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Our B2B SaaS Journey

Our B2B SaaS Journey

67 episodes — Page 1 of 2

67: Stop selling the future

Jun 9, 20261h 5m

66: Mitchell is becoming a real CTO

Jun 1, 202651 min

65: We will crack a few eggs

May 25, 202655 min

64: David vs multiple Goliaths

May 18, 20261h 0m

63: Nine leads and a wedding

May 12, 202632 min

62: How to stay married while bootstrapping a SaaS (with Mel Tye)

May 4, 202652 min

61: The great productivity explosion

Apr 27, 202658 min

60: Building a multicultural team at SixSides

Apr 20, 202652 min

59: We won the World Police and Fire Games 2027!

Apr 14, 202640 min

Ep 5858: We doubled our team in two weeks

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin share why they moved fast to hire their first two team members, unpack the near-finished Project Rendezvous deal that made it possible, and talk through onboarding, process documentation, DealBuddi plans, and the next wave of product work inside SixSides.Chapters(00:00) - Intro (01:06) - We hired our first two team members (03:38) - Project Rendezvous and the procurement process (10:12) - Why this deal unlocked hiring (13:20) - Meet Chris and Rhea (15:07) - Fair Work, contracts, and doing right by the team (17:10) - Making up onboarding as we go (22:02) - Commission, incentives, and team-wide upside (26:38) - Product updates - liquid glass, app parity, and new event features (38:01) - The plan with DealBuddi In this episode, we cover:Hiring the first two team members for SixSidesWhy Project Rendezvous is such an important sales opportunityUsing upfront strategy work to survive a formal procurement processThe risks of hiring before a major deal is fully signedOnboarding new team members while building the process in real timeDocumenting SOPs and using AI to speed up internal operationsStructuring fair pay, commission, and team-wide upsideNavigating offshore hiring and Fair Work considerationsProduct updates across the SixSides app and dashboardLiquid glass design work and upgrading the app’s UI foundationsClosing the parity gap between the app, dashboard, and AI assistantEvent feature updates including session RSVPs, sponsors, and exhibitorsPlanning around Mitchell’s wedding and developer hiring timelinesThe next phase of DealBuddi and building AI-powered internal toolsHow the founders are thinking about growth, revenue, and team cultureGot questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Apr 7, 202646 min

Ep 5757: Building the right team

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin unpack a tense enterprise procurement process, share where hiring is up to across lead gen and development, and talk through the product, positioning, and SaaS agreement changes that are making SixSides feel more scalable.Chapters(00:00) - Intro (01:31) - Project Rendezvous and enterprise procurement delays (03:51) - Fitness updates and wedding countdown (07:28) - Hiring plans across lead gen and development (12:38) - Loom screening, technical hiring and what good candidates look like (18:38) - Creating room for initiative and experimentation in the team (23:18) - Project Hammer and expanding within existing accounts (25:12) - Website, design direction and making SixSides feel premium (32:33) - Product updates - dashboard fixes, AI assistant improvements and feature cleanup (38:54) - SaaS agreements, positioning work and wrapping up In this episode, we cover:The procurement panel slowing down a major SixSides deal Whether to keep hiring even before a large contract is formally signed Fitness updates, discipline struggles, and wedding prep Interviewing candidates for lead generation and development roles Why responsiveness and initiative matter more than a polished CV Building a 90 day onboarding plan for new hires Delegating LinkedIn and email outreach as the team grows A new expansion opportunity with Project Hammer Moving customers from one-off events to ongoing SaaS agreements Updating the SixSides dashboard so organisers can manage more without developer help Improving the AI assistant so it can handle links, logos, profile photos, and more event setup tasks Why modern UI matters for an event platform built around connection and community Using product design to make SixSides feel more premium Planning webinars and outreach to convert past event users into future organisers Clarifying SixSides positioning as a community-first event engagement platformGot questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Mar 30, 202654 min

Ep 5656: We're hiring!

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin unpack a huge turning point for SixSides as they start hiring, celebrate Project Rendezvous moving into contracts, and talk through how DealBuddi, team structure, and long-term planning are all evolving at once.LinksDealBuddi - https://dealbuddi.comChatGPT Atlas - https://chatgpt.com/atlas/Superwhisper - https://superwhisper.comAaron Francis on YouTube - Are designers cooked? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm9im-3g8fYStitch by Google - https://stitch.withgoogle.comSuno - https://suno.comChapters(00:00) - Editor’s note and intro (00:52) - We’re hiring at SixSides (07:38) - Using Atlas browser and AI to screen applicants (14:08) - Project Rendezvous gets approved (18:49) - What DealBuddi does and why it matters now (27:39) - Rebuilding DealBuddi in Laravel (31:04) - Founder roles, planning styles and playing to strengths (35:23) - National Safety Conference and product adoption lessons (38:44) - PlanetScale spikes and event infrastructure (41:58) - Founders Collective, student work experience and wrap-up In this episode, we cover:Why now feels like the right time for SixSides to start hiringHiring a growth marketer, lead gen support and multiple developersUsing AI tools like Atlas browser to screen job applicants fasterHow voice-to-text workflows with Superwhisper and ChatGPT are changing day-to-day workProject Rendezvous getting committee approval and moving into contract discussionsWhy DealBuddi’s positioning needs work and how it supports real sales conversationsThe plan to rebuild DealBuddi from Bubble into LaravelFounder roles, planning styles and how to play to each other’s strengthsLessons from the National Safety Conference and event app adoptionDatabase load spikes in PlanetScale during live eventsFounders Collective momentum, community building and staying in touch between eventsWhy student work experience is a good idea, but not the right fit just yetGot questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Mar 23, 202646 min

Ep 5555: That's tree trimming money

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin unpack a huge week of live events, reflect on the first real signs of SaaS leverage inside SixSides, talk through plans to hire their first extra team members, and share why Project Rendezvous could become a major turning point for the business.Chapters(00:00) - Intro (01:25) - CCF Women in Civil and a big week of events (03:31) - We’re not engaging with attendees properly (08:13) - We’re hiring (12:03) - Good signs for Project Rendezvous (20:43) - Project Hammer Brisbane and tree trimming money (27:45) - Bridging the gap between operations and dev with Linear (39:09) - NSCA tomorrow (40:31) - Understanding the user journey on our site with PostHog (43:41) - When do we hire for AI and agents? In this episode, we cover:What happened at the CCF Women in Civil event and how attendee usage is improvingWhy SixSides needs a better post-event attendee engagement strategyHow the team is thinking about email automation and lifecycle messaging with BentoThe current growth in platform users across all SixSides eventsWhy Mitchell and Gavin are planning their first hires across development and lead generationHow Project Rendezvous could unlock faster growth and more engineering capacityThe moment SixSides started to feel like a real software business with paid events running without hands-on supportLessons from Project Hammer and how event setup is becoming more repeatableBridging the gap between operations and development with better planning in LinearWhy the team is looking at PostHog to better understand the user journey on the marketing websiteHow bootstrapping affects hiring, planning, and long-term product decisionsWhen AI agents might become part of the team structureGot questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Mar 16, 202646 min

Ep 5454: There is so much to do

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin celebrate their fastest client win yet, prepare for five events in seven days, share updates to the SixSides app and dashboard, and unpack the growing pressure of building a bootstrapped SaaS when the momentum finally starts to kick in.Chapters(00:00) - Intro (00:19) - Fitness update and hitting new milestones (03:42) - Fastest client win yet (06:46) - Five events in seven days (10:35) - Building the first user guide (14:59) - Should we go back to AIM next year? (18:11) - Product updates in the app and dashboard (22:33) - There is so much to do (31:31) - Should we hire our first developer? (38:05) - Outro In this episode, we cover:Fitness progress and how personal routines are tracking alongside startup pressureOur fastest client win yet and what made the sales process workHow a quick Loom walkthrough helped close a new event customerWhy community building keeps coming up in SixSides sales conversationsInvoicing momentum and how March revenue is already beating last yearPreparing for five events in seven days across multiple customersThe operational risk of becoming the bottleneck as event volume growsBuilding a first draft attendee user guide for event clientsUsing Gamma to speed up polished documentation and onboarding assetsWhy sponsor and exhibitor workflows could become a product-led growth leverRecommitting to AIME as a key conference for future customer growthNew SixSides product updates including sponsor tier layouts and feature togglesFixing AI assistant tooling issues in the dashboard backendThe growing product roadmap across the website, dashboard, infrastructure and mobile appWhether it is time for SixSides to hire a first developerThe realities of bootstrapping while juggling multiple businessesGot questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Mar 9, 202638 min

Ep 5353: Our biggest deal yet

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin celebrate one year of podcasting, lock in their biggest client commitment yet with four more events booked through to EOFY, and unpack what’s next across dashboards, lead gen follow-ups, Linear vs Slack, and a big push towards a better AI workflow inside SixSides.Chapters(00:00) - Intro and one year anniversary (02:40) - Biggest deal yet - four more events booked (06:27) - Project Rendezvous - still waiting (07:34) - Leadfeeder signals and why the website needs work (10:46) - Slack channel vs Linear for feature requests (15:58) - AI inside SixSides - Vercel AI SDK, agents, and better chat UX (22:14) - Infra fatigue and keeping the work fun (27:02) - AIM follow-ups and lead gen reply reality (29:36) - The DICE - mailing packs and handwritten notes (31:19) - Fitness check-in and staying consistent In this episode, we cover:One year of podcasting and how routine keeps the business groundedLanding the biggest SixSides deal so far and booking four more events through to EOFYHitting 93% event app adoption and what might be driving itProject Rendezvous delay and learning to live on other people’s timelinesUsing Leadfeeder-style tooling to see who’s checking out the SixSides siteWhy the marketing site needs screenshots, walkthroughs, and a proper sign-up pathLinear vs Slack for feature requests and how to keep dev work organisedUsing AI inside SixSides to duplicate events and reduce setup grunt workMoving towards the Vercel AI SDK and improving agent workflows, approvals, and attachmentsParking infra work to stay motivated and keep shippingAIM follow-ups, outreach reply rates, and lead gen back in motionThe DICE mail-out plan and handwritten notes for supportersFitness routines, travel disruption, and staying consistent over perfectionGot questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Mar 2, 202637 min

