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One pattern that has held-back my personal side-projects from ever achieving any real value (other than my own education) is that I'm always finding ways to dr

One pattern that has held-back my personal side-projects from ever achieving any real value (other than my own education) is that I'm always finding ways to drop back of schlepping and back into experimentation and analysis. Knowing this tendency in myself has held me back from any serious contemplation of actually quitting my job to start a business; I can schlep with the best when the goal is in sight and preferably there is a gun to my head (like an insane deadline I've signed up for). But I don't know how to do it when the value of the work is questionable, or so far down the road that I can't really see it from where I am now. I'm constantly plagued with "what if no one ever wants to use this?"

RyanZAG 14y ago
Great point. From what I've read and experienced, you're right on the money: there is a very good chance no one ever wants to use it. Don't let this paralyze you though - it's why the idea of an MVP and Kickstarter are so popular right now. The best advice I've heard on this topic: just give it the best shot you can, fail fast if it doesn't get traction, and try to learn as much as possible from failing so that your next project is less likely to fail. This gives you a really great deadline too: MPV in 2 months, fail if no traction in 6 months (or even faster?). Alternatively, if you really don't like the above idea or you can't build your idea into an MPV in a couple months, stick with your current job and work on your product on the side. This let's you take as long as you need to make the product, removes the pressure of starving, and can turn into an enjoyable hobby even if you don't get much traction.
thirdtruck 14y ago
I empathize with this to no end. For that reason, I may take the several novel series in my mental queue (some drafted, some not) and, instead of bringing any one of them all of the way to polished books, start with short stories in their settings. Whichever ones people read - never mind buy - go to the top of the "write more" list. Short stories as MVPs. The metaphor could apply to all manner of projects.

RyanZAG 14y ago

Great point. From what I've read and experienced, you're right on the money: there is a very good chance no one ever wants to use it. Don't let this paralyze you though - it's why the idea of an MVP and Kickstarter are so popular right now. The best advice I've heard on this topic: just give it the best shot you can, fail fast if it doesn't get traction, and try to learn as much as possible from failing so that your next project is less likely to fail. This gives you a really great deadline too: MPV in 2 months, fail if no traction in 6 months (or even faster?). Alternatively, if you really don't like the above idea or you can't build your idea into an MPV in a couple months, stick with your current job and work on your product on the side. This let's you take as long as you need to make the product, removes the pressure of starving, and can turn into an enjoyable hobby even if you don't get much traction.

thirdtruck 14y ago

I empathize with this to no end. For that reason, I may take the several novel series in my mental queue (some drafted, some not) and, instead of bringing any one of them all of the way to polished books, start with short stories in their settings. Whichever ones people read - never mind buy - go to the top of the "write more" list. Short stories as MVPs. The metaphor could apply to all manner of projects.