7 ms·

Oh yeah, I'm aware this guy is just here to sell his $10/month network of entrepreneurs. To be honest, it's not hard to find other solopreneurs struggling - I a

by neilk 13y ago

Oh yeah, I'm aware this guy is just here to sell his $10/month network of entrepreneurs. To be honest, it's not hard to find other solopreneurs struggling - I already connect with people this way for regular check-ins, and for much of 2013 I even set up a regular Google Hangout to do that. But it is at best a minor help, at worst a distraction. It doesn't come close to replacing a cofounder who will force you to talk through important issues, who will dive deep with you into the product. I answered the question because it was worth crafting an answer, for me.

melling 13y ago
Yep, we're the business model. There are lots of struggling entrepreneurs so they can charge a small recurring fee and make money. Btw, there's another "selling shovels service" for finding a cofounder too: http://founderdating.com http://founderdating.com The problem is that most of these services don't really add much value. You get a few connections, lots of advice, and you're still on your own.
mijustin 13y ago
There have always been communities and clubs for entrepreneurs + tech folks (Rotary, Chamber, Homebrew Computer Club). I wanted to recreate that feeling I get when I'm hanging out at a conference (in the hallway, after sessions) with other attendees. Being able to talk to smart people, exchange ideas and tips, on a regular basis is super helpful.
- neilk 13y ago
  Fair enough but that doesn't really correlate with willingness to spend $10/month on some site that doesn't already have a reputation. These sorts of things need some nucleus to form around, some other reason for being there that attracts smart and creative do-ers, and that will repel wannabes and service providers (lawyers, accountants, etc). Often I find the best "networking" happens at events which are completely unrelated to anything businessy.
  - mijustin 13y ago
    Yup, I agree. The "nucleus" of our group were smart people I'd met through my podcast (Product People). We only let 5-10 people in at a time, and the monthly cost itself keeps most trolls away. ;) The group has a great diversity: everyone from people building their first thing, to folks that have already built big (million+ in sales) businesses. Clearly, choosing a group to belong to is a pretty personal choice. Our group isn't going to appeal to everyone. ;) (And correction: it's actually $20/month! There are other active + healthy communities that are $34-$100/month out there as well)

by neilk 13y ago

melling 13y ago

Yep, we're the business model. There are lots of struggling entrepreneurs so they can charge a small recurring fee and make money. Btw, there's another "selling shovels service" for finding a cofounder too: http://founderdating.com http://founderdating.com The problem is that most of these services don't really add much value. You get a few connections, lots of advice, and you're still on your own.

mijustin 13y ago

There have always been communities and clubs for entrepreneurs + tech folks (Rotary, Chamber, Homebrew Computer Club). I wanted to recreate that feeling I get when I'm hanging out at a conference (in the hallway, after sessions) with other attendees. Being able to talk to smart people, exchange ideas and tips, on a regular basis is super helpful.

neilk 13y ago
Fair enough but that doesn't really correlate with willingness to spend $10/month on some site that doesn't already have a reputation. These sorts of things need some nucleus to form around, some other reason for being there that attracts smart and creative do-ers, and that will repel wannabes and service providers (lawyers, accountants, etc). Often I find the best "networking" happens at events which are completely unrelated to anything businessy.
- mijustin 13y ago
  Yup, I agree. The "nucleus" of our group were smart people I'd met through my podcast (Product People). We only let 5-10 people in at a time, and the monthly cost itself keeps most trolls away. ;) The group has a great diversity: everyone from people building their first thing, to folks that have already built big (million+ in sales) businesses. Clearly, choosing a group to belong to is a pretty personal choice. Our group isn't going to appeal to everyone. ;) (And correction: it's actually $20/month! There are other active + healthy communities that are $34-$100/month out there as well)