23 things learnt from founding a Tech company..

by Startacus Admin

Cally Russell, young entrepreneur and founder of new social shopping platform Mallzee gives us his pointers (23 of them) on the things he has learnt from founding a Tech Company...

In the lull between the Christmas and New Year when it was still unacceptable to work or email people (well in the eyes of my girlfriend and family anyway) I came across what might be the best blog of 2012, Jason Goldberg of FAB sharing 90 things he has learnt from founding four tech companies.

I've founded one and a half companies, my first was really a lifestyle business and Jason's blog made me think what have I learnt during my voyage. What pearls of wisdom have I learnt in 2012 that I could share? There must be a few, right? We've had some great success stories, won some awards and 2013 is looking like a great year for Mallzee.com with a growing team, exiting our private beta and shiny new offices.

So, totally ripping off Jason's idea I thought I would write the 23 (a quarter of Jason's 90) things I've learnt from founding one tech company...

1.Think big - It's a very British trait to think small and be conservative but in reality your startup needs to have a desire to be a global player. As, no matter what you're doing there will be someone somewhere else working on the same problem and if you don't think big they'll beat you in the long run.

2. Niche it - Don't be afraid to target a niche to begin with and grow from there. Succeeding in a niche area can give you the breathing space to really spread your wings.

3. Work with others - It'll make your company better and can open up all sorts of opportunities, but make sure they're the right people.

4. Learn from others - the best teachers can often be your peers. Get together with them regularly and discuss everything. I do this at least once a month and its massively valuable. Extra external eyes on a problem can really help overcome it.

5. Hire awesome people and total opposites - Awesome people make an awesome company. Find them and infect them with your love of your startup. They don't all have to agree with each other all the time though, so long as they respect each other. Our team is full of polar opposites but they compliment each other and work well as a team.

6. Exercise - A fit body equals a fit mind.

7. Travel - The world is full of of opportunities, don't be afraid to go and find them. I try to go somewhere outside of our home cities at least once a month and meet new people. Ryanair and Easyjet make this possible and having an international network will do you wonders in the future.

8. Play team sports - Playing football or any team sport is a great way to develop teamwork and leadership. If you're a quiet person trying to be a CEO it can also be a great opportunity to find you're voice.

9. Ship early - The only way you'll know if its right is with customer feedback.

10. Traction in one year - Show traction in one year or pivot. That's what we did and its been the best move we ever made.

11. Team - Build one. I started off by myself but its now a team effort and believe me it's a lot easier and a lot better.

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Published on: 14th January 2013