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Traveling, Learning to Code, and Bootstrapping to $25k/mo with Tyler Tringas of Storemapper

Episode #012

Tyler Tringas talks about the difference between good and bad ideas, launching new products in days not months, finding your first customers one at a time, hiring effectively, and more.

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    I really feel inspired by Tyler because he's sort of unashamedly doing some things objectively "wrong". I mean that in the most respectful and positive way possible! :)

    Also, he's mentioned before that storemapper isn't something he was uber passionate about, but there was a demand and he filled it, and makes good money doing it. I like that.

    It gives me hope for some of the more boring ideas I have, and also pushes me forward because Tyler isn't perfect, but is a success regardless.

    Making my way through his email course at the moment, lot of good info in there.

    Thanks Tyler.

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      Yeah it reminds me of what MJ Demarco says in the Millionaire Fastlane, not to build around or upon your passion but to listen to the market and use your passion (family,desired lifestyle etc) as fuel.

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    My main takeaways:

    He was doing freelance web development for shopify store owners

    He was working on another startup working 80 hours week and doing freelancing on the side to pay the bills. Then started this product as a hope to generate side income to earn him recurring money to dial down the freelance

    • His experience with working with freelance clients was pivotal to his success in this, in terms of learning the industry, and having an existing base of paying customers

    • If you want to make a product in a space, first get some handson experience in that space by working in it with people, for a year, then once you understand the pains, you can then make a good product

    • You don't have to have a crazy growth startegy, simple direct sales is great, especially at the start, speaking to people 1 on 1, and learning why people say no

    • Direct sales is great for learning but isnt a longterm solution for low price-point products

    • The most valuable feedback is through 1 on 1 sales

    • You want existing competitors to be an indiehacker, this suggests the market already exists. Look for ways people are ALREADY (poorly) trying to solve their problems, and make something better

    • Document processes to help other new-joiner team members learn

    • Interview people the same way you'd be working with them (i.e. interview them in your compaies working environment/style)

    • Do not re-invent the wheel

    • He did not learn coding at all before starting his business, he learned it AS he went

    • He got paid to learn how to code, by bidding for freelance projects on elance and upwork that required skills he didn't have

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    Tyler great interview. I remember emailing you a number of years back to see how the magic worked and you pointed me to this 3rd party js book. Thanks again for that.

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    Thanks a lot guys! Love that advice to go through other business's and try and have the ability to look around or even see around corners.

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    Hey, you linked to the wrong twitter account on Tyler.

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    This comment was deleted 7 years ago.