The beginning of the year is the time for New Year’s Resolutions – you know, stop smoking, drink less, be nicer to the wife, or in my case, start a new business. Having worked for the last four years three months and ten days for the company that acquired my first business, I decided a few months back that it was time to do something different, and branch out again on my own.
So, as of 1 January 2010, I find myself no longer employed, and wondering what to do next. In anticipation of this event, I registered a UK company, imaginatively called Cornerstone Technology, but the obvious question is what does it do? The truth is, as at the time of writing, I have no idea. However, this isn’t as worrying as it might first appear. This presents a tremendous opportunity to do things a little differently to the first time around.
Learning By Making Mistakes
First time around, despite having enormous energy and enthusiasm, I had no idea how to run a software company when I started (eleven years ago today). Although ignorance is no real defence, the business operated with a Joel Test Score of 0 (yes, zero!) for its first three years. By the time we were acquired in 2005, I would guess we were up to a far less embarrassing 10 out of 12. As you might imagine, the absence of these basic ‘hygiene factors’ made for mediocre quality products and some fairly long working days and nights in the early days.
Second time around, things are somehow different. Although my drive and energy isn’t what it used to be, at least I know of the existence of the Joel Test. Moreover, having worked for a 1000-person company for the last few years, I have an idea of what works and what doesn’t in software development, and have learned the value of having some sort of strategic focus, as opposed to the previous ”work hard and hope for the best” mindset. In short, it has got to be better the second time around, surely…?
The Opportunity…
Having a blank sheet of paper, and knowing so much more this time around seems to present an opportunity. It occurred to me that I should put the experience of starting a software business in today’s world, recessionary pressures and all, into the public domain, where it could hopefully encourage others thinking of starting out on their own or already in the throws of running a software busines. I have had the opportunity to read reasonably widely around the subject of the software business world, and have had the privilege of getting input from events such as the Business of Software Conference - hopefully I can add some value to other people’s experiences.
Over the coming weeks and months, I plan to write regularly about the development of the business – both good and bad – interleaving that with insights gathered from previous experience and from expert writers in the field. Readers will get a ring-side seat to watch how the strategy and direction for the business takes shape. I look forward to sharing the journey with you!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Looking forward to hearing some insight and ponderings, and am keen to see how the business develops. Good luck with the new endeavour Steve.
Thanks for the kind wishes Vince – certainly interesting times…
It is not the easiest of times to start anew but having experienced the amount of energy you are able to invest into a project I am sure you will pull it off. I wish you the best of luck.
Thanks Martin – some would say that now is a great time to start a new business – see this article for example. However, I don’t imagine it is going to be a walk in the park! I appreciate the kind remarks & must say I really enjoyed working with you too
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All the best in the new enterprise Steve, whatever it may turn out to be. I shall be watching developments with interest.
Thanks for the kind wishes John – appreciate the interest – hope I won’t disappoint!
Keyword is ”learning”, Steve. When you learn –from successes and mistakes – then you’re still in business. That is the only thing you must be true to in your endeavor for a new software startup. I have met a lot of people who stopped learning (or at least it seemed like they stopped) – and then they looked 20 years older than their birth certificate documents. You’re learning in big doses from now on with Cornerstone Technology no matter where you end up.
“Having a blank sheet of paper, and knowing so much more this time around…“ is also the mindset you find in e.g. Japanese martial arts. You start out as a beginner with a white belt, progressing through the grades, finally a black belt, and then in some styles you go back to a white belt. Back to white but “knowing so much more”. So that makes the best foundation for a good start.
Give it your best – and your best is good!
Thanks for the wise words Christian – I’m reminded of the phrase “it’s not so much about the destination as it is about the journey” – I hope I’m still learning in twenty years time.
That’s true! As long you’re learning, having fun and not just going in circles, then the journey is more important than the destination.
Steve,
This is great stuff as you know myself and Stuart have had a similar experience. I’ll be watching closely and good luck.