Ep 5252: This episode is mostly technical

In this episode, we go mostly technical - Mitchell migrates the SixSides dashboard from Vue to React, moves the database to PlanetScale, and outlines the plan for proper preview environments that go from Linear to Cursor to live. Along the way there’s a fitness check-in, a disrupted Canberra trip, Project Hammer running without us on-site, and a new plan for an event manager success playbook.Linksmostlytechnical.comChapters(00:00) - Intro, billionaires, and the Christmas present (05:00) - Anniversary trip recap - escape room, Harbour Bridge nope, ice cream mission (08:50) - Fitness updates - gym habits, 75 Hard halfway, and easing into running (14:20) - We’re a React app now - why we moved from Vue (20:05) - PlanetScale migration - ditching RDS and simplifying the database setup (25:05) - Cost reduction and scaling globally into other regions (27:30) - Import issues, support fixes, and the “metal instance” workaround (32:50) - Linear to Cursor to live previews - the new dev workflow (41:30) - Project Rendezvous, CCF Magazine, and external deadline pressure (48:25) - Canberra trip disruption, Project Hammer lessons, and mailing out the dice In this episode, we cover:The “billionaire” Christmas present (Zimbabwean dollars, obviously)Anniversary trip vibes, escape rooms, and bailing on the Harbour Bridge walkFitness updates - 75 Hard progress, running blocks, and sore feetWhy SixSides is now a React dashboard (goodbye Vue)Using Cursor to accelerate a React rewrite and why popularity matters for AI toolingMoving the SixSides database from AWS RDS to PlanetScaleConsolidating global and regional databases into a simpler modelData sovereignty trade-offs (and when it’s worth paying for)Big cost reduction for adding regions (from hundreds to tens per month)The plan for preview environments: Linear tickets - Cursor agents - live preview linksReplacing Laravel Vapor with Terraform for better automationProject Rendezvous update and what “due diligence” could look likeCCF Magazine editorial deadline pressureCanberra trip disrupted, then Sydney trip pivotProject Hammer ran without the founders on-site - lessons learnedBuilding an event manager success playbookMailing out SixSides dice to leads - and a review-for-dice offerGot questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Feb 23, 202657 min

Ep 5151: We shipped our dashboard between bike rides

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin debrief their first big AIME conference trip - from Mitch’s truly unhinged packing list to what they learned meeting organisers face-to-face, how they plan to follow up leads, and why the new SixSides dashboard and AI workflows suddenly became the star of the booth.Chapters(00:00) - Intro (02:05) - What did Mitch pack? (06:34) - Relocating to Melbourne - podcast gear, desktop PC, and the mic-in-a-cup moment (11:12) - AIME debrief - nerves, then finding the groove (13:23) - Selling lessons - human first, outcomes over features (16:35) - Lead follow-up plan - LinkedIn connects, then email sequencing (17:49) - Dice idea - why we want them at every event (20:14) - Booth lessons - placement away from competitors and why banners weren’t the play (22:22) - The Monday sprint - shipping the dashboard demo fast (24:05) - What we’d change next time - travel days, flights, schedule and dress code (28:19) - Project Hammer update and meeting Joe in person (29:10) - Dashboard and AI workflows - self-serve events and production rollout (35:49) - The “exercise trip” recap - 40k steps, food, and no relaxing (37:16) - The tan track and the uphill cycling humiliation (39:43) - Project Rendezvous white paper - global rollout strategy and what’s next In this episode, we cover:Mitch’s chaotic travel kit - steamer, mini fan, full desktop PC, and podcast gearAIME conference debrief - nerves, first conversations, and surprising momentsWhat worked at the booth - demoing dashboards, theming, and speed of executionHow Mitch and Gavin approach conversations differently - features vs outcomesLead follow-up plan - LinkedIn connects, email sequencing, and timingDice update - why physical gimmicks might matter more than bannersLessons learned - flights, schedules, attire, and staying until the endThe SixSides dashboard - self-serve event setup and getting Mitch out of the loopProductivity gains with AI tooling (with a bigger tech stack chat teased for next week)Exercise and travel routines - 40k steps, sore legs, and avoiding weight creepProject Rendezvous update - white paper strategy and “initial rollout” framingFounder Collective update - co-hosting with The Precinct and upcoming eventsGot questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Feb 16, 202650 min

Ep 5050: Live from Melbourne

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin record in person from a Melbourne hotel room ahead of AIM, share what it cost to exhibit and what they’re actually trying to achieve, and unpack big momentum updates across Project Rendezvous, CCF, and a major push to get SixSides dashboards ready for live demos.Linksatlas.devChapters(00:00) - Audio note - recording in person with two mics (00:28) - Live from Melbourne - exercise trip meets lead gen trip (02:53) - Morning person vs night person (and the need for naps) (05:39) - Project Rendezvous update - multi-year potential and pricing pressure (08:29) - What AIM is and why we’re exhibiting (09:23) - Booth setup - reusable banner, shipping pain, and vendor shoutout (12:19) - Booth envy - avoiding the event tech aisle and why positioning matters (15:08) - Conference strategy - lead rating, rapport, and follow-up commitments (17:12) - Pricing direction - per-event pilots to SaaS, dashboards as the key (26:57) - Shoutout to Clay Smith on Bluesky (28:44) - CCF President’s Lunch recap - JT on stage and Tag, You're It via event photos (31:51) - Dashboards build sprint - consolidating repos and shipping fast with AI (35:42) - Using AI for white papers - foundations first, then polish (38:13) - Weight loss update - 5kg down, walking focus, no booze habits (46:00) - Lessons learned coming next week - pitching, exhibiting, and confidence building In this episode, we cover:Recording in person from Melbourne and the joys of mismatched micsExercising like maniacs and discovering who’s a morning person vs a night personWhat AIM is, why we’re exhibiting, and how much it costBooth setup decisions, reusable banners, and avoiding the intimidating event tech aisleConference lead strategy - cold/warm/hot leads and getting commitment to follow upProject Rendezvous update - pricing pressure, US decision makers, and multi-year deal potentialShifting from per-event pricing to SaaS pricing, and why dashboards are the unlockThe CCF President’s Lunch recap, JT on stage, and a new angle for Tag, You're It using event photosHow we’re both using AI - white papers for sales, dashboards for product iterationMitch’s weight loss journey updateGot questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Feb 9, 202647 min

Ep 4949: Why we're being so transparent

In this episode, we unpack why we’ve chosen to be so transparent on the podcast - the upside for listeners, the potential risks with customers and competitors, and where we draw the line on sharing sensitive details. We also share a stack of updates as AIME approaches, including meeting bookings, a new client trial, analytics learnings from Heroly, multi-agent AI workflows, and a big strategic planning prompt from Inductive. Plus, wedding prep and fitness check-ins to round things out.Chapters(00:00) - Intro (00:46) - AIME meeting bookings update (Gavin on 11+, Mitch on 3) (03:20) - Banner logistics and prep for Melbourne (06:07) - The secret AI breakthrough teaser for AIM (09:28) - Why we’re being so transparent (and the downsides) (16:34) - Being “small” vs getting on people’s radar (18:40) - New client trial and shifting to community-based pricing (20:43) - Why short events don’t suit “tagging” features (22:10) - Catching up with Heroly: analytics, AI and advice (24:35) - Using multiple AI agents in parallel (what worked, what didn’t) (29:00) - Claude Code vs Cursor experiments (30:02) - Project Hammer update and deadlines (30:40) - Inductive session: backcasting to $10M-$20M (32:45) - Wedding planning update (catering, dogs, MC/DJ, photo booth, bus) (37:41) - Fitness check-in (weight, habits, 5k walks, Apple Watch, Strava) (46:24) - Episode 50 coming up and outro In this episode, we cover:Why we’re choosing transparency, and what could go wrongThe trade-offs between “looking big” vs being honest about being smallAIME prep: meeting bookings, banners, and how we’re pitching the standA new client trial and testing a community-based, ongoing pricing modelWhy “tagging” style features don’t suit short events and meetupsLearning from Heroly's analytics setup (and what we’re missing)Using multiple AI agents in parallel without melting your brainCursor vs Claude Code, and what we’re experimenting with nextProject Hammer update and timelines for event setupBackcasting with Inductive to plan for a $10M-$20M futureWedding planning progress and suit decisionsFitness habits: daily 5k walks, early gym sessions, and staying consistentEpisode 50 coming upGot questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Feb 2, 202647 min

Ep 4848: No dice

In this episode, we debrief a not-quite-right funding program (and a rejection that honestly saved us time), share encouraging momentum on Project Rendezvous, and get into full pre-conference mode for AIME in Melbourne - flights, accommodation, banner logistics, meeting bookings, and the lead capture tool build.Chapters(00:00) - Intro - wedding prep and what’s on this week (07:01) - Funding chat - rejected for the first interview and why it wasn’t a fit (10:15) - Project Rendezvous update - signs are positive (and it could change everything) (14:25) - Marinus check-in - timelines, sponsors, and expectations (15:23) - Lead capture tool progress - backend done, frontend next (18:36) - AIME prep - flights, accom, and the Melbourne plan (21:26) - Credit card points - Amex without spending beyond your means (23:25) - Booth logistics - banner arrives and meeting booking portal opens (26:00) - No dice - supplier drama, refunds, and the Alibaba pivot (29:30) - 75 hard vs 75 medium - fitness updates, shin splints, and staying consistent In this episode, we cover:Why the accelerator style funding program wasn’t a fit (10 weeks in-office with no guarantee)A positive update on Project Rendezvous and what “long-term partner” could meanCatching up with Marinus ahead of their May conference and sponsor scale (60+ exhibitors)Progress on the sponsor lead capture tool - backend done, frontend nextWhether the lead capture tool should become a separate appAIME conference prep - flights, accommodation, bikes, and daily walking plansApplying for an Amex to earn points on business spend (without spending beyond your means)Banner arrived - and it’s way heavier than expectedMeeting booking portal opened and how we’ll approach outreachThe dice order saga, the refund, and switching to Alibaba for cheaper dice75 hard vs 75 medium updates - plus shin splints, walking plans, and diet tweaksExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Jan 26, 202639 min

