Started a SaaS project last month and convinced two future customers to start using it. Yea, they're not paying anything yet.
With how quickly I can do software now with AI, I have a meeting with them weekly to get feedback (this is how they 'pay') and then in just two days implement some functions they asked for. So the development cycle is very short. I am left with five days a week do other stuff, which I need.
When it's good enough, they will need to pay if wish to maintain access. I will take on a few more beta users ASAP.
This makes sense, because the sales cycle to sell them this SaaS would take weeks/months anyway. So I'm combining 1. learning their needs, 2. making the product with iterative feedback. 3. teaching them the product, 4. building personal rapport 5. letting them spread the word internally in their company before I hit them with the 'hammer'. 6. having them integrate the SaaS into their systems and operations.
It's aimed at mid-size companies. I plan to charge $1-3K a month for it. Competition is charging $2-10K.
Worst case (70%): I waste one month work time this year, but I learn a lot.
Likely case (25%): A few pilot users convert and form small income stream.
Best case (5%): Sky is the limit! Needs not just a great product, but also to sell/market it well.
As I go forward, I will get a better picture. Why 70% risk of 'failure'? Well, there is competition, so it may turn out my product isn't as good. They have all the tools I have, but they are big and comfortable, so it's more complex for them to do new things and fulfill the wishes of customers.
The SaaS itself is not related to AI. It has other 'moats' than just pure software. There's 2 or 3 established contenders.
I have an employee covering for me, and he's on AI as well. A skilled person that also uses AI well, their productivity is probably 3x someone that doesn't use it. This will be fantastic for employers in the future.
What to discuss here?
1. How use AI to cut development cycle, sales cycle in SaaS or similar models
2. My project, especially the method of doing it
3. How train your team to use AI to the greatest extent, without letting standards slip
With how quickly I can do software now with AI, I have a meeting with them weekly to get feedback (this is how they 'pay') and then in just two days implement some functions they asked for. So the development cycle is very short. I am left with five days a week do other stuff, which I need.
When it's good enough, they will need to pay if wish to maintain access. I will take on a few more beta users ASAP.
This makes sense, because the sales cycle to sell them this SaaS would take weeks/months anyway. So I'm combining 1. learning their needs, 2. making the product with iterative feedback. 3. teaching them the product, 4. building personal rapport 5. letting them spread the word internally in their company before I hit them with the 'hammer'. 6. having them integrate the SaaS into their systems and operations.
It's aimed at mid-size companies. I plan to charge $1-3K a month for it. Competition is charging $2-10K.
Worst case (70%): I waste one month work time this year, but I learn a lot.
Likely case (25%): A few pilot users convert and form small income stream.
Best case (5%): Sky is the limit! Needs not just a great product, but also to sell/market it well.
As I go forward, I will get a better picture. Why 70% risk of 'failure'? Well, there is competition, so it may turn out my product isn't as good. They have all the tools I have, but they are big and comfortable, so it's more complex for them to do new things and fulfill the wishes of customers.
The SaaS itself is not related to AI. It has other 'moats' than just pure software. There's 2 or 3 established contenders.
I have an employee covering for me, and he's on AI as well. A skilled person that also uses AI well, their productivity is probably 3x someone that doesn't use it. This will be fantastic for employers in the future.
What to discuss here?
1. How use AI to cut development cycle, sales cycle in SaaS or similar models
2. My project, especially the method of doing it
3. How train your team to use AI to the greatest extent, without letting standards slip
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