Startups:  Start  Here  by  jeffreylgoode@gmail.com  

7/29/14  

The  Wrong  Way  !   Idea  1:  Apply  the  Field  of  Dreams  approach,  “If  we  build  it,  they  

will  come!”  –  similar  to  reference  in  1989  Movie,  Field  of  Dreams  

!   Idea  2:  Assume  that  as  a  software  developer  you  can  start  and  run  a  software  company  –  debunked  by  the  E-­‐Myth  series  of  business  books  

!   Idea  3:  Assume  that  getting  a  catchy  web  address,  trademarking  the  name  and  incorporating  your  company  name  will  move  you  toward  success  –  attempted  many  times  by  yours  truly  

!   Idea  4:    Assume  that  since  a  company  has  raised  millions  of  $  in  venture  capital  that  the  business  idea  must  be  a  good  one  –  debunked  by  yours  truly  

The  Right  Way  

From  Diana  Kander  (2014-­‐06-­‐30).  All  In  Startup:  Launching  a  New  Idea  When  Everything  Is  on  the  Line  (p.  xvii).  Wiley.  Kindle  Edition.    Invest  $11  in  the  Kindle  version  to  discover:  

!   IDEA  1:  Startups  are  about  finding  customers,  not  building  products  

!   IDEA  2:  People  don’t  buy  products  or  services;  they  buy  solutions  to  their  problems  

!   IDEA  3:  Entrepreneurs  are  detectives,  not  fortunetellers  

!   IDEA  4:  Successful  entrepreneurs  are  luck  makers,  not  risk  takers  

Furthering  Your  Education  

! https://www.udacity.com/course/ep245    

! http://theleanstartup.com/    

! http://www.amazon.com/The-­‐E-­‐Myth-­‐Revisited-­‐Small-­‐Businesses/dp/0887307280