|
Keeping Startup Companies Simple?
By Andy Beard
Expert Author
Article Date: 2008-02-18
This is something that distracts me from my long-term goals.
Paul Graham of Y-Combinator
Here it is: I like to find (a) simple solutions (b) to overlooked problems (c) that actually need to be solved, and (d) deliver them as informally as possible, (e) starting with a very crude version 1, then (f) iterating rapidly.
I suppose that works for a lot of situations however there can always be complications
* Google and compensated links
* Patents - not so much to defend the idea, but for barter
* Major competition from the likes of Amazon & Ebay
* Competition from other people in affiliate marketing
* I am not a programmer
I have kept things pretty much on ice for the last year, though future plans have also prevented other opportunities. It is hard to turn down ideal roles working with someone who would make a perfect partner.
Not being able to tie up knots in the business plans means that there is much higher risk in executing, which subsequently means for the same potential startup investment I might have to hand over more equity and control.
If solutions to the problems were just a formality, it is much easier (ethically) to accept investment from someone who doesn't fully understand the risks involved.
In addition it is much easier to present a well executed beta version to promotion partners and obtain backing - why start small when you already have the leverage for a large launch?
So whilst keeping things simple is ideal for Paul Graham who might typically be looking at 2 college kids with programming smarts looking to create the next cool social site or widget, for me the issues just prevent progress.
Comments
Originally published at andybeard.eu
About the Author:
Andy Beard - Niche Marketing - Blog search engine perfomance, Wordpress and general niche and affiliate marketing tips
|
|
