Startups Tuesday Operational Roundtable - A Forum to Ask About Legal, Accounting, Project Management, or How to Get Started |
- Tuesday Operational Roundtable - A Forum to Ask About Legal, Accounting, Project Management, or How to Get Started
- The $500 PMP value for only $50
- Advertising During COVID-19: Impacts
- Launched On Product Hunt Today! The struggle is real lol
- Try thinking about creating value before figuring out what the solution's gonna be
- How to Choose the Right SaaS Architecture for Your Startup?
- ANYONE WANT TO BUILD A WEBSITE THAT'LL ACT AS THE SOIL FOR BUSINESSES AND STARTUPS TO GROW?
- Is hiring freelance developers a viable option for startup?
- How to collect emails without funds for advertising?
- I have an idea for a new OS and the hardware running it. I could use advice.
- looking to buy a flight booking application both mobile and web
- Future of Crowdsourcing studios?
- Framework for evaluating if there is room for competitors in an industry
- Founder CEO/CxO's - Please Share Your Experiences
- Suggestions of places to post a social photo app
- Looking for advice, our pre-pivot model is getting traction, mid-pivot.
- fast methods for product interest testing?
- Start up co-founder how you deal with ego related problem and the strategy of decision making ?
- Any affordable email automation tool for bulk as well as for transactional emails? (rant about mailchimp in the post)
- Found a Lead Developer, now I need to issue a stock option plan. Unsure of how many shares? Help!
| Posted: 07 Apr 2020 06:06 AM PDT Welcome to this week's Operational Roundtable Thread. Ask about anything related to legal, accounting, project management, or how to get started. Don't be shy. The purpose of this is to learn and share ideas and methodologies with one another. Any question is a good question! If you are answering questions, remember to be kind and supportive. Many are just starting out and have no idea what they are doing. That's okay! We all knew nothing before we knew something. You can also find more support using instant chat on the /r/startups discord. [link] [comments]  |
| The $500 PMP value for only $50 Posted: 08 Apr 2020 02:52 AM PDT I started my PMP prep again. I was starting 2 times before but dropped on half-way. I always changed my priorities to time-sensitive projects. However, I attended preparation courses for PPM. Finally!!! I'm on the track again. I haven't booked the exam yet. I feel I'm gonna apply by the end of the year. I start with ppm course again, but this time it'll be a webinar from the same provider I took my previous courses - CaseInPoint Learning. I feel like I've been studying forever and the morale is not like it was during my first preparation. For those of you who are frustrated just like I am - this webinar might be a quick solution to get all the necessary info and get the damn certificate. [link] [comments]  |
| Advertising During COVID-19: Impacts Posted: 07 Apr 2020 08:59 PM PDT COVID-19 has seen the economy shaken quite a bit, with many businesses bearing the brunt. I want to know the effects on your marketing/advertising campaigns and plans. I intended to begin advertising my start-up, but am reconsidering if this is a good time. Of course, the type of business, industry it is in, and many factors matter—do share what your thoughts are with details on these too. :) For context (do let me know if more is needed), my start-up is in the B2B sector and works on converting already mobile-friendly websites into downloadable mobile apps, maintaining the UI, speed and functionality. It's mainly for those who simply want to get launched on the Play Store/App Store or integrate push-notifications or benefit from better user-retention, and pricing is one-time and considered to be affordable. This post isn't just for what I am doing though. I want to know how everyone is doing in general. ;) [link] [comments]  |
| Launched On Product Hunt Today! The struggle is real lol Posted: 08 Apr 2020 01:46 AM PDT So in the last minute I just decided not to follow any plans and I just launched on Product Hunt at https://www.producthunt.com/posts/freetogame The result, well I'm getting crushed by the "competition" lol... Anyway It's fine not to be the most popular product, I just want people to check it out the project. All feedback and reviews are welcome! Thanks guys! [link] [comments]  |
| Try thinking about creating value before figuring out what the solution's gonna be Posted: 07 Apr 2020 05:03 AM PDT After 16+ years of development, I noticed that I evolved in a couple of phases:
