Startup fromScratch

Jim Hoskins and Nick Pettit

Startup fromScratch

Done21 became an LLCa month ago, but we’vebeen operating sincearound July 2008.

Startup fromScratch

Since we started, we’ve learned a few things…

Startup fromScratch

1. Find a partner• Partners keep you motivated.

• Designers, find a great developer.

• Developers, find a great designer.

• Look for synergy. This might take time.

Startup fromScratch

2. Talk to your partner• Chat is nice. Logged chat is better.

• Have a way to post stuff. Not email.

• Disagree on things.

Startup fromScratch

3. Make time for stuff• Time won’t find you. So look for it.

• Sacrifice some of your fun time. If this isn’t fun to you, then why do it?

• Find a rhythm. Be predictable.

Startup fromScratch

4. Get yourself out there• This is what we’re doing right now.

• Get on every FaceSpace you can.

• Get out and meet people in person.

Startup fromScratch

5. Contribute something• Write a company blog.

• Give back to the community.

Startup fromScratch

6. Focus• Work on one big project at a time.

• Just release. It will never be Done.

• Set a deadline. Maybe say… FOWA.

Startup fromScratch

7. Be a little shameless• Today we launch our 1st big product.

• Say hello to Belongs to Me.

Startup fromScratch

8. Use good tools• We use Macs, TextMate, Git, Rails

• Make deployment one step.

• Use the right tools. If you don’t need all of Rails, try Radiant CMS or Sinatra.

Startup fromScratch

9. Funds• Don’t take money. Don’t use money.

• Split it 50/50.

• Have a business model.

Startup fromScratch

10. Legal stuff• LLCs are low maintenance.

• Get a business bank account.

• Be honest with your day job boss.

Visit us:

Done21.com