You’ve got an idea you’re certain is a winner, a plan to make money and the beginnings of what you are sure will be a future internet powerhouse. Inevitably while you sit crafting your plans you will start working out some figures for this new venture. So you start throwing around imaginary numbers. A certain number of people visit the site, so many sign up, another number purchase and then probably you do some calculations, a x b x c = You are going to be rich, rich, rich! (more…)
Since 37Signals famously built a business providing well made web apps for small business, there have been a host of great services launched in their mold. One of my favourites has always been a company called LessEverything. A small (but growing) team out of Florida, the guys at LessEverything have a deservedly successful app called LessAccounting that does just what it promises. Built on a freemium business model the app has been followed by LessTimeSpent and LessProjects along with a whole bunch of neat, quirky and fun side projects. I caught up with co-founder Allan Branch to talk about development, marketing and the business of web apps! (more…)
The world is rife with business opportunity, and nowhere more so than online. I often think of the web as something of a wild west frontier, awaiting anyone intrepid enough to stake out a claim. But to start an online venture you first need to have an idea of what you want to do. For many would-be entrepreneurs ideas are many and easy to come by, but not everyone feels this way.
Some time ago I met a very talented developer who was independent and industrious, more than capable of developing a brilliant web app. Despite wanting to start some sort of online business of his own, he was hamstrung, for he wasn’t sure what exactly to build. I remember being asked how I found so many different business ideas, and my on-the-spot reply went something like “uhm… they like, just pop into my head.” Not exactly a useful reply!
With a bit more thought and contemplation I’ve decided to catalogue some different methodologies for finding a business to get into. The post is split into five parts, each one detailing a different angle. (more…)
In a time when layoffs abound, it’s unusual to find a startup that is not only retaining staff, but in fact adding them as Netvibes, the provider of customizable start pages is doing. In fact there’s a lot to be surprised about with Netvibes. They have forgone the obvious route of ad dollars and experimented with a series of innovative and successful monetization strategies including enterprise services and brandable products, while still sticking to their core product. CEO Freddy Mini took some time out to talk to the Netsetter about the process of consolidating a startup, the French startup scene and the future of start pages. (more…)
A couple of years ago there used to be this program on cable TV about renovating homes called Property Ladder. It was a great little show that followed various aspiring property developers as they attempted to buy, renovate and then sell property in the UK. The host of the show, one Sarah Beeny, would advise the would-be property magnates on keeping costs down, being sensible about what sorts of choices they made and generally helping them to make a profit. (more…)
