After noticing many people struggle with getting an online application created, I started this thread: Find Trustworthy Developers to Build Your MVP Without Risking Money $$
The idea: have less-experienced developers gain experience by creating MVPs for cash-poor entrepreneurs.
Things have been going well, and I thought a progress thread would be a great way to keep me focused.
================== Background
With learning, there is no single approach that works best for everyone; there is always room for new approaches.
In my own journey as a developer, I took note of many things that could have been done differently in existing courses. I have heard these same frustrations voiced by others, so I thought this would be a good need for me to tackle.
Why is this a good niche?
The End Goal
Assist budding developers in gaining the confidence needed to create an application from scratch and put it online for real people to use.
This means that developers will understand how to go from simple requirements documentation and an empty code editor to setting up a server and deploying production-ready code suitable for an MVP.
That is a tall order, but diligent students will find themselves gaining experience and confidence quickly.
Being familiar with the skills necessary to create an MVP from scratch will make them a valuable member to any team or entrepreneur(s). They'll be able to get things done without necessarily being an expert in things like server administration.
Sub Goal: Help budding entrepreneurs validate their MVP without a large output of cash. True, it will take longer to get their applications complete, but for most, the application wouldn't have been built at all.
My main goal does not depend on finding interested entrepreneurs, though.
================== Progress Update
Unfortunately, my time is extremely limited for the next couple of months, but I have been making steady progress.
Items Completed:
Up Next:
Challenges:
The biggest challenge right now is trying to get something out there without investing too much time up front.
I will not be creating the whole course before I start gauging interest, but I at least want my ducks lined up enough that I can start filming video quickly if I start to generate enough interest.
The idea: have less-experienced developers gain experience by creating MVPs for cash-poor entrepreneurs.
Things have been going well, and I thought a progress thread would be a great way to keep me focused.
================== Background
With learning, there is no single approach that works best for everyone; there is always room for new approaches.
In my own journey as a developer, I took note of many things that could have been done differently in existing courses. I have heard these same frustrations voiced by others, so I thought this would be a good need for me to tackle.
Why is this a good niche?
- high barrier to entry -- you have to have the skill in order to teach it
- profitable -- there are a fair number of solutions in the space already, but there's lots of room for improvement / diversity
- large market, but with numerous niche markets within
- I know the market very well
The End Goal
Assist budding developers in gaining the confidence needed to create an application from scratch and put it online for real people to use.
This means that developers will understand how to go from simple requirements documentation and an empty code editor to setting up a server and deploying production-ready code suitable for an MVP.
That is a tall order, but diligent students will find themselves gaining experience and confidence quickly.
Being familiar with the skills necessary to create an MVP from scratch will make them a valuable member to any team or entrepreneur(s). They'll be able to get things done without necessarily being an expert in things like server administration.
Sub Goal: Help budding entrepreneurs validate their MVP without a large output of cash. True, it will take longer to get their applications complete, but for most, the application wouldn't have been built at all.
My main goal does not depend on finding interested entrepreneurs, though.
================== Progress Update
Unfortunately, my time is extremely limited for the next couple of months, but I have been making steady progress.
Items Completed:
- Application idea chosen and scoped
- Full tech stack chosen (JavaScript (Vue.js + Node.js) + MySQL
- I have decided on the full scope of the course -- A to Z development, from server setup to production deployment. Course will also include a full professional workflow - working from requirements documentation, dev task tickets, bug tickets, using git, effective time management and dev task planning
- Tooling for managing the courses, students, etc. chosen.
- I've researched effective learning techniques to apply to my teaching approach. To the best of my knowledge, existing courses do not pay attention to these; existing courses seem to stop at the "learn by doing" approach, but there is more that can be done. It is my hypothesis that this stagnant approach is what leads to so much dissatisfaction with these courses; people do course after course and don't have the confidence to handle projects without the hand holding.
Up Next:
- Plan the progression of the course to maximize retention of learned material.
- Complete a landing page to gauge interested. I'll invite people to an email list I'll use to post updates, more in-depth course information and stories that illustrate my motivation for producing the courses.
Challenges:
The biggest challenge right now is trying to get something out there without investing too much time up front.
I will not be creating the whole course before I start gauging interest, but I at least want my ducks lined up enough that I can start filming video quickly if I start to generate enough interest.
Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member:
Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)
Last edited:
Membership Required: Upgrade to Expose Nearly 1,000,000 Posts
Ready to Unleash the Millionaire Entrepreneur in You?
Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.
With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.
Become a member and gain immediate access to...
- Active Community: Ever join a community only to find it DEAD? Not at Fastlane! As you can see from our home page, life-changing content is posted dozens of times daily.
- Exclusive Insights: Direct access to MJ DeMarco’s daily contributions and wisdom.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
- Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.
"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!
Join Today
