Any of you guys run a software business from home? I want to.

[Guru101]

I've been wanting to start my own software company. I don't have thousands of dollars to put towards starting my own business, so I would really like to start it from home, then expand later. Once, I had accumulated a certain amount of revenue, I could look into finding an office building, hiring employees, marketing, etc. Now, I know that some of the guys on here either are running a software business at home currently or started their software business from home, then made changes as it grew. I would like to know what is needed to make it happen, and any tips or strategies that may be useful. I would also like to read about package and deployment. Should I write my own installer, or use a 3rd party? What's the best cd labeling software? Would it be a good idea to start out with cd sleeves instead of cd cases since it would be cheaper? That kind of stuff. I would be grateful for any advice.

[dglienna]

Find someone that wants to buy your services, and you're all set.

Do you have a project in mind? Is it done?

[Guru101]

Find someone that wants to buy your services, and you're all set.

Do you have a project in mind? Is it done?

I'm in the final stages of developing a software application. It's something I think a lot of people would like to buy, but I don't really know any specifics about how to put it out there. After all, I am just a computer programmer. I do have good leadership skills, but I don't think I would necessarily be considered a professional in business.

[dglienna]

Give it to a few people to test. Just because you like it, doesn't mean anyone will buy it. What does it do?

[Guru101]

Give it to a few people to test. Just because you like it, doesn't mean anyone will buy it. What does it do?

I'm not interested in naysayers. A lot of people are going to say "No" when you first come to the market with something anyway, so who cares? If someone tries hard enough, they can accomplish anything. What does it do? It has to do with system security. I'll leave it at that. I am only interested in replies that answer what I specifically asked in the original post. If you plan on making a post that opposes what my goal is, I would prefer you not post at all. I'm looking for advice and encouragement.

[darwen]

That's a peculiar attitude for anyone who wants to set up they're own business.


I'm not interested in naysayers. A lot of people are going to say "No" when you first come to the market with something anyway, so who cares?


If everyone in the market says 'no' they won't buy your software and no sales means no $$$ and no $$$ means nowhere to live, no food to eat etc etc.


If someone tries hard enough, they can accomplish anything


I've tried really, really, really hard to jump high enough to get to the moon but it hasn't worked yet.

I'd try and inject a bit of realism into this perfect world of yours where you write a 'hello world' program and everyone out there pays $1000 for it, makes you into a millionaire and just to top it all off makes you president of the US.


I'm looking for advice and encouragement.


How's this. Without any ability to respond to market demands any business is doomed to fail. You have to write software that people want, and people will keep on wanting into the future.

Besides the fact that running your own business isn't just about writing the software. In fact it's more about the ability to manage money.

Also you can't just take advice you like and ignore the advice which you don't. This will get you nowhere very, very fast.

I hope you succeed : but be careful what you wish for !

There is something which I would strongly recommend before you proceed though :

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST 1 YEAR'S OPERATING CAPITAL IN THE BANK IN CASH BEFORE BEGINNING.

Any business takes time to set up and get going, and whilst this is going on IT WILL HAVE ZERO INCOME.

Good luck !

Darwen.

[Guru101]

That's a peculiar attitude for anyone who wants to set up they're own business.



If everyone in the market says 'no' they won't buy your software and no sales means no $$$ and no $$$ means nowhere to live, no food to eat etc etc.



I've tried really, really, really hard to jump high enough to get to the moon but it hasn't worked yet.

I'd try and inject a bit of realism into this perfect world of yours where you write a 'hello world' program and everyone out there pays $1000 for it, makes you into a millionaire and just to top it all off makes you president of the US.



How's this. Without any ability to respond to market demands any business is doomed to fail. You have to write software that people want, and people will keep on wanting into the future.

Besides the fact that running your own business isn't just about writing the software. In fact it's more about the ability to manage money.

Also you can't just take advice you like and ignore the advice which you don't. This will get you nowhere very, very fast.

I hope you succeed : but be careful what you wish for !

There is something which I would strongly recommend before you proceed though :

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST 1 YEAR'S OPERATING CAPITAL IN THE BANK IN CASH BEFORE BEGINNING.

Any business takes time to set up and get going, and whilst this is going on IT WILL HAVE ZERO INCOME.

Good luck !

Darwen.

That does not answer my question! I just said in my previous post I want people to answer what I SPECIFICALLY asked in my original post, and if they can't DON'T POST AT ALL! Don't post if you can't answer it! Don't do it! God, ****ing idiots who have nothing better to do than act like children on the internet.

[Siddhartha]

I see that you got a lot of drubbing - and some of it does seem to be unfair as people did not tell you what you can do with this software that is nearing completion!

Here are some points that you need to look at:

Define your customer: you should know who would use your software and who would make the decisions to buy it (not always the same people).
Packaging and deployment: Your software is ready - but for it to reach customers, it needs to be packaged that it can be installed. You need to evaluate distribution options - like software download, distribution disks, etc.
Depending on your distribution channel, you would actually need to find ways to push your product into the market - if it is going to be an online download - you would need a website that announces your products, features, feedback, etc and also supplies a download mechanism - directly via itself or indirectly. If you want to only ship disks (which makes your life tougher) then you need to find people / shops who would be willing to stock your software and sell it for you.
You need to arrive at a sales strategy: For example: supplying shareware versions, licensing, etc -- if your software needs to be sold as a commercial software.
Evaluate your competition: Find out where they are better than you / your product and what makes you better. Use this information in targetting your audience and pricing.
Market your creation to the right people - those that would use it and those that would make decisions to buy it - in words that they'd find appealing.
Last but not the least, starting small is great - for one: you dont have too much to lose, for another: there are not too many people / investors that are counting every cent you earn for them, and finally: the only thing that limits you is your risk-taking ability, creativity and communication skills i.e. you yourself.

Having said all that - remember to try hard, and still remain prepared for bad news.

[Guru101]

Could someone lock this thread please? I'll look somewhere else.

[Siddhartha]

Send me a PM if you want this thread to be closed... I am not sure if you read all the posts above before reacting (I posted a few minutes before you requested a closure... ).

:)

[Siddhartha]

[ closed on author request ]

Regards,
Siddhartha

PS: Folks, as a general guideline - please answer the question asked before you run down the OP's plans. All the experiences in the world that you might have is not helpful to others if you only let the negative ones influence your recommendations. ;)