Summary of Built Online Podcast Episode<br>

Episode Title: The Real Definition of an Entrepreneur | Are You One?<br> Host: Cody McGuffie<br> Date: March 24, 2026

Episode Overview

In this solo episode of Built Online, Cody McGuffie dives deep into the real meaning of being an entrepreneur versus simply “playing” entrepreneur. Drawing on his own experiences as founder and CEO of EverBee, Cody challenges listeners to reflect on their motivations, actions, and definitions of success. This candid and unscripted monologue is aimed particularly at those in the early stages of their business journey, grappling with identity, imposter syndrome, or uncertainty about whether they "qualify" as entrepreneurs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Fluff vs. The Core of Entrepreneurship (00:00–04:20)

• Cody opens by calling out the superficial aspects many mistake for entrepreneurship—nice office setups, business cards, and social media branding.
• “The reality is all that is all fluff. None of it matters. What matters is creating something of value for a specific type of person. Serving humans. That's what business is about. This is what entrepreneurship is about.” (Cody, 00:13–00:36)

2. Why a Solo Episode? (04:21–06:13)

• Cody explains hesitations and value in doing solo episodes. While he usually interviews others, deeper, unfiltered insights often come in solo form.
• He shares his podcasting background and connection to his audience.

3. Who Should Listen & The Core Question (06:14–09:17)

• The episode targets aspiring entrepreneurs or those unsure if they "fit the mold."
• Cody shares his past doubts: “Am I really an entrepreneur? Will I ever be an entrepreneur fully? ...How do I even define being an entrepreneur?” (07:16)

4. What Is an Entrepreneur? — Definitions & Earning the 'Badge' (09:18–10:35)

• Reading the dictionary definition, Cody reflects on when one “earns the badge” of entrepreneur—Is it first sale, quitting a job, or something else?
• Pokes fun at changing LinkedIn bios and posting motivational content as superficial markers.

5. The “Wantrepreneur” Trap: Social Media & Validation (10:36–14:35)

• Cody distinguishes between "entrepreneurs" and "wantrepreneurs":
  • Wantrepreneurs: Focus on public perception; post frequently about “the grind” and entrepreneurial advice despite little real traction.
  • Entrepreneurs: Focus on actual building; bury themselves in real work, rarely posting about it.
• “Usually the wantrepreneurs...are the ones posting about those things constantly...the only thing of value that you have, really, when you're first starting...is your time.” (Cody, 11:04–12:21)
• He warns that social media “highs” from posting about entrepreneurship can replace the actual feedback loop of building a business, trapping people in perpetual wannabe status.

6. Obsession & Silent Work: The True Path (14:36–17:48)

• Cody advocates for “burying yourself in your obsession” and not telling anyone—maybe for years.
• The likelihood of long-term success is higher if effort is directed inward, not toward broadcasting.
• “You just need to bury yourself, put a, like a blanket over your head and bury yourself and your obsession. Don't tell the world about anything for probably like a year, maybe even 2...” (Cody, 15:40)
• Only share, teach, or coach publicly after real progress and milestones.

7. “Playing Business” vs. Building Business (17:49–20:30)

• Cody recounts discussions with family and mentors about those who prefer to “play at business” by focusing on surface-level tasks.
• Reinforces: The work that matters is building something valuable and repeatable for customers.
• Memorable Quote: “People love to play business... The reality is all that is all fluff. None of it matters. What matters is creating something of value for a specific type of person, serving humans.” (Cody, 18:00–18:30)

8. Personal Definition of 'Entrepreneur' (20:31–22:02)

• For Cody, the real threshold was supporting himself and family fully from his own business—not from a job, regardless of mindset.
• Encourages listeners to develop their own definitions but cautions against “confusing playing entrepreneur versus being entrepreneur—two different things.”

9. Inspiration and Encouragement (22:03–24:39)

• Cody closes by encouraging listeners: If you’re 20 minutes into a podcast about entrepreneurship, you almost certainly have what it takes.
• Rebuts self-doubt: “If you don’t believe that, maybe just listen to me for a minute, borrow some of my faith, my belief in you.”
• Closing Motivation: “You set a vision, you get clear on that vision. You pursue that vision... You’re going to make it. You will achieve what you want to achieve. Will it take six months? No. Will it take one month? No... Pay the price, whatever the price is.” (Cody, 23:40–24:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Fluff vs. Value:
  “All that is all fluff. None of it matters. What matters is creating something of value for a specific type of person. Serving humans. That's what business is about.” — Cody (00:13)

• On Wantrepreneurs:
  “Usually actual entrepreneurs are the ones not posting any of that stuff. And usually the wantrepreneurs...are the ones posting about those things constantly.” — Cody (11:09)

• On the Danger of Validation Loops:
  “When you are posting and talking about being an entrepreneur... you already just shortcutted all of the success, all the work part and you just got straight to the high.” — Cody (13:00)

• On Real Entrepreneurial Milestones:
  “For me that was when I was fully supporting myself and my family off of my own business, my own income. That was my definition of entrepreneur.” — Cody (21:27)

• Borrowing Faith:
  “If you don’t believe that, maybe just listen to me for a minute, borrow some of my faith, my belief in you.” — Cody (23:50)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–04:20: Introduction, fluff vs. substance in entrepreneurship
• 04:21–06:13: Why solo episodes?
• 06:14–09:17: Who is this for & the core question
• 09:18–10:35: Defining ‘entrepreneur’—Badge of honor
• 10:36–14:35: Wantrepreneur trap & social media validation
• 14:36–17:48: Obsession and silent progress
• 17:49–20:30: Playing business vs. building business
• 20:31–22:02: When Cody defined himself as entrepreneur
• 22:03–24:39: Encouragement and wrap up

Final Takeaway

Cody challenges listeners to question not just what they do, but why and how. Are you focused on building real value, or simply curating an entrepreneurial image? For true entrepreneurs, the work comes first and the recognition comes later—if at all. If you’re still listening, Cody believes you’re on the right path: keep your head down, keep building, and the milestones will follow.