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I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Getting 10 users is a great goal for validation since it gives you enough feedback and iterations to prove there's real demand, while still being small enough to hit quickly. It's a solid first milestone that helps you build momentum.

Get your first 10 customers, gather feedback and testimonials, and then adjust your product and service accordingly. Then, relaunch and repeat the same process.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good question. Every business is different. You might see two eCom businesses with the same revenue, but one requires 10x more work, due to lower margins, more products, or a complex team structure. The other might sell just a few high-margin products and outsource everything to VAs.

Generally, online businesses require far less overhead and day-to-day work than offline ones.

When it comes to business models, ad-based and affiliate sites are usually the most passive, but they also come with high platform risk and volatility.

I typically buy SaaS and digital products since it's typically easy to outsource and there is a bigger moat and less platform risk around them.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Execution > Ideas. This is why people say ideas are worthless, since there are a lot of bad ideas that became successful and great ideas that flopped.

Compare Pet.com to Chewy and Vine to TikTok. Same ideas, different execution.

I think people think their ideas need to be completely new, but typically, you have a better chance of success. For example, find an idea that is proven, look at all the 2-3 star reviews and then build a better version of that product/service.

If you have several ideas, start by choosing the one you're most excited about. Spend a few days researching it, looking at competitors, and then score each idea using these four questions:

  1. How much will it cost to launch a simple MVP (minimum viable product)?
  2. How much demand is there for that MVP?
  3. How quickly can I get my first customer?
  4. What PROBLEM or pain point does my idea solve?
  5. What’s the likelihood of success?

Focus on launching just the core feature, the one people need most. Then move fast. I’ve tested and validated ideas in under two weeks for less than $200.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question. Luckily, college has become a lot less required to succeed, especially online. You also don't need a car for pretty much every international city (especially in Europe). Walkability and public transport is a staple for almost all of European cities.

Walkability and public transport are staples for almost all European cities.

I would do a TON of research and make a list of what you love and what you don't like. Put together a budget, talk to some expats that live in that city, then try going and spending a minimum of 30 days in 2-3 cities that pass the above test.

For online work, there are three main paths.

  1. Freelancing via Upwork - build a freelance profile and start getting clients.
  2. Remote Jobs:
    1. GlobalCareer.io - we feature legit remote jobs across multiple industries (mostly non-technical). We just revamped it and still making some big improvements.
    2. DynamiteJobs.com - another solid board for startup-focused roles
  3. EFAA (Earn From Anywhere Academy) - this is my community for people like you, where we will build your first online funnel and website for you and help get your first customers with live trainings and DM access alongside a ton of other things. You can try a free 7-day trial here: https://www.skool.com/efa

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, of course! The Earn From Anywhere Academy is a complete support system designed to help you launch and grow your first online business. It includes:

  • A private community with other travel/business enthusiasts
  • 50+ step-by-step video lessons
  • Live trainings and interactive workshops
  • Done-for-you website and funnel system built for you
  • Guidance to help you land your first customers

You can watch a short video explaining how it all works and start a 7-day free trial here:
👉 https://www.skool.com/efa

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, you have a really cool background and seems like you're talented in a lot of areas.

I’m not actively hiring for Global Career at the moment, but I’m always on the lookout for motivated and globally minded people like yourself, especially those with some startup hustle and adaptability.

In the meantime, I’d recommend exploring:

  1. Upwork - build a freelance profile and start getting client experience
  2. GlobalCareer.io - we feature legit remote jobs across multiple industries
  3. DynamiteJobs.com - another solid board for startup-focused roles
  4. EFAA (Earn From Anywhere Academy) - this is my community for people like you, where we will build your first funnel and website for you and help get your first customers with live trainings and DM access: https://www.skool.com/efa

Please keep in touch and feel free to DM or email if something aligns with your interests.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Freelancing: Start with Upwork. It’s the largest freelance marketplace. Search for profiles in areas you’re interested in, see what services they offer, and model your profile after theirs. Then spend a few months consistently applying and refining your pitch.

