2. DON’T: Get Comfortable
You have one goal:
Build a product people will pay for.
!
Your time is limited…
Don’t waste any of it.
3. DO: Assume Year 1 Rev. == $0
You’ll Build it. They’ll Come.
You’ll get Filthy Rich.
!
Wrong.
It takes time and effort to lock in
recurring revenue. Be realistic and
expand your runway.
4. DON’T: Overthink Design
Product changes daily
Your design from today won’t be
there tomorrow.
!
Save your money
And find a designer willing to design
a style guide to set your direction.
5. DO: Skype with Your Heroes
They’re people just like you.
And they love helping others.
As long as they believe you’re
willing to listen and learn.
!
Reach out on Twitter.
Make it about them.
Make them feel awesome.
6. DON’T: Get Distracted by Clients
Client work tends to get in the way
of product work.
Don’t Let It.
!
Look out for red flags, charge 5x
your normal rates, and try to
productize your consulting.
7. DO: Accept Client Work
You want to live in a world where
you can work on your own
projects 24/7.
But you’re not there yet.
!
Don’t turn away a good client gig…
But stay focused on product.
8. DON’T: Build 2+ Products
One software product is enough
work to build, let alone market.
!
You can’t be distracted by building
two different products. You think it’ll
be easy for you.
It won’t be. Trust me.
9. DO: Market 2 Related Products
As you build your list of beta testers,
you should be cross-promoting a
second, related product to the same
audience.
!
It costs you nothing,
and gives you options.
10. DON’T: Listen to Popular Advice
Common advice is common because
it is how most people believe you
should react to events.
!
Nothing about what you’re
doing is common.
So be careful who you listen to…
11. DO: Listen to Other Entrepreneurs
Seek out a support group, a chat
room, a forum. Any place you’re
surrounded by others doing what
you want to be doing.
!
Ask for advice. Learn from those
more experienced than you.
12. DON’T: Let Your Health Suffer
Create your minimum viable workout.
!
Do it. Every. Single. Day.
At a bare minimum, go for a walk or
stretch/meditate for 30 minutes.
!
And eat healthy. You’re only human.
13. DO: Structure Your Days
Find your most productive time of
day. Regularly do your most
challenging work during that time.
If you work from home, leave. Go to
a coffee shop. Go for a walk.
!
Enjoy your freedom.
14. DO: Ask Me Anything
I love helping other entrepreneurs.
Find me on Twitter: @SDMattG
I’m Matt Goldman.
I started Small HQ with my girlfriend
and we run two analytics products:
HookFeed and Minimalytics.
