Matt Gordon, former software engineer turned entrepreneur, discusses his journey from consulting to product development. Topics include team structure at Expected Behavior, challenges of running a small company, early experiences with technology and entrepreneurship, and transitioning from consulting to product development.
Finding joy in the work and creating a company culture that encourages enjoyment is crucial in building a business.
Transitioning from a consulting business to a product company requires clear communication and problem-solving to overcome challenges.
Consulting work provides clarity, immediate feedback, and a tangible impact on clients' businesses, but the constant need to please clients and limited decision-making authority can be challenging aspects.
Deep dives
Building a Business and Making it Enjoyable
The podcast episode discusses the idea of building a business and finding joy in the work. It emphasizes that while some people might get lucky and make a lot of money quickly, for most individuals, working for most of their lives is a reality. Therefore, it is important to settle into the fact and strive to make the work enjoyable. The episode highlights the importance of finding satisfaction in the work you do and creating a company culture that encourages enjoyment.
The Challenges of Transitioning from Consulting to Product
The hosts share their experience of transitioning from a consulting business to a product company. They discuss the challenges and struggles they faced during this transition, such as the cultural disruption within the company and the difficulties of balancing both consulting and product work. The episode highlights the importance of understanding the significant differences between these two types of businesses and mentions the necessity of clear communication and problem-solving to overcome these challenges.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Consulting
The podcast episode explores the benefits and drawbacks of working in a consulting business. It acknowledges that consulting work provides clarity and immediate feedback as you work directly with clients and solve their problems. The hosts discuss how consulting allows for a heightened sense of expertise and fulfillment in delivering successful projects. However, they also note that the constant need to please clients and the limited decision-making authority can be challenging aspects of consulting. They reflect on the satisfaction derived from making a tangible impact on clients' businesses.
Navigating Business Partnerships and Friendships
The episode touches on the topic of going into business with friends and managing business partnerships. The hosts share their own experience of building a business with a close friend and discuss the importance of open communication and problem-solving in maintaining a successful partnership. They emphasize the necessity of setting clear boundaries, addressing disagreements, and knowing when to fire someone if necessary. While acknowledging the potential challenges that can arise, they also highlight the benefits of working with friends, particularly in terms of shared values and genuine care for each other.
Lessons Learned and Appreciating the Journey
In the final segment, the hosts reflect on the lessons they learned throughout their business journey. They acknowledge the importance of being patient and not rushing the growth of a business. They discuss the need for continuous learning and adaptability in order to navigate the ever-changing business landscape. Lastly, they express gratitude for their experiences and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through their work, emphasizing the value of finding enjoyment and satisfaction in the work we do.
In 2007, young aspiring software engineers Matt & Jason set out to build the perfect startup: a SaaS product. They did everything right. They had plenty of runway, moved in with Jason’s mom and eat, slept and breathed their startup. It had all the right features. It didn’t work. But they knew they could build good software and set out to start consulting. Fast forward several years later and they’re a growing team of friends building products. How’d they do it? Listen in to find out!
