Never mind the window dressing

Filed in archive Bootstrapper Resources on August 24, 2007

Link: Definition

One of the most important ideas about bootstrapping is to clear away the clutter and focus on just one thing-developing a business model that delivers value to paying customers.

While getting my digital camera ready on a recent beach vacation last week, I was reminded of this idea when I spied this row of coffee stuff my wife had arranged on the windowsill of our Motel.

It also reminded me of two great comments in turn inspiring posts of their own over the past year here at BootStrapMe.com.

In a past comment originally to a post on home based businesses Venture Capitalist James L. Chen at Pure VC responded:

Most people starting a new business tend to think that they should "appear" larger than they are - renting an office space, getting a mailbox address, hiring someone to answer the phone, having a jazzy website. I tell all entrepreneurs the same thing - do not waste your time and money appearing larger than you are. We will find out what is behind the smoke and mirrors no matter what...(more)

As business coach Bill Dueease noted in another:

The purpose of starting and running a business is to make a profit. When entrepreneurs spend money on anything that will not directly increase bottom line profits, then it will be wasted money...(more)

More of Bill's advice at The Coach Connection.