The Exit Strategy

New feature development has completely stopped. All my work is now focused on getting this big monster online.

Since I've definitely decided I won't be carrying on this site (full time at least), I need to get the site online so I can at least show to others what I had been working on for the last year.

Here is my plan:

1. Get site working online.
2. Get feedback from friends and family.
2. Publish screenshots, annotations and quotes on the company website (obviously all with a positive spin).
3. Spend a few days improving company website.
4. Make myself available for freelance work by contacting family, friends and ex-colleagues.
5. Do freelance work for 2-3 months whilst I look for an interesting job.

Prioritizing Feature Development

Particletree has a great article on prioritizing feature development and managing your user's expectations.

"If you’re not careful about managing your expectations and your users’ expectations, it can end up feeling like a game of constant disappointment because the things you want to do will always be larger than what you’ve already done."

This really struck a cord with me. One of the reasons why I've been so disappointed with my own site is that it has not lived up with the dream site that filled my head. I also realise that releasing a half-baked product will not live-up to users expectations. Much of the text on the main marketing site over-promises, so the actual product is bound to disappoint.

Since my site never met my own expectations, how could it ever meet my users expectations?

The slipperly slope of motivation

Thinking about quitting is becoming dangerous, or do I mean becoming the sensible option?

I'm thinking about possible jobs. It's flexing my imagination, perhaps a little too much.

The more I think about other options, the less motivation I have for my business. It feels like a slippery slope.

I still need to get my website online even if it's just for potential employers to see.

Should I jump before I am pushed?

Just got back from holiday. I didn't feel I deserved a holiday, but its the first 5 consecutive days off I've had in a year.

Most of that time off I wasn't thinking about the website. The few times I did think about it, I was thinking about my failings over the last year. I've come back doubting everything.

Is it a dream or just a minor dip?

Sometimes people chase unrealistic dreams. Sometimes people hit upon difficulties (or 'dips' as Seth Godin calls them) and overcome then. Ultimately, the success or failings of the business determine which it was.

My motivation has hit a another low. This is why I've finding myself searching for an exit.

Was my heart in this too much? Too much heart and not enough brain?

I feel as if I should jump before I get pushed. Running out of money always forces a decision. I havn't come to that point yet. I don't want to get to that point have to ask for money and get turned down.