Ep. 211 – How do you know when it’s time to stop adapting your business to your software and start building the software around your business? In this episode, Chris discusses the decision-making process behind building custom applications instead of using off-the-shelf solutions. He shares experiences of creating three specific apps tailored to his needs: a fitness tracker, a habit tracker, and a church note-taking app. Chris points out that many existing software tools are over-featured and lack the exact capabilities you require. He shows how building your own apps can empower your team and streamline operations, ultimately increasing efficiency. Tune in to discover how to identify what your software is missing and use your skills to fill the gaps instead of relying on generic solutions.

• 1:04 – The dual nature of building apps: challenges without structure and capability.
• 4:48 – How to solve the specific gaps your current software isn’t addressing.
• 6:02 – How AI and APIs can help you customize tools without building an entire platform.
• 7:27 – How a simple custom app can solve a problem that more complicated software doesn’t.
• 11:23 – Why starting with an existing app can make building your own solution faster and easier.
• 12:42 – How building small apps can help you improve your AI skills and test new models.
• 13:08 – How to design software around your actual workflow instead of changing your workflow to fit the software.
• 16:03 – How to turn a simple personal solution into a tool that could have broader applications.
• 18:52 – How to recognize when you’re better off buying instead of building.
• 23:34 – How to find the right balance between building it yourself and relying on existing software.

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Ep. 210 – What costs are you not accounting for when you want to move faster? In this episode, Chris explores the hidden expenses that come with the pursuit of speed in business. He shares a cautionary tale about a founder who, despite being on the brink of developing an AI application, pulled back due to an obsession with rapid progress. Chris highlights the importance of understanding the costs of clarity, technology, and team well-being, and how ignoring these can lead to burnout and inefficiency. He challenges you to consider whether you're ready to pay the price for speed. Tune in to learn how slowing down to assess your foundation can lead to greater long-term success.

• 0:10 – Why speed is one of the most addictive, expensive things in business
• 3:31 – Organizing your data is crucial to using AI effectively
• 6:40 – The most overlooked cost in business
• 9:28 – Why a fragmented tech stack can become a massive business problem
• 15:48 – Why slowing down can be the fastest path forward
• 19:14 – What happens when AI investment grows faster than the results
• 21:07 – What it really takes to build at the speed you want
• 26:23 – Why you can’t expect to move fast while paying slow

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Ep. 209 – Are you leveraging software as a strategic advantage in your business? In this episode, Chris discusses internal software solutions and how they can improve your company. He notes that many business leaders may not realize they’re already operating as software companies internally, which can lead to growth. Chris outlines strategies for harnessing this power, including understanding the software development process, ensuring quality assurance, and implementing effective testing protocols. He shares insights from his experiences with various companies and offers advice on integrating AI to streamline operations. Tune in to learn how to position your business for success through the use of internal software.

• 2:29 – Understanding the difference between building a SaaS company and building software for internal use.
• 5:57 – Why thinking of your business as a software company internally can unlock new opportunities for growth.
• 6:50 – The skills and expertise your team needs to start operating like an internal software company.
• 10:34 – Why quality assurance and testing are essential for building secure, effective internal software.
• 15:34 – Why a formal bug reporting process makes software development easier to track, manage, and improve.
• 16:24 – Building custom software to visualize the metrics and information that actually matter to your business.
• 20:00 – How AI can help turn a complex spreadsheet into a customized internal dashboard.
• 23:15 – Why the fastest-growing companies of the future will be internally software-oriented.

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