—Welcome to Startup Gems, where we find undiscovered startup growth hacks, stories and case studies from every random nook and cranny of the internet.—

—Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup expert, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Startup Gems is your source for the stories that ignite the flames of innovation.—

—In today's episode, we're diving deep into the inspiring journey of Josef, a full-stack software engineer, indie developer, and successful book author. In this episode, we'll unravel the key principles behind Josef's remarkable success story. We'll explore how he identified market gaps and filled them with innovative solutions, the art of community engagement and leveraging existing networks, and the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement in the ever-changing business landscape.—

—Join us as we dissect Josef's experiences, learn from his challenges, and extract invaluable lessons that you can apply to your own business ventures. Get ready to be inspired and gain actionable insights that could shape the future of your entrepreneurial endeavors. Keep listening for a fascinating exploration into the principles that fueled Josef's success, right here on our show.—

—I’m your host Chris Koerner and I’m here to share the story of Josef, a 34-year-old full-stack software engineer who decided to venture into the world of indie development and book authoring.—

—So, Josef, who used to lead a dev team at a small startup, decided to take a break from the corporate grind. He had some health issues and was facing a tough decision to continue with his job, which came with a tempting offer, or to pursue his dream of creating his own Software as a Service application. In the end, he opted for the latter.—

—His first move was to write a technical book, "Deployment from Scratch." He did this because he wanted to stay close to his profession and create a reference for his skills, just in case his book didn't sell well. With no significant following at the time, he decided to base the book's topic on his credentials.—

—Drawing from his experience as a Linux packager at Red Hat, he combined Linux fundamentals with deployment, creating a resource that filled a gap in the market. He originally planned to finish it in 5 to 6 months, but it took him three years. Josef took a bold step by selling an alpha version after 2 and a half years to test the waters.—

—Now, you might wonder how he got his initial customers. Well, he started by announcing his project with a blog post. This post outlined the book's main topics and revealed his initial intention to keep the book short and sweet. However, feedback from his mailing list subscribers encouraged him to expand, resulting in a substantial 500 plus page resource.—

—He also leveraged his presence on the Ruby subreddit, a community he actively engaged with. It took 159 days to reach his first 100 subscribers, but the journey was far from over. Additional subscribers trickled in from his developer's blog, which consistently attracted around 350 plus unique visitors.—

—After the book's launch, Josef explored various marketing strategies. He posted his book on platforms like Reddit, Hacker News, and Product Hunt. The real breakthrough came with a highly upvoted post on Hacker News, selling a whopping 100 copies in a single day.—

—Reddit submissions were hit or miss, and he occasionally featured in newsletters. He submitted his work to Product Hunt when he had 800 copies but didn't see the same level of success. Now, he's turning his attention to SEO, something he initially overlooked.—

In terms of revenue, Josef's main product, "Deployment from Scratch," brought in varying amounts over the months, with the best month earning him around eighty nine hundred dollars in sales. However, considering the time invested, it's not a huge salary, but Josef takes pride in his achievement.—

—He also developed "Business Class," a single-payment product with no subscriptions, designed to launch a Software as a service business. It's brought in 40 grand in revenue, averaging 14 hundred and 20 dollars per month, although this journey wasn't an overnight success.—


—If you're thinking about starting a business like Josef's, he has a simple piece of advice: Just start today. Many of your assumptions might be wrong, but you won't know until you begin. If you're considering writing a book, start with a smaller one first. Josef also emphasizes the importance of persistence.—

—So, there you have it – Josef's journey as a solo founder in the world of indie development and book authoring. It's a tale of hard work, patience, and determination, and it goes to show that success often takes time and a lot of cups of coffee.—


—Let's jump into the reasons why Josef's company was successful, highlighting three key principles that can be applied to any business.—

—Principle 1: Identify a Gap in the Market and Fill It—

—One of the first principles we can learn from Josef's journey is the importance of identifying a gap in the market and filling it. Josef recognized the lack of comprehensive resources on Linux fundamentals and deployment techniques. He seized this opportunity by creating a detailed technical book, "Deployment from Scratch," catering to the needs of developers wanting to master this area.—

—Your Concrete Way to Apply This Principle: —

—Take time to research your industry thoroughly. Identify what's missing or what common issues your customers face. Develop products or services that directly address these gaps. Conduct surveys, engage with your audience, and stay updated with industry trends to pinpoint areas where your business can make a significant impact.—

—Principle 2: Engage with Your Community and Leverage Existing Networks—

— Another crucial principle behind Josef's success was his active engagement with the developer community and his strategic use of existing networks. He leveraged platforms like Reddit and Hacker News, where he was already a part of the community. By sharing his work and insights, he gained valuable feedback and attracted an audience genuinely interested in his expertise.—

—Your Concrete Way to Apply This Principle:— 

—Actively participate in relevant online communities and forums related to your industry. Engage in discussions, offer valuable advice, and showcase your expertise. Networking events and social media platforms can also be powerful tools. By building authentic connections, you can increase your visibility, gain valuable insights, and create a supportive customer base.—

—Principle 3: Adaptability and Continuous Improvement—

—Lastly, Josef's success can be attributed to his adaptability and commitment to continuous improvement. He started with a vision for a concise book but remained open to feedback. When his audience expressed the need for a more comprehensive resource, he expanded his work to meet their demands. Additionally, he experimented with various marketing strategies, adapting his approach based on the outcomes.—

—Your Concrete Way to Apply This Principle:—

—Embrace change and be willing to adapt your products, services, and marketing strategies based on customer feedback and market trends. Regularly gather feedback from your customers through surveys, reviews, or direct communication. Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in your industry. By continuously evolving and refining your offerings, you can stay ahead of the competition and meet your customers' evolving needs.—

—There you have it, folks – three essential principles that led to Josef's remarkable success. Remember, identifying market gaps, engaging with your community, and embracing adaptability are keys that can unlock doors to your business's growth and prosperity. Thank you for joining us today, and we hope you find inspiration in Josef's entrepreneurial journey.—


—Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas? Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you’re listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow Startup Gems to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.—