Thinking of doing a startup? Really?
With my startup kahub launching any day now, I figure it would be a good time to look back at the entire experience, what I’ve learned, and give any sage advice to any budding entrepreneurs out there. Am I even close to done with this whole startup thing? Not even close. Do I know everything? Hell no. But I figure it may be good to tell people of my experiences thus far.
When I first thought of the idea of kahub, I thought it would be a cool side project. Boy was I naive. Kahub quickly turned from a small little side project, to a pure obsession. Every hour of every day (and night for that matter), I was thinking about kahub, how to make it better, how to expand, etc. Kahub and I were engaged, soon to be married. Now, I really didn’t mind this. I actually kind of liked it. However, one thing that I still can’t stand, is that I can never use kahub as a average user. I am always a hyper-vigilant early adopter. Criticizing every pixel, every interaction, every action. I can never really enjoy my project, because I am always pre consumed with criticizing it. Do I think this makes for a better overall product? Yes. Does this do wonders for my health? Not so much. If you want to do a startup, you are going to have to marry your idea. If you are not prepared for this serious relationship, don’t do a startup!
I always liked meeting people, talking to people. I truly like people. So, co-founding a startup seemed like a good fit for me. What I didn’t realize is that half of my interactions with my developers, at the end at least, were arguments. When people see that you have an idea that could possibly really work, they take advantage of that. If you outsource, which I did, be prepared to deal with difficult people. If you’re not ready to be adamant and show tenacity in the face of ignorance, those “it would be so cool if” moments, and seemingly brilliant ideas, don’t do a startup! You have to learn to say no, a lot.
Would I do this entire experience again? Hell yes. Would I do it completely differently next time? Absolutely.
p.s. sign up for our beta www.kahub.com!
