2017 IN RETROSPECT. RUNNING THRIBYTE
Well, the phrase “Starting a Product is Hard” is generally an objective statement in the tech space. However, you’ll believe me that running a company is a lot harder and can’t be less, considering the pulsating state of our economy. This time, it was at it nadir. In times like this, only three things could push one beyond the limit. First, availability of customers and strong network effect. Second, available cash-flow that would be pleasing to your runway and finally, drive, even if none of the above existed. In our own case, it was the drive. The drive was so strong that it outwitted every barrier.
There wasn’t any cash-flow in the bank, no network advantage. But, we only believed and this belief kick-started our maiden company. Starting a company is easy. Get a lawyer, fill some papers, pay some dues, wait for a while and outer comes your certificate. Operating daily as a business entity really is where the challenges emerge. I know prior to starting (based on previous test cases) that nobody would take a bullet to the detriment of their financial crippleness. Not even the founders. So, before the thought of building a culture or motivating the team to a higher performance, certain things have to be catered for and finance is peek on the list.
This was dilemma 1.0. In solving this, we had options. We could seek out clients, execute jobs and get paid. At the same time, we have a goal. We wanted to build a scalable solution to address a niche problem. Prioritizing our goal means limiting our option and still surviving all along. We had to turn down multiple projects looking so attractive in cash but could signal an end to our early movement. Focus is highly necessary when building a structured environment that would encourage innovation and with this in mind, outer distraction isn’t an option. Like the saying, If you want to eat shit, don’t nibble. We pushed on with the team in full work mode and I, finding every model that works. At the end, we found solace. We survived 2017 with the team refreshed for the next challenge ahead of 2018. Though, our white Christmas was slightly stained as efforts have to be put in place to meet some of our objectives for the year.
In General, just like with every new startup, 2017 was a challenging and adaptive period for us. But, at the expense of everything, “TO GOD BE THE GLORY (PHIL 4:20)”. We finished a product and we look forward to its launch in early 2018.
