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cover of episode Why we choose profit

Why we choose profit

2025/4/2
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REWORK

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David Heinemeier Hansson
J
Jason Fried
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Jason Fried: 我们选择盈利是因为它让我们能够控制成本,避免为了追求不确定的目标而过度支出,从而长期稳定地经营公司。盈利是为了长期生存,因为只有盈利才能持续经营,除非不断获得外部融资。盈利带来的自由让我们能够按照自己的意愿行事,即使这意味着有时会犯错,但只要损失在可控范围内,就能继续尝试。不要盲目将利润再投资于业务,要思考投资的目的和效果,避免过度投资导致最终一无所有。经营小公司风险极高,应及时降低风险,将部分利润转移到更安全的投资渠道。将利润投资于其他领域,例如股票市场或房地产,可以分散风险,让资金发挥更大作用。 David Heinemeier Hansson: 盈利不仅意味着赚钱,更重要的是一种自律,它让我们更谨慎地使用资金,从而获得更大的收益。我们通过每年提取利润的方式,长期积累财富,而不是依赖于一次性的巨额收益。利润分享机制促进了公司内部的节俭和长期投资意识。即使公司未来面临不确定性,积累的利润也能为未来提供保障,让我们安心面对挑战。不要为了追求虚无缥缈的机会而过度投资,及时获取利润才是明智之举。以Flip.com为例,说明了过度投资而忽略利润的风险,最终可能导致一无所有。承认创业的风险性,及时获取利润,即使公司最终失败,也能拥有不错的结果。及时获取利润可以降低风险,即使公司最终失败,也能保障创业者的生活。及时获取利润,既能享受生活,也能保持对工作的热情。不要为了创业而牺牲生活,适度享受生活才能更好地工作。盈利才能保证公司长期稳定,从而为客户提供可靠的产品和服务。创业者需要自信,但也需要保持谦逊,平衡自负和谦逊才能更好地管理风险,盈利有助于降低风险。

Deep Dive

Chapters
This chapter explores the concept of profitability as a conscious choice for businesses, highlighting 37signals' decision to prioritize profit over rapid growth. The discussion covers the advantages of controlled growth and the long-term sustainability it provides.
  • Profitability is a choice, not an automatic outcome.
  • Prioritizing low costs and controlled growth ensures long-term sustainability.
  • 37signals has maintained profitability for 25 years by prioritizing cost control and controlled growth.
  • Taking profits off the table regularly reduces risk and strengthens the business's long-term position.

Shownotes Transcript

In a world where constant reinvestment is celebrated, 37signals chooses profit. In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson talk about how profit gives them freedom, clarity, and staying power—not just for the company, but for their customers too. They make the case for building a business that’s solid, simple, and self-funded.

Key Takeaways:

  • 00:27 – How being profitable is actually a choice
  • 08:34 – Why it’s important to take money off the table
  • 11:35 – Striking the right balance between ego and humility
  • 15:00 – Profitability isn’t guaranteed forever
  • 18:27 – Well-managed profits create reliability for customers

Links and Resources:

  • Why We Choose Profit)
  • Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.com)
  • Books by 37signals)
  • HEY World | HEY)
  • The REWORK podcast)
  • The Rework Podcast on YouTube)
  • The 37signals Dev Blog)
  • 37signals on YouTube)
  • @37signals on X)