Ep 4747: We're thinking about funding

In this episode, Mitch and Gavin ease back into the year with a big life update (Mitch’s tea ceremony), some very real fitness chat, and then get into the spicy question they keep circling - should SixSides consider funding to accelerate growth?Chapters(00:00) - Intro and personal stuff (17:30) - Back to business - AIM prep (18:29) - Booth logistics - table hire costs and keeping it simple (19:04) - Ordering dice, cancelling the order, and refunds (19:49) - Shout out to Nick Taylor (20:56) - Booking flights and timing around AIME (21:24) - Main topic - we’re thinking about funding (25:30) - What funding changes for Gavin (focus, lead gen, capacity) (29:08) - The trade-offs - bosses, reporting, networks, advice (31:10) - Lead capture tools and sponsor lead gen pricing (34:14) - Reducing reliance on attending events in person (37:31) - Getting the most out of a work trip (Project Hammer travel stacking) (39:35) - Referral to an international events company (40:16) - Wrap up and where to find us In this episode, we cover:Mitch’s edit note - the first 17 minutes are very not-businessGetting back into fitness - 75 Hard, 75 Medium, and 75 EasyParkrun follow-up, chafing survival strategies, and being sickMitch’s tea ceremony recap - games, challenges, and family speechesAIME prep - booth setup decisions, signage, hiring tables, and keeping it simpleOrdering custom dice and cancelling a dropship orderShout out to Nick Taylor and the promised diceBooking flights and planning travel around eventsThe big topic - funding vs bootstrapping and what “full-time” would changeLead capture tools, sponsor lead gen, and how to create more inbound opportunitiesReducing reliance on attending events in person and planning for clashes and overseas eventsReferrals and partnerships that could pull SixSides into new regionsExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Jan 19, 202641 min

Ep 4646: Our biggest bid yet

In this episode, we’re back from the break and gearing up for the biggest pitch of our SaaS journey so far. Gavin walks us through how we approached pricing for Project Rendezvous — a potentially game-changing deal — while Mitch shares what he didn’t finish during the holidays.We also get into prepping for AIME, our lead capture tool, why we’re ordering custom dice (yes, dice), and a whole lot of honest founder chat about fitness, burnout, and figuring out what kind of company we want to be.Links8 Ball Pool app: iOS and AndroidChapters(00:00) - Intro - back for 2026 (00:37) - Holiday catch-up - first aid incident and a tough Christmas (06:00) - Mitch’s new pool table hobby (and the 8 Ball Pool app) (10:34) - Project Rendezvous update - sponsor prospectus and indicative pricing (12:25) - Pricing advice - “get the logo first, pricing second” (16:42) - Big opportunity pressure - backlog, speed, and protecting advantage (20:24) - Learning from podcasts - growth tactics and AI agents in sales (26:57) - AIME prep - booth planning, swag, and ordering custom SixSides dice (31:47) - Mitch’s “spectacle” ideas vs conference reality (32:40) - AR concept - how we might wow people at the booth (34:10) - Badge scanning tool - OCR lead capture and follow-ups (36:18) - Do we even need a TV? Booth strategy chat (38:48) - Travel logistics - flights, accom, and budgeting (41:26) - Mitch’s tea ceremony - getting “married” before the wedding (43:28) - Project Hammer Sydney trip planning (44:35) - Virtual office - looking legit with a business address (45:48) - Fitness goals - running, Strava, Parkrun, and wedding prep (52:13) - Wrap-up - where to find us and the SixSides dice giveaway In this episode, we cover:Our experiences over the holiday period (including some intense moments)Why Mitch didn’t get as much done on SixSides as he hopedThe story behind Project Rendezvous and our pricing strategyCreating sponsor and pricing documents for a major eventHow Gavin’s ex-CEO helped shape our approachPlanning for AIME: dice giveaways, AR interactions, and moreWhether we need to aim higher for in-person eventsWhy Gavin is rethinking our pace and whether we should stay bootstrappedWhat we’re learning from other SaaS founders via podcastsOur lead capture tool and how OCR is helping us demo at AIMEVirtual offices, customer perception, and looking legitFitness goals and accountability leading into Mitch’s weddingMitch’s pool table obsession (and why 8 Ball Pool is surprisingly educational)Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Jan 12, 202653 min

Ep 4545: Getting to know Mitch and Gav

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin take a break from the usual product updates to share the personal backstories that shaped them - from childhood and family life, to early career detours, to how they eventually teamed up to build SixSides.Chapters(00:00) - Intro - co-founders, holiday timing, and why this episode (01:07) - Gav’s 2026 challenge: learning harmonica (01:49) - Why we’re doing a “get to know us” episode (02:48) - Gav’s childhood, moving around, and early perspective shift (06:11) - Mitch’s childhood, Central Coast life, and independence (13:44) - Family pressure, mentors, and what shaped Gav (16:38) - Counselling, relationships, and communication lessons (24:45) - Mitch’s path into coding: GTA SA-MP and first paid dev work (31:20) - Gav’s path into sales: labour work, Vodafone, mining, and SaaS (37:58) - Redeye, the MBA, and the start of Sales Market Fit (41:06) - Mitch goes solo: the spreadsheet gig and long-term client (50:38) - RecruitKit: product lessons and selling reality (52:50) - How Mitch and Gav met (CV Check), and the coaching era (59:00) - EventKit to SixSides: Laracon AU, community angle, and the Laravel IP snag (01:10:59) - SixSides today: what “six sides” means, working together, and what’s next In this episode, we cover:Why we recorded a “get to know us” episode for the holiday breakGavin’s childhood, moving around, and the perspective it gave himMitchell’s upbringing, independence early on, and the teachers who influenced himCounselling, relationships, and learning to communicate betterHow Mitchell got into coding through GTA: San Andreas Multiplayer scriptingGavin’s winding path into sales - from labour roles to Vodafone, mining, and SaaSThe stepping stones that led to RecruitKit, EventKit, and ultimately SixSidesHow Mitch and Gav met through a CV Check sales process (and why Mitch resisted)Why SixSides focuses on community-building, not “just another event app”Where the name SixSides comes from and the six sides of an eventWhat it’s like working together as co-founders, and how they handle frictionA look ahead at growth, hiring, and what 2026 might demandExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Jan 5, 20261h 26m

Ep 4444: How much did we actually make this year?

In this episode, we look back on our first full year of building SixSides and share our top 5 moments each – from the emotional, to the hilarious, to the surprisingly profitable.Chapters(00:00) - Intro - uncaffeinated Mitch, cafe loyalty, QR code banter (02:14) - What are we doing - year in review, top 5 moments, full transparency on numbers (03:05) - Revenue and expenses - $15k in, $10.5k revenue, $23k spend, what surprised us (07:34) - Bootstrapping chat - when funding might make sense, momentum and market advantage (10:57) - Putting more money in - hiring ahead of revenue, marketing role, managing risk (13:39) - Top 5 moments begin - Mitch’s #5: starting the podcast (18:09) - Gav’s #5: starting this venture together (19:58) - Mitch’s #4: meeting in person in June (21:11) - Gav’s #4: The Founders Collective as a living case study (23:06) - Mitch’s #3: Volunteering WA win and the payoff (25:41) - Gav’s #3: designing “holy shit moments” and seeing them work live (28:29) - Mitch’s #2: Laracon AU stress test - will the app fall over? (31:58) - Gav’s #2: end-of-year momentum shift and inbound opportunities (34:39) - Mitch’s #1: Brisbane hangs - drinking on the couch with Gav and Mel (38:21) - Gav’s #1: Project Rendezvous - the opportunity that could change 2026 (42:28) - Bonus moments - conflict, communication, lessons from Denmark (47:41) - Where to find us - Gavin’s plugs, Mitch’s socials, Happy New Year and what’s next In this episode, we cover:SixSides 2025 year in review - what changed (especially in the last 3 months)Revenue for the year: $10.5k invoiced/received (excluding two agreements for next year)Funding put in by founders: $15k total (setup, hosting pre-credits, AIM sponsorship)Total spend for the year: just over $23k (incl. AIME for next year, contractor work, hosting, accounting)Current bank position: roughly $2.5k left in the accountWhat bootstrapping feels like right now - and when funding might make senseThe “spend $2k to make $20k” mindset - spending only when it’s revenue generating or reduces costsHiring ahead of revenue - likely bringing on a marketing person next yearTop 5 moments each (mix of personal and business highlights)Starting the podcast and why it’s become a weekly journal + creative outletMeeting in person (June catch-up) and building the co-founder relationshipThe Founders Collective as a “living case study” for SixSides (events, RSVPs, lead gen)Volunteering WA delivery - first big in-person win and the emotional payoffDesigning “holy shit moments” and seeing them work live at eventsLaracon AU “stress test” - hundreds of photo uploads, infra holding up, learning from edge casesEnd-of-year momentum shift - more inbound conversations and unexpected opportunitiesProject Rendezvous teaser - why it could be a step-change opportunityNavigating conflict and improving communication as co-foundersQuick wrap: where to find you both online + New Year / upcoming long-form episode teaserExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Dec 29, 202548 min

Ep 4343: Our goals for 2026

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin wrap the year with a Christmas check-in and map out what 2026 needs to look like for SixSides, including revisiting the $300k goal, chasing bigger multi-event deals, and getting ready for AIM in February.Chapters(00:00) - Intro and Merry Christmas (01:06) - Revisiting the $300k goal for 2026 (03:40) - Sharing revenue and founder contributions next episode (04:49) - What drives $300k: multi-event deals and bigger contracts (06:06) - Leads coming from LinkedIn outreach and Mitch’s profile (08:27) - Setting a baseline goal: $120k invoiced in 2026 (10:32) - Project Rendezvous meeting update and buy-side milestones (14:10) - AIME conference prep: booth, signage, meetings portal (17:00) - Marketing hire plan and lead gen investment (18:55) - Pausing outreach for the holiday period (19:23) - New leads, long-term opportunities, and international interest (20:49) - Mitch’s work Christmas party and the “future company dinner” idea (24:40) - Cursor UI mockups, speed of shipping, and product quality lift (33:10) - Inbox zero and dashboard work over the break (34:50) - Roadmap: dashboards, photo selection, notifications, user-level galleries (41:15) - Fireflies didn’t record the biggest meeting (43:10) - Wrap up, where to find the boys, and what’s next In this episode, we cover:Revisiting the $300k goal for 2026, and why the market signals feel different nowA more conservative baseline goal: invoicing $120k in 2026Project Rendezvous update, pricing pressure, and competing against “product-only” vendors“Buy-side milestones” and how to arm internal champions with the right infoAIME (February) planning: booth setup, reusable signage, and booking meetings via the event portalHiring a part-time marketing resource to run lead gen strategy and iterationPausing LinkedIn outreach over the holidays (and why that matters)Why a self-serve setup flow and dashboards are the next big product bottleneck to killCursor-generated UI mockups that look production-ready in two promptsRoadmap thoughts: dashboards, photo selection, notification inbox, and lifting galleries/connections to the user levelThe joys of a work Christmas party… and why remote teams miss thatFireflies failing to record your biggest meeting and the scramble to memory-dump notesExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Dec 22, 202545 min

