The document provides guidance on bootstrapping a business, including defining requirements, finding people to complete the work, and focusing on attention to detail during the building and sourcing process. It recommends drawing wireframes, writing detailed specifications, posting jobs online, finding manufacturers and retail space, negotiating contracts, and being hands-on to realize your vision. Examples are given of how the author bootstrapped previous companies through long work days, outsourcing, and using resources efficiently.

1. Bootstrapping
a Business

2. Define What You Need
Online/Tech:
• Select a template or draw a wireframe for your site or App
• www.templatemonster.com or http://www.balsamiq.com
• Write out very specifically what your changes / require-
ments are (if you want someone else to do them)
Physical:
• Draw up a plan of requirements / budget – Be insanely
Thorough right down to every screw, paper/pen.
The World Exchange Plaza Toll Free: 1 866 964 6931 Providing enterprise level order fulfilment, real-time
1150-45 O’Connor Street Facsimile: 1 866 391 5954 provisioning and life-cycle management with custom
Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 1A4 Email: info@10Count.ca software solutions.
Canada Web: www.10Count.ca Rob: Rob@10count.ca | Matt: Matt@10count.ca

3. Find the People To Do It/Or Do It Yourself
• Create a job post on Elance or Odesk (web/tech)
(www.elance.com etc)
• Find Manufacturers
• Find Your Retail Space
• If you outsource be ready to get a ton of responses
• Negotiate – Negotiate HARD !
• Be EXTREMELY specific as to what you want
The World Exchange Plaza Toll Free: 1 866 964 6931 Providing enterprise level order fulfilment, real-time
1150-45 O’Connor Street Facsimile: 1 866 391 5954 provisioning and life-cycle management with custom
Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 1A4 Email: info@10Count.ca software solutions.
Canada Web: www.10Count.ca Rob: Rob@10count.ca | Matt: Matt@10count.ca

4. • Building/Sourcing requires HUGE focus and attention to detail
• This is where you need to be the most hands on
• This is where you realize your vision
The World Exchange Plaza Toll Free: 1 866 964 6931 Providing enterprise level order fulfilment, real-time
1150-45 O’Connor Street Facsimile: 1 866 391 5954 provisioning and life-cycle management with custom
Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 1A4 Email: info@10Count.ca software solutions.
Canada Web: www.10Count.ca Rob: Rob@10count.ca | Matt: Matt@10count.ca

5. The World Exchange Plaza Toll Free: 1 866 964 6931 Providing enterprise level order fulfilment, real-time
1150-45 O’Connor Street Facsimile: 1 866 391 5954 provisioning and life-cycle management with custom
Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 1A4 Email: info@10Count.ca software solutions.
Canada Web: www.10Count.ca Rob: Rob@10count.ca | Matt: Matt@10count.ca

6. How We Did It
• 10Count/Assent – Rob Sleeping Under Desks/Chained up
in Basement.
• NoNotes.com – Business Trade: Boxing for Website
• NoNotesVoice – Outsourcing
• Final Round – Use Tenant Allowance for Costs - 1 mth of
16hr work days
• FFTC – Start Very Small and Grow
The World Exchange Plaza Toll Free: 1 866 964 6931 Providing enterprise level order fulfilment, real-time
1150-45 O’Connor Street Facsimile: 1 866 391 5954 provisioning and life-cycle management with custom
Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 1A4 Email: info@10Count.ca software solutions.
Canada Web: www.10Count.ca Rob: Rob@10count.ca | Matt: Matt@10count.ca