I just finished my second start-up. Although I lost interest in this project half-way through, I at least wanted to complete it, as I had nothing better to do. I didn’t do my research, and came into a flooded market without any plans to be different, or better. Not to mention all of standard dating site problems that come with it (chicken & egg problem, etc.)

This project was a wake-up call for me… and hopefully, it catches the attention of someone out there, ready to make the same mistake.

Here is what I’ve learned, and what you can too.

1. Do your research before you start any coding. I didn’t do this, and have a completed dating site… There are literally thousands of sites like this.
2. It’s OK, not to complete a project.
3. If there is any confusion, see #1.

The site is a bit ‘trashy’ (an affair site), but 100% free – It’s another ‘Ashley Maddison’ type of site. I had planned on charging for it, but there is literally no point, as the market is flooded with dating sites anyhow, perhaps this will turn into a popular free alternative.

I’ve put the site up, as it will cost me nothing, and perhaps a good example for programmers out there, DO YOUR RESEARCH!

Anyhow, if you’d like to see it, it’s address is

http://www.ericanight.com

Ashley Madison · Dating Site · Erica Night · ericanight.com · free · lessons learned · PHP · start-up

Today, Mike and Rob reviewed my start-up algXchange and gave me invaluable advice.

If you don’t yet know who these two guys are, I highly suggest that you visit http://startupsfortherestofus.com, they record an indispensable podcast that I don’t know where I would be without.

If your a micropreneur, entrepreneur or even a startup hobbyist, subscribe to the podcast today, you’ll be hooked after the first one.

They have a multitude of other resources and sites that I will let you discover the way that I did through the podcasts.

I’m sure that you will agree with me, one the comment storm starts about these two guys.

Although this may seem like a promotional posting, I unfortunately do not know these guys in person, and the only means of communication I have had win them is through an email comment to their show. This is my thanks to them, and I hope I inspire someone to listen to them and perhaps even send them a question – they actually do listen!

Advice · algxchange · start-up

First off, I do not want to discount the 30 Day Challenge website, it’s great! However, I don’t have a lot of time these days. What I’ve done, is take the end objective from each day and summarized it. If you have a lot of patience, and want to insure this works for you, I really suggest that you just take the 30 day challenge and stop here. In fact, I am going to continue after the break for those who want to do it right…

This is by no means an alternative way of taking the 30 day challenge, nor am I, or any of my sites, or companies affiliated with the 30 day challenge. I was simply curious about it, and didn’t want to sink 30 days into something without a brief summary.

Enjoy.

(more…)

Analytics · business · entrepreneur · Keywords · micro-niche · micropreneur · niche · start-up · startups · The 30 Day Challenge