Last year, when I watched Shark Tank Vietnam – a program for start-up companies, one of my most favourite Sharks was Mr. Phu. I like when he pointed out how small start-ups usually over-romanticise their ideas and ignore the importance of finance. One unforgettable quote from him is “If you lose and go bankrupt, will you work for me to pay the debt?”. I will never forget those hilarious moments =))
But the advice itself is true. I share the same mindset. Romance in love is sweet, but in business, it is a different story. That’s why I decided to start my first app business in a field which I know well and about which I am confident. Even though the Essay King app is a small E-learning app, not a social network unicorn that generates billions, I believed my app was useful and saleable. Although I knew I have the full potential to do big things in the future, I was aware, at that point, that I was still just a newcomer (literally a chicken) in Android development :)) So let’s choose an Android project that is interesting, not so technically demanding, and practical enough to succeed. A young tiger cannot take down a fully-grown elephant, so choose the right target for your first venture!
So far I think I have chosen the right first project. Unlike those in the myth “Your first several start-ups will be 95% likely to fail”, my first so-called “start-up” has been successful, at least financially. Of course, first and foremost, I always want to deliver the best quality and value to the end-users, but in the meantime, I am aware that the app can die anytime if it does not make enough money. Thus, to reach the first 50.000 users, I have tested multiple ways and figured out an efficient strategy for App Store Marketing, which allows me to earn, not to lose.
Now looking back the last year, It has been a good experience. I know where I am now, still “a developing developer” seeking for more successful apps. But I am more and more confident as a software developer (damn it, I like that word and I will just call myself that way 😀 I don’t fucking need any computer science degrees or companies to certify that, my successful apps will shine instead of the degree huh 😎) I am on my way to building bigger things, step-by-step. I know I need to learn more and, at some point, will have to team up with like-minded people.
Fortunately, Finland has fed me well, even though November in Northern Europe was so dark as usual. At least now I am healthy and still immune to the Covid-19 despite the rampant storm of infection out there. Feeling blessed to still code, write, and stay alive 🙏
Think big but act small. Win small games until your skills are ripe for tougher battles. Every day the army will move forward a bit. Just about 2 weeks left, we will mark the completion of the iOS Development Bootcamp. Once it is finished, we will be ready to turn all knowledge into the complete Essay King iOS app.
Warmly welcome December 2020, another darky month in Helsinki but we are invincible. Nothing can stop us on the road to triumph 🔥🔥🔥
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