Ep 4242: Planning our first hire

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin celebrate landing a new client (Project Hammer), read out their latest listener emails, give pragmatic advice on validating SaaS ideas, and unpack what it looks like to plan their first hire - starting with just four hours a week focused on lead generation.Chapters(00:00) - Intro - building SixSides and the 12-month momentum shift (01:17) - We won another client - welcome, Project Hammer (04:29) - Project Rendezvous prep - pitch work, mockups, and what to demo (09:48) - Listener emails - Herri Lee and Nick from the UK (12:15) - Nick’s questions - validating SaaS ideas and when to start marketing (20:46) - Planning our first hire - 4 hours a week and ROI expectations (23:47) - SOPs and documentation - avoiding vague roles and churn (28:08) - The “Messi effect” - sprinting when it matters, avoiding burnout (33:05) - Next year planning - AIM, banners, travel, and a stacked first half (36:14) - Sales cycles vs effort - and the path to self-serve signups (44:07) - What Mitch is building for Thursday - reskinned app demo for the pitch In this episode, we cover:Winning a new client and why you should codename early deals (hello, Project Hammer)Prepping for a high-stakes pitch with Project Rendezvous, including scripted intros and mockupsListener emails from Heroly and Nick, and what questions we’d love more people to sendAdvice for developers starting a SaaS - validating ideas with interviews before buildingWhen to start marketing - and why relationships beat “get 1,000 customers” thinkingPlanning the first hire: four hours a week, ROI expectations, and not burning cashCreating lightweight SOPs and documentation so hires don’t fail from vague expectationsThe “Messi effect” - when to sprint and when to cruise to avoid burnoutNext year planning: AIM conference prep, booth “holy shit moments”, banners, and travelThoughts on sales cycle length vs actual effort, and when self-serve might make senseExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Dec 15, 202549 min

Ep 4141: Can we win two more customers before Christmas?

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin celebrate landing a new customer (Marinas 2026) and wonder: can they win two more before the holidays? They unpack the exciting (and slightly terrifying) momentum they’re feeling, dream about going full-time on SixSides, and discuss a potentially game-changing opportunity in Project Rendezvous.Chapters(00:00) - Intro (00:28) - Can you feel the momentum? (01:29) - We landed Marinas 2026 (03:07) - Planning for the future: going full-time? (07:12) - Gavin reflects on founder traits and coachability (08:37) - Early talks with VCs and making a single bet (10:12) - Project Rendezvous: a potential game-changer (12:05) - Mitch feels it too (15:35) - Challenge: can we win two more customers before Christmas? (18:03) - Deep dive on Marinas onboarding and expectations (19:45) - Deals slipping through the cracks in HubSpot? (21:03) - White-labelling SixSides for big customers (26:05) - Community story: how our podcast helped someone get a job (27:32) - Reviewing the Preshience sponsor experience (30:44) - Brainstorming a lead capture tool for sponsors (33:31) - Could this be another revenue stream? (35:45) - Mitchell still hasn’t posted on LinkedIn (37:30) - Bed bugs, broken cars and a terrible Airbnb (44:34) - Mitchell recovers and delivers photo exports for clients (47:20) - Gavin’s podcast appearance and Mitch’s wedding prep In this episode, we cover:Signing a new customer: Marina Industries AssociationAre we actually building momentum or just hoping we are?Big conversations about going full-time on SixSidesProject Rendezvous and why it could change everythingGavin’s thoughts on founder focus and the Inductive programLearning from past mistakes (Mitchell’s RecruitKit story)A new use case: SixSides for sponsors and exhibitorsReviewing the Preshience pilot and lead capture challengesWhite-labelling the SixSides app for enterprise clientsBulk photo downloads for customers like Denmark and PreshienceThe ever-elusive LinkedIn post from MitchellA disaster getaway: bed bugs, broken Mahjong and a flat car batteryGavin’s upcoming appearance on the Bootstrapped podcastPrepping for mock-ups and meetings before ChristmasExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Dec 8, 202550 min

Ep 4040: Project Rendezvous

In this episode, we reflect on a surprisingly big sales week that came off the back of Laracon AU and Volunteering WA. Mitch steps outside his comfort zone as we commit to exhibiting at AIME 2026. We talk conference nerves, how fast you should respond to leads, and how an unexpected testimonial made all the difference.LinksDelivering 15TB of 4K video with Cloudflare R2 for $2.18: screencasting.comChapters(00:00) - Intro and catching up (01:40) - Mitch’s Mahjong weekend plans (04:00) - Sales stories and risky contract practices (07:45) - Locking in AIME2026 and planning our booth (10:20) - Project Rendezvous: the biggest opportunity yet (14:40) - The follow-up email mistake (18:20) - Juggling SixSides with SMF and DealBuddi (21:55) - WorldShare’s Cambodia trip review (25:10) - Using SixSides as a lead capture tool (28:45) - Improving onboarding for sponsors and attendees (31:20) - Gavin’s bonus-points-per-5-photos idea (34:00) - Our marketing glow-up and the new white paper (39:20) - SOPs, design quality and marketing processes (43:40) - The Leap vs our podcast (48:10) - Planning for the holiday period and listener feedback In this episode, we cover:AIME2026 and locking in our first conference boothProject Rendezvous: the biggest opportunity we’ve ever hadGavin’s near-disastrous follow-up email and how he recoveredUsing SixSides as a lead capture tool for the first timeGavin’s genius idea for bonus points per 5 photosWorldShare’s Cambodia impact trip and feedback on SixSidesMitch building our first white paper (and levelling up on Canva)The evolution of our marketing website and webinar strategyBalancing SixSides with our other businesses during sales spikesPlanning our podcast schedule over the holiday breakAn open call for listener feedback on next year’s formatExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Dec 1, 20251h 0m

Ep 3939: $200K in the pipeline

In this episode, we reflect on a surprisingly big sales week that came off the back of Laracon AU and Volunteering WA. Mitch steps outside his comfort zone as we commit to exhibiting at AIME 2026. We talk conference nerves, how fast you should respond to leads, and how an unexpected testimonial made all the difference.LinksSubscribe to the newsletter: sixsides.substack.comThe Leap (podcast) by Founders Collective: podcasts.apple.comThe Plateau of Latent Potential: medium.comChapters(00:00) - Intro & Gavin’s fruit bat problem (02:00) - A big week in sales: $200K in new pipeline (04:30) - Laracon AU feedback and Vickie’s testimonial (06:30) - What if we had stopped? Reflecting on momentum (07:30) - DealBuddi and business juggling (08:30) - Our five-minute reply challenge (11:00) - Sending the first contract via DocuSign (12:00) - How our first webinar went (and what’s next) (15:00) - Committing to AIME 2026 (and Mitch’s nerves) (22:00) - Gavin’s other conference commitment for DealBuddi (23:00) - Reaching out to Justin Jackson and cold emails (27:00) - Founders Collective recap with Mark Salby (32:00) - Improving app UX for small meetups (36:00) - Tagging photos, engagement ideas, and event UX (37:00) - Tall poppy syndrome and staying under the radar (40:00) - Should we go public with our wins? (43:00) - Wrapping up and where to find us In this episode, we cover:How Volunteering WA and Laracon AU filled our pipelineWhy testimonials matter (and what Vickie said about our app)Reaching out to Justin Jackson (and how he responded)Mitch confronting his fear of manning a booth at AIME 2026Lessons from running a second Founders Collective meetupHow we’re improving “Tag You’re It” UXThe five-minute rule for responding to leadsWhy tall poppy syndrome might be holding some founders backWhether it’s time to go public with our winsWebinar experiments and how we’re repurposing contentDealBuddi and juggling multiple businessesThe moment when momentum finally shiftsExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Nov 24, 202544 min

Ep 3838: 2,500 photos in two weeks

In this episode, we do a full debrief of Laracon AU, breaking down exactly what worked (and what didn’t) with SixSides in our biggest and most polished event deployment yet. From overwhelming feedback and glowing stats to near-crashes and a few WorkOS woes, we unpack it all — plus a peek into what’s coming next.LinksSubscribe to the newsletter: sixsides.substack.comThe Leap (podcast) by Founders Collective: podcasts.apple.comThe Plateau of Latent Potential: medium.comChapters(00:00) - Intro (00:32) - Laracon AU first impressions (05:25) - Comparing Laracon and Volunteering WA (08:20) - Lessons from mobile app support (10:00) - Real business dev opportunities coming out (12:30) - The plateau of latent potential (14:45) - Stats that blew us away (19:00) - Rethinking the structure of a conference (24:45) - WorldShare event recap (27:45) - Supporting events remotely (31:00) - Scaling concerns and AWS limits (36:20) - Prepping for the upcoming webinar (41:00) - The SixSides culture reflected in the app (43:30) - Founders Collective and upcoming events (46:00) - Viral growth through the product (47:25) - Shoutouts and lead follow-ups (50:00) - Next steps in development (52:22) - Building impact reports for organisers (53:50) - Tracking users for grant goals (55:15) - Wrap up and final thoughts In this episode, we cover:Our experience at Laracon AU and how the event played outApp stats: 2,500+ photos, 300+ questions, 91% five-star ratingsThe power of prescriptive MCs and the “Tag You’re It” featureComparing stats from Laracon AU vs Volunteering WAThe stress of mobile support for live event softwareLessons learned from WorldShare’s Cambodia eventHow SixSides helps break the ice and boost connectionsTurning Laracon attendees into leads (14 and counting!)The upcoming webinar and what we’re coveringEarly traction on Founders Collective and what’s nextOur thoughts on scale, support, and infrastructureSneaky UX issues and what we’re prioritising in devWhy events are now the core of our business development strategyPlanning follow-ups and personal recap emailsCommunity, connection, and culture as product advantagesWhy we’re building case studies for every major eventExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Nov 17, 202556 min

