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I'm finally doing it: bootstrapping my start up.

news.ycombinator.com

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Re: I'm finally doing it: bootstrapping my start up.

#31

Post by codelust »

Congratulations, irrespective of whether you sink or swim, this will change you from here on.

I was in your shoes a bit over 2-years ago and still going at it, so, if I may, give you some pointers.

1. Before you leave your full time job, model your expenses for as long as you can (did that for six months) and make sure you have enough to see you through both good and worst case scenarios. This will also tell you where the stop-loss is for you.

2. Have a list of people who you can lean on for emotional and intellectual support. It only takes one bad day to pour cold water on all the good days. Make sure that you have people who will keep you moored on both the good and bad days.

3. The first month is the toughest one and nothing in the world prepares you for it, especially if you have been securely employed for close to a decade.

4. Make sure you are doing what you enjoy doing & aim for revenue that will take you out doing things that you don't enjoy doing at the earliest.

Good luck, again :)

Re: I'm finally doing it: bootstrapping my start up.

#32

Post by pxstock »

I'm 43 (and a HN-lurker as well) and I am edging towards starting mine too. Having two kids and a house, I think I know how you feel. Must be as scary as it is exciting. Hopefully I will be able to 'join' you soon.

In the meantime: all the best to you and your start up!

And you said it well: I hope we get rich, or at least be profitable.

Re: I'm finally doing it: bootstrapping my start up.

#34

Post by SkyMarshal »

raptrex wrote: post #28

Congradulations and I hope it goes well. Sorry to hijack but I have a quick question for everyone, should you tell your employer that you are making money on the side with the startup and/or have a side buisness?

Is there any reason to volunteer it?

Re: I'm finally doing it: bootstrapping my start up.

#35

Post by cognition »

peteforde wrote: post #23

Congratulations and happy trails! I do have some cautionary advice, though... I say everything here without knowing you, your wife or your idea. First off, make sure that you read this article and follow it unless you have a good reason not to: http://startuplawyer.com/startup-issues/if-i-launched-a-star... Specifically, both you and your wife should have vesting shares. After all, there's a reason that most people d…

On that last point, I always found that an undiplomatic stranger are best sounding boards. Sycophants are as valuable as an overdue bill.

Re: I'm finally doing it: bootstrapping my start up.

#36

Post by kevinelliott »

Congrats! I run a startup too, at the age of 32, and my wife helps me out when she has time (data entry, marketing tasks, brainstorming, etc). It's exciting, but hard work with long hours. After all, you've got to manage finances, licenses, supplies, taxes, development, design, environments, IT, marketing, invoices, inventory, reporting, etc etc.

At some point you may actually need to take the plunge and work fulltime on it if you want to really make it a success, but until then have some fun!

Re: I'm finally doing it: bootstrapping my start up.

#38

Post by jwwest »

jacquesm wrote: post #7

Hehe, smart move on your part. Steady wins the race. Ping me when you're ready to launch (email in the profile) and I'll send you a bunch of traffic. No guarantees of it will convert or not, that depends on a lot of factors but if it won't help it certainly won't hurt. Being in a 'bad' area is also an advantage, if you can make it there you will be virtually without competition. Happy coding!

Hey, thanks. I will definitely hit you up then!

Re: I'm finally doing it: bootstrapping my start up.

#39

Post by jwwest »

Swizec wrote: post #33

Perhaps a stupid question, but why get a tattoo OR start a business? Personally I have my startup's logo tattooed ... it seemed only fitting.

I dunno, figured I had to do something a little risky once in my life. Besides, it makes a great punchline.

Re: I'm finally doing it: bootstrapping my start up.

#40

Post by chipocabra »

Good luck man! I'm sure if you just keep at it it'll work out fine.

But a word of advice, be careful that you and your wife's relationship won't be jeopardized by working together. I don't know either of you but from observing my friends it could put an untold amount of pressure on your relationship.

Your wife will essentially stop being your soother and turn into a business partner(one you live with D:) and thus another source of pressure.

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