Episode 687 | An 8th Thing You Should Never Do, Things That Don't Scale, and More Rob Solo Topics
Nov 14, 2023
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Rob Walling dives into the pitfalls founders should avoid, adding a crucial item to his list. He critiques Meta’s new ad-free subscription services for Facebook and Instagram, sparking an interesting discussion. The conversation then shifts to the value of manual processes in startups, highlighting insights from Paul Graham about the importance of doing things that don’t scale. Real-world examples showcase how manual onboarding and direct customer interactions can help validate ideas while building a strong foundation for growth.
Startup founders should focus solely on their main venture to prevent diluted commitment that can deter potential investors.
Introducing subscription models like Meta's ad-free services signals a shift in user preference for paid experiences over free, ad-supported ones.
Deep dives
The Importance of Focus for Startup Founders
Startup founders should prioritize focus in their ventures to ensure success. Taking funding while simultaneously working on side projects creates a lack of clarity and commitment that risks undermining the primary business. Constantly dividing attention among multiple pursuits dilutes the potential for growth and achievement, as effective development typically requires dedicated time and effort directed towards one idea. Founders who chase the entrepreneurial dream of launching numerous projects often find themselves spread too thin, ultimately sending negative signals to potential investors about their commitment.
Subscription Models for Ad-Free Experiences
Facebook and Instagram are introducing subscription options in Europe that allow users to enjoy ad-free experiences, complying with local regulations. The subscriptions are priced at $10.50 on the web and $13.75 on mobile devices, and this development highlights a growing trend of offering paid versions of platforms to eliminate advertisements for users who prefer a cleaner experience. Many individuals, including those with a history of paying for premium ad-free services like YouTube, welcome this model as it provides a choice for users willing to invest in an improved user experience. However, concerns remain about whether this pricing structure will be rolled out in other regions, particularly in the United States.
Doing What Doesn't Scale to Validate Ideas
The practice of manually fulfilling services in the early stages of startups can provide valuable insights before transitioning to automated systems. Startups like Stripe initially onboarded customers manually to identify pain points and ensure they were adding true value to their offerings. Founders are encouraged to prioritize understanding customer needs and validating their ideas through personal interaction, even if it involves labor-intensive processes that don’t scale. Successfully proving demand and willingness to pay through hands-on engagement can inform future development choices and enhance overall service efficacy.
In episode 687, join Rob Walling for a solo adventure where discusses a variety of topics. He revisits a recent episode to add one more item to the list of things founders should never do. Rob also offers a hot take on Meta’s new subscription plans and weighs in on a Hacker News post about doing things that don’t scale.
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Topics we cover:
1:50 – There’s one more thing that founders should never do
8:44 – Facebook and Instagram will offer a subscription for no ads
12:42 – Ask HN: Paul Graham’s “Do Things That Don’t Scale”
19:53 – Lugg, doing what it takes to prove out an idea
If you have questions about starting or scaling a software business that you’d like for us to cover, please submit your question for an upcoming episode. We’d love to hear from you!