

Startup to Last
Rick Lindquist and Tyler King
Two founders talk about how to build software businesses that are meant to last. Each episode includes a deep dive into a different topic related to starting, growing, and sustaining a healthy business.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 28, 2023 • 42min
The pricing change I didn’t want to make
This week, we talk about a pricing change we recently announced at Less Annoying CRM. We dive into the history behind the decision, how it was communicated, what it means for the finances of the business, and more.

Aug 31, 2023 • 43min
Reorg
In this episode, we discuss a hodgepodge of things including a company reorg, growth tactics, and more.Here are all the topics:Rick updates us on LegUp Health's progress. He talks about working on the sales pitch, building momentum, staying focused, and more.Tyler is merging two teams at LACRM. We discuss what the impact of that change might be.We spend a while discussing different growth ideas, especially related to sales and outbound marketing.

Aug 15, 2023 • 49min
Execution eats strategy for breakfast
In this episode, we talk about how both of us are refocusing on execution. Here's the full topic list:Tyler is trying to focus everyone at LACRM on the top priorities including:Having the devOps team do a bit more normal software engineering work.Offering customer service people a chance to work on marketing and sales.He himself is starting to code again.Rick explains how LegUp Health is focused on execution and it seems to be working.Rick/JD hired a sales coach.Rick talks about what he learned from the book Amp It Up.Tyler poorly explains why LACRM is going to work on a feature that isn't the top priority.We talk a bit about how to optimize a support teamRick is starting to think about how he can contribute to marketing.

Jul 23, 2023 • 54min
Getting unstuck
In this episode, we talk about Rick’s early signs of success getting out a sales rut, and much more.Full topic list:Rick gives an update on how he and JD are getting out of a sales rut.Rick is busy and has absolutely zero free time.Tyler talks about how he's considering web forms and automations as possible features for LACRM.We discuss an alternative approach to freemium.We brainstorm how to use the "engineering as marketing" approach for LegUp Health, but don't really get anywhere.

Jul 6, 2023 • 60min
You can't optimize nothing
Rick shares the chaos and joy of juggling two kids while balancing work demands. The discussion dives into addressing a drop in client engagement and offers insights on refining outreach strategies. The team also navigates the migration from Google Analytics to Fathom, highlighting the need for meaningful data over complex metrics. They ponder over pricing new features and reflect on the cyclical nature of business growth, emphasizing the importance of real metrics for decision-making. Plus, they explore the value of customer webinars for enhanced software optimization.

Jun 8, 2023 • 56min
Handling sales tax as a SaaS
In this episode, we talk about what Less Annoying CRM is doing to handle sales tax compliance worldwide.Here are all the topics:Tyler has officially signed the partnership agreement with Rick and LegUp Health!Rick is wrapping up a position/brand/story projectLegUp Health has updated their mission and core valuesThings are a bit hectic at LACRMTyler is considering merging his personal blog back into the LACRM blogLACRM is probably switching from Stripe to PaddleRick shares what he's learned servicing the early LegUp Health group insurance clientsWe talk a bit about ChatGPT and how it can be useful for no-code/low-code appsTyler rants about how we talk about priorities

May 26, 2023 • 1h 5min
Recapping the Product Hunt launch
In this episode, we talk about Less Annoying CRM’s producthunt launch, and a lot more.Here's the full topic list:Tyler takes a look back at LACRM's growth history, and explains their new approach to growth.Tyler explains how the recent Product Hunt launch went.Rick has cleared a lot off his LegUp Health plate and is starting to focus on new types of work.LegUp Health had its first partner meeting.April was a record month for LegUp Health.LACRM has their designer back with more hours than ever.Rick is looking to target CPAs as customers.The LACRM coding fellows have started.We discuss how to deal with the low points of being an entrepreneur.

Apr 23, 2023 • 1h 4min
Pivots and renegotiations
In this episode, we discuss some changes to LegUp Health, the end of Tyler's sabbatical, and more.Topics in this episode:Tyler is back from his sabbaticalLACRM is getting ready to launch a major redesignRick gives updates on how the LegUp Health/Benefits plan has changedBecause of the changes, we renegotiated Tyler's compensation and involvement in the companyTyler talks about the difference building a product that customers don't expect to use regularly vs and every-day productivity tool.Rick gives an update on working with a marketing coachWe talk about Seeyafuture.me

Apr 3, 2023 • 44min
Yet another podcast about AI
Come on, you know what we're talking about. It's all anyone is talking about. Sorry, we don't make the rules.

Mar 23, 2023 • 58min
An inside look at building a new product
Dive into the birth of LegUp Benefits with insights on early product development and the importance of customer validation. Listen to team dynamics evolve as a marketing coach is introduced to enhance internal communication. Hear personal reflections on sabbaticals and the emotional rollercoaster of startup life. Explore innovative rebranding and the use of new communication tools for better customer outreach. The complexities of group health insurance and the need for effective payment solutions are tackled, emphasizing strategic approaches to navigating challenges.