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Articles related to Running a Business
2nd Chapter Released (Partnering Up)
written by Allan on April 30, 2012
We've released the second chapter of our ebook on running a web consultancy.
Business is hard as shit
written by Allan on April 27, 2012
There seems to be an unwritten rule that as entrepreneurs we need to make growing a business appear easy, as if we have the right answer for everything.
LessEverything eBook Announced
written by Allan on April 05, 2012
Finally after 3 years of tinkering on our ebook we're ready to release a rough draft.
Let It Slide
written by Steven on March 29, 2012
Steve points out a special talent that he and Allan both possess.
Failed to meet an unspoken expectation
written by Allan on March 06, 2012
I've been thinking a lot lately about why relationships sour, when do I argue with other people, when & why do others disappoint me periodically.
Qualifying Leads - Sales Tips for a Web Shop
written by Allan on January 10, 2012
How do you know a client lead is right for you? What is the process LessEverything uses to take a contact form inquiry and ensure they're the right fit for the project?
Allan's Favorite Things from 2011
written by Allan on December 28, 2011
A list of some items that have significantly aided LessEverything in their operations this year.
Fearless vs. Foolish
written by Allan on December 02, 2011
In the startup community we talk a lot about being "fearless" and making "foolish" decisions, but what is really the difference between these two words?
At Every Moment Everything Is Changing
written by Steven on May 24, 2011
Moment by moment your relationships with everything are either growing or shrinking. What to do?
The Business of Kindness
written by Steven on March 21, 2011
If I simply worked at being kinder and more patient then if there was a god, she couldn't complain about that practice and if there wasn't it didn't matter, I am still improving myself.
Happy Wife, Happy Life -- How Our Relationship Works
written by Steven on March 14, 2011
Once had a shrink tell me my relationship with Allan should be the role model for my romantic relationships. And yes, Allan still teases me about that.
Life Is Hard -- Focus on Happiness
written by Steven on February 21, 2011
Focus on the important things. Focus on happiness and what makes you smile.
Support is useless unless they're empowered.
written by Allan on February 18, 2011
The first of several moments of Zen that Allan experienced while dealing with some frustration caused by American Airlines.
Video Interview with Allan
written by Allan on December 03, 2010
Several friends on a 12,000 mile road trip interview Allan about the landscape of the workplace. Video.
"Empower your users" & "emotional value" defined.
written by Allan on October 27, 2010
Learn how to get your users to the "ah-ha moment" where they will never turn back.
It's Always Easier Looking In.
written by Allan on July 29, 2010
A short bit about what you're missing the first time you see and make a judgement about an app.
Even directing a broadway play is about iterations of improvement.
written by Allan on April 07, 2010
George C. Wolf, a Broadway director says, "...to make a show go from very good to brilliant...it's an endless series of details."
Create Content!
written by Steven on December 18, 2009
There's one way to get out there; that's CONTENT. Make it, and make it now.
How we got eyeballs
written by Allan on December 10, 2009
Here's a list of things Allan and Steve did to gain the eyeballs of the world around them over the last few years.
LessEverything Consulting Is Open For Business
written by Steven on December 07, 2009
If you're interested in 47% of the things on this list, Less Everything wants to consult with you.
Do you need a sales scheme if you have a good product?
written by Allan on November 30, 2009
Allan explains why it is that "good" products need a scheme to push them along.
Jesse Lamb is NOT my Lawyer
written by Allan on November 09, 2009
A review of a really awesome 'not lawyer' with a really awesome idea.
Go Away, Just Keep Paying Me
written by Allan on November 05, 2009
Allan analyzes the format of businesses that thrive on your absence.
The Right Decision Will Make Everyone Squirm
written by Allan on October 29, 2009
What is it that drives people crazy about the decisions you're making?
Day 1 with a Virtual Assistant
written by Steven on August 10, 2009
Steve gives a brief description of what his first day with a virtual assistant was like.
Business Lessons from a Bank Robber
written by Allan on August 07, 2009
Some wisdom on how you can increase your business simply by thinking ahead and getting yourself out there.
Build, Design, Launch an App in <40 Man Hours
written by Allan on August 05, 2009
Allan explains how Less Everything built an awesome app in less than 40 hours and how you can do it, too.
#10 Rules for Bootstrapped Web App Startups
written by Allan on July 07, 2009
Allan lists 10 things that every startup should value.
The economy can suck it!
written by Allan on June 23, 2009
A call for freelancers to pull their resources and help each other out during a recession.
We are so much luckier than you!
written by Steven on June 18, 2009
A couple pie graphs from Steven measuring usage.
