Comments on: Life as an Entrepreneur

By: @kristyoshita

@kristyoshita — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:43:53 +0000

That's pretty funny. I get the same thing with talking about being a business owner in general.

I think that the web is evolving so fast that it's less surprising and exciting; we now expect it to improve that fast, which I think is why people are not all in the *new* internet thing.

By: Sean Coleman

Sean Coleman — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 04:57:25 +0000

I don't think I would agree that the first and only immediate goal should be user growth. If you're branding yourself as a free product and gain significant traction by doing so, it will be more difficult to convince users down the road that your "free product" now has a price tag, or any monetary value. Maybe the revenue model evolves to allow for free usage, but I believe revenue model concepts go hand-in-hand with product ideas — they may not be completely fleshed out at the beginning, but you better have an idea of how the business is going to make money. After all, it is a for-profit business your starting. Unless, of course, it's a hobby project and revenue isn't a big concern, then it's a moot point. And if you're looking for investment (even F&F) you better have a plan to generate revenue, or you'll be called crazy – and not in the positive "you're a crazy entrepreneur" way.

By: Ralph Miller

Ralph Miller — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

You’re a funny guy. But really, I’ve got this great idea for a startup…

Yes, I’m guilty of many of the things you’ve mentioned. And I’m sorry. I think people express their interest and concern in different ways, and yes, some of them may seem annoying. For instance, the whole “making money thing” is brought up because they care about you and they want you to succeed (oh yeah, and we don’t want to have to support your wife and kids when you’re hauled off by your debtors).

But seriously, your line about following your vision and thinking about others is vital, and you’re right on. Everyone should approach life in this way and I admire you for it. I hope you make the best site out there. I just hope when you’re rich and famous that you’ll remember me (and the fact that I helped you earn your first dollar by trying out Firefox). And if you’re reading this, you really should give it a try by Clicking Here!

You may also have noticed that I’m using HTML now! I owe that to you! I started learning how to “do it myself” since you won’t fix my computer…or work on my startup or my meditation website. I really am grateful for your help in expanding my horizons! Perhaps some of your readers could benefit from visiting those sites…?

Here’s to a successful and fulfilling life, in every way, living for the benefit of others while sharing something of importance and value. May your project bring you everything you desire to attain from it.

By: Curtis

Curtis — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

No reason to be sorry, Ralph. You are just one of many asking me about money, telling me your idea and trying to get me to work on your startup. BTW, I don’t think I used the word ‘annoying’. I was just making an observation about how people are reacting to my role change.

Congrats on learning HTML! See, it’s not that hard. Good luck with your websites.

I also hope you are enjoying Firefox. If you are using it to test your website, then check out the Web Developer extension. It is a great tool for modifying your site in the browser. If you are using JavaScript, then try FireBug.

By: Millarian: What is an entrepreneur?

Millarian: What is an entrepreneur? — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[...] Over the holiday break I had a chance to talk with a lot of friends and family members about starting a company. I have been working on this venture for a few months, but had been keeping everything hush-hush. Most of them had no idea what I was doing. So, I decided to spill the beans and talk openly with people I know I can trust for an honest opinion. Just like I said in a previous post, reactions were mixed. [...]