The Starting Line - by 37signals

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Review of chapter 1 from Getting Real by 37signals.

All too often startups fail long before they are ever funded. I believe, in many cases, this is largely due to fundamental beliefs that contradict the beautifully simple truths set forth in this chapter.

Build Less
Is it possible to do such a thing in America? We live in a world of larger vehicles, fattier happy meals, bigger houses and wider TVs. In truth, few companies can compete head on in this muscle flexing exhibition. Just take a look at the GM/Chrystler debacle. These longstanding companies are in the bigger, faster, more mindset and look where it has gotten them.

It seems that the vast number of successful entrepreneurs win by going off on a tangent and building something different. Something simple that solves a very specific problem. Not something with an endless mashup of features derived from every competitor in the industry.

What’s Your Problem?
37signals suggest that you should become religious about solving a well defined problem. How do you figure out what the problem is? Just think of something that would make your life easier. You don’t have to solve everything for everyone, just solve one thing for yourself and in the process you are likely solving the same problem for thousands/millions of others as well.

Fund Yourself
What an amazing idea. Everyone else seems to be so fixated by finding people with money and presenting an idea to them that the whole business becomes secondary.

Try building your own product with your own two hands and leverage your own resources before you start asking for help. At the very least this will give you an intimate first hand knowledge of your product/service that can help in presenting your idea to VCs but as 37signals elegantly puts it “Outside money is plan B”.

Fix Time and Budget, Flex Scope
Having a flexible scope is essential. I’ve worked in a fixed time, budget and scope environment and I can tell you that the product absolutely suffers in the end. Something has to give if you expect to maintain a high level of quality. Of the 3 choices I would say scope is the best bet in most cases.

Have an Enemy
This section basically describes the importance of having a clearly defined ‘enemy’ to motivate you on a daily basis. This may be in the form of a company or a pain point. I agree with this assertion but I don’t see any point on elaborating.

It Shouldn’t be a Chore
Again, this is a fundamental driving philosophy for early startups. If it is difficult to go forward with an idea then the idea needs to be either redefined or scrapped for a new idea.

by Dane Lyons