177 - From Layoff to $250K: The 1-Person Agency Playbook with Zach Ashburn Artwork

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

Welcome to Nikonomics—the show for entrepreneurs and Wantrapreneurs, ready to tackle the toughest roadblocks to their first million.

Nik brings firsthand experience, having bought and sold over a dozen businesses, achieved multiple 7-figure exits, and generated over $100 million in revenue.

Each week, he blends humor with real insights from successful entrepreneurs, sharing growth strategies, deal insights, and unique business ideas you won’t find elsewhere.

Ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Hit play and let’s get to work.

Follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/CoFoundersNik or @CoFoundersNik

All Episodes

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

177 - From Layoff to $250K: The 1-Person Agency Playbook with Zach Ashburn

May 23, 2025 • Nikolas Hulewsky • Season 1 • Episode 177

🚨MY NEWSLETTER https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🚨

Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Zach Ashburn (https://x.com/zachary_ashburn) about what I think is the most predictable way to get into entrepreneurship: building an agency business or becoming an independent consultant based on a specialized skill you already have from your corporate job.

Zach works with people making this transition, often what we call accidental entrepreneurs, helping them make the leap. We dive into the crucial first steps, like mapping out your cash flow and personal finances, which Zach emphasizes is king.

We also talk about the shift from an employee mindset to a business owner mindset, the power of realizing no one's giving you permission to start, and the importance of smart delegation and outsourcing when you're "bad at most things" except your core skill.

Questions This Episode Answers:
How can you turn your specialized skill from a corporate job into an agency business or consulting?

What are the first financial steps to plan when making the leap to entrepreneurship?

How do you shift from an employee mindset to a business owner mindset?

What should you delegate or outsource when starting your consulting practice?

How should consultants think about pricing their services and knowing their worth?

Enjoy the conversation!
__________________________

Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.

Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.

__________________________

MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98y

Apple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284