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All 16 learnings · one per slide
Rework
Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, in bytes
16 key learnings on building a business with less: less planning, less growth, less waste.
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Rework, in bytes
16 key learnings from Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson's contrarian advice from building Basecamp. Each takes about 40 seconds to read. Swipe, use the arrows, or your keyboard.
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Learning 1
Ignore the Real World
The idea
Don't let others tell you your idea can't work in 'the real world'.
Example
37signals built a profitable company without investors, offices in one place or long hours.
Takeaway
Conventional wisdom is often outdated.
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Learning 2
Learning from Mistakes Is Overrated
The idea
Learn more from successes; failures often tell you only what not to do.
Example
Knowing one approach failed doesn't tell you what will work next time.
Takeaway
Study what worked.
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Learning 3
Planning Is Guessing
The idea
Long-term plans are guesses. Decide what to do this week.
Example
A five-year plan written before you have customers is fiction.
Takeaway
Plan less, act more.
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Learning 4
Why Grow?
The idea
Bigger isn't always better. Small can be profitable and calm.
Example
37signals stayed small on purpose and remained profitable.
Takeaway
Choose the right size.
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Learning 5
Workaholism Is Stupid
The idea
Long hours create tired, sloppy work.
Example
Heroic all-nighters that produce work you have to redo.
Takeaway
Work smarter, not longer.
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Learning 6
Scratch Your Own Itch
The idea
Build what you need yourself.
Example
Basecamp began as a tool 37signals built for their own client projects.
Takeaway
You understand your own problems best.
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Learning 7
No Time Is No Excuse
The idea
Use evenings and weekends to start; you don't need to quit your job.
Example
Building a product in ten hours a week alongside a day job.
Takeaway
Start small on the side.
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Learning 8
Start Making Something
The idea
Ideas are cheap; execution matters.
Example
Two people with the same idea; the one who builds it wins.
Takeaway
Build, don't just talk.
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Learning 9
Meetings Are Toxic
The idea
Meetings break up the day; keep them rare, short and with clear agendas.
Example
A one-hour meeting with ten people costs ten hours of work.
Try this
Cancel one recurring meeting.
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Learning 10
Interruption Is the Enemy
The idea
Protect long stretches of alone time for real work.
Example
Using email and chat instead of tapping people on the shoulder.
Try this
Set quiet hours each day.
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Learning 11
Good Enough Is Fine
The idea
Launch a simple version now rather than a perfect one later.
Example
Shipping a basic version and improving it from feedback.
Takeaway
Done beats perfect.
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Learning 12
Underdo the Competition
The idea
Do less than competitors, but do it better and simpler.
Example
Fewer features, done well, appeal to people overwhelmed by bloated software.
Takeaway
Simplicity can win.
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Learning 13
Build an Audience
The idea
Share what you know, teach, and attract people who care.
Example
Writing a blog that attracts people who later become customers.
Takeaway
Out-teach the competition.
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Learning 14
Emulate Chefs
The idea
Share your recipes, like celebrity chefs do; it builds loyalty.
Example
Celebrity chefs publish cookbooks, and people still visit their restaurants.
Takeaway
Teaching attracts customers.
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Learning 15
Hire When It Hurts
The idea
Don't hire until you feel the pain of not having someone.
Example
Doing a job yourself first so you know what to look for when hiring.
Takeaway
Hire slowly.
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Learning 16
Hire Great Writers
The idea
Clear writing signals clear thinking.
Example
Picking the better writer when choosing between similar candidates.
Takeaway
Writing is a key skill.
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All 16 learnings complete
That’s all 16 learnings.
Smaller can be better. What would you stop doing if you had half the time?
Abhay Kumar JaiswalFCA · PMP® · Workday Financeabhayjaiswal.com
Summaries in my own words. Read the book for the full stories.
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Summaries are written in my own words for learning. Read Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson (2010) for the full stories. More Books in Bytes