Face Off Show (Podcast) - thanks for the plug!
written by Allan on June 10, 2009
Less receives a couple nice plugs during the Face Off Show podcast.
Branch Records, Allan Branch Records?
written by Allan on May 28, 2009
Allan moves back to his hometown and finds some cool people who are providing him with some sweet tunes in a different way.
Be Wary of Time and Materials
written by Steven on May 07, 2009
A few reasons why Steve says hiring hourly sucks compared to fixed-price.
Startup Stories: Allan Branch of LessAccounting
written by Steven on May 01, 2009
Allan talks about Less Everything's philosophy and some of the keys to its success in this Startup Stories interview.
Stress
written by Steven on April 30, 2009
When running a business, especially a startup, one of the greatest challenges is simply learning how to manage all of the stress
billFLO Launches Today
written by Steven on April 20, 2009
An introduction and review of Steven's new favorite bill-paying app.
Your Shit Does Stink -- Good Friends Are Hard to Find
written by Steven on March 24, 2009
Steven tells the truth about what makes a real friend.
I am grateful to be overwhelmed
written by Allan on March 17, 2009
In a sagging economy where people are losing their jobs, Allan is happy to be busy.
How not to price your app
written by Steven on February 12, 2009
When it comes to pricing your app's service, there is no right way. There are, however, plenty of wrong ways.
Getting Through Tough Times
written by Steven on January 29, 2009
Some things to keep you sane when it seems that you can do nothing but "fall short" of the competition.
When to Fire a Client
written by Steven on January 19, 2009
The following is an outline of what Less Everything has learned about when to stop working with a client.
Why do users participate with (and return to) an app?
written by Allan on January 06, 2009
Getting users to participate in your app is one thing. Getting them to come back is something else.
What did we do in 2008?
written by Allan on January 02, 2009
Here are some highlights from our year. Enjoy our reflection and do some of your own.
Does your content need to lose weight?
written by Steven on November 25, 2008
Steven shares some tips for how to prevent killing potential clients with needless content.
Crunchies Awards
written by Steven on November 20, 2008
A series of buttons to nominate Less Accounting for Crunchies.
You are the underdog.
written by Allan on November 18, 2008
Some tough love for your stalled project.
I have something to prove
written by Allan on November 17, 2008
A candid Allan opens up a little about the emotional strains of the biz.
Guy Kawasaki is an Idiot
written by Steven on November 14, 2008
Steve shares some reasoning behind his educated dislike of Guy Kawasaki.
Less Launches Early, A Case Study
written by Steven on November 06, 2008
A classic example of how Less Everything launched a product without holding on to perfection.
Never Play It Safe
written by Allan on November 03, 2008
I can't think of any great decision I've ever made that was comfortable, easy or safe.
Paying your Taxes as an Independent Contractor
written by Steven on October 29, 2008
Another great article from our trusty accountant having to do with giving unto Caesar.
It's about the users
written by Steven on October 21, 2008
What if people only decided to work with you based on the type of clothing you wear? Would you have any business?
What About Payroll?
written by Steven on October 20, 2008
Another installment from the best accountant in the world; ours.
Does my small business have employees or independent contractors?
written by Steven on October 17, 2008
This article was written by our accountant, who is the best accountant anywhere.
What Washing Cars Taught Me About Business.
written by Allan on September 29, 2008
What does washing cars have to do with running a web shop? Allan shares wisdom from his father.
Why Less is So Productive
written by Steven on September 23, 2008
Check out this video on productivity around Less Everything.
7 Accounting Tips for Beginning Businesses
written by Allan on September 16, 2008
Allan shares 7 very important things to remember when keeping your books for your company.
Losing Twitter Followers is a Good Thing
written by Steven on August 01, 2008
Steven explains why being yourself is ultimately better for your business (regardless of the friends you may lose).
Blind Success
written by Allan on July 09, 2008
Beware the dangers of succeeding.
How to Choose a Consulting Company to Build Your App
written by Steven on July 01, 2008
Here are a few things you should pay attention to when choosing a consultancy.
NDAs are unnecessary because ideas are worthless
written by Steven on June 30, 2008
Ever had an Idea that you were afraid to share because it was so good? Yeah, how's that going for you?
Those who can't...teach
written by Allan on June 18, 2008
Want to see a company's work in its purest form? Ask to see their own apps.
The Internet is a Tool to Help You Provide a Better Service
written by Allan on May 29, 2008
Don't push the internet to do your job, or it will take your job from you.
