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Solo.im – A single founder peer group

solo.im

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Re: Solo.im – A single founder peer group

#11
post #7

I am a single founder and I was really tempted to apply. But I decided I won't. I read all the copy, it is interesting. I went all the way filling the form, until the last question before the submit button. And there it was, the one question that made me (i) stop, (ii) wonder if this was for me and (iii) decide it wasn´t. (i) What made me stop? The field was asking my Google+ account. They say the community will run…

We looked at lots of different community software. Cost came into it too - so it came down to Google+, Facebook or Linked In Groups. We chose G+. On iii) we are working on improving this all the time

Most community software would give people the option of G+, FB and LI identities, on top of regular email identity. I can't imagine the cost/hosting of something like buddypress or elgg would be all that burdensome, which would give you multiple social logins as well as keeping things in-house vs under google's control.

You're trying to go after a rather single-minded crowd (solo founders) and you may end up losing a fair amount of value from people that won't bend to your identity requirement.

Re: Solo.im – A single founder peer group

#12

I love the idea, but there needs to be more information. Where is this geographically? Are there separate SF and NY groups? Additional ones? Do they meet in person? How often? Or is this all via webcam and e-mail? Is this more mentoring or support? More one-on-one or group? What kind of a time commitment are we talking about? Is the 150-member limit per geographic area, or global? Why 150, if it's all groups of 4-8 a…

* Mastermind groups are run on Skype or Google Hangouts

* It's a global group

* We have group owners (volunteers) who start groups and organise them to suit their goals and timezones

* It's mostly a tech / web audience

* It's more support and accountability than mentoring

* Mastermind groups are run bi-weekly (depends on the group owner). We're looking to introduce weekly mastermind groups on specific subjects i.e. PR, SEO, pricing, partnerships, etc.

* We also include a weekly summary / round up of discussions that have taken place in the group that week and on Mondays people post their goals for the week, which other people comment on / offer help / ask questions

Re: Solo.im – A single founder peer group

#13
post #10
post #7

I am a single founder and I was really tempted to apply. But I decided I won't. I read all the copy, it is interesting. I went all the way filling the form, until the last question before the submit button. And there it was, the one question that made me (i) stop, (ii) wonder if this was for me and (iii) decide it wasn´t. (i) What made me stop? The field was asking my Google+ account. They say the community will run…

As a single founder with experience I feel compelled to give you an advice: the biggest danger you're facing is worrying about the wrong things. When you get company you can talk abou things you are worried about, and having talked it out loud you get a better grip on it, and even some feedback. When you're all by yourself, you might start worrying about something that's not worth the attention, or even get obsesses…

Google+ was just number i). And number i) was just what made me stop to think about the rest. Number ii) and iii) are the reasons I didn't apply and are consequences of me having time to think, not directly of number i).

TL;DR: Google+ was not the reason I didn't apply.

Re: Solo.im – A single founder peer group

#16

How does pruning occur? It says it is limited to 150 people. Presumably over time you'd want new people/refresh the ranks. How do people get evaluated and eventually (in cases that need it) forcibly dropped?

Thanks - good question.

In terms of "forcibly dropped" - the group is run free of charge, so contribution is key. No contribution = "forcibly dropped". Contribution means taking part in a mastermind group, discussions or asking / giving help.

On evaluation, I'd like to move to a democratic way of evaluating it where the group or a group within the group decide. I believe that's what http://yec.co/ do.

Re: Solo.im – A single founder peer group

#19
post #7

I am a single founder and I was really tempted to apply. But I decided I won't. I read all the copy, it is interesting. I went all the way filling the form, until the last question before the submit button. And there it was, the one question that made me (i) stop, (ii) wonder if this was for me and (iii) decide it wasn´t. (i) What made me stop? The field was asking my Google+ account. They say the community will run…

Soneca, i've saw in the other thread about stackoverflow that you are from Brazil.. i'm also trying to bootstrap a thing on my own.. and i'm brazilian too..

So maybe we can start this open group.. with two? maybe add more people later? i dont know if i will help you out.. maybe i give you bad ideas.. rsrs.. who knows?! but at least we can try??!

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