As a consultant, you're not only working on developing solutions for your customers, but you are also responsible for finding out what the core problems or challenges are and if the suggested route (if any) is the right path to follow. You need to think about the challenges and compare the solutions that are applicable to find out what is the best solution for the buck and what will help to support any goals people and/or companies might have regarding the solution you're defining and estimating. I've come to believe that we can do one even better: instead of diving at the code, or thinking about a possible solution, we need to focus on finding out what value a solution - any solution - might bring along. If we focus on how a solution needs and might bring value to the table, we can then find out if developing a custom software solution is really the best one. What about putting together some services? Or changing the process? Or using non-code for a simpler solution that brings enough value to get going for the next 2 years? Maybe a specialized other SaaS product is better suited to help the customer out and referring them to it is all it takes to make them happy? As a developer, I really dig creating new solutions from scratch, but I truly believe that alternatives might sometimes be the better way to go at a customer's solution. I think this mindset is also what got me interested in product development, and startups. The lean startup method tries to find out if what you're creating is viable; provides enough value to others so they want to pay you money for it. So, I really think that focussing on creating value first - whether it is as a developer, entrepreneur or startup founder, is what can differentiate you from the flock. In this article I go more in-depth about my mindset and how I've found out that looking for the value and focussing on providing value first, I've made more companies and people happy that I could have by using "building a tailored software solution" as my default service. What is your vision on this? Do we - as tech people, developers, and makers - tend to focus on building software too often? Or could we be of more service by helping people out (even if that means not spinning up another solution for the next customer)? Let me know, I'm curious about your thoughts. [link] [comments]  |
| How to Choose the Right SaaS Architecture for Your Startup? Posted: 08 Apr 2020 03:11 AM PDT Having worked as a solution architect and designed multiple SaaS applications over the years, I could see most startups struggling to choose the right SaaS architecture for their product offering. In this article, I've compiled all my learnings into a cheat sheet to help startup founders, who're looking to build SaaS applications, make a pragmatic decision backed by proven facts and data. https://www.talentica.com/blogs/how-to-choose-the-right-saas-architecture-for-your-startup/ As the startup grows, it isn't easy to mold the existing architecture to accommodate demands from the growing user base. Hence, it's always good to choose the right SaaS architecture at the start, so that you don't lose out on business because of rigid architecture. [link] [comments]  |
| ANYONE WANT TO BUILD A WEBSITE THAT'LL ACT AS THE SOIL FOR BUSINESSES AND STARTUPS TO GROW? Posted: 08 Apr 2020 03:05 AM PDT ** That title was fkn impossible to come up with. I can't think of anything better** A website/ platform that serves as a global online incubator for businesses and startups of all sizes with a secondary function of crowdfunding the projects. I know there was a lot of buzzwords in that sentence, but hear me out. A LOT of people want to be entrepreneurs, to run their own online businesses, Amazon stores or youtube channel or sell courses or make products etc. I've had my head in the space for a couple years now, went through the whole process of creating a new product and selling on Amazon. I made all my money back plus a little extra, then proceeded to blow all that money trying out dropshipping because I hadn't strengthened my marketing game enough. I have lots of ideas for businesses I'd like to start, from small products to bigger website/platform type services. It can be a bit daunting and requires money, some more than others. A lot of people are in a similar boat I imagine, having just a bit of money to play with, they risk it all on one or two things, and it takes a while to recover before you can have another crack. A lot of people that want to build their own business, or be part of a start up, have different skills. Some might be creative, idea producing, some might be technical CEO type material, some might have the technical developer background that can actually build out projects but don't have many ideas of their own, some might be good at marketing, etc. What if we could build a website/platform that acted as an incubator for ideas that people could attach themselves to for part ownership. Example: John has a great idea for a product, let's just say a fidget spinner, but has no idea what to do with it or even if he wants to run with it. He writes his idea down and throws it into the ether, where anyone that's part of the community can see the idea. Mary sees it, loves it, and asks to attach to the project because she has