Building On the Side

Key takeaways

Balancing consulting work and product development can provide financial stability and valuable experience.
It’s easier than ever to start projects today, but the challenge lies in maintaining attention and relevance.
Success is unpredictable; focus on the process and learning rather than just outcomes.
Adopt a growth mindset and enjoy the journey, regardless of whether each project becomes profitable.
Be passionate and dedicated to your ideas, but also remain realistic about the chances of success.

Summary

Juggling Consulting and Product Development

The podcast opens with Kimberly Rhodes reading a listener question from Siddharth, who is looking for advice on balancing a consulting business while developing side products. Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson share insights from their experience with 37signals, emphasizing the importance of enjoying both roles, consulting for income stability, and not settling for a dead-end job. They highlight how the modern landscape makes it easier to start projects yet more challenging to gain attention, and stress the significance of realistic expectations while pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.

The Easy Part vs. Staying Power

Fried and Hansson discuss the paradox of entrepreneurship: it's now easier than ever to create something due to advancements like AI and low hosting costs, but staying relevant and attracting customers is the real challenge. They encourage listeners to consider consulting as a better approach to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey. By placing emphasis on consulting gigs, one not only earns income but also builds a foundation for future product endeavors.

The Unpredictability of Success

The hosts dive into the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurial success, sharing anecdotes from 37signals’ ventures—some notable successes like Basecamp and others less so. They discuss that success does not always correlate with effort or expectation. It's crucial to focus on enjoying the process and learning regardless of the outcome, as the ability to experiment and improve oneself is intrinsic to growth.

Mindset Matters: All Outcomes Count

Listeners are encouraged to adopt a growth mindset when pursuing side projects. Fried and Hansson emphasize that the journey of creating something valuable is as important as the potential financial outcome. They argue that aspiring entrepreneurs should maintain enthusiasm for their projects, regardless of whether they become profitable, as every endeavor can yield valuable lessons and improve one's skills.

Navigating the Balance of Ideas

The episode closes with a discussion about knowing when to pivot or focus effort on a particular idea. The hosts recommend dedicating time to projects that have the potential to be strikingly good while being prepared for the possibility that they may take longer to succeed than anticipated. They advocate for a hopeful yet realistic approach—acknowledging that while pursuing passion and excitement in projects is essential, understanding the realities of market competition is equally important.

Show notes

Have a day job but dreaming of launching the next big thing? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, a listener question sparks a conversation with 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson about juggling consulting work while building products on the side. They share real talk about timing, expectations, motivation — and why your side project should serve you, even if it doesn’t turn into a smash hit.

Key Takeaways:

00:12 – Host Kimberly Rhodes reads a listener question about balancing consulting with product building
01:01 – Why it’s easier than ever to build something—but harder than ever to get noticed
05:48 – The barrier to entry is low, but staying in the game is the hard part
08:05 – There’s no formula for what will take off and what won’t
13:08 – Aim for more than just small wins—set bold goals
16:04 – You have to be fully invested if you want your idea to stand a chance

Links and Resources: