XERO HESITATION. But why accounting?
So how did I get roped into designing an accounting system? I’ve wanted to develop a web product ever since I started Turntable. I came up with various concepts and prototypes over the years, but for a host of reasons I was never quite ready to make it happen. With web 2.0 fever in the air, I once again got the strong itch to build a product. After brewing up some ideas, I approached Rod Drury with some of my ideas, just to see if I had anything worth pursuing. I only knew of Rod from reading his blog, but everything he wrote resonated with me. We met for coffee and we hit it off immediately. The next time we met, Rod blindsided me with an offer to join his new venture as one of the founding team.
When Rod pitched his idea to me, a “web 2.0 accounting systemâ€, I didn’t have to think twice about it. I hate accounting. Obviously, accounting is a major factor in determining whether or not a venture will be successful. Yet, it’s such an excruciating process. I know that first hand from running my own business. So it was immediately clear to me that this was a perfect opportunity to design an accounting system that I could love rather than hate, while at the same time learning the ropes about building and running a software product from the best mentor in the business.
It also appealed to me because it’s a major business problem that’s begging to be solved. Accounting is something that every business must do. Literally, every business is required by law to do it! There’s no need to convince or educate anybody. Plus, most businesses hate the options that are on the market now. Meanwhile, nothing on the market is taking full advantage of network effects.
Finally, I was on board because Rod had the resources (aka cash) to do it right, to hire the best of the best designers and developers so we can build a great product and build up a strong brand very quickly.
So that sums up why I got involved. Next, I’ll write about how we got things off the ground.
Leave a Reply