Issue #187 | March 24th, 2026

Presented by Shopify​

Hey there,

Building a business is a wild ride. There are moments of excitement, plenty of uncertainty, and a whole lot of figuring things out as you go.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that your mindset, your ideas, and your willingness to keep going matter far more than any tool you use.

That said, the right tools can make the journey a whole lot smoother.

Sponsored by Shopify

Imagine running your own multi-million dollar company. With Shopify, that future could be closer than you think.

Whether you’re launching an online side hustle or you’re a seasoned e-commerce pro, Shopify is designed to power up your biz.

Getting started is simple: Build your online store in just a few minutes with industry-tailored store themes — no coding experience necessary.

And once your shop is up and running, lean on Shopify’s comprehensive e-commerce tools to help manage inventory, categorize products, and track orders.

Interested in sponsoring Unstuck? Fill out a sponsorship inquiry.

Story of the Week

The Real Work of Building a Business

When you are starting out, it’s easy to get caught up in the details. What platform to use, which apps to install, how to make everything look perfect. The truth is, the most important work is mental. It is about showing up, learning from mistakes, and staying focused on serving your customers.

I’ve run businesses that failed and others that thrived. The difference was never the tool. It was the clarity of the idea, the willingness to test, and the grit to keep going when things got tough.

Tools Should Make Things Easier, Not Harder

That said, the right tools can help you stay in your zone of genius. For me, Shopify has been one of those tools. I have used it personally for seven years now — first to sell the SwitchPod, and more recently for the Deep Pocket Monster merch store.

I don’t use Shopify because it’s flashy, but because it just works. It lets me focus on what matters: creating, connecting, and selling, without getting bogged down by tech headaches.

The best tools are the ones that get out of your way and let you do your thing.

Three Lessons from Selling Online

1. Your Idea and Execution Matter Most
​No tool can save a business with a fuzzy idea or a lack of follow-through. Get clear on who you serve and what problem you solve. Then use tools to support that mission, not define it.

2. Simplicity Beats Complexity
​It is tempting to add every new feature or integration, but more is not always better. The best businesses I have seen keep things simple for themselves and their customers.

3. Keep Learning and Iterating
​No store, product, or service is perfect from day one. Use the data and feedback you get, whether from Shopify, your email list, or direct conversations, to make small improvements over time.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Chasing shiny objects. Do not let new tools distract you from your core business.
• Overcomplicating your setup. Start simple, then add as you grow.
• Neglecting the customer experience. Fast support, clear communication, and easy navigation always win.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your business is about your ideas, your persistence, and your ability to serve others. The tools you use, Shopify included, are there to support you, not to take center stage.

Here is to building something meaningful, with the right support behind you!

Quote of the Week

"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire."

—Arnold H. Glasow

SPI News and Notes

Ready to expand beyond digital products? Join Caleb Wojcik and me this Thursday, March 26th, for a free live workshop where we’ll give you an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a successful physical product business. We’ll walk through our complete product development process, share the platforms we use to sell, and break down our biggest wins (and failures), along with the “never again” moments that taught us the most. Click here to automatically secure your spot!​

Have you ever worried that your job could be replaced by AI? In the latest episode of The Smart Passive Income Podcast, I’m joined by James Barnard. Despite AI companies throwing their full force at his niche, his logo design business is booming in 2026! This session will open your eyes to the key concepts that can help you thrive no matter how low your AI-powered competitors are willing to sink. And the best part is you can apply these same ideas to any niche and industry to rise above the slop. Tune in here!​ ​ ​Want to get an email from me every time I release a new podcast episode? Click here, and I’ll make sure you never miss out!

Are you interested in creating short-form content but unsure where to start? I’m hosting a free, public 14-Day Video Challenge starting Tuesday, April 7th. During the challenge, you’ll post every day for 14 days alongside hundreds of other creators, with daily guidance and support from me. By the end, you’ll have a repeatable video series, real data to guide your future content, a growing audience, and more. Click here to automatically sign up for the challenge. I’ll send you everything you need to prepare so you’re ready to hit publish on day one with confidence!

Cheers,

Pat Flynn

Co-founder, SPI Media

Dad Joke of the Week

I asked my date to go to the gym with me, but she stood me up.

I guess we're not going to work out.