We have a project. Can we build a company?
Question from HL:
I have a potential project from a prospect. I think there are other people who have the same problem. Can we build a product in parallel as we are delivering the project?
My take:
It is tempting to attempt going after the "two birds in one stone" model. Get the customer to pay for the project but actually build a product out of this rather than just delivering the project. In reality, it's way more complex than the way it appears on paper.
Delivering a project and building a product are VERY different. The team that is required to deliver the project will usually be a sub-set of the team that is required to conceptualize, build, market and build the product. If you don't take care, you will end up with a sub-optimal product with an unhappy customer - meaning you will neither have the product nor the customer.
More than anything, a soul searching question will be:
Delivering a project and building a product are VERY different. The team that is required to deliver the project will usually be a sub-set of the team that is required to conceptualize, build, market and build the product. If you don't take care, you will end up with a sub-optimal product with an unhappy customer - meaning you will neither have the product nor the customer.
More than anything, a soul searching question will be:
Is "having the project" the reason why I want to build a company or is it because I am passionate about this space?
If it is the former, chances are you are going in the wrong path.
Related Reading:
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More about Rajesh Setty
Blog: Life Beyond Code | Twitter: @UpbeatNow | Website: Rajesh Setty | Have a Question?
More about Rajesh Setty
Blog: Life Beyond Code | Twitter: @UpbeatNow | Website: Rajesh Setty | Have a Question?
