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At Thin Air Labs, we strongly believe in taking a founder-first approach. It’s one of our core values. But what does this approach look like, specifically as software engineers? Let's dive into it.
Effective Client Communication
First and foremost, being founder-first means communicating effectively with our clients. We strive to understand their unique problems and business goals. This involves asking the right questions and engaging in direct conversations with the founders. With our smaller pod approach, we can gain a direct understanding of what the client needs and wants, avoiding the potential miscommunication that can happen in larger organizations. Further, we believe in collaboration. When we communicate collaboratively, and adapt to the clients’ tools and styles, we can work with the current rather than trying to run against it.
Lean Development
Secondly, the founder-first approach is all about lean development. We believe in building small, getting feedback, and then iterating based on that feedback. This approach is akin to hearing that the client wants a car, so we start with a skateboard. As we gather more feedback and learn, we evolve the skateboard through to a bicycle all the way to a convertible. It may not be the car that the client originally asked for, but as markets and requirements change we are able to deliver the mode of transportation they uniquely needed. By adapting to market changes and being flexible, we can continually meet the changing needs of small businesses.
Broad Knowledge Base
Moreover, being founder-first requires having a broad knowledge of different business markets and the ability to learn quickly about various business sectors. This learning agility enables us to apply new knowledge effectively, helping our clients succeed in their respective markets. Knowing what works best from a technical and business process perspective allows the founder to focus on what they do best: delivering fantastic products to their users.
"We see ourselves as partners in the founder’s journey..." --- the Thin Air Product Traction team
Founder Trust
We acknowledge that founders are the domain experts. We respect their knowledge and experience, and we defer to them in matters related to their specific domain. Our philosophy is to build "with you" and not "for you." We see ourselves as partners in the founder’s journey, working side by side with them to create products that truly meet their needs and help grow their business.
At Product Traction, being founder-first is not just a buzzword. It's a value that permeates everything we do, from the way we communicate to the way we approach product development. By putting the founder first, we aim to create products that truly meet the needs of the people we serve.
