There’s a fine line between preparing too little and preparing too much. The former leads to failure. The latter, to nowhere.
Listener of the show, Adam, has an idea he really believes in. He’s worried about walking that line. What’s the right amount of prep before he launches?
After an unusually large portion of ballyhoo we dive right into Adam’s question and share what we’ve learned about the balance. Enjoy!
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“At what point should you say, “I’ve prepared, I’m confident and now it’s time to launch.””
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Adam’s Question:
If you want to know what’s on my mind literally at this moment (as in tonight), it’s how to find the line between good preparation and launching recklessly There’s a lot of talk about “MVP” and “just get it out there” and “if you’re not disappointed with your launch, you waited to long”, etc. But I think something gets lost in that mindset.
I’ve built most of my projects with the “build it and they will come” philosophy. But I REALLY believe in my newest project, and believe it has the potential to become a full-time/rest of my life kind of gig. Which means, I need a plan. I don’t want to waste initial momentum. I want to really prepare well for success, rather than just throw it out there and see what happens.
BUT (there’s always a but), I’m not sure where that line is. At what point do I say, “I’ve prepared, I’m confident and now it’s time to launch.” How do I know when I’m there? Or better yet, how do I know when I’ve crossed that line and am just being the self-doubting, perfectionistic ass hole that I usually am?
Doug’s Sketchnote
Friend of the show Doug Neill made this little sketchnote of the episode we wanted to share with you here. Thanks, Doug!
Show Notes
Roderick on the Line – The Best Of — My favorite podcast right now (besides YMIW). This is a list of the best of.
The Gently Mad – Goodstuff FM — This is Adam’s podcast. Here is where he interviewed me!
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott — My #2 book on writing.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King — My #1 book on writing.
James Franco & Seth Rogen – Bound 3 (Vague) — Speaking of yeezus.
Learn how to set goals that actually stick!
The Top 10 Mistakes in Online Business
Every week we talk with entrepreneurs. We talk about what’s working and what isn’t. We talk about successes and failures. We spend time with complete newbies, seasoned veterans, and everything in between.
One topic that comes up over and over again with both groups is mistakes made in starting businesses. Newbies love to learn about mistakes so they can avoid them. Veterans love to talk about what they wish they had known when starting out.
These conversations have been fascinating, so we compiled a list of the 10 mistakes we hear most often into a nifty lil' guide. Get the 10 Most Common Mistakes in Starting an Online Business here »
Thanks for the “Roderick on the line” lead. Hearing it right now. Probably ironic that I’m using my time to come here and comment, but, you know, I like you guys.
RotL is #1 on my list right now. Best show.
I am struggling with the same question Adam has. In my situation I am planning to do a Kickstarter Campaign. I have been talking about it for probably 6 months but just started to take action with it.
Thanks for another great episode. I hope to get away from planning the launch and start moving towards a launch date…. My goal is to launch in October.
Ha! Corbett to me: “oh you have a kingdom? maybe that’s my problem.”
I listen because…well with keeping with the Forrest Gump metaphor…
Your show is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get…then you get to the end and turn the box over and you have a little “chocolate picture map” and you’re able to go “oh, that’s what that was”…
Ha! This is great. Thanks, Marilyn.