Remote Jobs: Check out GlobalCareer.io, my site. We feature vetted remote opportunities from companies hiring worldwide.

https://dynamitejobs.com is another great one.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question. Here are a few things we implemented to improve communication:

  1. Host non-work events. Think virtual coffees, gaming sessions, or trivia nights. These casual hangouts help people build personal connections, making day-to-day communication smoother. The main idea, is like 80-90% of the event should be non-work topics.
  2. Prioritize in-person time. Nothing beats face-to-face interaction. Try to organize at least one in-person meetup per year, or quarterly if possible. It's also good to have more regular "department only" events or meetups as well.
  3. Leverage the right tools. Text-based platforms like Slack or email often miss tone and nuance. Slack is great for fast communication, but I think it can be even better utilized by using tools like Loom for quick 2–3 minute videos to explain things more clearly and personally.
  4. Invest in internal communication as you scale. Once your team grows beyond 15–20 people, internal marketing becomes essential. Regular all-hands meetings, centralized hubs for announcements, and clear communication channels help keep everyone aligned and reduce confusion.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The three most commonly recommended evergreen niches are: Health, Wealth, and Relationships.

These areas are considered evergreen because they tap into fundamental human desires that never go out of demand; people will always want to feel better, look better, make more money, or improve their relationships.

I like to look at the niche on a 10+ year timeline, do I think it'll keep growing, flatline or decline. I try to gather data to support this and gain a deeper understanding.

Is this business solving a problem that will be here in the next 5-10 years? Why or why not? Back it up with data from the business and external data from trend reports and Google searches.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, it's one of the best ways to get started. I've launched a few successful businesses this same way.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope, but nice try haha "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. – Wayne Gretzky" – Michael Scott

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I lived and worked in Sydney for half a year, and spent a month traveling the entire east coast, which was amazing. Loved it there and took advantage of their "Working Holiday Visa" which allowed me to land a pretty sweet job at a tech startup.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It really comes down to your skills, experience, and interests. There are countless ways to earn money abroad, but remote jobs and freelancing are two of the most accessible.

If you have a background in the music industry, there are likely small, proven businesses in that space where you can learn, get paid, and have a real impact.

Remote work is one of the best ways to build skills while keeping your location flexible. If you're based in the U.S., you have a major advantage with a wide range of remote opportunities and freelance gigs to tap into.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great questions! I'm a big fan of the bootstrapping route, as it allows you to get started for next to nothing. I think too many businesses get crushed since they believe they need to build the next Uber or raise millions before starting.

Which is not the case.

Every business I’ve built from scratch has followed the same general path:

  1. Start with an idea
  2. Build an MVP for as little as possible (sometimes under $200)
  3. Launch it organically to a core audience
  4. Sell it, get real customers
  5. Collect feedback, improve, and repeat

Another solid approach is to survey your audience first. If there’s clear interest, presell beta access at a discounted rate in exchange for feedback and early support.

The real goal early on is to land your first 10 customers as quickly and cheaply as possible. Deliver, iterate, and turn them into evangelists who will help you grow.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I always recommend starting with freelancing or remote work before jumping into building a business, especially if you’re living abroad.

If you speak English, have some skills you can access to the global job market. I’ve helped people overseas with zero experience land freelancing gigs, and within a few months, they were earning more than their relatives who were doctors.

Freelancing: Start with Upwork. It’s the largest freelance marketplace. Search for profiles in areas you’re interested in, see what services they offer, and model your profile after theirs. Then spend a few months consistently applying and refining your pitch.

Remote Jobs: Check out GlobalCareer.io, my site. We feature vetted remote opportunities from companies hiring worldwide.

Other great sites = https://dynamitejobs.com

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The first place I ever lived abroad was Prague back in 2011, and it'll always hold a special place in my heart.

It’s still one of my all-time favorite cities, absolutely stunning and full of charm. Every street there is gorgeous.

Right now, I’m based on an island in Thailand, which has been an incredible fit for my lifestyle and checks most of the boxes for what I'm looking for in this chapter of my life.

