From freelance software engineer to exited SaaS business owner.

Coding Chats episode 36 - Rob Morgan shares his journey from being a traditional software developer to becoming a successful freelancer and eventually launching his own SaaS product. He discusses the importance of client interaction, the challenges of freelancing, and how he identified a niche market in the window cleaning industry. Rob emphasizes the significance of networking, understanding user needs, and the iterative process of product development. He also provides valuable insights for aspiring freelancers and entrepreneurs, including tips on pricing and customer engagement. In this conversation, Rob shares his entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on the successes and challenges of his first SaaS business, Cleaner Planner, and the lessons learned from its eventual sale. He discusses the importance of timing, customer engagement, and the pull demand in business success. Rob also delves into his transition to a fractional CTO role after selling his second venture, highlighting the challenges of rebuilding a software product and the need for effective marketing strategies. Additionally, he expresses his interest in starting a podcast focused on the journeys of SaaS founders, aiming to create a community for early-stage entrepreneurs.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Freelancing

05:40 The Transition to Freelance Work

12:40 Navigating the Freelance Landscape

20:00 Challenges of Freelancing

26:46 The Shift from Freelancing to Startups

30:30 Finding the Right Startup Idea

38:12 Building a Community Around a Niche Problem

51:23 Navigating the Challenges of Growth and Exit

57:42 Reviving Skills and Embracing New Technologies

59:30 The Journey of Rebuilding Software

01:02:26 Understanding Customer Needs and Market Dynamics

01:05:22 Navigating Marketing Challenges

01:06:55 Transitioning to a Fractional CTO Role

01:10:12 Exploring Future Opportunities and Podcasting

01:13:17 Building a Community for Founders

Rob's Links:

https://trialtopaid.iohttps://linkedin.com/in/rbdmorgan/

John's Links:

John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/

John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett

John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett

John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social

Check out John's software engineering related newsletters:

Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.

Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.

Takeaways

Rob transitioned to freelancing after feeling stifled in traditional roles.

He values client interaction for understanding user needs.

Freelancing can be a rollercoaster of feast and famine.

Rob's first freelance project came from a connection in affiliate marketing.

Sales for Rob is about consultative problem-solving, not traditional selling.

Freelancers should network to find clients and opportunities.

Rob's SaaS idea emerged from identifying a niche problem in the window cleaning industry.

Engaging potential customers early can validate a product idea.

Pricing should reflect the value provided and be competitive. Rob reflects on his first business success and the lessons learned.

The importance of timing and recognizing opportunities in business.

Customer engagement and understanding needs are crucial for success.

Rob's experience with the challenges of marketing a new product.

The significance of having a pull demand rather than push in business.

Rob discusses the natural end of his first business and the decision to sell.

The transition from being a business owner to a fractional CTO role.

Rob's insights on rebuilding a software product and the challenges faced.

Rob's plans for a podcast focused on the journey of SaaS founders.