experience sourcing from China. They agree she'll do it for 10% ownership. Kyle sees the momentum, likes the product and offers to build the website for 5% (I'm literally pulling these numbers out of my ass). John could decide he doesn't want to run with the project, just wanted to put the idea out there and someone else can act as 'CEO' of fidget spinner inc and John gets 5% in perpetuity for being the idea generator. If the idea is good but you don't wanna commit to it, maybe you can just 'like' it to make it more visible to others. Good or interesting projects would rise to the top, garnering more attention, more attention means more possibility of actuating. Maybe the website/platform would automatically own a small part of any business that comes out of it and use that money to pay staff or have small business funds that people could apply for or win. I hope I'm getting the idea across, I think you'l know what I'm getting at. Relatively new idea so probably full of holes, but to be built upon not torn down hopefully. [link] [comments]  |
| Is hiring freelance developers a viable option for startup? Posted: 07 Apr 2020 03:22 AM PDT Currently I'm working with a small team to work on a productivity tool. Unfortunately our core developer decided to leave the team to pursue other venture. He is also my friend so I figured that I should respect his decision. But this also means that the team is lacking a lead developer. The pandemic only makes the situation worse, at least in my city where people are all in lockdown state. And so I'm considering hiring a freelance developer for the time being. That said, I'm still not sure if it would be great idea. There are several questions like:
2 years ago I did hire freelancer once, but that is to UI design a Chrome extension. The guy was not exactly bad but for some reason it is rather difficult to work with him. Especially when I try to tell him certain design errors. Not gonna lie, it leaves not-so-good-taste and I don't think hiring a freelance dev is easy, if not much harder than designer (correct me if I'm wrong on this). Would love to hear more thoughts on this. Thank you in advance! *EDIT: Thank you for all the suggestions & opinions. They really make me reconsider my plan. If anyone has further suggestion, please let me know. I always read all the comments. [link] [comments]  |
| How to collect emails without funds for advertising? Posted: 07 Apr 2020 09:53 AM PDT hi guys, I have started my own business and I cannot currently sell. My to my product was put on hold (not manufactured) because of the outbreak. So I want to use this time to collect emails so when I make my product I will have a base of emails that I can use for marketing my product. Does anyone have any advice in gaining an email base? (sorry for any grammar or spelling mistakes) [link] [comments]  |
| I have an idea for a new OS and the hardware running it. I could use advice. Posted: 07 Apr 2020 07:16 PM PDT For background, I have a BBA in Management, teach myself stuff, look for problems to solve, and think of solutions. For years, I wanted to get some people together to make a new computer OS. This is to bridge the gap between mobile computing and desktop computing. The smartphone can be used in standalone mode or also connected to a human interface device like a laptop. The smartphone when connected to the laptop is like the brain while the laptop is like voluntary body parts interacting with the brain. While most smartphones have the raw computing power needed for ordinary users, they cannot replace the laptop or desktop due to the physical design. This was inspired by the Motorola Atrix. It's a phone in which the phone can be used as a standalone device with an option to connect it to a laptop dock to make it function as a laptop. The problem was that it was a great concept but the laptop was bad as a product. The OS and hardware running it will be from the same company. This is to keep things simple for everyone. While Apple appeals to a premium interest, my OS and devices will appeal to a low and mid tier interest. This is to appeal developing and developed markets. Target costing will be a given. It's when a price is set then the product is designed around the price. It's different from doing the design then trimming later. The apps for the OS will be designed with an adaptive UI. It will ensure the UI makes sense in smartphone, tablet, and desktop mode. Runtime environments will be used to run Android and Windows apps too. Later on, I'd like to make an advanced variant of the OS for advanced desktop and workstation computing. It can run all the apps for the regular variant as well as advanced programs. If worthwhile, hypervisor support may be added. All devices will use the ARM CPU ISA. This is to keep everything uniform. The devices will use either IPS and/or OLED displays. Interchangeable batteries will be a given. A concise product line up will be used to benefit everyone. Long term support of at least 5-10 years will be a given. No garbage apps will be bundled. App stores and third party apps will be welcome. The low level stuff will be based off the Linux kernel. This is to avoid building from the ground up. I prefer to expand the company instead of selling it. How do you recommend I go about finding people to work with me on the OS and devices? How should I go about getting prototype made. What advice do you have in general? [link] [comments]  |
