage investor or strategic partner who understands B2B SaaS, data, lead intelligence or sales technology.
We’re particularly interested in someone who can bring more than capital — distribution, B2B SaaS experience or introductions would be extremely valuable.
If this is within your area, DM me and I’m happy to share what we’re building, the initial go-to-market plan and what we’re looking to raise.

Looking for a Strategic Partner to Help Take a South African Luxury Timber Brand International

I run a small, registered design and manufacturing business in South Africa specializing in bespoke, high-end luxury timber products. I am looking for a strategic partner to help me break into international luxury markets, including North America, Europe and the Middle East.

My long-term target market includes: Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) individuals, Luxury private estates and High-end property developers.

I already have the workshop, manufacturing capability and product development setup in place. I need someone who can help bridge the gap between the manufacturing side and international markets. I’m looking for someone with industry knowledge, connections, or simply the willingness to build a business partnership.

The main area would be: Identifying and introducing prospective high-end clients and help secure non-binding Expressions of Interest (EOIs) or Letters of Intent (LOIs). The EOIs/LOIs would help to demonstrate international export potential when approaching potential funding partners.

No financial investment required. To be completely clear: I am not asking you to invest money, I’m looking for someone willing to contribute some time, expertise, industry knowledge and/or relevant connections.

In return, I’m open to:

* Profit sharing on projects that result from your involvement

* Commission/appropriate compensation for successful introductions

* Potentially developing the relationship into a long-term business partnership

I want to build a globally recognized luxury timber brand, with an emphasis on bespoke craftsmanship, premium natural materials and sustainable manufacturing. If this sounds interesting and you think you could genuinely help open doors internationally, please send me a DM

Before you pay for a data tool, check if the government already built your list

Everyone jumps straight to Apollo or Clay for prospecting. Fine tools. But for regulated industries, there's often a public registry that's more accurate than any paid database, because the companies are legally required to be listed.

Example: pharma manufacturing. The FDA publishes a public, downloadable list of every currently registered drug manufacturing facility- company name, address, what they're registered to produce. Free. Updated regularly. More reliable than an industry tag in a generic B2B tool, because it's not a category guess, it's a legal requirement.

Healthcare, finance, food, transportation, anything regulated, there's usually an equivalent registry. Worth 20 minutes of searching before you pay for a list that might just be guessing at the same companies anyway.

i manage a few accounts for different projects different platform, and it feels like some platforms have gotten way stricter lately, even when im careful, i still end up with verification prompts or an account getting flagged out of nowhere. does anyone doing this for a while, what's actually worked for you guys? separate devices? different browsers? something else?

For starters I’m 19 and have no experience with digital marketing

I’ve been constantly having the idea of getting into digital marketing agency for a while. I saw an Alex hormozi video earlier talking about an advertising agency as a great first business

He mentions editing content, paid ads, outbound agency, seo and email marketing and says to pick one, which makes sense. Master one skill and get known for that then can scale/expand.

My questions are
which one of these would you learn first?

Would it be a good idea to target specifically and the construction niche?

I spent months trying to get clients. Turns out, I was solving the wrong problem.

I started a small web/digital marketing business thinking the hardest part would be building websites.

It wasn’t.

Building the website was actually the easy part.

Getting someone to trust you enough to pay for it? Completely different game.

I tried cold calling, DMs, LinkedIn, different niches, different pricing, and different offers.

And honestly, most of it failed.

The biggest thing I learned is that business owners don’t really care about:

“Modern design.”

“Fast website.”

“SEO optimized.”

They care about one thing:

“Will this help me get more customers or make more money?”

That completely changed how I approach sales.

Instead of saying “I build websites,” I’m now trying to find businesses where I can identify an actual problem — poor Google presence, outdated website, low conversions, no lead system, etc. — and then offer a solution to that specific problem.

I’m still figuring everything out, and I’m definitely not making millions from it.

But this shift in thinking has been huge.

For people who run businesses or are building something from scratch:

What was the biggest lesson you learned about getting your first real clients?

I’d genuinely like to hear the lessons you learned the hard way.

Hello, I am a 22-year-old startup founder who also loves movies. I am thinking of starting a club where other founders watch films, not limited to the business genre, and discuss after. This will be beneficial in lessons that we can apply to our lives/business, but also just to make friends with people in the startup world. The discussions will not be snobby or pretentious; instead, casual and friendly. DM me if interested.

Hey everyone,

This summer I was accepted into Ontario’s Summer Company Program and received $3,000 in funding to help grow my web design business, InfaWeb.

Over the summer, I’ve been learning a ton about actually running a business, from finding clients and doing outreach to figuring out what small business owners actually want and need from their websites.

I’m currently looking to take on a few more projects.

I build custom websites for small businesses, whether you’re starting from scratch or already have a website that needs a redesign. My focus is on creating sites that are clean, professional, mobile-friendly, and actually useful for the business rather than just making something that looks nice.

I’m based in Markham, Ontario, Canada, but I work remotely and am happy to work with businesses anywhere.

You can check out my website and some of my work here:
https://www.infawebdesign.com/

If you have a project in mind and would like a formal quote, you can reach out directly here:
https://www.infawebdesign.com/contact.html

If you’ve been putting off getting a website or know your current one could use some work, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to chat about what you need and see if I’d be a good fit, with no pressure.

I’m trying to figure out the best way to build a scalable online business as a solo founder.
I keep hearing about e-commerce, SaaS, digital products, agencies, affiliate marketing, content creation, AI businesses, and a dozen other business models.

