The startup black hole, it's a dark and confusing place

9 pointsby windarchvor 14 Jahren5 comments

Recently there has been a glut of posts discussing the dark times during a startups journey, right now thats something I can totally relate to. I regularly meet with other startups in their infancy, they have all had an idea that's been validated by friends and loved ones, the initial buzz of launching has passed and in sets the fear and confusion of what happens now.

It starts with questioning everything, why is our traffic not exploding? where is the hockey stick growth I'd anticipated? then the realisation that you never actually validated your idea in the first place, there was no plan to get into a market, simply launching and tweeting should have been enough. This generally lasts for 2-3 months, followed by a succession of pivot ideas, each one is spun up to the point of identifying features and getting that excitement back and then shot down when you inevitably find a flaw in the plan, or realise it's been executed perfectly elsewhere.

Desperation starts to creep in, the runway shortens and pivots tend to get more extreme. It's easy to pick out the guys that are in this trench, they stop talking about what they are doing, and are more interested in you than they have ever been. Failing, going through this process and surviving seems to be the journey most people go through. If you can avoid the cracks, keep some focus and hang in there you've got a shot at being one of the few that make it through (it's that easy right?)

if you are feeling the pinch or can relate to this, share your thoughts ,maybe it'll help someone!

2 comments

Mzvor 14 Jahren

You have probably seen it but, in case you haven't: http://jacquesmattheij.com/Welcome+to+the+Pit+of+Despair

If it makes you feel any better: I am trying to develop and monetize my websites while homeless. Joy.

Take care.

rmATinnovafyvor 14 Jahren

Could you send me an email?

rm at inovafy dot com

I'd like to talk to you about your situation.

Mzvor 14 Jahren

Email sent to rm at innovafy dot com. First email failed. I hope this goes through. If not, my email is in my profile.

Thanks.

rmATinnovafyvor 14 Jahren

Sorry about that. I mispelled it. it is innovafy with 2 n's.

[deleted]vor 14 Jahren

skootervor 14 Jahren

A dark and lonely place indeed. I have this idea I've been working on, but I can't decide whether it's a complete waste of time or something that could really take off.

For example, this morning I didn't want to get out of bed because I had had no motivation and couldn't see the idea going anywhere. I need to fail quickly and cut my losses I say to myself.

Finally I get up (cats are hungry) look at the website and felt a sudden rush of hope and inspiration. It all made sense again. I spent the entire day today working on it.

Unfortunately, the feeling of hopelessness is back again. I feel like I should've spent my time doing something else. Anything else.

I've never been so schizophrenic about an idea in my life. Hope me!