Ep 3737: Live from Gavin's kitchen

In this episode, Mitch and Gavin are finally recording together in person from the Gold Coast – live from Gavin’s kitchen, no less. They dive into their huge week delivering the Volunteering WA conference, prep for Laracon AU, and share some honest lessons learned from the front lines of building SixSides.Chapters(00:00) - Intro and live from the Gold Coast (01:22) - Volunteering WA recap: our first big conference (04:05) - Fixing the iPhone photo upload bug (HEIC issue) (06:30) - 629 photos and a working notifications system (08:15) - Turning one event into 9 sales leads (09:40) - Why we need a CRM now (10:25) - Laracon AU prep and the 1,000 photo challenge (13:00) - Repositioning SixSides as a community platform (15:10) - New features: check-ins, better themes, notifications (17:35) - SaaS pricing model vs per-event (18:50) - SixSides goes international: Cambodia! (20:00) - Founders Collective and structured networking (21:30) - Gavin’s new podcast and wrapping up In this episode, we cover:Volunteering WA: what went right and what we learnedThe emotional moment seeing SixSides on three massive screensA weird iPhone bug with photo uploads and how we fixed itHow one event turned into nine real leads for 2026-2027The magic of notifications and user momentumThe upcoming push at Laracon AU (and the 1,000 photo challenge)Designing themes that don’t look amateurShipping check-in functionality just in timeWhy we’re shifting towards a SaaS model instead of one-off eventsUsing events as marketing content and lead gen flywheelsOur first international simultaneous event use – in Cambodia!When it's time to get a CRMThe future of SixSides as a community-building platformLessons from last year’s EventKit vs this year’s SixSidesGetting people to connect with structured networking promptsGavin’s new podcast: The Leap by the Founders CollectiveOur upcoming conference as exhibitors (gulp, $$$)Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Nov 11, 202523 min

Ep 3636: The day we lost $97K

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin talk through their best month yet in podcast downloads, Gavin’s rapid expansion into multiple podcasts, and the final lead-up to the Volunteering WA event — including Mitch’s mad dash to polish features and release a build in time. They also reflect on a tough week of stress, miscommunication, and their first big disagreement as co-founders, and how they worked through it. Plus, there’s a deep dive into why traditional digital lead generation is losing effectiveness — and how in-person events might be the comeback story.LinksSubscribe to the newsletter: sixsides.substack.comChapters(00:00) - Intro (00:43) - The Leap podcast launch (03:41) - Podcast download growth (05:59) - Volunteering WA prep (07:26) - Juggling three major events this week (09:46) - Last-minute app tweaks and release plans (11:09) - Recap video design decisions (13:06) - Photo timing, music, and recap video UX (16:05) - Video formats for social media (17:12) - Gavin’s on-the-ground plan for interviews in Perth (19:01) - Hope for a smooth event rollout (20:35) - The DocuSign debate (22:29) - Business case writing for WorldShare (25:08) - Streamlining the process with Fireflies (26:06) - Sales learnings from recent calls (28:52) - We didn’t get the grant (31:16) - In-person lead gen is making a comeback (33:37) - The case for businesses building community (34:58) - SixSides vs online event platforms (36:31) - Making content AI searchable (38:06) - DealBuddi and LLM-ready SEO (39:16) - Mitch and Gavin’s falling out (and how they resolved it) (47:07) - Next week’s in-person catch-up in Brisbane (48:09) - Recording plans for next week’s episode (50:07) - Laracon AU volunteering and wrap-up In this episode, we cover:Celebrating the show’s best-ever month for downloadsGavin’s new podcast series, The Leap, and upcoming guestsPreparing for Volunteering WA, Founders Collective, and WorldShare’s Cambodia eventRecap video functionality and design tweaks before releaseShifting lead generation from digital back to in-personBuilding a business case for WorldShare and how it became a new playbookHoning the SixSides value prop in real sales conversationsReflecting on not getting the Ignite Ideas GrantThe emotional toll of juggling multiple businesses and responsibilitiesHow Mitch and Gavin handled their first real co-founder conflictBehind the scenes of Gavin’s push for video interviews and content strategyWhy AI-written cold emails are losing their edgeSEO vs LLM optimisation and what they’re doing for visibilityUsing SixSides as a live case study at Volunteering WAThe vision for helping regular businesses run community eventsWhat’s next for the product roadmap post-event seasonExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Nov 3, 202553 min

Ep 3535: Google Surprised Us: Our biggest product release yet

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of our biggest product release yet. Mitch walks through all the new features in the SixSides mobile app — from private ratings and reviews to notifications, polished bottom sheets, and fully functional meeting bookings. Plus, Gavin shares early feedback from clients, how these new features landed us more leads, and how this update finally made the product feel “ready.”We also revisit our lofty $300K revenue goal for 2026, talk about why it might have been unrealistic, and how we’re now reverse-engineering a more sustainable growth plan (with a strong focus on structure, SEO, and freemium strategies).Chapters(00:00) - Intro and lawn chat (01:06) - Our best app release yet (02:02) - New features: ratings, reviews, and meetings (06:24) - Private notes and feedback logic (10:14) - Toast notifications and app polish (12:24) - App store review times (thanks Google!) (13:33) - Why the app finally feels ready (15:39) - Five questions with Mitch (dev Q&A) (22:44) - Lessons learned from this release (25:28) - Client feedback from Volunteering WA (30:09) - Re-evaluating our 2026 revenue goals (35:27) - Reverse engineering $300K (36:54) - What structures we’re missing (39:45) - Our new SEO and content strategy (41:06) - Founders Collective growth update (43:03) - Hopes for upcoming funding (44:26) - New opportunities: WorldShare and others (46:11) - Planning our upcoming webinar (47:06) - Spreading the word on LinkedIn (48:34) - Giving our partners the inside scoop (50:14) - Wrap up In this episode, we cover:Our biggest mobile app update yetNew features: private ratings, reviews, notes, and meeting bookingToast notifications and what makes them greatHow fast Google and Apple approved the app (and why that matters)Why Mitch feels like “day one” just startedReal client feedback from Volunteering WAHow the app helped close a new trial clientRevisiting our revenue goals and setting realistic expectationsThe power of reverse-engineering growth from outcomesBuilding the foundation for inbound and outbound salesWorldShare’s upcoming trial and what it means for usFreemium, SEO and creating scalable structureThe importance of habit-building (and avoiding burnout)Preparing for Volunteering WA’s big conferenceExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Oct 27, 202550 min

Ep 3434: Under promise, over deliver

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin talk through the latest updates to the SixSides app, from new cryptography-powered notifications to a completely redesigned recap experience. They also chat about how they're using Founders Collective as a real-world case study to prove their hypothesis: events can build stronger communities when you encourage behaviour change.Plus, Gavin's off to Perth for Volunteering WA, and Mitchell’s prepping for Laracon AU - with new street-style interviews, better onboarding, and a feature-packed release on the horizon.LinksSubscribe to the newsletter: sixsides.substack.comChapters(00:00) - Intro (00:38) - Decorating the office (or not) (02:09) - App release timeline update (05:00) - Cryptography and unique device identification (13:00) - Notifications and event admin features (16:00) - Rebuilding the recaps feature with Cursor (21:00) - Under promise, over deliver: a product philosophy (24:23) - Mitchell's creative drive and project priorities (33:00) - Upcoming webinar on designing interaction (36:00) - Founders Collective learnings and RSVP plans (44:00) - Why we're ditching Luma for in-app RSVPs (47:52) - Gavin's Perth road trip and $2K strategy (50:13) - Mitchell's Laracon AU travel plans (54:29) - Lead generation lessons and role changes (58:24) - Wrap-up and where to find us In this episode, we cover:The (slightly delayed) app release timeline and why it was worth the slipUsing cryptography to uniquely identify devices without tracking usersA technical deep dive into public/private keys and how they power notificationsThe brand new recap (formerly wrapped) feature and how Cursor helped build itWhy Mitchell needs fun tasks to stay motivated (and how Gavin enables that)Preparing for Volunteering WA and Laracon AU — and how we’re maximising the ROITurning Founders Collective into a test case for community-building featuresPlanning the next event with deliberate behaviour design to increase engagementSwitching to in-app RSVPs to cut frictionUpcoming features: meeting notes, job titles, ratings, and improved onboardingBuilding our sponsorship strategy the reverse way — community first, prospectus secondThe state of our sales pipeline and how to de-risk lead generationWhy being your own client is the best kind of product feedbackUpdates on the newsletter and upcoming Change Makers podcastExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Oct 20, 20251h 0m

Ep 3333: We're starting a podcast for lead generation

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin dive into their evolving content and lead generation strategy, including why they’re launching two new podcasts: “Change Makers” for SixSides and “The Leap” for Founders Collective. They unpack the goals, target audiences, and how they plan to use podcasting alongside Substack to grow a real community around their events platform.Plus, Mitchell gives a behind-the-scenes update on the SixSides app, including major mobile improvements, Android headaches, Liquid Glass drama, and the new onboarding checklist tied to the app’s points system. Gavin shares an inspiring story about his recent trail run, a LinkedIn post that resonated, and even hints at chasing Olympic torch dreams (yes, seriously).LinksNorth Meets South Web Podcast (episode 184): northmeetssouth.audioChapters(00:00) - Intro (01:17) - Why we're launching new podcasts (and who they’re for) (04:46) - Podcasts as a lead generation strategy (07:37) - What is Founders Collective? (09:17) - Introducing “The Leap” podcast (10:06) - Who we’ll feature on “Change Makers” (13:13) - Timeline for launching the new podcasts (15:00) - Gavin’s trail run and recovery (17:44) - Gavin’s viral LinkedIn post (20:52) - How that post inspired Mitchell (and Nicole’s baking dream) (26:46) - Planning for Mitchell’s wedding (30:30) - Michael Dyrynda’s podcast feedback (35:18) - Preparing for app release ahead of two big events (36:27) - Dealing with Expo and Android updates (37:18) - Apple’s Liquid Glass problems and design decisions (42:30) - Redesigning the app dashboard and onboarding checklist (44:51) - Why we’re introducing points for user actions (48:38) - Designer feedback and UI polish plans (49:37) - Full-screen background images and event branding (51:24) - Gavin’s plan for next week (first guest, podcast setup) (52:43) - Sales updates and lead generation challenges (54:35) - Preparing for WA and getting the buying process right (55:27) - Wrap up and where to find us In this episode, we cover:Why we’re starting new podcasts as part of our lead gen strategyThe plan for “Change Makers” and “The Leap” podcastsUsing Substack to grow our newsletter and reach new audiencesThe importance of giving before asking in content marketingGavin’s LinkedIn post that unexpectedly struck a chordThe trail run that nearly broke Gavin – and inspired MitchellMajor progress on the SixSides mobile app (Expo, Android, UI overhaul)Why Liquid Glass is both beautiful and frustratingA fresh new app dashboard with onboarding checklist and user pointsDesigner feedback on UX and future design aspirationsMichael Dyrynda’s podcast critique (and how we’re handling it)Wedding planning updates from MitchellGavin’s ongoing DealBuddi sales conversations and upcoming eventsExpect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!Connect with usSixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coMitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Oct 13, 202555 min

