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cover of episode Achieving Optionality

Achieving Optionality

2024/10/2
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REWORK

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D
David Heinemeier Hansson
J
Jason Fried
K
Kimberly Rhodes
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Jason Fried 和 David Heinemeier Hansson 在本期节目中探讨了 37signals 如何通过自主经营和谨慎的财务管理,实现了他们所称的“选项性”。这种“选项性”并非单纯指盈利能力,而是指公司拥有充分的自主权,可以自由地选择发展方向、尝试新产品,以及承担一定的风险,而无需依赖外部投资或股东的压力。他们认为,通过保持盈利,并定期提取利润,公司能够建立一个财务缓冲,从而拥有更多选择,不必为了追求最大利润而牺牲其他目标。他们举例说明了 37signals 如何利用“选项性”来免费发布 Writebook,以及如何进行大规模营销活动,即使这些活动并非完全成功,他们也认为这些尝试是值得的,因为他们拥有足够的资源来承担风险。他们还分享了在公司早期曾面临外部投资的诱惑,但最终选择保持独立,并认为这是他们成功的关键因素之一。他们强调,保持“选项性”的关键在于谨慎经营,避免过度冒险,并从错误中学习。他们认为,持续学习和适应变化是公司长期发展的关键。 David Heinemeier Hansson 详细阐述了“选项性”的含义以及实现方式。他认为,“选项性”是谨慎经营、控制风险的结果,它允许公司不必每次都做出正确的决策,可以尝试不同的方法,即使失败也能承受。他以 37signals 的营销活动为例,说明即使有些尝试没有完全成功,但他们仍然认为是值得的,因为他们从中学习到了经验,并且拥有足够的资源来承担风险。他还谈到了公司早期曾面临的外部投资诱惑,以及他们最终选择保持独立的原因。他认为,定期提取利润是降低风险、为公司未来发展提供缓冲的重要手段,即使公司最终倒闭,他们也能因为之前提取的利润而不会后悔。他强调,持续学习和挑战自我,才能不断提升公司的竞争力。他认为,如果总是赢,说明挑战不够,无法提升自己,应该不断追求更高的目标。 Kimberly Rhodes 作为主持人,引导两位创始人阐述了“选项性”的概念,并就 37signals 的发展历程以及面临的挑战进行了提问。她引导两位创始人分享了 37signals 如何在保持独立性的同时,实现持续发展和创新。

Deep Dive

Chapters
Jason Fried explains how 37signals achieved optionality by not taking VC funding and having full control over their business. This allows them to make decisions without external pressure, such as giving away their Writebook product for free. Optionality is considered more important than other business goals like profitability, revenue, or user growth.
  • 37signals launched Writebook, a free product.
  • Optionality allows 37signals to make decisions without external pressure.
  • Optionality is considered a higher-level goal than profitability, revenue growth, or user growth.

Shownotes Transcript

37signals’ co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson explore the many benefits of having full control over their business. They talk about the importance of taking measured profits and running an efficient operation, which allows freedom to create without constraints. This approach gives them room for trial and error and plenty of flexibility for expanded opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

  • 00:41 - The launch of Writebook confirmed 37signals' achievement of optionality
  • 03:19 - Ideas and decisions don’t have to be perfect when a company is run efficiently
  • 09:26 - 37signals history with buyout offers
  • 11:22 - When it was tempting to consider venture capital offers
  • 18:03 - Finding fulfillment in doing what you love rather than creating solely for profit

Links and Resources:

“Achieving Optionality” HEY World post by Jason Fried) 

Books by 37signals)

Sign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.com)

HEY World | HEY)

The REWORK podcast)

The Rework Podcast on YouTube)

The 37signals Dev Blog)

37signals on YouTube)

@37signals on X)