Secrets of Success
Where Keith tells you to start and not stop
My good friend Kevin Hoctor of No Thirst Software and co-consipirator on the Mac Software Business: Year One podcast recently revealed the secrets of indie Mac software success. As an indie Mac guy myself, i was all ears (and if you've ever seen my picture you would know that i actually have a lot of ear.) Here's what he says:
The secret of success is never failing.Brilliant! Of course, he was being a little glib but, if i can paraphrase, what his post really says is this:
The secret of success is never quitting.This sentiment really resonates with me right now while i'm on sabbatical trying to grow Helium Foot to the point where it can support my family. While i'm hoping that this sabbatical doesn't have to end, in all likelihood i'll be looking for a "real" job in a few months. Will that mean that my sabbatical, or Helium Foot has been a failure? Not a chance. I've already accomplished so much in the last few weeks (such as getting the public beta of MercuryMover out). Helium Foot is a long term commitment for me, and whatever happens in the next few months or years, i fully expect to work hard, persevere and eventually succeed.
I would like to add something to Kevin's recipe:
The first secret of success is starting.I once read a quote about becoming an indie that had a profound effect on me: "Just start" (I'm fairly certain that the quote is from Daniel Jalkut, but try as i may, i can't dig up the original reference). I spent years thinking about starting Helium Foot and i made a quantum leap towards success the day i decided to just start.