Productivity Without Time Blocking - Reverse Interview with Clemens Adolphs

AI/ML consultant and self-described productivity nerd Clemens Adolphs joined me on Ditching Hourly for a reverse interview about my flexible alternative to time blocking. We geeked out about the “While-Awake Loop” system that I've been using to run my life for twenty years.01:15 Clemens Tests the System03:21 The Core Loop05:02 Controlling Interruptions07:10 What Belongs on the List08:36 The Power of Recurring Reminders17:02 Capture First, Clarify Later24:48 Projects, Next Actions, and Digital Context32:48 Errands and Contexts35:35 Doing What You Feel Like47:28 Reviews and System Maintenance52:00 Why Time Blocking Fails60:42 Who This System Is ForClemens is a co-founder and senior AI engineer at AICE Labs, where he helps non-technical founders and operators build the right thing, the right way, from strategy to production. He is also a productivity nerd with a long-standing interest in GTD, deep work, and practical systems for independent work. ----I'm running a one-day in-person workshop in December in Providence, Rhode Island, called "Kickstart Your Pipeline." If you're not getting as many leads as you want and you're looking for a systematic, dignified alternative to cold outreach, paid ads, and clowning around on social media, this workshop is for you.We'll start with a fancy dinner (on me) on the evening of December 9, and then the one-day workshop is on December 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For all the details and to reserve your seat, just click the link below: Reserve Your Seat In Providence Now »Hope to see you in Providence on Dec 9 and 10!

In 2017, Joel Miller came on Ditching Hourly episode 33 to talk about his recent switch to value pricing. Nine years later, Joel and his identical twin brother Alan still run The Sky Floor as a two-person shop. They do all the client work themselves, their average client has been with them for eight years, and they haven't hit a famine cycle in a long time, so they're not hungry for leads. Best of all, Joel has gone from working 80-hour weeks and making “a hilariously tiny fraction” of what he makes now to working normal hours and turning off his notifications at night and on weekends.00:00 - Meet Joel Miller00:46 - The Sky Floor Then and Now02:00 - The Why Conversation in Practice06:12 - Building Client Lifetime Value08:50 - The Client Who Came Back10:48 - Value-Based Monthly Retainers12:26 - Scaling Without Headcount16:03 - Indirect Word of Mouth18:08 - What Keeps Clients for a Decade25:25 - Spotting Hidden Opportunities29:01 - Think Like a Business Owner37:22 - Curiosity and the Entrepreneurial Spirit41:53 - People Over Profits44:51 - Never Stop Asking Why48:36 - Where to Find JoelJoel Miller is the co-owner of The Sky Floor, a digital problem-solving agency he runs with his identical twin brother Alan. They started the company about 18 years ago as a web design shop in the Chicago area and now handle everything from websites and LMS systems to Google Ads and CRM replacements. Joel and Alan do all the client work themselves and have built long-term relationships averaging eight years per client. Joel appeared on Ditching Hourly episode 33 in 2017 to discuss his early experiments with value pricing. Try his free Capacity Tax tool to see whether a client is blocking your next growth move. ----I'm running a one-day in-person workshop in December in Providence, Rhode Island, called "Kickstart Your Pipeline." If you're not getting as many leads as you want and you're looking for a systematic, dignified alternative to cold outreach, paid ads, and clowning around on social media, this workshop is for you.We'll start with a fancy dinner (on me) on the evening of December 9, and then the one-day workshop is on December 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For all the details and to reserve your seat, just click the link below: Reserve Your Seat In Providence Now »Hope to see you in Providence on Dec 9 and 10!

