Start Small, Stay Small, Rob Walling, 2010
The book provides a practical guide to launching and growing a self-funded startup by focusing on small, niche markets. Walling emphasizes the importance of starting with a manageable scope, validating ideas through existing demand signals, and leveraging lean principles to build sustainable businesses without relying on outside funding.
Top 3 Learnings:
- A good niche already has an existing market—indicators such as books, podcasts, and conferences prove demand and reduce risk when entering the space.
- Niche selection should prioritize focus over size—smaller, unattractive niches with unmet needs are easier to dominate and less likely to attract competition.
- Bootstrapping success relies on discipline and gradual growth—by staying lean and focusing on recurring revenue, entrepreneurs can maintain control and long-term sustainability.