A quick note before we begin:
This is a paid post because it goes deeper into real-time decisions I’m making as I build DEW, the context, trade-offs, and reflections I don’t always share publicly. You can upgrade to get access. Thank you for being here and for supporting this work.
I recently listened to a 2024 episode of the In Charge podcast where the Founders, Emma and Madeline, shared what all went into building their productivity app, In Charge.
The episode was insightful. They shared how they came up with the idea for the app, the process that went behind branding, and how they found a developer to bring the app to life. I am always super thankful when founders openly and candidly share their journey.
What I am learning is that the tech industry, much like the coaching industry that I am used to, loves to share the highlight reels of their success but often skims across the actual journey that it took to get there.
But I won’t lie…the episode left me feeling very anxious.
No shade to them, of course, the episode just showed me what I am honestly getting myself into with wanting to build an app.
To be real, facing that reality terrified me. They mentioned spending over six figures to get the app designed and built when they were estimating a lot less. And then the process took over a year when they originally planned for just a few months.
I don’t have that kind of time or money. Actually, I do have the time, but the money, no.
Every day, I am learning something new or running into another potential setback when it comes to building this app.
This process of building DEW is forcing me to:
Level up in my faith. What I can’t do is build an app with my limited mindset. I am well aware that this is one of those “only God can build this” type of situations.
Be resourceful. I don’t have a lot of money to put into getting an app built (right now). So I’ve had to experiment and research other ways to bring this thing to life. “Use what you got to get what you want.”
Ask for help. Again, this is a totally new lane for me. Content, I know. Coaching, I know. I’m even pretty good at design. But building an app…I have no clue what I am doing. But I am open to asking for help. Writing this Substack post actually prompted me to post this on LinkedIn.
On paper, I may be the least qualified to build DEW, but one thing about me…I have never let something like a lack of money or knowledge stop me. Call it delusion or call it unshakable faith. 🤷🏽♀️
What I DO know so far about building an app is that:
It will take time, and it will be expensive. There is no way around it, but I’m changing my perspective to seeing this as a long-term investment.
Version one of the app will likely not be pretty. I need to focus on functionality first anyway.
I can’t do the most. Start with building the basics, then add more features as needed.
TEST, TEST, TEST!
With this in mind, here’s how I currently plan to get this app built.
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