Evaluate Yourself
written by Allan on May 19, 2008
In any job, in any industry, you must constantly be getting "better" at what you do. We do this with evaluation.
Pitfalls of Guaranteed Success pt. 2
written by Steven on May 13, 2008
Two weeks ago Allan wrote a post about Pitfalls of Guaranteed Success. Today I'll be elaborating on a few of those points.
Take the Leap
written by Steven on May 09, 2008
Steven shares several tips for how to support your dream while still supporting yourself.
What to do about Forever Unhappy Clients...
written by Allan on May 05, 2008
Allan explains what Less Everything's philosophy is for those client relationships that...just aren't working out.
Pitfalls of Guaranteed Success
written by Allan on May 01, 2008
Is your mind more on success, or the satisfaction of your clients and users?
Rules for Business
written by Steven on April 30, 2008
A comprehensive list of rules for delivering outstanding business.
5 Most HATED Companies Online
written by Steven on April 21, 2008
A bit of humor. A bit of truth. 5 companies even your mom hates.
My Dad, the Sith Lord
written by Allan on April 15, 2008
Some wisdom from Allan's dad.
Create Love, not Fear
written by Allan on March 31, 2008
It takes something more than fear to earn someone's long-lasting respect; it takes love. Hear how Allan learned this principal from an unlikely source.
The Grass is Just a Different Shade of Green
written by Allan on March 21, 2008
With bigger money comes more different stresses and more responsibility. Be thankful every step of the way.
She-Ra Joins the Masters of the Universe
written by Steven on March 12, 2008
Less Everything announces the newest member of the team: Rhea Drysdale.
Don't be a "Jack"
written by Allan on February 25, 2008
Pick something--one thing, and be badass at it.
Does Everyone Blog?
written by Allan on February 20, 2008
Allan does a review of Eric Wilson's blog at CWGuy.com.
Be Proud of Your Work
written by Allan on February 12, 2008
Clients should seek you because of your reputation and skill; not your low price.
You're Wasting my Time Sucka!
written by Allan on February 05, 2008
A short rant about why meetings and certain phone calls aren't productive.
Why not to leave your job...
written by Allan on January 14, 2008
Here are a few reasons working on your own and being your own boss stinks.
Five Quotes
written by Allan on January 08, 2008
Allan shares more quotes on business and leadership.
Barrier to (re)entry
written by Allan on December 19, 2007
This is why Twitter's registration process and easy use alone makes it successful.
Lame Emails (Allan's Rant)
written by Allan on December 18, 2007
You ever get an email that looks like this?
Worth Quoting
written by Allan on December 11, 2007
Some great quotes by some savvy dudes.
Sometimes More Is Better
written by Allan on October 09, 2007
Check out the consolation prize we got for being late to Stephen Colbert's book.
Ingredients of a Great Client...
written by Allan on October 05, 2007
Believe it or not, there is a good bit of specificity that goes into the recipe for good clients and good client relationships. Allan has cracked the code.
Businessman Profile: JC Penney
written by Allan on September 18, 2007
What better person to take advice from about the woes of credit than a man named Cash?
Woot.com is Less
written by Allan on September 12, 2007
Allan explains why 1 product per day is better than 5.
Please Read This Post In It's Entirety Before You Send Me Your Resume
written by Steven on September 07, 2007
Follow directions. Keep the resume. That is all.
People abandoning Microsoft Vista
written by Steven on August 22, 2007
More about the frustration that Chris (and the rest of the world) is experiencing with Windows Vista.
Google is the New Yellow Pages
written by Allan on August 09, 2007
In a world where Google exists, do the Yellow Pages have a chance?
Accountant Recommendation
written by Steven on August 06, 2007
Hate your accountant? Try ours!
A Nimble Business = Humble Person
written by Allan on July 25, 2007
What does it mean for a 50-year-old business to stay nimble (and remain humble)?
The change from More to Less...
written by Allan on July 23, 2007
Read about Allan's dad who helped pioneer the Express Exterior Car Wash, and why it's helped him to see the value of "Less".
Rails help
written by Steven on July 18, 2007
Great at Rails? Want a job with Less? Wash your hands!
If you email me...
written by Allan on July 14, 2007
Want a job? Send me a pithy email.
Throwing away opportunities
written by Steven on June 27, 2007
What kind of sales opportunities are you or your employees throwing away?
An Idea without Money (Getting an Angel Investor)
written by Allan on June 20, 2007
When trying to raise capital for your startup, which is the best route to take?
Congratulations TouristR
written by Steven on June 09, 2007
A brief congratulations to touristr.com for a successful launch!