Ep 3232: Prioritising our roadmap with upcoming events

In this episode, Mitch is mostly through being sick and is back in the office just in time for a hectic sprint. With two weeks until “tools down”, the guys talk through the looming deadlines, feature updates, and the challenge of staying productive while under the weather.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sixsides.substack.com/Gavin’s been diving deep into community-building, launching a new newsletter and outlining a webinar series to build awareness and add value for SixSides users. He’s also floating ideas for a second podcast (or three) while Mitch focuses on getting the Android SDK upgraded and features locked in for Volunteering WA and Laracon AU.Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:Mitch’s recovery from a rough week of being sickWhy too much coffee after a break = disasterPreparing for Volunteering WA and Laracon AUGavin’s plan for building the SixSides communityStarting a Substack newsletter: Events Into GrowthLaunching a webinar series using StreamyardDiscussing the benefits of “community-led marketing”Thoughts on spinning up a second podcastUI/UX advice and upcoming design improvementsMichael’s progress on the dashboard and internal toolingSDK upgrades and feature priorities before eventsNew meeting features, star ratings, and private notesTrail running and training through the heatPlanning for podcast episodes over the Christmas breakChapters:(00:00) - Intro (00:25) - Mitch is still sick (but recovering) (04:00) - Gavin's starting a newsletter and community (06:11) - Planning a webinar series for SixSides (09:02) - The Inductive accelerator kicks off (12:20) - Mitch updates on development and deadlines (14:52) - Two weeks until “tools down” (17:22) - UI/UX support from a local agency (20:47) - Countdown to Volunteering WA and Laracon AU (24:05) - Planning the podcast over Christmas (26:56) - Should Gavin start a second podcast? (30:33) - Dashboard progress from Michael (34:19) - Trail running and heat training (38:50) - Dropping weight, quitting drinking, and health updates (39:58) - Planning next week’s dev sprint (42:10) - Outro chaos Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: sixsides

Oct 6, 202542 min

Ep 3131: A case study in building a strong community

In this episode, Mitch battles a cold while Gavin shares the huge success of the very first Founders Collective event, built on the SixSides platform. We dive into what went right, what could improve, and how the app held up in a real-world stress test.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sixsides.substack.com/We also reflect on a sales call that felt like a slam dunk... until it wasn’t. There’s a lot of candid unpacking about what went wrong and what we’ll do differently next time. Plus, we chat about upcoming UI/UX design help, receiving our first real support email, and whether we should start planning for help desk software.Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:Mitch powering through the podcast while sickLaunching the first Founders Collective event in BrisbaneReal-world lessons from using SixSides live at an eventAndroid Expo upgrade blocking Play Store updatesiOS releases and stability during the eventFirst real support request: do we need a help desk now?Sales meeting that felt great... but fell throughLessons in sales process and emotional disciplineSales plan development and moving towards lead generation with ClayUI/UX designers joining to improve the appDecommissioning old infrastructure from Laracon AUThe question of raising money vs continuing to bootstrapExploring the Inductive.au program and investment readinessReflections on running two SaaS products at onceChapters:(00:00) - Intro (00:52) - Mitch is sick but showing up anyway (02:05) - Founders Collective launch recap (07:30) - What we learned from the first SixSides live event (15:10) - App updates and iOS/Android rollout challenges (20:26) - Our first support request and help desk discussions (23:40) - Shutting down the old EventKit infrastructure (25:25) - Michael helping with dashboard development (25:40) - Sales call that felt great but didn’t convert (31:20) - What went wrong with the sale and lessons learned (34:00) - Sales planning and ROI justification (35:45) - Gavin’s lead gen strategy and using Clay (36:45) - Pitching SixSides to Founders Collective attendees (37:25) - What is Inductive.au and should we raise money? (46:10) - Bootstrapping vs capital - pros and cons (52:30) - Upcoming UI/UX design improvements (56:00) - Podcast listenership growing month-on-month (57:14) - Plans for next week Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coFounders Collective: founderscollective.com.auConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: ourb2bsaasjourney

Sep 29, 20251h 1m

Ep 3030: Eating our own dog food with 100 founders watching

In this episode, we celebrate our 30th episode with a jam-packed update on everything happening across SixSides, Founders Collective, DealBuddi, and beyond. From shoutouts on LinkedIn and Stripe giving $1,500 in credits, to onboarding a Laravel legend to help build the dashboard – it’s been a huge week.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sixsides.substack.com/Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:Hitting 30 weeks of podcasting and what it means to usWhy email shoutouts are done (unless you’re Holly on LinkedIn)Feedback from PlanetPrice and our unofficial sponsorship 😆Stripe sponsoring our Founders Collective event with $1,500 in creditsHow Founders Collective blew past 100 RSVPsWhat we learned seeing a competitor's clunky UXMitch's perspective as the first-time event organiser using SixSidesMichael Dyrynda offering to help with dashboard devCEO/CTO titles and why they’re a bit awkwardOur call with a major charity and how culture alignment mattersLinkedIn outreach updates and what’s working (and what’s not)Why softly-softly lead gen is our approach with charities and associationsUsing SixSides as a living case study to win future customersThe broader vision for dashboards and future functionalitySales Market Fit strategy updates and deep lead gen thinkingGavin’s dad jokes and Mitch’s sarcastic energy peakingChapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:23) - Email shoutouts – NOT (01:45) - Holly’s LinkedIn shoutout (02:58) - Feedback from PlanetPrice (04:12) - Celebrating episode 30 (06:19) - Build Your SaaS is back (10:42) - Founders Collective deep dive (14:23) - Stripe’s sponsorship and Tag, You're It (18:35) - Setting up the event in the database (20:59) - Competitor dashboard UX breakdown (24:33) - Gavin’s lead gen targeting strategy (31:05) - Our big charity call (36:51) - Anticipating objections in sales (40:50) - Designing the dashboard with Michael Dyrynda (46:06) - Multi-role dashboards and future vision (48:34) - Wrapping up – shoutout to Michael Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coFounders Collective: linkedin.comLaracon AU and Michael Dyrynda: laracon.auConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: ourb2bsaasjourney

Sep 22, 202549 min

Ep 2929: SaaS pricing you can believe in

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin break down a major pivot in SixSides’ pricing strategy — moving away from per-event pricing in favour of a tiered annual model designed to grow with communities. They also share behind-the-scenes stories from meetings with Volunteering WA, the launch of the Founders Collective in Brisbane, new sponsor engagement features, and how a simple ticket code change could make event onboarding a breeze.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sixsides.substack.com/Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:Why we’re moving away from per-event pricingHow our new pricing model better serves associations and communitiesA brilliant meeting with Volunteering WA (shoutout to Holly and Krista!)Prioritising mobile app development over the web dashboardThe launch and surprising growth of the Founders Collective in BrisbaneIntroducing one access code for all event attendeesOur approach to sponsor engagement and ROIPreparing for Laracon AU and the role of gamificationGavin’s lead gen updates and LinkedIn video strategyThe flywheel starting to turn and what’s next for SixSidesChapters:(00:00) - Listener challenge and intros (03:30) - Pricing strategy deep dive (13:00) - Volunteering WA meeting recap (17:00) - Mobile app focus and new dev strategy (20:20) - Founders Collective and single ticket code breakthrough (27:40) - Lead generation updates and LinkedIn video outreach (33:30) - Sponsor engagement and gamification plans (38:00) - Wrapping up, shoutouts, and Gavin’s YouTube hiatus Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coFounders Collective: linkedin.comConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: ourb2bsaasjourney

Sep 15, 202540 min

Ep 2828: Just click on the damn link

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin are back with updates on life, lead gen, and looming travel plans. Gavin’s been down with the flu, but that hasn’t stopped him from pushing lead generation, testing video outreach on LinkedIn, and prepping for some big upcoming calls. The duo chats Father’s Day, outdoor adventures, and the strategy behind showing up in-person at key events.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sixsides.substack.com/Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:Gavin’s sick week and how it reset his prioritiesFun and chaos from Father’s Day celebrationsLead generation updates and why no one’s watching our Loom videosLinkedIn outreach strategies that aren’t landing (yet)Applying lessons from DealBuddi to SixSidesThe Sales Market Fit approach and why most founders get it wrongBig upcoming calls with Laravel Live Denmark and Volunteering WAShould Mitch join Gavin in Perth?Planning for Laracon AU and how we’re making time for each otherKicking off street-style interviews at eventsDashboard development updates for SixSides organisersWhy it’s time to over-service early customersGavin’s LinkedIn profile overhaul and the new branding directionChapters:(00:00) - Intro (00:25) - Gavin’s been sick (02:25) - Father’s Day catchups (08:30) - The changing seasons and productivity energy (10:20) - Gavin’s 20kg weight loss challenge (11:08) - Lead gen and outreach update (13:13) - LinkedIn videos and zero engagement (17:15) - Why getting people to click is the first battle (22:56) - Applying learnings from DealBuddi to SixSides (27:20) - The value of making people problem aware (29:31) - Upcoming calls with Denmark and Volunteering WA (32:05) - Planning Mitch’s Perth trip (33:49) - Laracon AU plans and community involvement (38:44) - Wrapping up dashboard development and app work (42:14) - Gavin’s plans for webinars and LinkedIn branding Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coSales Market Fit: salesmarketfit.coConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: ourb2bsaasjourney

