The Continuous Nature of a Startup

A common misconception among new entrepreneurs is the idea that a product can be "finished." In reality, a successful startup is a continuous journey, not a destination.

The Myth of "Done"

The feeling of completing a software project and rolling it out to production is a deeply satisfying one for a developer. However, this feeling of "doneness" is something that you will rarely, if ever, experience with your own product.

There will always be a list of new features to build, marketing tests to run, potential partnerships to explore, and new markets to enter. The work is never truly finished.

The Absence of Instant Gratification

It's also important to understand that success does not happen overnight. The first month after launch is likely to be a slow one, with very little revenue. It takes time to build a reputation, gain traction in the market, and build a sustainable stream of customers.

However, once you have a few releases under your belt, a steady stream of traffic, and a growing mailing list, things get easier. The effort required to launch a new version of your product is significantly less than the effort required to get the first version off the ground.

The key is to have a long-term perspective and to be prepared for a continuous journey of building, marketing, and improving your product.