Software entrepreneur, author, and investor Rob Walling joined me on Ditching Hourly to explain why faster software development does not remove the need to validate a software product idea before building it.We talked about the future of SaaS in the age of AI, the 2-20-200 validation framework, customer conversations, finding ideas, turning client work into a product, starting marketing early, choosing an ideal customer profile, competitive research, and the advantages of vertical vs orthogonal vs horizontal product positioning.00:00 - Meet Rob Walling01:28 - Idea to Traction02:45 - Who Builds SaaS Now?05:18 - SaaS in the Age of AI09:23 - Validate Before You Build16:29 - Better Customer Conversations17:47 - Finding and Choosing Ideas20:46 - Turning Client Work into SaaS26:24 - Market from Day One28:53 - Find and Refine Your ICP32:09 - Competitive Research and Positioning35:48 - The DNA of a Great SaaS Business38:26 - Vertical, Horizontal, and Orthogonal SaaSRob Walling is a software entrepreneur, author, and investor. He hosts Startups for the Rest of Us, a podcast he said has run for 16 years, and co-founded TinySeed, where he invests in SaaS bootstrappers. He started Drip in 2012 and sold it in 2016. Idea to Traction is his sixth book and revisits the early stages of software entrepreneurship. Learn more and pre-order the book at Idea to Traction. ----I'm running a one-day in-person workshop in December in Providence, Rhode Island, called "Kickstart Your Pipeline." If you're not getting as many leads as you want and you're looking for a systematic, dignified alternative to cold outreach, paid ads, and clowning around on social media, this workshop is for you.We'll start with a fancy dinner (on me) on the evening of December 9, and then the one-day workshop is on December 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For all the details and to reserve your seat, just click the link below: Reserve Your Seat In Providence Now »Hope to see you in Providence on Dec 9 and 10!

Experience designer and BRC Imagination Arts founder Bob Rogers joined me on Ditching Hourly to explain how to create experiences that change behavior instead of merely entertaining. His new book, Deep Story, is a practical guide to doing exactly that.We talked about defining the change before choosing tools, looking past requested deliverables, finding the emotional connection between a brand and its audience, starting with the heart, and turning information into action.00:00 - Meet Bob Rogers and Deep Story01:57 - Lessons from Disneyland's Magic Shop03:57 - It's All About Them07:36 - The Audience Is the Instrument10:27 - Failing Into the Right Career12:24 - Define the Change Before the Tools16:51 - Look Past the Requested Deliverable20:11 - Hire the Team, Not the Idea22:41 - Use Phases and Set Enduring Goals24:53 - Find the Shared Emotional Trigger27:55 - A Brand Is What the Audience Says It Is32:09 - SCAD's Kitchen Table Story35:35 - Start with the Heart, Then Focus38:32 - Information Is Not Transformation42:35 - Books and Where to Find BobBob Rogers is the founder of BRC Imagination Arts, where he has spent decades creating visitor experiences for corporations and museums. He began his career demonstrating magic at Disneyland and later developed concepts for films at Walt Disney Imagineering. His new book, Deep Story, presents a practical approach to building experiences that make an emotional connection and prompt action. Learn more at BRC Imagination Arts. ----I'm running a one-day in-person workshop in December in Providence, Rhode Island, called "Kickstart Your Pipeline." If you're not getting as many leads as you want and you're looking for a systematic, dignified alternative to cold outreach, paid ads, and clowning around on social media, this workshop is for you.We'll start with a fancy dinner (on me) on the evening of December 9, and then the one-day workshop is on December 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For all the details and to reserve your seat, just click the link below: Reserve Your Seat In Providence Now »Hope to see you in Providence on Dec 9 and 10!

NetSuite data migration consultant Paul Giese joined me on Ditching Hourly to share how triple specialization helped him build a highly referable, fixed-price consulting business.Paul explains how his accounting background, NetSuite expertise, and data-migration focus combine into a defensible niche, plus how specialization supports referrals, delegation, and value-based fixed fees.00:00 - Introduction00:20 - Paul's Background and Business01:01 - From Accounting to Entrepreneurship03:21 - Finding the NetSuite Migration Niche06:02 - The Benefits of Specialization12:07 - Becoming Easy to Refer16:00 - The Three-Part Expertise Moat20:48 - The Opportunity for Specialized Firms24:10 - Moving from Hourly to Fixed Fees29:08 - The Freedom of Fixed Pricing31:08 - Building Trust and Reducing Risk36:08 - Contractors, Delegation, and Quality40:13 - Pricing by Value Instead of Volume42:56 - Testing the Ceiling on Price47:36 - Lessons and Closing ThoughtsGuest BioPaul Giese is the founder of Optimal Data Consulting, a firm specializing in data migration services for companies implementing NetSuite. With an accounting background from Baylor University and experience in Big Four public accounting, Paul has helped more than 100 clients migrate their data. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn or on his website. ----I'm running a one-day in-person workshop in December in Providence, Rhode Island, called "Kickstart Your Pipeline." If you're not getting as many leads as you want and you're looking for a systematic, dignified alternative to cold outreach, paid ads, and clowning around on social media, this workshop is for you.We'll start with a fancy dinner (on me) on the evening of December 9, and then the one-day workshop is on December 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For all the details and to reserve your seat, just click the link below: Reserve Your Seat In Providence Now »Hope to see you in Providence on Dec 9 and 10!

