Startup to Last

Topics this week:Rick is feeling burnt out. We discuss how he noticed, and what he's doing to fix it.Rick's baby is expected this next week, so the next two weeks of the podcast will be pre-recorded episodes.Tyler is drowning in meetings.Tyler gives an update on his new content site.We talk a bit about SEO.Rick is looking for two plugins to help with his Webflow site.We have both received our first vaccine shots, and we discuss what it would look like to re-open an office.Rick has realized how personal the information he needs from customers is, and how that impacts trust building.

This discussion dives into how the new stimulus bill will reshape health insurance for entrepreneurs, making it more accessible. They also reflect on the juggling act of parenthood and managing projects. The conversation reveals enterprise sales as a form of project management, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and communication. Additionally, they analyze the significance of Zapier's acquisition of MakerPad in transforming the no-code ecosystem and enhancing sales practices.

Topics discussed:Indie.vc is shutting downRick gives a revenue and churn update.Rick is preparing for the birth of his first child, but has one more big project to finish first.Tyler recaps the first week of results after launching Less Annoying Business last week.We discuss whether it makes sense to build an audience.Tyler is trying to get help with Elasticsearch from his online community.We discuss the long, slow SaaS ramp of death.

Topics we covered today:Rick finished his goal for February of automating the monthly emails at Legup Health.Tyler gives an update on his new small business advice website. How do you like that link building I just did?Tyler remembers how fast a project can move when you don't have legacy code slowing you down.We discuss a variety of tools used to build a content site, especially Webflow and ConvertKit.Tyler used Fiverr for the first time to hire a designer.We discuss multitasking for motivation.We both prefer creating content from our own personal voice rather than on behalf of the company.We brainstorm what's next for Less Annoying Business/

Topics discussed this week:Rick is learning more powerful no-code tricks with Zapier, and advancing his PHP knowledge.We discuss the best way to learn how to write secure code.Tyler is wrapping up a big project which involves setting deadlines. We discuss healthy vs. unhealthy deadlines.Tyler is brainstorming content marketing approaches which is tough because he's not an expert on the topics his customers are most interested in.We discuss Rick's learnings from Peter Drucker.We talk about the idea of running an online competition

More topics:We discuss the state of independent SaaS and what it means to have a very low payback period.Rick has installed a development environment and is learning to code again.Tyler is almost done getting ready to switch the LACRM marketing site to Webflow.Tyler is considering trying out Mixpanel.Salesforce is going more remote. What does that mean for San Francisco.We discuss Tyler's tweet thread about his internal dashboards.We talk about the Trends.vc report on competitor risk.

Other topics this week:Rick officially launched a "give back" programRick decided not to post internship openings until post-parental leave.Rick wants to start a group focused on reaching local consumers.Tyler is planning an at-home retreat.Morale is a bit low as covid drags on.We discuss a specific UI decision LACRM is facing.We discuss aligning what you want to have happen with what will actually happen.

Other topics this week:How Robinhood's recent controversy applies to Rick's business model.Rick received his first cancelation.Twitter acquired Revue.Rick is working on a low-code solution to an automation issue.Tyler is close to closing a deal with an enterprise client.We discuss how to handle security audits (e.g. SOC 2 compliance) with enterprise customers.

Other topics this week:Less Annoying CRM hit $3 million ARR, and the tweet about it got a lot of engagement.Rick paid out referral rewards to his clients.Rick explains his buyer journey exercise.Rick reflects on the value of customer appreciation.Tyler has been a guest on several other podcasts.We discuss how to react when a competitor launches.We discuss the idea of building buffer into everything we do, and how it relates to the startup to last philosophy.

Other topics this week:Tyler reviews what he learned from last week's DDoS attack.Rick has planned out the year and feels good about his ability to get it done.Rick is allocating 50% of his time to promotion and 50% to automating his product.Tyler is about to start teaching a design course.LACRM is close to finishing a migration to Webflow.We discuss Clubhouse.Tyler is getting a Peloton.Rick is experiencing anti-depressant withdrawal syndrome.