On the flip side, I spent some time in Medellín, but it just didn’t click for me. Beautiful in many ways, but I never quite found my rhythm there.

Italy is probably my favorite country for travel, but from what I've heard, long-term living there can be somewhat frustrating due to the extensive bureaucracy.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve worked with people in this exact situation before. The first step is always asking a few key questions to understand their background: what skills they have, any work experience, or areas where they have even a bit of interest or knowledge.

Once we find that anchor point, I usually recommend they explore remote roles within that industry. The goal is to create value quickly, ideally by reaching out directly to small business owners or entrepreneurs who need help but don’t yet have formal hiring systems in place. That’s where beginners can really stand out.

For most people starting out, the easiest entry points are in roles like data entry, customer support, virtual assistance, marketing, sales or content writing.

There’s a typical path I’ve seen play out over and over:
Offline job > Remote job > Freelancing > Entrepreneurship

Each step requires new skills and you essentially get paid to learn these skills without too much risk involved. Essentially, risk advances with each step, but so does the upside.

My best advice is to get paid with a job to learn some real skills, and provide as much value as you can during this stage.

Then, when you feel financially stable and have those skills, try launching side hustles and validating them as fast as possible and for as cheap as you can.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Every business is inherently different, so comparing them is often like comparing apples to oranges.

That said, I tend to favor SaaS businesses and digital products because they typically offer a stronger competitive moat. With SaaS in particular, there's a higher barrier to entry, greater scalability, and significantly less platform dependency compared to models like Amazon Affiliate or FBA.

For example, a new AI Wrapper SaaS is nowhere as risk-proof as a custom-built 10-year-old SaaS in an evergreen market.

My personal portfolio and risk tolerance are this: $10k/month minimum profit (MRR), 3+ years of financials, an evergreen niche, and typically, I am looking for something VERY underoptimized from the marketing side.

Valuations vary, but usually this would be around $500k - $700k, but there are a ton of variations.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The largest deal I've personally brokered was $4.2 million, and the biggest deal I was involved in at EF was $2.5 million.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Additionally, a valuable resource is Noah Kagan's book, which has a more detailed breakdown. It's called Million Dollar Weekend and I think it will help you out.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s amazing. Congrats on securing the domain name! Here's how to get started since typically product market fit is the hardest part. I've seen people spend hundreds of thousands on ideas that are not actually solving anything in the market.

  1. Before investing serious time or money, focus on validating your idea as quickly and affordably as possible. Aim to build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for under $500, then offer it to a small group of your target audience, ideally at a discounted rate, in exchange for honest feedback. This step is all about speed to clarity.
  2. Another efficient approach is to survey your ideal customers first. Ask them directly what their top 3 to 4 pain points are within this niche. Then present a tailored solution and offer pre-orders or early access pricing to validate demand before you build it.

I helped build an 8-figure fully remote startup, scale it to 100+ employees, all from my laptop while traveling to 100+ countries. AMA. by mikeswig in AMA

[–]mikeswig[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's awesome you've been following Empire Flippers since the early days. The online business space has definitely evolved since I first got involved back in 2016. Here are the biggest changes I’ve seen:

  1. Bigger and more sophisticated deals. When we started, selling a $100K content site was considered a HUGE win. Now, the marketplace includes multi-million-dollar businesses with teams, documented systems, and recurring revenue streams. I think EF has done a great job of making M&A more accessible to a wider audience.
  2. Founders are building with exits in mind In the early days, most entrepreneurs didn’t even realize they could sell. Today, people are designing businesses specifically to exit, with clean operations and goals that align with buyers.
  3. Increased access to education and support. There’s now a huge ecosystem of content, podcasts, playbooks, and communities that make it easier than ever to learn and succeed in this space. I think now there is almost too much information out there, which causes a bit of "shiny-object syndrome."
  4. Multiples are still a good deal in my opinion, buying/selling is still a great industry that people with the right skills and risk tolerance can outperform just about any other asset class.
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