Growth consultant and author of The Damn Rules, Nick Richtsmeier joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about why internet-based inbound marketing systems have stopped working, aren't coming back, and what might work instead.00:27 Nick's Background and Work01:10 Why the Internet Is Toast03:09 What Distribution Means Now04:36 Inbound as Attention Arbitrage07:56 The Attention Economy Is a Casino13:37 Five Major Disruptions22:36 Trust and Attachment as Scarcity25:34 Friction as a Load-Bearing System30:10 Restoring Trust Through Human Contact35:01 Selling When People Are Scrolling39:19 Notice Meetings and Relationship Networks41:47 Why Friction Polishes Ideas50:37 The Damn Rules and Closing ThoughtsNick's bio:Nick Richtsmeier is the creator of Trust-Made Growth® and the author of The Damn Rules: How Vulnerability, Inefficiency, and Love Liberate Leaders from the Trustbroken Economy, a strategist and cultural navigator helping founder-led, relationship-driven firms build durable businesses in the age of AI extraction and from the wreckage of the trustbroken economy. Nick's links:Personal » https://nickrichtsmeier.comBook » https://nickrichtsmeier.comNewsletter » https://damnrulesbook.comLinkedIn » https://linkedin.com/in/nickrichtsmeierPodcast » “Damns Given with Nick Richtsmeier” available on all major platforms ----I'm running a one-day in-person workshop in December in Providence, Rhode Island, called "Kickstart Your Pipeline." If you're not getting as many leads as you want and you're looking for a systematic, dignified alternative to cold outreach, paid ads, and clowning around on social media, this workshop is for you.We'll start with a fancy dinner (on me) on the evening of December 9, and then the one-day workshop is on December 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For all the details and to reserve your seat, just click the link below: Reserve Your Seat In Providence Now »Hope to see you in Providence on Dec 9 and 10!

Double-unicorn founder (WP Engine and A Smart Bear), Jason Cohen, joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about the ideas behind his new book, Hidden Multipliers.We talked about using AI as a facilitator rather than an answer machine, choosing ideal customers, differentiating a consulting business, how AI is changing SaaS and software work, and why writing can help you think in public.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:56 - AI Skills as Facilitators04:16 - Choosing Your Best Customers09:42 - Building Strategy Around Yourself13:40 - Defining a Market22:29 - Problems, Alternatives, and Categories27:00 - Differentiating Consulting Services33:58 - The Fear of Closing Doors38:02 - Who Hidden Multipliers Is For41:14 - AI and the Future of SaaS49:33 - Why Expertise Still Matters53:24 - Distribution and Fast Followers59:13 - Worldview as Differentiation61:03 - Writing to Think68:28 - Where to Find JasonJason’s LinksThe Book » https://shop.hiddenmultipliers.com/The Skills » https://skills.asmartbear.com/Jason’s Blog » https://longform.asmartbear.com/Jason’s Podcast » https://smartbearlive.transistor.fm/Jason’s LinkedIn » https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncohen/ ----I'm running a one-day in-person workshop in December in Providence, Rhode Island, called "Kickstart Your Pipeline." If you're not getting as many leads as you want and you're looking for a systematic, dignified alternative to cold outreach, paid ads, and clowning around on social media, this workshop is for you.We'll start with a fancy dinner (on me) on the evening of December 9, and then the one-day workshop is on December 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For all the details and to reserve your seat, just click the link below: Reserve Your Seat In Providence Now »Hope to see you in Providence on Dec 9 and 10!

Thought leadership expert Bill Sherman joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss how experts can scale their ideas to create impactful thought leadership. Bill shares insights from his extensive experience in helping individuals and organizations codify and amplify their ideas.In this episode, we delve into the nuances of thought leadership, from defining it to exploring business models and the importance of a focused target audience. Bill also discusses the impact equation and how to effectively communicate ideas to create lasting influence.00:00 - Introduction to Bill Sherman00:19 - Journey into Thought Leadership01:51 - Defining Thought Leadership05:41 - Emerging Thought Leaders08:44 - The Thought Leadership Handbook13:09 - Business Models of Thought Leadership16:49 - Target Audience Importance21:49 - Licensing and Certification25:09 - Alternatives to Writing a Book33:39 - Impact Equation43:47 - Final ThoughtsGuest bioBill Sherman is the COO of Thought Leadership Leverage and lead author of The Thought Leadership Handbook. For more than twenty years he's helped executives, authors, and experts take their ideas to scale — and he co-hosts the Leveraging Thought Leadership podcast, now past 700 episodes.Website » https://aha-moments.com/Book » https://thoughtleadershiphandbook.com/LinkedIn » https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-sherman-aha-moments/Podcast » https://thoughtleadershipleverage.com/thought-leadership-podcasts/ ----I'm running a one-day in-person workshop in December in Providence, Rhode Island, called "Kickstart Your Pipeline." If you're not getting as many leads as you want and you're looking for a systematic, dignified alternative to cold outreach, paid ads, and clowning around on social media, this workshop is for you.We'll start with a fancy dinner (on me) on the evening of December 9, and then the one-day workshop is on December 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For all the details and to reserve your seat, just click the link below: Reserve Your Seat In Providence Now »Hope to see you in Providence on Dec 9 and 10!

