3 ms·

It took several read-throughs to work out what you are saying, but I think you're asking this: I want to purchase services from a small company - a start-up -

It took several read-throughs to work out what you are saying, but I think you're asking this: I want to purchase services from a small company - a start-up - but in doing so I run the risk that they won't prove to be viable in the long-run. Choosing them is a risk. How can I assess that risk so I can make a sensible choice? Is that right? If so, I don't have any answers, and it depends greatly on the services you are purchasing, the amount of lock-in, the promises made, and whether the founders/owners will be able to behave honorably in the case of a failure.

fnid2 17y ago
Yes, that's what I mean, exactly. When you are building a business you want to know that you are basing it on a firm economic foundation that will last. Just like building a house. You want to use good wood that will last a long time. Further consider that I can build many of the services myself. In a way, I'm paying someone else to save me the time in development and maintenance that it would cost to do myself. How do I measure those costs as a small business? I'm also considering it from the POV of a provider. How do I structure a business that is profitable and long lasting? As an entrepreneur, I have many curiosities in areas that are not my traditional money making mechanisms. Software vs. Hardware for example. Not a lot of employers can afford to allow their employees to play around with robots, but as a small business, it's possible to do both and be profitable and even create some residual. How do you attract customers by being that kind of business? The question is doubly important for entrepreneurs. Perhaps more, but I am finding it increasingly more difficult to measure risk and reward and make predictions about longevity of organizations and services.

3 ms·

It took several read-throughs to work out what you are saying, but I think you're asking this: I want to purchase services from a small company - a start-up -

by RiderOfGiraffes 17y ago

fnid2 17y ago
Yes, that's what I mean, exactly. When you are building a business you want to know that you are basing it on a firm economic foundation that will last. Just like building a house. You want to use good wood that will last a long time. Further consider that I can build many of the services myself. In a way, I'm paying someone else to save me the time in development and maintenance that it would cost to do myself. How do I measure those costs as a small business? I'm also considering it from the POV of a provider. How do I structure a business that is profitable and long lasting? As an entrepreneur, I have many curiosities in areas that are not my traditional money making mechanisms. Software vs. Hardware for example. Not a lot of employers can afford to allow their employees to play around with robots, but as a small business, it's possible to do both and be profitable and even create some residual. How do you attract customers by being that kind of business? The question is doubly important for entrepreneurs. Perhaps more, but I am finding it increasingly more difficult to measure risk and reward and make predictions about longevity of organizations and services.