How to Convert Software Development Skills into Successful Business Models Featuring Troy Larson
Troy has over 40 years of software development and technical management experience, including five years at Amazon as a Solutions Architect.
In 2022, Troy founded The Unique VA Experience, a Filipino-based coaching company that has trained nearly 300 VAs, providing opportunities for Filipinos who are looking to change careers and for stay-at-home parents looking to enter the workforce.
In 2023, Troy launched The Developer’s CEO Newsletter, building on his 40 years of experience, focused on the unique challenges faced by software developers who are running a small business or looking to start their own business.
In today’s episode, you will discover the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the founding of The Unique VA Experience, and his 2023 launch of The Developer CEO Newsletter.
Troy and I discuss:
- The journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship [00:01:05]
- The motivation behind The Unique VA Experience [00:02:10]
- The significance of the “Unique” aspect in his business [00:03:40]
- Offering a distinct, hands-on program for VAs [00:04:35]
- How The Unique VA Experience evolved against expectations [00:06:05]
- Utilizing community for entrepreneurial success [00:08:00]
- The unexpected wisdom gained from community interactions [00:09:40]
- The role of OKRs in fostering accountability within communities [00:11:50]
- The simple yet effective implementation of OKRs [00:18:15]
- Navigating the trials and learning from failures in business [00:20:25]
For those seeking to delve deeper into the world of virtual assistance or to tap into Troy’s rich repository of knowledge, visit www.troylarson.com. Troy also offers resources on hiring a VA and has made his developer-centric newsletter available for those intrigued by the intersection of software development and business leadership.
Thank you to our sponsor:
How to Build an Authority Business Featuring Rochelle Moulton
Rochelle Moulton turns independent consultants into authorities. The author of The Authority Code: How To Position, Monetize And Sell Your Expertise, she has been called “an emotional Red Bull” for her balance of inspiration and practical advice.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to go from expertise to authority, along with big financial benefits.
Rochelle and I discuss:
- Some of the differences between experts and authorities [03:18]
- Patterns that emerge from experts that effectively market their authority [08:54]
- The most important sales target when you market your authority [11:24]
- How taking a stand can generate risk in your head [14:23]
- How long it may take to build a financially successful authority business [19:11]
- Business model differences between experts and authorities [20:55]
Learn more about Rochelle at https://rochellemoulton.com/.
Thank you to Our Sponsor:
The Smashing the Plateau Community
How to Find a Niche that Sells Featuring Andrew Kamphey
Andrew Kamphey had a very meandering career. He became a google sheets wizard and now sells a very lucrative niche offering based on his skills.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the very simple process Andrew used to find his niche.
Andrew and I discuss:
- What caused his career to lead to google sheets [02:22]
- How Andrew created a business around his google sheets niche [10:55]
- How to persevere until you experience success [15:11]
- What Andrew learned about building a niche offering [19:25]
Learn more about Andrew at https://bettersheets.co.