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What I learned running two startups at the same time

Multi-exit founder who always ends up running two projects at the same time shares how he does it. It's an interesting read.

My favorite takeaway (as someone who always has a few projects going at a time):

Choose one company as your priority, and stick with that choice.

submitted this link to Icon for group Startups
Startups
on August 30, 2022
  1. 13

    What's the point of sharing an article that is protected by a paywall?

  2. 3

    Divided focus spreads you thin, but it also depends on the actual startup and how demanding both can be. I also realised that focusing on Two Things at once, you will always favour one over the other especially When time gets stuff and requires you to focus. It is like getting engaged to Two people at the same time.

    1. 3

      Totally agree! It's a very interesting topic because everyone has their own opinion about it, but these are my opinions 100%. You will always favor one over the other. Therefore, when making new projects, I'll most likely do them in synergy, that is, combine them, so that it can be said that it was one big project, and the head thought in only one direction.

      @Silvio_SF thanks for sharing this article!

    2. 1

      Agreed, and I think that's his point. Essentially, it's good to have two projects, but one should consistently be your focus. And like you said, that tends to just happen naturally.

    3. 0

      It all depends on inner potential, and harmony at the moment and self-discipline.

  3. 3

    Interesting that he says not to share resources between companies... does that really apply to most indie hackers? As the companies grow, it makes sense, but I personally wouldn't be too strict on that in the beginning.

  4. 2

    Key takeaway:
    Running two startups simultaneously? Choose one as a priority. Avoid sharing resources. Embrace creativity. Transparency is key. Success requires dedication.

  5. 2

    Thanks for sharing, Silvio.

  6. 1

    Same here. Two projects lead to distraction and inefficient and ineffective management for both.

  7. 1

    It's a valid point by StevenL. Sharing resources between companies can be a common practice for indie hackers, especially in the early stages when resources are limited. However, as the companies grow, it becomes more important to separate resources to avoid spreading oneself too thin and prioritize the focus on the most promising venture. It's ultimately up to the individual to determine what works best for them and their business.

  8. 1

    Oh man, I feel this pain point. Tried on multiple occasions to run an agency and a product business at the same time (I feel like every agency tries this at some point). Some really good ideas here – a few things I've tried and a few things I wish I had. Thanks for sharing.

  9. 1

    Super insightful, thanks for sharing it!

    I constantly find myself thinking in multiple ideas at the same time, wondering if I should do it or not. My rational side says to focus on one thing per time but the emotional side talks louder and sometimes I find myself working on multiple projects :P

  10. 1

    That's just... a bit subjective, I'd say. It's like, "you either have to choose gym or relationship" ))) Why can't you just split 50/50?

  11. 1

    Not an easy thing to do thanks for sharing

  12. 1

    Rather poignant as this is me right now. Agreed that the discipline of separation is crucial as many of us are often working on divergent ideas. Transparency is also key as is knowing that it's impractical to run both in long. A tough decision will need to be made at some point

  13. 1

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  14. 1

    This hits home. I am doing 2 at the moment. I cant help it! I embrace it

  15. 1

    Some people are just built different! Dang, good for you

  16. 1

    As humans, our mental bandwidth is limited. It's better to focus on one start up and scale it to the moon rather than 2 below average start ups.

  17. 1

    it is clear that you cannot focus on both at early stages.. unless you are Elon Musk with his Tesla and SpaceX

    still i doubt that Elon focused on both equally at the startup stage !

    when startup grows and roles are occupied with qualified candidates, then you can focus on both at a higher managerial level.

  18. 1

    Thank you for your article!

  19. 1

    How do they manage time?

  20. 1

    Depends on the circumstances in my opinion. Buffet said about Bezos: (when he missed the opportunity originally to invest in Amazon)"I've never seen a guy succeed in two businesses almost simultaneously that are really quite divergent."

    Does take a unique individual to pull it off.

    As a former fund trader, risk management is how I always go into it, so I'll have 4 startups percolating, usually two get shut down within 5 months due to not be feasible based on hard science and data, leaving a couple that have real potential (past tue idea phase with a real mvp).

  21. 1

    This article hits home. Been here first hand!

  22. 1

    Man running two start ups is tough! I think one important aspect is also being extra disciplined with your scheduling. Really respect your hustle thanks for your article :)

  23. 1

    This requires self-control.

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  25. 1

    Yeah, that's a really good point. I always allocate my time according to how much attention each one needs in the moment... but there's definitely something to be said about consistently focusing on one. Maybe I'll give it a shot.

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