| looking to buy a flight booking application both mobile and web Posted: 07 Apr 2020 05:06 PM PDT I am wondering whats the best between buying off the shelf solution or getting it developed from scratch. I found a place where there is no such solution where every booking has got to go through an agent and I want to try to be the first and provide the solution. Basically, I am looking for all platform application ios, android, and web. Is there a market place where I can buy such a solution in the first place? Or, is there an affordable team that I can hire to develop the solution so that I can test the market before heavily invest. although I prefer not to be specific about the place just to give an idea online payment does not exist in the country. In addition, currency conversion has its own drawbacks for people to use already existing sites such as google flights [link] [comments]  |
| Future of Crowdsourcing studios? Posted: 07 Apr 2020 01:15 PM PDT Hello, Any idea on the possible growth of crowdsourcing studios in coming future compared to traditional ad agencies or regular video producing studios? Do you think these crowdsourcing companies would have longevity or long term traction? These crowdsourcing studios would work on contest based model, like allowing people or freelancers to submit their ideas and developing those ideas in to original content videos by paying the winners at each phase. Please let me know your thoughts? Thanks in advance [link] [comments]  |
| Framework for evaluating if there is room for competitors in an industry Posted: 07 Apr 2020 10:55 AM PDT I'm looking for a (mental) framework for evaluating if there is an opportunity for entering a given market.
I know this is difficult to create a catchall framework for any business-- but I think it's possible to compile some general guidance to get somebody thinking in the right way. The easy cop-out answer is "if you have some sort of inherent advantage" to the competitor, but I think in many cases/businesses you can carve out a space for yourself without any obvious advantage to a competitor. Would love the community's hot take on the subject. [link] [comments]  |
| Founder CEO/CxO's - Please Share Your Experiences Posted: 07 Apr 2020 08:34 AM PDT Hey Everyone Hope you are all well. I was hoping to hear from those of you who are founders or founder CEOs/CxOs on what it has been like for you becoming a leader, leading others in your vision, adapting to managing people etc. What have been your biggest hurdles to overcome? Were there any particular resources - i.e. books, mentors, YT videos etc that were able to help you in any way? I'm a first-time founder and thought this video on the Y-Combinator YT was pretty useful. Look forward to hearing your experiences! [link] [comments]  |
| Suggestions of places to post a social photo app Posted: 07 Apr 2020 12:46 PM PDT I'm looking for places (subs, sites, groups, anything) to post an app we developed, as well as ideas of how to get traction. It's an app that fits well this time of quarantine, in which you can take a picture with multiple friends remotely, but at the same time. It could be a fun thing to do in this time we're all stuck at home. What would be good strategies to acquire users for such an app? [link] [comments]  |
| Looking for advice, our pre-pivot model is getting traction, mid-pivot. Posted: 07 Apr 2020 10:43 AM PDT TLDR; We launched our product and saw little traction. We decided to pivot to a new product idea using our platform. In the meantime, our product has started growing significantly. Should we stick with the pivot or go back to the OG product? We launched our service around November 2019. It's simple to use CDN that pairs with your Cloud Storage. Initially, I thought the use case would be asset hosting, videos, images, app assets, PDFs. As we developed the product, my co-founder (a designer) started using it for building websites and found `syncing` changes from his laptop to a CDN to be exhilarating. It differed from Netlify in that it was a CDN down model, i.e. content is made available and cached on-demand from the CDN, where-as Netlify is a build-up model. We thought this would appeal to designers and developers. Just before launching, we went to a JAMStack conference and realized the future of the frontend was technologies that were built and compiled on the backend. This was not what we designed our platform to do, and