081: $15k/Month Teaching Web App Deployment

—Welcome to Startup Gems, where we find undiscovered startup growth hacks, stories and case studies from every random nook and cranny of the internet.—

—Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup expert, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Startup Gems is your source for the stories that ignite the flames of innovation.—

—I’m your host, Chris Koerner, and today, we're delving into the riveting journey of Nick Janetakis, a seasoned software developer who has crafted a thriving business earning 15 grand monthly. We'll be dissecting the principles that drove his success, offering actionable insights that any business owner can apply to their own ventures.—

—Nick's story is a testament to the power of diversification, as he seamlessly blends video courses, freelance work, and a dedicated blogging effort. Our exploration begins with the principle of stability through diversified offerings, examining how this strategy has been a linchpin in Nick's success. From there, we'll unravel the importance of building and nurturing your audience—something Nick did diligently over the years. As we dissect these principles, keep your entrepreneurial hats on, because we'll be capping it off with the value of independence and control over partnerships.—


—Nick's journey takes us from the early days of GeoCities, where he tinkered with Visual Basic 6, all the way to his current venture, pulling in 15 grand monthly by teaching developers how to build and deploy web applications. Let's dive in.—

—Nick's business primarily revolves around selling video courses aimed at helping developers navigate the complex world of web application deployment. But it's not just about the courses. Nick's also knee-deep in contract work, assisting individuals and businesses in solving a myriad of technical problems. His involvement ranges from pair programming sessions on specific programming topics to hands-on implementation of workflows for efficient application deployment.—

—In twenty fifteen, Nick ventured into the world of online education. Fresh off several contracts helping companies build diverse Software as a service apps, he decided to share his expertise through a video course named "Build a Software as a Service App with Flask." The catch? Nick wasn't a household name, and he had zero experience in video production. Undeterred, he launched a 30-day Kickstarter campaign, miraculously hitting the 12 grand goal just a day before it ended. A generous Australian businessman footed most of the bill, changing the trajectory of Nick's life.—

—But how did Nick land his first customers in the freelancing game? Well, it all started with his passion for video games. After co-running a competitive Quake 3 gaming ladder, teams reached out to him for help building their sites. Beyond gaming, Nick took a grassroots approach—riding his bike, contacting local businesses, and offering to build their online presence. With no formal interviews or business cards, he focused on showcasing how he could help them grow while emphasizing his experience with gaming sites.—

—Fast forward to today, and Nick's marketing strategy has evolved. His blog and YouTube channel take center stage. It's a slow burn, with weekly posts since twenty fifteen gradually building an audience. While Twitter and Reddit play a part, Nick aims to avoid being too self-promotional.—

—Now, how does Nick's business make money? In freelancing, he juggles hourly and project-based billing, adapting to the nature of the work. On the course side, it's a one-time sale model, with prices ranging from 30 to 60 dollars. The income fluctuates, hitting highs of 15 grand and lows of 2 grand per month. But Nick values his independence, steering clear of partnerships with course platforms and instead focusing on growing his audience.—

—And here's the plot twist: Despite the success, about four years ago, Nick took on a part-time contract that eventually led him to a full-time, non-freelance job 18 months ago—the first of its kind in his career. It wasn't about the money but the desire to experience the other side and relish the camaraderie of a dedicated team.—

—And there you have it—a glimpse into Nick Janetakis' journey from gaming sites and freelance gigs to a thriving business in web application education.—

—Alright, let's break down the success story of Nick Janetakis' web application education business. What are the key principles that propelled him to a monthly revenue of 15 grand? Let's dive in.—

—Principle 1: Diversify Your Offerings for Stability—

—Nick didn't put all his eggs in one basket. He diversified his business by combining video courses, freelance work, and even blogging. This diverse approach provided stability, especially during fluctuating times.—

—If you're a business owner, consider diversifying your product or service offerings. Explore complementary services that cater to your existing customer base. This could mean bundling products, offering add-on services, or even collaborating with other businesses to expand your reach.—

—Principle 2: Build and Nurture Your Own Audience—

—Nick's success wasn't an overnight sensation. He consistently worked on building his blog and YouTube channel since twenty fifteen. By creating valuable content, he organically grew an audience that eventually became his customer base.—

—For any business owner, investing in building an audience is crucial. Create engaging content related to your industry—blog posts, videos, podcasts, or social media updates. Consistency is key. Over time, this audience can turn into a community of loyal customers.—

—Principle 3: Value Independence and Control Over Partnerships—

—Nick consciously avoided partnering with course platforms. Instead, he chose to grow his own audience, ensuring he had control over his business and customer relationships. This independence allowed him to dictate the direction of his business.—

—Evaluate partnerships carefully. While collaborations can be beneficial, prioritize maintaining control over your core business functions. Whether it's distribution channels, marketing strategies, or customer relationships, maintaining independence can be a strategic advantage for long-term success.—

—So there you have it, folks—three principles that contributed to Nick Janetakis' success. Diversify your offerings for stability, build and nurture your own audience, and value independence and control over partnerships. Apply these principles, and who knows, maybe your business could be the next success story we're talking about. —

—Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas? Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you’re listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow Startup Gems to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.—