From a random encounter on IH to $1.5k sales

Just wanted to share a quick story.

About a week ago I got a message on Twitter saying that my tweet inspired someone to work on their side project. This was an amazing thing to hear because I never considered anything I say inspire anyone...

That got me thinking about side projects in general and thought I'd share something about mine.

A while back, a fellow IH member shared their product called Scrapbook. This product is created entirely in Airtable and provides a bunch of ideas to grow your startup. I instantly bought a copy.

Having created a plugin previously, I realized I went about it the wrong way. People downloaded the plugin 800 times and plenty of thank yous on Twitter, but never amounted to anything else. Truth be told, that plugin was quite a mess and all over the place--- trying to combine different niches into one.

So, being inspired by Scrapbook, I decided to put together a "database" of conversion strategies for SaaS startups.

The main product did not take very long, but I did have a lot of downtime focusing on a blog, and on having a new child. Long story short, I was able to wrap it up thanks in part to another community I spent time in -- IndieLog.

During the process of working on this product, I ran into all sorts of difficulties which inspired new ideas for new startups (which I may build down the road). I even started a podcast to share the ideas.

Anyway, having paid attention to @vinrob always talking about productized services, I thought it would be cool if I could turn my (and others') knowledge into a product. This is how swipe was born.

For now it remains a side project. It generated ~$700 before launch, and now up to ~$1500 with 19 hours to go.

https://www.producthunt.com/posts/swipe-c3ed98db-a38c-456b-ada2-e01708b74583

I guess my point is, if you have an idea and willing to execute, it's fairly feasible to make a bit of extra cash on the side -- and you never know what kinds of startup ideas come to your mind while you are working on your side project.

Despite it being a side thing, I have big plans for Swipe. Partnerships, affiliate deals (which I already started and some are working), advertising, network effects (with growthinsider.co)

Eventually, I plan on launching an entire suite of services packaged as products. I guess Rob Walling would call this the stairstep approach.

It's not much, but I hope it inspires someone to finish their side project - even if not for the cash, but to hear someone express their gratitude for inspiring them to work on theirs.

Cheers,
Gene