#63 with Andrew Wilkinson - Buying cash-flowing internet companies, starting job boards and building no code projects
Apr 8, 2020
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Andrew Wilkinson, co-founder of Tiny Capital, shares his insights on acquiring cash-flowing internet businesses and evolving beyond traditional business models. He discusses the early days of COVID-19 and highlights the nuances of being a control freak while learning to delegate. Andrew dives into the profitability of job boards, the potential of no-code projects, and the significance of R&D tax incentives in Canada. With a humorous take on subscription podcasting, he emphasizes innovative strategies for building sustainable business ventures and engaging audiences.
No code platforms enable rapid development without extensive coding, revolutionizing software building and offering opportunities for smaller businesses.
Job boards are a successful business model that thrives online, generating revenue through job postings and requiring a strong reputation within a niche.
No code platforms not only offer prototyping capabilities but also empower entrepreneurs to create profitable businesses, with no code agencies providing streamlined development and cost savings.
Deep dives
No Code: Unlocking the Power of Simplified Software Development
No code platforms have revolutionized the way software is built, allowing for rapid prototyping and development without the need for extensive coding knowledge. These platforms, like Webflow and others, enable users to create both front-end and back-end functionality in a streamlined and efficient way. With no code, entrepreneurs and business owners can quickly build proof of concept models, such as job boards or marketplaces, saving time and money in the process. No code also presents an opportunity to optimize existing businesses, eliminating unnecessary complexity and reducing costs. The potential of no code is vast, providing new possibilities for smaller, profitable businesses that were previously difficult to sustain.
The Rise of Job Boards: A Lucrative Business Model
Job boards have long been a successful business model, capitalizing on classified ads and the desire to connect job seekers with employers. With the shift from print to online media, job boards have seen immense growth, serving as a central hub for job seekers and employers. These platforms generate revenue through job postings, charging fees ranging from $100 to $300 depending on the board's reputation and audience. Job boards are simple to operate and maintain, with overhead costs kept low. However, success in the market heavily depends on building a captive audience and establishing a strong reputation within a specific niche.
Unlocking the Potential of No Code: Enabling Profitable and Streamlined Businesses
No code platforms offer immense potential beyond prototyping and proof of concept development. These platforms empower entrepreneurs and business owners to create profitable and efficient businesses that leverage simplified software development. By reducing the need for extensive coding and technical expertise, no code platforms enable smaller businesses to thrive and compete with larger players. Additionally, no code agencies, like the one launched by Andrew, provide services to help businesses maximize the potential of no code platforms, offering streamlined development and cost savings. No code is reshaping the business landscape, allowing for innovation, profitability, and the creation of sustainable ventures.
Looking Ahead: Exploring New Opportunities with No Code
The future of no code is bright, with various opportunities waiting to be explored. As businesses continue to seek ways to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and bring new ideas to market quickly, no code platforms offer the perfect solution. Entrepreneurs and investors can look for businesses that can benefit from the no code model, whether it's optimizing existing companies or launching new ventures. By harnessing the power of no code, profitability and success can be achieved in a more streamlined and cost-effective manner, opening doors to innovative business models and opportunities.
Importance of Finding Operators
The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding capable operators to bring business ideas to life. They highlight the need for follow-through people to execute and handle the day-to-day operations. An example is given where the speaker played tennis with a furniture designer, saw potential in their work, and quickly connected them with a marketing agency to create a furniture brand. The agency handled the project, and the speaker provided guidance and feedback, but their involvement was minimal. This illustrates the speaker's approach of identifying opportunities and leveraging skilled individuals to bring ideas to fruition.
Lessons Learned and Business Misses
The speaker reflects on their experiences in business and highlights the importance of learning from failures and moving on. They share examples of ventures that didn't work out, such as a dropshipping business for designer cat furniture and a restaurant venture. Through trial and error, the speaker has gained valuable insights into what makes a good business and what doesn't. They discuss the shift in their approach towards buying businesses and utilizing their expertise to optimize and scale existing ventures. The speaker also mentions their interest in subscription-supported podcasting as a potential future business opportunity.
Sam (@thesamparr) and Shaan (@shaanvp) are joined today by Andrew Wilkinson (@awilkinson) who is the co-founder of Tiny (tinycapital.com) - the internet version of Berkshire Hathaway. Shaan also launched a newsletter version of the podcast, subscribe to it to receive startup ideas backed by data in your e-mail weekly: terriblehorriblenogoodverybadideas.com. Want to make your first million with your mobile app? You have to prioritize app performance first. Get your custom HeadSpin benchmark report at headspin.io/myfirstmillion free our listeners! Today's topics: What is Tiny? (4:05), Shaan tried to sell Andrew a business 5 years ago (8:35), Andrew being early on COVID-19 (15:26), Being a control freak & hiring managers (20:35), The perfect cash-flowing companies (31:30), SRED Credits Tax Incentive Program in Canada (36:40), Job board businesses (42:22), No code agencies (48:03), Businesses that didn't work out (56:56), Being broke (59:20), Subscription podcasting (1:02:27) and Modern day newspapers (1:11:18).