Pricing strategist Shannon Mattern joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss how to present pricing options in a project proposal based on the mindset of the buyer: investment-minded, expense-minded, and hustle-minded. In this episode, we dive into Shannon's Package Matrix method, a framework she developed to offer clients different levels of service and pricing options. We explore how to implement this strategy, manage client expectations, and ensure timely payments.00:00 Introduction00:25 Shannon's Background01:24 Overcoming Pricing Challenges02:24 Package Matrix Method06:23 Implementing Package Matrix10:58 Sales Process and Payment Terms17:21 Handling Client Delays20:58 Sales Cycle and Proposal Strategy28:03 Presenting Proposals39:51 Follow-up and Decision Deadlines47:19 Final Thoughts and ResourcesShannon Mattern is a pricing strategist and the creator of the Package Matrix™ Method. She's also the host of the Profitable Web Designer and Anchor High podcasts, and founder of Web Designer Academy, where she helps women web designers move from undercharging to premium pricing. You can connect with Shannon at https://shannonmattern.com or on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/shannonmattern ----I'm running a one-day in-person workshop in December in Providence, Rhode Island, called "Kickstart Your Pipeline." If you're not getting as many leads as you want and you're looking for a systematic, dignified alternative to cold outreach, paid ads, and clowning around on social media, this workshop is for you.We'll start with a fancy dinner (on me) on the evening of December 9, and then the one-day workshop is on December 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For all the details and to reserve your seat, just click the link below: Reserve Your Seat In Providence Now »Hope to see you in Providence on Dec 9 and 10!

”Expertise whisperer” Wes Wheless joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about turning corporate expertise into a solo consulting business. We talked about his new book, The Expert's Privilege, how corporate professionals can recognize transferable expertise, why visual IP helps consultants explain their work, and what to do before making the leap from employee to independent consultant.Chapters01:35 - From Corporate to Consulting03:48 - Pivoting Toward Solo Consultants06:16 - Daily Email, Authority, and Visual IP11:46 - The Expert's Privilege18:36 - Why Corporate Experts Undervalue Their Skills23:23 - Excavating Your Expertise27:18 - Finding Your Zone of Genius32:44 - From Self-Examination to Market Validation35:30 - What to Do Before You Leave Corporate40:22 - A Book Is FOR Someone44:23 - Writing the Book With Support52:06 - Launch Strategy and Early ResultsAbout WesWes Wheless is an "expertise whisperer," founder of Develop My IP, and creator of The Lightbulb, a daily email for corporates-turned-consultants.After two consecutive tech layoffs, Wes traded a 20-year corporate career spanning consulting, enterprise, and startups for a solo practice helping experts turn their knowledge into IP, frameworks, and "intellectual headshots."Wes holds business degrees from The Wharton School and Kellogg School of Management and lives in Seattle, Washington. The Expert's Privilege is his first book.LinksResources & Services: weswheless.comThe Expert's Privilege: wesbook.comBuy on Amazon: buywesbook.comThe Lightbulb email: lightbulbemail.comFen Druadin, Book Midwife: fendruadin.com ----I'm running a one-day in-person workshop in December in Providence, Rhode Island, called "Kickstart Your Pipeline." If you're not getting as many leads as you want and you're looking for a systematic, dignified alternative to cold outreach, paid ads, and clowning around on social media, this workshop is for you.We'll start with a fancy dinner (on me) on the evening of December 9, and then the one-day workshop is on December 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For all the details and to reserve your seat, just click the link below: Reserve Your Seat In Providence Now »Hope to see you in Providence on Dec 9 and 10!