Sep 8, 202546 min

Ep 2727: Lessons from our first conference on SixSides

In this episode, we break down everything that went right (and wrong) during our first real customer event at Laravel Live Denmark. From a midnight Redis disaster to 500 attendee connections and surprise AWS credits, we’re giving you the full behind-the-scenes debrief.We also cover our new lead gen strategy, launching a Substack for the podcast, and the emotional rollercoaster of watching a potential customer choose a competitor. Plus, Mitch reflects on his time as a Subway sandwich artist and Gavin adds two more past jobs to the resume.Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:How our first real customer event went at Laravel Live DenmarkA Redis caching issue that brought the app down at midnightThe fix: moving to a serverless Redis instance on AWSAttendee stats: 75% logged in, 50% joined the game, 500+ unique connectionsAWS credits approved: what it means for our infra roadmapWhy we’re exploring Cloudflare as a regional database solutionLessons learned from supporting events in opposite timezonesWhat we'll do differently for future eventsBuilding wrapped videos vs. collages for conference recapsGavin's new lead gen approach with LinkedIn and LoomSubstack launch for the podcast and why we’re pausing YouTubeInvestigating email deliverability issues with our domainCompetitor apps and how we're feeling seeing familiar ideas pop upFounders Collective: Gavin’s upcoming Brisbane-based eventMitch’s downtime and why burnout is real after a launchGavin’s resume deep dive and Mitch’s Subway flashbackChapters:(00:00) - Intro (00:57) - AWS credits surprise (03:27) - Laravel Live Denmark recap (05:23) - The Redis issue explained (08:43) - Last hour panic and lessons learned (10:10) - Conference usage stats (12:54) - What defines a ‘connection’ (14:43) - Friday issues and latency bugs (16:26) - Adding features mid-event: what went wrong (18:09) - Collages vs wrapped videos (20:05) - What’s next for event content (22:43) - Night shift resume battle (24:26) - Sorting out HubSpot and CRM drama (26:56) - New sales opps including Bulgaria (27:49) - Loom videos and soft connect LinkedIn strategy (29:46) - Webinar-led lead gen idea (31:16) - Time zone fatigue and future event support (32:46) - Substack launch and podcast promo (34:32) - Episode 5 is blowing up (but we don’t know why) (35:24) - Competitive app angst and takeaways (36:31) - Smart notifications we might copy (37:11) - Spinning wheels and gamification (39:42) - What’s next: wrapped videos, roadmap and Cloudflare (42:34) - Dashboard priorities and resource planning (44:21) - Wrapping up: new listeners, new energy Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coRecit Advisory: recitadvisory.com.auConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidescoSixSides on Substack: ourb2bsaasjourney

Sep 1, 202545 min

Ep 2626: Live from Copenhagen

In this episode, we hit a huge milestone as SixSides goes live at Laravel Live Denmark. Mitch ships the Android app just in time, supports the event from Sydney into the early hours, and the team watches real time adoption, photos, and questions roll in. We also workshop our 30 second pitch, set an ambitious $300k revenue goal for next year, and talk about what’s next, including dashboards and post‑event deliverables.Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:Live launch at Laravel Live Denmark and how the rollout wentThe App Store saga: expedited iOS approval vs the slow Google reviewShipping fixes with Expo over-the-air updatesHandling an iOS 26 beta crash and the attendee workaroundsReal time numbers: logins, photos, questions, and connectionsInfra notes: AWS RDS, regions, performance, Cloudflare Workflows retriesContent moderation using OpenAI and why retries matterOur 30 second pitch attempts and tying it back to missionSetting a $300k revenue goal for 2026 and what it impliesLead gen experiments and why outreach alone won’t cut itNew office vibes and adding Melanie and Roman to SlackWhat’s next: post‑event wrap videos, reports, leaderboards, and the organiser dashboardChapters:(00:00) - Intro (00:43) - Denmark is happening now (01:56) - App Store saga and Android approval stress (03:31) - Over-the-air updates and support plan (05:18) - Night shift handover (07:16) - iOS 26 crash and workarounds (08:43) - Early numbers and adoption (10:46) - Infra and moderation stack (12:45) - Fast iterations and UI tweaks (14:14) - The 30 second pitch attempts (18:19) - How it feels to run our first event overseas (22:42) - Lead gen bookings and the $300k goal (26:52) - Rethinking lead gen and market size (29:29) - Mobile networking errors and monitoring (31:12) - Six months of podcasting and the new office (32:30) - Everyone’s on Slack (34:13) - What comes after the conference (37:41) - Organiser dashboard and data locality (39:19) - Teasing new in-app interactions (40:11) - Late night support schedule (43:12) - Emoji reactions demo (45:29) - Shipping tomorrow: wrap videos and leaderboard (46:32) - Numbers check-in (46:57) - Where to find us (48:25) - Wrap up Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeGavin on YouTube: gavintye1SixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidesco

Aug 25, 202548 min

Ep 2525: These are our company values

In this episode, we finally lock in our company values, vision and mission — and talk through how they’ll shape the way we build SixSides moving forward. We also check in on lead gen, accounting drama (featuring Roman and Mel), and the final countdown to Laravel Live Denmark. Plus, Mitch finally finishes the app and gets some much-needed breathing room.Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:How we’ve defined the SixSides vision, mission and valuesWhy it matters for a remote, growing teamThe messy effect and how we manage burnoutLead generation experiments and learnings from the last weekWhy Gavin's outreach didn’t quite land (and what he’s changing)The ongoing accounting saga (featuring co-founder confusion)Android vs iOS approval times (spoiler: Apple wins)How Mitch edited an app update faster than Google reviewed itThe new system for writing blog articles from our podcastFeedback loops from Denmark and Michael DyryndaGavin’s daily YouTube videos and what he’s learningTools to track who’s visiting our websiteWhat’s next for the SixSides content strategyChapters:(00:00) - Intro (02:51) - Lead gen update (10:26) - Accounting distractions (15:41) - Defining our vision, mission and values (23:00) - Our five company values (27:56) - Running our growth hypothesis by customers (31:06) - The Android app approval headache (36:46) - Feeling free after app submission (40:24) - The messy effect (and not burning out) (45:22) - Gavin’s YouTube videos and 4am routine (46:34) - Blog articles from the podcast (54:45) - Tracking traffic with Leadfeeder and Snitcher (56:13) - Wrapping up the episode Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeSixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidesco

Aug 18, 202558 min

Ep 2424: How much should we pay ourselves (and when)?

In this episode, Mitch and Gavin pull apart money, momentum, and mild panic: how we’re splitting revenue (hello, 40/40/20), why the iOS app is live but Android is still pending, early feedback from Laravel Live Denmark (thanks, Rasmus!), plus a candid chat about our fears — from deep water to wasting time — and how we’re evolving SixSides from “event app” to “community engine.”Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:The 40/40/20 split: founders’ wages, expenses, and tax (inspired by Profit First)Why we’re paying ourselves now (with caps) and how that shapes hiringXero vs extra bank accounts for visual budgetingEvolving beyond “an event app” toward ongoing community value and MRROur not-yet-shareable competitive advantage (moat-building in progress)iOS app approved; Android still in review (and why OTA updates are magic)Early feedback from Laravel Live Denmark and a sneaky newline login bugExpo 101: what triggers app store review vs over-the-air updatesDoing unscalable setup now (YAMLs, imports) until the dashboard is readyFounder fears: wasting time, letting people down, and healthy conflictConsultative strategy: auditing conferences to open doorsGavin’s daily YouTube updates and a smarter, deeper lead gen approachChapters:(00:00) - Intro (00:56) - Please leave us a review (01:25) - Shout out to Dan Herbert (podcast workflow chat) (03:34) - Money chat: paying ourselves and early revenue (05:42) - Profit First inspiration and our 40/40/20 split (09:39) - Xero vs multiple bank accounts (Mel’s advice) (11:10) - Mindset shift and evolving revenue model (12:40) - The secret sauce we can’t share (yet) (14:44) - Consultative conference audits (16:20) - iOS app approved; Android pending (18:55) - OTA updates vs app store review (Expo explained) (21:28) - Denmark feedback and the newline login bug (27:58) - Topic: our fears (personal and business) (42:18) - Conflict resolution and not wasting time (44:45) - Gavin’s YouTube + deeper lead gen plan (48:20) - What’s next and wrap-up Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coDealBuddi: dealbuddi.comBuild Your Saas: saas.transistor.fmMobile apps don't suck anymore: youtube.comProfit First by Mike Michalowicz: mikemichalowicz.comConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeSixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.coSixSides on Youtube: sixsidesco

Aug 11, 202550 min

Ep 2323: We’re bootstrapped and feeling every dollar

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin celebrate a huge milestone—submitting the SixSides app for review ahead of Laravel Live Denmark—while also unpacking the real costs of getting there (including a spicy $6K invoice). From Strepsils at 9am to strategic conversations about offshore hiring, they reflect on the emotional and financial rollercoaster of bootstrapping a SaaS.Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:Submitting the app for review ahead of Laravel Live DenmarkThe emotional toll of shipping under deadline pressureSubmitting a grant and scoring 9/10 from ChatGPTFounder burnout and feeling the weight of bootstrappingBig invoices and the cost of external development helpDeciding when to take money from your business (if ever)The ethics and practicality of using offshore workersHow Gavin is using DealBuddi to prep for business developmentStarting the shift toward recurring revenue and pricing modelsThe need to formalise SixSides’ vision, mission and valuesChapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:55) - Submitting the grant (and getting GPT’s 9/10 rating) (03:34) - Shipping the app for Laravel Live Denmark (06:26) - Burnout, relief, and what’s next (10:31) - Surprise $6K invoice and the cost of building (13:52) - Feeling the financial pinch across two businesses (16:00) - Exploring new revenue streams and early pricing ideas (18:05) - Profit allocation models and sustainable bootstrapping (22:35) - Ready for general use (but not self-service yet) (26:21) - Using offshore workers (ethically) (30:59) - Can we afford to build a team? (34:46) - Ethical hiring, privilege, and long-term thinking (37:01) - What's next this week (40:26) - Wrapping up (and listener shoutouts) Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coDealBuddi: dealbuddi.comBuild Your Saas: saas.transistor.fmConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeSixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.co

Aug 4, 202541 min

Ep 2222: This is our $97K pitch (and it better work)

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In this episode, Mitchell returns from Bali with sunburn, margarita memories, and a deadline staring him down — the Denmark app launch. Gavin, meanwhile, has been neck-deep in grant writing, trying to win $97,000 to accelerate SixSides… even if it means giving himself four times Mitch’s salary (which comes up, hilariously, on the show).They also dive into building in public, Gavin’s evolving LinkedIn strategy juggling two businesses (SixSides and DealBuddi), and how they’re prepping for their first paying customer on the new infrastructure.Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:Mitchell’s Bali trip and near-meltdown on a volcano hikeGavin’s $97k grant strategy (and how he’s pitching it)Shared friends, margaritas, and the Laracon hatWhy Gavin listed himself at 4x salary (and Mitch let it slide)Grant writing tips from Gavin’s Today Show glory daysThe power of thinking like the grant reviewerGavin’s plans to build in public across two businessesMitch’s mobile app progress for Laravel Live DenmarkLessons from “Build Your SaaS” and why they still resonateMitch’s plan to enlist testers and speed through app reviewGavin’s long-term vision for student internships and community impactChris from Atlas joining the dev sprint to hit deadlineMitch’s vow: the app will be done by FridayChapters:(00:00) - Intro (00:09) - Mitch's Bali hat gets roasted (01:35) - What SixSides actually does (03:01) - Doing a no-prep podcast episode (03:39) - Bali trip recap and volcano regrets (10:43) - Build Your SaaS and podcast inspiration (13:21) - Gavin’s kitchen reno and grant writing grind (17:09) - Gavin’s Today Show story and grant mindset (22:02) - Building in public and juggling two SaaS businesses (31:36) - Gavin’s 4x salary justification (hilarious) (37:36) - What we’d do with the $97k grant (42:01) - Laravel Live Denmark app progress (50:29) - Submitting to the App Stores and what’s next (52:09) - Getting people to help test the app (53:00) - Wrap up and what’s coming next week Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coDealBuddi: dealbuddi.comBuild Your Saas: saas.transistor.fmMostly Technical: mostlytechnical.comConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeSixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.co

