Ian Landsman on starting a software company
by Kevin Dangoor
I swear I’m not linking to this article because Ian mentioned me. Ian Landsman, who is in the process of starting up UserScape, wrote a great article for anyone considering starting a software business: Starting a Micro ISV, In The Beginning….. there was nothing. Ian has been following many of the same sorts of people that I have, and the advice he gives is much of the same sort of advice that I would give, only he has written it up in a much better article than the ones I’ve posted so far.
So, if you’re even halfway thinking about starting a software business, read this article right now. And do go to Amazon and buy Purple Cow (and Free Prize Inside!). While you’re at it, you should sign up for Seth Godin’s blog, because he generously provides useful marketing tips every day. You’ll note that Ian didn’t write about the technology choices you’ll have to make. That stuff will work itself out… it’s the product positioning, marketing and fit-and-finish kinds of things that will really take the effort.
Hey thanks for the nice post.
I definitely made an active decision to keep the technology out of the article. I might do something on it down the road, but I think it almost doesn’t matter nowadays.
There are so many good options that all perform well and all basically perform the same functions that the platform by itself isn’t going to give you an edge in the market. I think it’s mostly about working with a platform you feel comfortable on so you can make a great product.
Don’t you just love Seth! I got to go to one of his sessions he used to hold in his warehouse office in Dobbs Ferry a little south of where I live. It was great. It was right when Free Prize was about to come out and he had so many good ideas. I wish it was recorded so I could remember them all.