Homesteading for Freelancers

Matthew Bass 3.36
Adeptware, Inc.
4 talks
Description:

Teascript is a Rails-based application that went live in late 2006. It generates and manages academic transcripts through an AJAX-enabled interface. The application was built using the principles outlined in 37 Signals’ book ‘Getting Real’ as well as many of Nathaniel Talbott’s ideas about ‘homesteading,’ building targeted revenue-generating niche web applications. In this talk, Matthew will outline how he used the homesteading mindset to go from an empty Rails project to a fully deployed, usable web application generating passive income on a monthly basis. If you’ve ever been interested in creating your own software product, this talk is for you. Join Matthew for an interesting look at how software developers can leverage their talent to quickly build small, agile services that target specific niches, with the goal of creating passive revenue streams.

Transcript

1. for freelancers Homesteadinghttp://www.flickr.com/photos/adelmann/4980641058/
2. goals we’re capable of more than we think...
3. homesteading self sufficiency and creative thinking...
4. “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face... Do the thing you think you cannot do.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
5. teascript? and various other philosophical questions...
6. getting real 37signals build less stay lean manage debt
7. “The old school model of shipping software in a box and then waiting a year or two to deliver an update is fading away.” — Getting Real
8. catch an idea find a target niche pick something easy solve one problem
9. taking off scope out the competition create a skeleton app post a teaser page
10. build what they need beta testing use the feedback be willing to change
11. build what we need dashboard / charts automation
12. when to stop minimum viable product don't get sidetracked we’re never done
13. <gasp> deployment </gasp> VPS vs. shared Apache proxying Mongrel Phusion Passenger Capistrano, baby
14. mar-ki-teeng email / blogging let others spam for you speaking for fun and profit Google AdWords
15. a/b testing customer development strategic alliances refinement
16. the FAQ timely replies refunds? support
17. the buck starts here payment systems subscription vs. one time tracking expenses
18. how, again? set some goals stake out some land work, work, rest relax... it's only ones and zeros
19. more... teascript.com gettingreal.37signals.com matthewbass.com @pelargir