Jul 28, 202553 min

Ep 2121: When should founders quit their day jobs? (with Roman Galikov of Recit Advisory)

In this episode, Gavin chats with Roman Galikov — co-founder of Recit Advisory and a long-time mate from their RedEye days — about the financial realities and blind spots that can make or break a startup. From Roman’s wild upbringing in a Cold War-era Russian missile town to co-founding an accounting firm helping Aussie tech founders scale sustainably, this episode is packed with insights (and a few table tennis flashbacks).Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:Roman’s incredible journey from Russia to the Australian startup sceneThe financial mistakes startups make early — and why they’re hard to recover fromWhy founders underestimate cash flow (and how to fix it)Equity, cap tables and avoiding messy investor situationsHow to structure your startup’s P&L like a proper SaaS businessWhen to make your first hire and the cost of getting it wrongWhy most founders shouldn't outsource sales too earlyThe 80/20 rule for SaaS gross marginsR&D capitalisation and tax incentives explained simplyRoman’s take on bootstrapping vs raising capitalThe story of Gavin ripping his pants at a trade show (it’s worth it)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (00:56) - Roman joins the show (02:29) - Why founders neglect accounting (05:06) - Roman’s journey from Russia to Australia (17:16) - How Roman and Gavin met at RedEye (20:36) - Early-stage accounting mistakes (22:53) - Lessons founders learn at each stage (25:02) - Cash flow truths (and myths) (30:01) - Gavin’s risk balancing with Sales Market Fit (33:39) - SixSides’ early traction and approach (34:17) - Juggling multiple businesses and focus (41:10) - Equity, vesting and cap table messiness (46:53) - Bootstrapping vs raising capital (50:41) - Scaling up: hiring your first employee (53:50) - Managing hiring expectations (57:10) - Sales vs product vs support hires (59:15) - Business case analysis for product decisions (01:04:02) - Understanding SaaS financial structure (01:08:43) - What is EBITDA? And why it matters (01:11:31) - Starting Record Advisory (01:16:13) - Gavin’s final missile question (01:17:59) - Wrap-up and final thoughts Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coDealBuddi: dealbuddi.comRecit: recit.appConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeRoman on LinkedIn: romangalikovSixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.co

Jul 21, 20251h 18m

Ep 2020: Mitch vs Apple (and will we get $100K in funding?)

In this episode, Mitch is not in Bali (yet), Gavin almost gets Roman cancelled, and the guys dive deep into their TestFlight adventures, app store approvals, and why the new comments UI looks suspiciously like Instagram.They also talk through Gavin’s sales strategy for SixSides, the launch of DealBuddi, and how they’re building a community-led approach to founder support in Brisbane. Oh, and there’s an update on their government grant application – plus a story about a fake software award Gavin once pulled off that you don’t want to miss.Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:Why Mitch is still in town and not sipping coconuts in BaliGavin’s recording with RomanTips on structuring your finances from a trusted friendDid we hit our TestFlight deadline?Mitch’s battle with Apple’s review processNew comments UI inspired by InstagramSubmitting the app to the store (and why we're not telling anyone)The “as is” and “to be” model for sales strategyGavin’s launch of DealBuddi and onboarding 9 startupsWhy cold outreach is dying – and community is the answerBuilding a founder community in Brisbane using SixSidesGrant progression and the feedback we receivedGavin’s fake software award storyStress check-ins and how they’re managing the mental loadPlans for the next two weeks while Mitch is awayChapters:(00:00) - Intro (00:44) - Mitch is not in Bali (01:31) - Gavin’s episode with Roman (04:06) - TestFlight deadline check-in (05:00) - Comments feature and UI inspired by Instagram (09:38) - Explaining Apple’s review process (14:37) - Publishing a stealth production build (18:31) - App development progress update (19:17) - Gavin checks in on stress levels (22:46) - Launching DealBuddi (25:14) - Using SixSides as a sales strategy case study (27:15) - The future of lead gen and building real communities (29:27) - Planning the first Brisbane founder meetup (31:30) - Dogfooding: eating our own dog food with SixSides (32:30) - Finalising the SixSides sales strategy (42:30) - Government grant update and feedback (47:44) - How they’re using GPT for grant writing (54:06) - What would we do with $100K? (55:23) - Wedding updates and sunscreen plans (57:02) - Gavin’s plans while Mitch is away Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coDealBuddi: dealbuddi.comSales Whitepaper: salesmarketfit.coConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeSixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.co

Jul 14, 20251h 0m

Ep 1919: Burnout and reducing stress, while building to committed customer deadlines

In this episode, Mitch reveals the mounting pressure of delivering the new SixSides app as the team approaches a self-imposed TestFlight deadline. Gavin brings a new sales strategy to life, and the guys explore the delicate balance between progress and burnout.Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:Gavin’s success with a new, consultative sales approachMitch’s looming deadline for the new SixSides app and his battle with burnoutBehind the scenes of building infrastructure across regions (Sydney and Frankfurt)Adding a tiny emoji feature, and why it sparked a debateChris's dashboard work and how it's shaping upExploring Slack Connect and customer communication strategiesWhy the blog system needed an overhaul and what we’re using nowLean Startup lessons and planning for sustainabilityThe challenge of stress in a fast-paced bootstrapped startupMutual TLS, Cloudflare Workers, and other nerdy but vital thingsChapters:(00:00) - Intro (00:27) - Global shout-outs and listener feedback (01:53) - Slack Connect wins and misses (03:04) - Gavin's sales strategy shift and early wins (06:41) - DealBuddi, AI coaching, and sales evolution (07:58) - Mitch’s TestFlight deadline and mounting burnout (10:36) - Learning infrastructure the hard way (13:45) - Emoji feature: distraction or creativity boost? (16:40) - Burnout management and future-proofing (22:00) - Dashboard progress and Chris's backend work (24:16) - Startup stress: when is it too much? (26:34) - Should we create a product roadmap? (28:06) - Planning help for the future (29:46) - The many flavours of development roles (33:55) - More on Slack Connect + customer comms (36:47) - SEO titles experiment: last week for now? (38:29) - Next week’s episode sneak peek with Roman (40:34) - Gavin tries (and fails) to write a blog post the dev way (42:21) - How Tina.io saved our blog workflow (45:26) - Dashboard progress and test flight follow-up (46:43) - The Lean Startup: a joint book club idea (49:22) - Starting our internal startup book club (51:10) - Load balancing, mutual TLS, and hosting challenges (54:31) - Data privacy and multi-region infrastructure (57:36) - Wrapping up – see you next week! Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coDealBuddi: dealbuddi.comMio: m.ioConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeSixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.co

Jul 7, 202558 min

Ep 1818: OpenAI and Cursor use WorkOS, should we? Plus, why we are evolving our B2B sales strategy.

In this episode, Mitchell and Gavin reflect on a huge milestone: SixSides has hit the six-month mark - and things are finally starting to move. They dive into a brilliant new sales call that reshaped their positioning, reveal how WorkOS helped them ship auth in record time, and unpack what it means to bootstrap while juggling other businesses.Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch a B2B SaaS company from scratch – completely bootstrapped.Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps us reach more people!In this episode, we cover:Why they're really recording this podcast (and who it's for)The power of podcast SEO and keyword-rich episode titlesGavin’s “amazing” sales call and how it reframed SixSides' positioningSelling a platform that doesn’t exist (yet) with empathy and visionHow WorkOS helped them ship authentication in 24 hoursLaravel, JWT tokens and Mitchell’s developer brain dumpGlobal database deployment with AWS (Sydney + Frankfurt)Introducing Slack Connect for real-time customer supportDoubling user growth and the importance of cadenceWhy they’re still bootstrapping (and not taking investment… yet)The psychology of founder alignment over 6 and 12 monthsGetting help without blowing the budget (hello, Chris from Atlas)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (00:38) - Why we’re doing this podcast (03:09) - Listener growth and SEO musings (06:05) - Gavin’s amazing sales call breakdown (12:15) - Strategic selling vs event facilitation (15:11) - Denmark client update (16:36) - Hitting the six-month SaaS milestone (18:28) - Aligning tech and sales roadmaps (22:02) - Repositioning attendees as users (24:27) - Implementing WorkOS in a night (29:29) - How WorkOS handles auth, tokens & login (32:23) - Reducing clicks, increasing security (35:58) - Laravel & Cloudflare integration update (36:19) - Slack Connect for better support (42:00) - Do clients need paid Slack? (Maybe) (44:04) - Chris joins to help hit the July 8 deadline (47:56) - AWS global databases explained (50:26) - Bootstrapping vs funding (and why we’re staying lean) (54:44) - What success looks like (57:47) - Wrapping up + Gavin’s rejected slogan Atlas Software is a premier software development agency based in Sydney, Australia, and founded by Mitchell Davis. We specialise in building innovative, robust, and scalable applications that drive business growth. With expertise in Laravel, Vue, React, and React Native, we help businesses craft tailored software solutions that streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Whether you're a startup finding product-market fit or an enterprise scaling digital transformation, Atlas ensures your tech vision becomes reality. Learn more at atlas.dev.Gavin Tye is a sales strategist and the creator of Sales Market Fit (SMF) - a game-changing framework that helps B2B startups unlock predictable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience in high-value SaaS sales, Gavin has cracked the code on why businesses struggle to close deals and how they can transform their approach. Sales Market Fit aligns positioning, go-to-market strategies, and sales execution into a repeatable process that wins more clients with less friction. Learn how to stop relying on hope and start winning with a deliberate, proven sales strategy at salesmarketfit.co.Links:SixSides: sixsides.coBook a call with Gavin: call.sixsides.coWorkOS: workos.comConnect with us:Mitchell on Bluesky: mitchdav.isMitchell on LinkedIn: mitchdavGavin on LinkedIn: gavintyeSixSides on LinkedIn: sixsidesSixSides on X: sixsideseventsSixSides on Bluesky: sixsides.co

Jun 30, 202558 min