Advice on software startups
Well, I have an idea, which I think it is very cool, and also have potential to package as a service. But it is only the idea, I need a product or service to make a living or earning cash flow, also, I need to test the product to see if it is really profitable or not. My current plan is like this:
- Current - 03/2012 Developing the software
- 04/2012 - 07/2012 Open public beta. Improving the software. Giving the beta software to the public, friends and community.
- 08/2012 - After Set up a company, and start licensing the software, and related service.
- Someday that the company can made end meet - Quit the job, and full gear to the company.
What do you think? Any advice on that? Thanks.
Software Micro Startup Software Licensing
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Your plan sounds good to me. However, the problem with such plans is that people get busy in life and drop the idea in either the development stage or the public beta stage. If you think you'll not give up, go ahead ! The other options are - 1) Get the software created on vworker or elance.com so that it gets developed even when you're busy 2) Create a very basic version and get early feedback from the public and improve iteratively. 3) Create a demo and get investors/clients to fund your development. – Abhinav 12 years ago
1 Answer
Having a broad plan like you have done is great and an essential model to making your idea a reality. What you have described is a common process to creating a startup whilst still employed.
What you should now do is start building in smaller steps in to each phase of your plan. That will help validate whether your timeframe is correct. For example in your first phase (late November 2011 - March 2012, 4 months) you might have an idea of what is required to get your software to beta: whether it be a minimum set of features, a staged development model, or a target number of beta testers to attract.
The further you refine and break down your timeline the easier it will be to stay on track. If you knew that at the end of each week what needs to be achieved you will far more likely stay on track. You need to track your progress and keep a steady pace... even during those downtimes when you start asking yourself why am I doing this again? Like the saying goes... by the mile it's a trial, by the yard it's hard, but by the inch it's a cinch. Cheesy, but effective.
As you progress you will hit roadbumps, opportunities, all manner of distractions that may affect your schedule. Keep measuring where you are, where you need to be, and work out the steps to get there.
Just don't lose sight of your goal! Every action you take should be inching towards what you want to achieve.
Good luck!
