Ten years ago, I was working on “ground breaking” web-based technology. (Cue the laughter.)
Back then, we developed on a propriety toolset, rolling out software packages and systems that cost millions of dollars – millions to get it out there, and millions to keep it running.
Now, tools and products have flooded the market, meaning that a similar software package can be rolled out for hundreds of dollars, and maintained for less than hundreds.
Yup, in the world of bits, bytes, and atoms, we now live in a marketplace that is faster, (arguably) better, and a whole lot cheaper. But all that seems to have come at a price…. the price of quality.
I’m not saying in the “old” days, we didn’t release crappy stuff. Oh hell yea, we messed plenty of things up. But we were always mindful of the customer and the mistakes were an outlier, not the norm.
But everywhere I turn these days, I see “beta” products and services. Folks just trying stuff out. And while that is AWESOME – I’m all up for failing fast – I think entrepreneurs are a little to quick to get crappy stuff out the door. For example, in the past week:
Here’s the bottom line: I’m tired of testing people’s shitty “beta” products/services. I don’t care how good your business idea is; get your shit together before showing the world.
Working on the basics and then building a community to help you build up to the next level? Awesome. That’s quality.
Throwing some crap out there and hope for the best, with your lousy support staff? Good luck, bub, that’s not good enough.
There was a point in time where beta mean exactly that, beta – we’re going to show a few friends and family a solid, quality version what we’ve got and get some good feedback in. Now, beta seems to me “I hit the save button, now, what do you think.”
Quality or Beta. I know where I’m putting my money.
SPOILER: One of our upcoming C-Booster Sessions will be about quality so get signed up for the list if you aren’t already. Need some help just getting your business to beta? Call me.