Ask HN: idea for a startup, how important should be the path to revenue? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: idea for a startup, how important should be the path to revenue?

#21

Post by Modernnomad84 » Tue, Nov 02, 2010, 4:54 PM UTC

It's not a business without revenue, it's a hobby. If I were you, I'd look at lucrative niches and find out how you can do it better or cheaper or just as good and just grab some market share.

As a graduate of CS, you have a mind that functions in a unique way. If you set your mind to water delivery, a dry cleaner, or real estate, you would likely approach it in a way that few of your competitors do. Capitalize on that.

If you have to 1. create the market and then 2. create a business on top of it, you are making twice the work for yourself.

Re: Ask HN: idea for a startup, how important should be the path to revenue?

#22

Post by codyguy » Tue, Nov 02, 2010, 5:16 PM UTC

Do you really have plans for both paths you talked about? Doubt it. Do you have what it takes to execute that plan? If you do have a plan you think can execute to generate revenue from day one, why don't you test that out? It probably won't work out the way you think it would. Meanwhile, be careful rejecting job offers outrightly. If you do have a choice in jobs, look for a place that might allow you to sharpen some important skills you think you need as an entrepreneur (preferably get into a startup). A job might be important especially if you've never shipped anything and a CS degree might not teach you those practical skills.

Re: Ask HN: idea for a startup, how important should be the path to revenue?

#23

Post by vgurgov » Tue, Nov 02, 2010, 6:14 PM UTC

jbail wrote: post #4

If you don't have an idea yet, why are you refusing job offers to start a yet-to-be-determined company? Anytime someone asks "What kind of business should I start", the correct answer is none. You should continue learning, working on things and find your passion. That passion will create an undeniable pull that will lead you to starting a business you'll stick with through good times or bad.

good advice, but i dont think it works in 100% cases. do you think wufoo guy was sooo passionate about online forms?

sometimes you just can clearly recognize some opportunity (or need) and start from there.