I just bought this book today morning, and started reading it out of curiousity after noticing a tweet about it by Balsamiq. I haven’t read any other book with such interest. It’s full of in-your-face facts. No BS. And concentrates on the guys who echo I-like-to-do-it-slow-and-nice-with-no-venture-fund.
The feeling of getting paid the first time
“Software entrepreneurship is a fantastic experience. The first time someone pays you for software you wrote, your head will nearly spin off its axis.”
That’s a gem in the early pages itself. Although I haven’t tried a startup and hence haven’t made a first sale, I can still remember the first time I got paid for a freelance gig, I had a similar strong feeling. That was a very tiny amount that would have bought me lunch for a day.
The author draws a clear line between a project and a product. He hits a strong note to stress the importance of a market for a product.
Talking about your goals
He quotes the results of a research at Domician University which says that “those who sent their commitments to their friend accomplished significantly more than those who did not”. But that sounds contrary to Derek Sivers who also points out a research by an NYU professor.
My view on this is different. I think it all depends on the goal we are talking about here. I’ve always been happy to tell people about my goals or new ideas which I would pursue if they are doable in my head. But there are some more which sound a bit dangerous. Although they are doable, I’ve always been afraid to talk about some ideas, which I feel require more technical skill than I possess or can acquire in quick time.
Small goals
“Strive to build a startup that generates $500 per month in profit.”
Ya, that sounds super-easy. Heck! it took me a couple of years to figure out that this is tougher than grinding bone.
I’ve just read a few pages in the book. More left, so cya :)