while we considered making a build system, there was no compelling reason why, and no problem to solve; Netlify is a sound system. We aren't sure that people hosting small websites will ever convert to subscribers either (we aren't a website builder). Since then, We see a high number of signups, but for web hosting, despite the fact that we removed all website branding/marketing. The question we are dealing with is: do we want to shut down these use cases forcibly. They cost money in resources, but more importantly, in time; time in customer support; time in bug fixes; time in scaling use cases which I'm not sure will ever develop real value. We do believe in our pivot, and we've seen some good indicators, but sometimes a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. We haven't been adding any new web features, but we haven't removed any features either. We know the conventional wisdom is to hard pivot and direct all resources towards your winning vision. In our case, our pivot uses the same technology bed and just builds on it, extends it, and doesn't necessarily exclude these users. Maybe its a bit intoxicating to have real users too. [link] [comments]  |
| fast methods for product interest testing? Posted: 07 Apr 2020 05:59 AM PDT Hello, In times like this Im trying to look and research what to sell and promote. I have few ideas and products i would like to see potential of selling. But I need to see fast are they gonna fly or no. What are the fast methods to test if a product has interest among people? Super plus if its also cheap method, like popup traffic for example [link] [comments]  |
| Start up co-founder how you deal with ego related problem and the strategy of decision making ? Posted: 07 Apr 2020 08:46 AM PDT I'm working as free-lance maybe this question seems to be dubmb for you but i'm working since 10 years by my self as solopreneur and when i think about join a group or found a start up, i have always the same kind of fearful thoughts. An entrepreneur Should have an intuition and not make all the times logic / obvious move. There is also an ego problem in there when every co-founder think He is making the différence and he spend more efforts in the project than other maybe it's cognitive biais but i seen maybe projets fails for this reason And Last thing is the decision making, decision in our times Should go fast when it depends to many person it can be a problem. As teams of start ups how do you deal with this ? And how do you think sucessful startups deal with this kind of problem ? [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 07 Apr 2020 07:02 AM PDT Tried the well-known mailchimp for the first time and boy that didn't fit the common use case which is to send an email to a single email address. I'm talking about those welcome email when user signed-up, reminder email to fill extra info, payment received email when user makes the payment etc. There are some mailchimp 'hacks' which could work for some time like manually trigger a campaign from their V3 API but then there are also hardcore limitations like you can't send the same campaign again to same email even if you unsubscribe and archive that email in mailchimp crm. An email can go through tag based automation only once! etc. Clearly mailchimp wasn't built for this purpose so they came up with https://www.mandrill.com/ . You can buy emails but unused emails get expired at the end of month (wtf business model), and, mandrill also requires you to have a paid account on mailchimp. wtf again! So, Is there any SaaS product which supports automation for both campaign and transactional emails and must have support for zapier! We're a small startup and would require no more than 1k emails per month so would be nice if they offer a free tier :) [link] [comments]  |
| Found a Lead Developer, now I need to issue a stock option plan. Unsure of how many shares? Help! Posted: 07 Apr 2020 05:26 AM PDT I have found a Lead Developer for my very early stage startup - MVP stage. He seems to be great to work with, however not at a CTO/Co-Founder level. However, the plan is for him to refactor our MVP and having him commit in the long run. I'm going to pay him a salary out of my pocket, about 30% below market rates with the promise to adjust it once we raise VC money. I need to offer him stock options to cope with the current lower salary. I have quite a few templates, but I'm unsure of the below: - How many shares? I'm not sure whether the guy is actually going to be able to become a CTO, or if he's just going to stay as a developer and will be managed by another CTO in the future. It's a big question mark for now. I will preface that I'm a solo-founder and not incorporated as an LTD yet. The plan is to do so in a few months. But I need something for him to sign to show that I want to commit to him. Thanks so much for your help [link] [comments]  |
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