The Journey of Tapkeen: Part 13 - Lessons Learned in App Development
Launching Tapkeen has been an incredible journey filled with both challenges and triumphs. Over the past years, I've learned some valuable lessons.
Here are 10 key takeaways from my experience.
1. Leadership Evolves
As a leader, you naturally take on new roles like project manager and people manager. As a software developer, I never thought I’d have to wear so many hats. It’s important to embrace this growth, even if it feels strange. The journey changes you, making you step out of your comfort zone where every decision matters.
2. Soft Skills
You realize that soft skills are often more important than your technical skills.
Interacting with your team and stakeholders becomes more valuable than knowing which programming language to use.
3. Business Perspective
You start to see everything through a business lens. Every decision, every feature, and every bug fix is judged by its impact on the business. You start thinking not just about code, but about how to get more users and increase revenue.
4. Value Experienced Feedback
Listening to experienced developers can help you find solutions faster. Don’t underestimate their experience. Their insights can save you hours, if not days, of trial and error. It's humbling to realize that no matter how much you know, there's always someone who can teach you something new.
5. Imperfect Ideas
No idea is perfect, and many have little value without action.
Prototyping and execution are what bring your ideas to life.
It’s crucial to start building, even if it’s just a rough version.
An idea on paper is worthless until you take action.
And don’t worry about someone stealing your idea. It's the execution, the countless iterations, and the relentless improvement that make it valuable.
The next time someone says, “I don’t want to share my idea because it might get stolen,” remind them that ideas are a dime a dozen. It’s the execution that’s priceless.
6. Feedback Can Be Harsh
Be prepared for all kinds of feedback, from helpful to ridiculous and sometimes even mean.
This is part of the process. Users will give feedback based on their experiences, and it’s up to you to filter and use this information.
Expect some of it to sting - perhaps a lot.
You might get feedback like, “This feature is useless,” or “Who designed this?” It's a roller coaster of emotions, swinging from rage to humor, and sometimes, it’s all you can do not to throw your computer out the window.
But buried within the harsh words are valuable insights.
Your job is to find them.
7. Use Feedback as a Tool
User feedback, even if it seems harsh, is valuable.
It shows you issues you might not have noticed and can find bugs in your product.
Embrace feedback as a tool for improvement.
It’s like a free testing service that points out the flaws and areas for improvement. Some feedback will be incredibly detailed, offering you a roadmap for making your product better. Learn to tell the difference between noise and helpful criticism, and use it to your advantage.
8. Adaptability is Key
The path to success is rarely straight.
There will be unexpected challenges and pivots along the way. Being adaptable and open to change is crucial for overcoming obstacles and finding new opportunities.
Flexibility is your best friend in the startup world. There will be moments when everything seems to fall apart. Your initial plans will often need adjustments, and your ability to pivot quickly can mean the difference between failure and success.
9. Focus on Customer Needs
Understanding and prioritizing the needs of your users is fundamental. Regularly engaging with your community and gathering insights can guide your development process and ensure you’re creating value for your audience.
It’s not about what you think they need; it’s about what they actually want and need. Gather feedback, conduct surveys, and engage in discussions to truly understand their pain points and desires. This user-centric approach is what will set your product apart.
10. The Power of Writing
Writing about my journey helps me think about my progress, share valuable insights, and connect with others facing similar challenges. It has also been a powerful tool for promotion and idea generation, helping shape Tapkeen. Sharing your story not only builds your personal brand but also creates a community around your product.
Bonus Insight: Dealing with Unrealistic Offers
Every good software developer meets people who say, “I just need a developer to make my idea real.”
When asked about compensation, the response is often, “You’ll get shares. / You’ll be rich afterwards. / This idea is unique on the market.” In other words, they don’t want to pay you anything upfront…
The proper response to such “offers” should be a “FUCK OFF.”?
And if all else fails, just tell them, “Sure, I'll do it for Monopoly money.”
This might be the most polite way to handle it. These offers are frustrating and, unfortunately, common.?
The reality is, an idea alone is worthless without execution. Making an idea real takes a lot of time and work, so don’t waste your time on empty promises.?
Know your worth and demand fair compensation for your skills and effort.
I'm proud of the progress and growth achieved. This experience has been filled with learning, resilience, and countless challenges. I hope these reflections inspire others to pursue their passions and navigate the entrepreneurial path with determination and adaptability.
Thanks, everyone, and in case you missed them, check out the previous parts of The Journey of Tapkeen:
The Journey of Tapkeen Part 1 - The Idea
The Journey of Tapkeen Part 2 - Choosing The Right Tech Stack
The Journey of Tapkeen Part 3 - Building the Backend
The Journey of Tapkeen Part 4 - Building a Mobile App Prototype
The Journey of Tapkeen Part 5 - Creating the Identity
The Journey of Tapkeen Part 6 - Building a Team that Resonates with Your Vision
The Journey of Tapkeen Part 7 - QA is a Critical Step in App Development
The Journey of Tapkeen Part 8 - From Developer to Project Manager - A Takeover by Ljubomir
The Journey of Tapkeen Part 9 - Introducing Keencoins
The Journey of Tapkeen Part 10 - The Apple Challenge
The Journey of Tapkeen Part 11 - The Evolution of Tapkeen
The Journey of Tapkeen Part 12 - Community Engagement