You know that old saw about a plane flying from California to Hawaii being off course 99% of the time—but constantly correcting? The same is true of successful startups—except they may start out heading toward Alaska. Many dot-com bubble companies that died could have eventually been successful had they been able to adjust and change their plans instead of running as fast as they could until they burned out, based on their initial assumptions. Pyra was started to build a project-management app, not Blogger. Flickr’s company was building a game. Ebay was going to sell auction software. Initial assumptions are almost always wrong.
Don Schenck
on 06 Jan 10This is so true. I forget where I heard it, but the best self-employment advice I ever got was to NOT be afraid to change my plans, to adjust to the desires of the marketplace.
I started out by trying to be the Network Manager for many small companies. Small companies don’t want to pay for Network management.
I, instead, have been surviving by offering my (excellent) development skills to larger companies.
And now, I’m at work learning Ruby and RoR to build my own pay-per-use website. Yes, I know I could have it done in no time if I used my existing skillset (.NET), but I’m taking this opportunity to learn a new skill.
I could always go back to modelling—I’m pretty much gorgeous.
COUGH
Bill Rice
on 07 Jan 10I think we are seeing (or should see) this more with the dramatic economic correction. It is smart to be aware and have a willingness to accept this option.
We felt it when the mortgage and banking collapse instantly turned 75% of our receivables into bankruptcy notices, literally overnight.
We survived by re-inventing. Now we are stronger, more diversified, and having more fun!
Great strategy reminder.
This discussion is closed.