If you have followed my blog since I started it back in 2007, you may know that I have been working on a startup that has evolved a few times now. Initially, the company was called nkdGuru and then changed to ProspectLinker, and now has been changed to Viewpointr. There's good reason behind each of the iterations. Check out the company story here.When speaking to people who haven't seen me in a while, but know that I'm working on an internet startup, I always tend to explain how it's funny to see how ideas evolve overtime. I've read about it many times from serial entrepreneurs. However, I didn't realize it when I first started that often times, the idea you started with, won't be the idea you end up with or the one that may be successful. The key is being committed to it and seeing it to fruition, no matter how many times you have to change.
Well, there's something different about this time around. My girlfriend asked me the other day, "What's so different in this take than the previous ones? Why do you feel like this one is it? Because, from someone on the outside looking in, you've been confident and extremely excited about the past two iterations." The question was good one and I felt that I should share it with others, hence, why I'm writing it on my blog.
The reason I believe this 3rd take is "the one" is because:
- it's based on real interactions from users on ProspectLinker.
- it's not entirely based on a business plan, but rather, on a real product with users.
- the value proposition has never been clearer.
- it's a part of an exciting market opportunity that others have recently helped validate such as Aardvark and Formspring.me.
- it's clearly differentiated.
- it's focused on creating value for users first and foremost.
- it suggests exponential user growth due to a viral component that was previously missing.
- it's scalable as it leverages the network effect.
- even though we've changed a couple of times, we have remained consistent to our vision -- to help people get advice from others who are outside of their network.
All of these reasons don't guarantee success by any means, but if anything, it suggests that we're persistent, dedicated and will die trying ;)
Check out this new iteration of Viewpointr, try it out and tell me what you think. Learn more about it on our blog. Share your thoughts in the comments below, Facebook, Twitter, or on the Viewpointr Feedback Forum.
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Btw -- have you had a similar experience in your startup? How many times have you changed your product, business, or blown up your code? I recently heard a stat that shows the best startups change directions around 7-8 times in the first 5 years. Hmm...Interesting.
Cheers,
Andre
http://andrecharoo.com
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