Achieving Optionality
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10/02/24 • 20 min
2 Listeners
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
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
Previous Episode
Progressing in Public Speaking
It's been reported that up to 75% of the population has a fear of public speaking. This week, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founders of 37signals, recount some of their previous speaking engagements and share a few tips for building the skill. They discuss the styles of successful speakers and their thoughts on being over prepared.
Key Takeaways:
- 00:47 - Jason recalls his first speaking gig
- 02:30 - David shares his preferred style of delivering a talk
- 06:48 - Preparing for talks, podcasts, and Q&A sessions
- 08:15 - Preparing for keynote speeches and speaking with authenticity
- 13:05 - Examples of great public speakers who are authentically themselves on stage
- 14:43 - Being comfortable improvising a bit on stage
Links and Resources:
Next Episode
Preparing for a Company Meet-up
Twice a year, 37signals brings the entire team together for a company meet-up. In this week’s episode of The REWORK Podcast, co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson reflect on how these meet-ups began and how they've evolved over time. They also discuss how they prepare for the meet-ups and the importance of the venue selection.
Key Takeaways:
- 00:50 - Jason shares the early history of 37signals' meet-ups
- 02:18 - Why in-person conferences build deeper connections than online meetings
- 06:57 - How the location and architecture of meeting spaces can elevate the experience
- 15:30 - Weighing the financial cost of a meet-up against the value it delivers
- 18:48 - Memories from the company's Atlanta gathering
- 22:17 - An inside look at the meet-up agenda
Links and Resources:
REWORK - Achieving Optionality
Transcript
Kimberly (00:00):
Welcome to Rework, a podcast by 37signals about the better way to work and run your business. I'm your host, Kimberly Rhodes, and as always, I'm joined by the co-founders of 37signals, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson. Well, if you've followed 37signals at all or listened to REWORK the podcast, you've heard us talk about the importance of being able to control your entire business, not taking VC funding, not having a board to report to. Jason and David feel very st
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