#113 Why Chance the Rapper Started Selling His Music, Free Invoicing and Accounting software, Bootstrapping series
I am really starting to explore the opportunity to do work that will free up time and location. This year I will take on more projects, create & experiment more and understand the how to automate the boring stuff which will introduce me to new tools in payments, invoice, book keeping, etc - all the Sole Trader stuff.
Sub-consciously, I am modelling thse that have created profitable lifestyle businesses and I am also keen to hear more stories about people who ran profitable businesses but still decided to go public.
Why Yoms?
The way I see it, you should have the freedom/control of your business for as long as you’re motivated to pursue it’s mission; Some people, might not need to go through rounds of funding (Series A, Series B, etc) but that doesn’t stop them having the option to go public later.
Prototyping
Layout Land
It provides guides for best practice ways to achieve certain layouts
Gradient Magic
A gallery of fantastic and unique CSS Gradients.
Insights
The story of Superhuman
Dope episode of Acquired that I got introduced to recently.
I am starting to a be a little interested in what happens when companies decide to ring that bell.
Rahul (the CEO) went to an Oxbridge Uni; listening to his story was interesting because I had to keep reminding myself that his perspective is different.
How’s man raising 750K in his seed round (LOL)
The guy understands how to build great products, how to focus on user needs, he’s technical, he can raise money and understands what investors want. Early on he realised he didn’t want to do a PhD and instead hussled his way into Cambridge’s Entrepreneurship programme and convinced investors to give him money without taking equity. What a guy!
Enjoy
How to count the number of rows in a table in SQL Server
Ever thought someone could make SQL look less boring? It’s not that SQL is boring, its just I remember all those old school documents and book like how it was taught in school.
This guy clearly loves SQL and I’m here from it because I like to learn from people
Passwords Are Dead… Again
Interesting discussion by one of the Operating Partners at Andreessen Horowitz.
A scan of anonymized data from 20,000 inboxes in 2015 found that the average user had 90 online accounts and projected that number to double every five years… we’re just one year away from doubling again.
TL;DR
Password security is becoming more and more imporant
I personally use LastPass and I’m looking to get a YubiKey (basically a hardware key for authentication) as it integrates with LastPass
Makers
Free Tools and Resources to Help Build Your Web App
Need a cool tool in any of these categories. Check below
Design resources, learning & Inspiration
Images, icons & patterns
Frameworks & templates
General Tools to help get things done!
Business
Testing and launching
Bootstrapping Series
An honest look at bootstrapping and building a startup in 2018.
Award-winning financial software designed for entrepreneurs
Free invoicing & accounting software with credit card processing & payroll services
Got recommended this over Invoice2Go
Bootstrapping reality
An honest look at bootstrapping and building a startup in 2018.
Culture Chat
Why Chance the Rapper Switched His Strategy
Came across this blog post from Trapical - home for breaking down the strategic moves that shape the culture (and I love the visual storytelling).
The Chicago rapper proudly pushed record labels away to maintain ownership of his masters, publishing, and distribution. He put his music out for free and earned revenue solely from touring, merchandise, and endorsements.
Have a read Hip Hop fan ;)