Hey, it’s Jay.
I’ve spent more than 20 years building software and leading teams. I know how to solve problems, deliver a project, and build things people can use.
This year, I decided to put that experience behind my own business. I started Bunker41, building websites and software for small businesses.
I’m in my 40s. Starting something of my own has been scary, but I know what I bring to the table. I wanted to give myself a real chance to see what I could do with it.
Recently, I completed my first client project for ANP Office Furniture: a new Shopify store with a custom Purolator freight shipping integration.
Getting that project finished and receiving their testimonial felt pretty damn good. They trusted me to deliver something important to their business, and I delivered.
That’s a result I can stand behind. It gives me confidence going into the next conversation and the next project.
One client in, and I’m glad I started.
Something else I’m taking seriously after this year: word of mouth.
A chance encounter and word of mouth brought me client work. That experience reminded me how much opportunity there is in simply talking to people and letting them know what you do.
I’m building an online presence, and I want to get better at it. I’m also going to keep making time for actual conversations. Relationships matter to me, and they’re already making a difference in my business.
If you’re trying to get something started, tell people about it. Give them a clear idea of who you help and what you do. Ask about their work, too. Get to know the people around you.
You can do that today, wherever you are in building your business.
Alongside the client work, I’ve launched my own apps. They’re out there, and I’m working on getting them into more people’s hands and turning them into consistent income.
There’s work ahead of me there. I need to understand what makes someone try an app, keep using it, and decide it’s worth paying for. That deserves the same attention I give to building the product.
I’ll be sharing that work here, too.
One Person, Real Business is where I’ll write about building this business: finding clients, delivering projects, launching products, and deciding where to put my time. When I share advice, I’ll explain the experience behind it. When I’m trying something new, you’ll know that, too.
I want this business to support my family, give me more freedom, and let me do work I’m proud of. I’m willing to put in the effort to build it.
I’d love to connect with other people doing the same, especially anyone starting something in their 40s or beyond.
Hit reply and tell me what you’re building. I’d like to get to know the people reading this.
Jay