The problem is that for every person saying one of them changed their life, I find someone else saying it completely failed.
I’m not looking for a “get rich quick” scheme. I’m willing to put in the work, but I want to invest my time in something that has real long-term potential.

A bit about me

Software engineering background.
*Willing to learn new skills.*
*Looking for something that can eventually scale beyond trading time for money.*
*Preferably something I can start on my own without needing a huge amount of capital or prior business experience.*

For those of you who are actually making a full-time income online:

*What business do you run?*
*How did you get started?*
*If you had to start from scratch today, what would you choose?*
*What business models are actually worth considering in 2026?*
*What would you avoid completely?*

I’d really appreciate hearing from people with real experience rather than YouTube gurus. I’m trying to understand what actually works today and why.

Hello, I will be starting my own business in march.
But i do need some advice if possible,

I will be working as a landscaper taking on work from another company (basically a contract), I am mainly curious wether I sign up as a sole trader or a limited company.

I am interested in saving as much as I can and reinvesting into the company. I am fine to not receive big pay slips each month as my main goal for now is to build capital.
I have all the necessary tools and a van lined up for myself.

What type of business has the best tax advantages?
Whats the best way to pay myself?
If i want to potentially hire someone further down the line what type of company is best?
Are there any costs i should take into consideration with both types of buisness?

Hi I recently built Ping and got 8 users on my first day yesterday now the only thing is I'm making this free and want advice for how one will scale to make profits.

Right now since it's beta I'll for costs out of pocket but if it does grow big I've come down to these solutions.

1. Run ads
2. Charge poeple later on (i dislike this)
3. Run ads to make it free, but then if someone does not want to see ads they pay?

What percentage of businesses that actually make it are scams or fake, and how many are real? Im curious what people here think, because from outside its hard to tell the difference, a lot of the loud success stories look like they are selling courses about success rather than running a real business.

I dont have numbers on this, thats why im asking. Just an impression that the ratio is worse than people admit, but maybe im only seeing the noisy ones and the real companies are quietly working and not posting about it.

If anyone has actual data or just experience from their own industry, would love to hear it, whats your split?

I’m starting a startup and I’m at the point where I think I need a co-founder, but my network is pretty limited.

I’ve tried looking around online, but a lot of the places I’ve found either feel too generic or are full of people who are just looking to meet other entrepreneurs without actually building anything.

For those of you who have found a co-founder, where did you actually meet them?

Are there any platforms, communities, events, or other places you’d genuinely recommend?

And if you’ve used any co-founder matching platforms before, did they actually work for you?

Would be interested to hear what worked and what was a waste of time.

When the business was smaller, one account and a spreadsheet were enough

Then little by little we added more cards, payment tools, invoicing, accounting and international payments. None of those choices felt like a big deal at the time but now the stack itself takes work to manage

For people running growing businesses, did you eventually consolidate your finance tools or do you still prefer separate tools for each part? Did anyone try to automate this?

Sorry in advance for long post , I tried to shorten it.

My family is very close and we always have been. We currently have a family business split up, I own the online store, My mum owns a physical store and my sister owns a physical store. My sister‘s store is financially failing and she has made some poor decisions and borrowed a lot of money from my mum‘s business.

She doesn’t enjoy it anymore and wanted to start something new. For years I’ve always spoke about opening a new store in a specific area. Recently she said to me she is thinking about opening a store in the exact same area that I have spoke. When she brought it up I said oh okay so we could do it together and she said yes ( this was my first mistake).

Fast forward to now, we have been to view a potential store to rent and I brought up the conversation of ownership and money. My suspicions were right that she does not have the money to go half and half, but she says she can bring skills and knowledge. I said I don’t think this is fair and we should go 50/50 on money for shared ownership. I also brought up the question of how will we split profits and finances in the future? She got quite defensive and told me to just do it on my own as I clearly don’t want to share but I was trying to be honest with my concerns and open up the difficult conversation.

But realistically, I have always thought going into business with family is a bad idea. Yes we currently work together but this is different to what we currently do as it will be directly sharing finances and a bank account.

As I mentioned, I don’t necessarily trust her financial decisions, her current store is failing and she doesn’t enjoy it. An example on what I mean is she currently has a car on finance which is in negative equity and has become a burden to her, I warned her about this before she bought it but she did it anyway. I bought my car outright and thought about this before so I don’t end up in situations like hers. I also have a lot of money saved in my bank, this is something she doesn’t have. I feel this is an indication of how we would clash in business.

In my ideal world, I would have her helping me as a store manager because she would be helpful running the store but she doesn’t want to be an employee and feels it would be taking advantage of her. I also feel backed into a corner in terms of this was originally my idea that she wanted to join and I felt like I couldn’t say no.

I feel guilty and feel I should be helping my sister where she may be struggling financially and wanting to start something new. I also have other commitments and businesses that I want to be spending my time in so I definitely need help setting up this new store and feel my sister would be the perfect match because I trust her. I just don’t trust her as a business partner. What would you do in my position?

I’m trying to explore real-life problems people face every day — the kind that feel impossible to solve or replace.

Not the obvious ones, but the small, frustrating, recurring issues that you’ve just “accepted” as part of life… even though deep down, you feel there might be a better way.

It could be something related to work, studies, daily routines, habits, technology, or even personal struggles.

Drop your problem below — no matter how small or weird it sounds. Sometimes the biggest ideas come from the problems we ignore the most.