The fine folks at 37signals took the time to write down a few pages of they think is good advice for small software companies. Why do they think that? Because they too are a small software shop, and seemed to learn their lessons from their own experiences, which is A Good Thing. We know them for creating great software for our everyday using pleasure, and that know-how normally comes a long way.
The book’s called “Getting Real”, and you can buy it from their website. It’s divided into a few chapters and deals with stuff like running the business, design, coding and best-practices for a team. Though you’ll find a lot of that measly white-space in it, the book has some very valuable and no-fluff advice. Don’t expect a nice story oozing you in, this book will get straight to the point. If something’s been said, it moves on to the next topic. If you worked in the business for some time, you’ll probably be familiar with a lot of it, but it’s a good read anyway, because it’s one more confirmation that you’re probably doing it right. And there’s always something to learn.
It’s an excellent read, because it’s short and painful or painless (depending on whether you’re familiar with it or not), but don’t expect advice on how to introduce a certain way to handle things in your team or company. As Scott Berkun put it: “…this book is more mantra than guidance or instruction.” You probably can adopt these practices right away, if you’re a small shop where there’s probably only little resistance against improvements or new practices. If you’re working in a bigger company it’s most likely harder, if you’re swimming against a stronger current. There the book leaves you alone, and you’ll have to find a way to introduce them by yourself.
Of course, not all is lost on this book. It still offers highly motivating advice. I felt a sudden itch to do something and get some product done and out to the customer, if I’d had any. You can literally feel the motivation these guys must have. I highly recommend reading it, because the authors might have done something right with what they’re writing about. If you look at the success and beauty of their products which always are a pleasure to use, you could think they have a point. And most likely, they have.
The book is only available in PDF format, and you can buy it from their website.
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