REWORK

Working with a Business Partner Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode of Rework, host Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson to share the essential elements that foster a thriving partnership.

Witness firsthand the enduring stability of their collaboration as Jason and David explore how explicit power-sharing agreements and trust enable each partner to take the lead in their own domain.

Tune in for a vibrant behind-the-scenes look at how mutual admiration and a shared commitment to vision and values has paved the way for Jason and David’s long standing partnership at 37signals.

Key Takeaways:

Jason and David share their origin story—from “Apple” pay to the pivotal transition into a partnership after the Basecamp launch.
Mutual admiration, respect, and the other factors that contribute to a successful partnership that allow Jason and David to make decisions based on their vision and values.
The explicit power-sharing agreements that allow each partner to take the lead in their domain—Jason spearheading design and David steering programming.
The value of embracing distinct dispositions in idea generation and differences in decision-making.
The importance of engaging in productive—sometimes intense—discussions about product features and ideas.
How the enduring longevity and stability of their partnership helps Jason and David to consistently reach mutually beneficial decisions.

Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on YouTube and X.

If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, leave us a voicemail at 708-628-7850 or email, and we might answer it on a future episode.

Links and Resources:

Look Back Less Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

"If you're going to look back at all, you should glance back but not stare." – Jason Fried

In this episode of the Rework podcast, host, Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason Fried, and David Heinemeier Hansson, to dive into a compelling question: How much attention should businesses really give to the past?

Jason introduced this concept in his recent HEY World post called "Look Back Less,"where he urged businesses to redirect their gaze toward the future, steering clear of excessive retrospective analysis.

Join Jason and David as they explore the limitations of retrospection, highlighting the power of personal stakes, gut instincts, and a readiness to take risks, all under the sway of the market's response.

Listen in as Jason and David navigate the intricacies of this business philosophy, touching on recent Twitter and YouTube comments that both echo and challenge their perspectives.
Tune in to discover why continuous forward movement may hold the key to sustained success.

From Jason's HEY World: Look back less

Key Takeaways:

Judgment Calls vs. Data-Driven Decisions: challenge the conventional wisdom of relying solely on past analyses for predicting outcomes.
Discover the power of founder-led decision-making, where personal stakes and a willingness to take risks fuel faster decisions and a culture of experimentation.
Why the ability to admit mistakes is vital to maintaining agility and adaptability.
Uncover the significance of gut instincts and unarticulated wisdom in decision-making.
Explore the vital role of continuous forward movement in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business.

Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter).

If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, leave us a voicemail at 708-628-7850 or email, and we might answer it on a future episode.

Links and Resources:

Narrow As You Go Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

In their book, It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson stress the importance of narrowing the scope as a project unfolds, emphasizing, "After the initial dust settles, the work required to finish a project should be dwindling over time, not expanding."

But navigating this challenge is not always easy.

In this week's episode of Rework, Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason and David to explore the challenges and benefits of narrowing focus, particularly in the context of developing a new product.

Jason and David delve into the significance of clear deadlines, effective strategies for managing a constant influx of ideas, and the importance of adhering to the principle of "done is better than perfect" so you can ship.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work

Key Takeaways:

Why clear deadlines are crucial for honing, editing, and chiseling features to ensure a focused, timely delivery.
How to avoid feature "pile-up" as a project progresses in order to prevent last-minute chaos and ensure a smoother path to completion.
Start new product development with novel ideas to create a distinguishing factor for an audience seeking innovative solutions.
Not every idea can be integrated without compromising a project's scope—be prepared to make decisions on what to include and what to postpone.
Use the role of working memory to focus on what truly matters without being overwhelmed by an endless list of ideas.
Resist the temptation to hoard ideas; instead, focus on a few key ideas that align with the project's goals.
Done is better than perfect: small companies have the advantage of focusing on the perfect ratio between effort and value.

Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter).

If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, leave us a voicemail at 708-628-7850 or email, and we might answer it on a future episode.

Links and Resources:

From David's HEY World: Just let me do my job

Calendar Tetris Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

Ever find yourself trapped in a game of "Calendar Tetris," where each meeting block interrupts the natural flow of your day, leaving you little room for meaningful work?

Today on Rework, host Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson to discuss the pitfalls of modern scheduling tools and their impact on productivity from their book, It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work.
Listen in as they walk listeners through scheduling at 37signals, where they don't share calendars, and everyone is in control of their own time.

Plus, tune in for a sneak peek of the upcoming HEY Calendar, with innovative features designed to empower you to regain control of your time.
Key Takeaways:

Learn the biggest problem with calendar Tetris and how these small, disjointed chunks hinder individual productivity and focus.
Conversation over convenience - why actively asking for someone's time through conversation helps to foster intentionality (and reduces unnecessary meetings).
Explore how 37signals redefines scheduling to empower individuals with full control over their time.
Learn how the strategic introduction of scheduling friction prevents a culture of excessive meetings, fostering a shift toward asynchronous work.
Discover a work culture where meetings are optional, highlighting the significance of prioritizing tasks with personal meaning.
HEY is introducing a calendar! Just as the 37signals team revolutionized email, they've now transformed calendaring for 2024.

Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter).

If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, leave us a voicemail at 708-628-7850 or email, and we might answer it on a future episode.

Links and Resources:

From Jason's LinkedIn: What my calendar looks like

It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work

The Outwork Myth Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

In today's hustle-centric work environment, there's a prevailing pressure to showcase constant busyness, sometimes at the expense of genuine productivity.
However, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson present a refreshing perspective in their book "It Doesn't Have To Be Crazy Work,"where the emphasis is on the quality of your time rather than the quantity.
Join Jason and David as they sit down with Kimberly Rhodes to dismantle the myth of the "outwork" mentality and delve into the nuances of work ethic, productivity, and career advancement within the constantly changing dynamics of the workplace.

Listen in as they discuss how to gauge authenticity and diligence during the recruitment process. Additionally, a listener question from Keith leads to insights on recognizing and rewarding high performers at 37signals.

Tune in as they peel back the layers of productivity to construct a thriving work environment and a healthy work-life balance.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work

Books by 37signals

Key Takeaways:

What’s more important than the quantity of hours you work? The idea that working harder than everyone else guarantees success is debunked.
Jason emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and avoiding unnecessary work that doesn't add value.
David highlights that the focus should be on how time is spent and the quality of work produced.
The pitfalls of busyness and trying to prove one’s worth can lead not only to inefficiency but also to being a nuisance to the team.
The real threat of burnout and ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
The pivotal role managers play in ensuring team members do not overwork and have the space to disconnect.
The value of stretch goals—Jason and David discuss the importance of finding a middle ground between a steady state and occasionally pushing boundaries and finding a balance that fosters creativity, efficiency, and well-being.
Why an internal locus of progress is crucial for thriving as a member of the 37signals team.

Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter).

If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, leave us a voicemail at 708-628-7850 or email, and we might answer it on a future episode.

Links and Resources:

37signals Introduces ONCE | REWORK

Introducing ONCE

What are you REALLY buying? Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

Every time you make a purchase, whether it's a tangible product or a service, you're casting a vote with your dollars for the type of company you want to support and the choices they make.
So, what are you REALLY buying?

Join host Kimberly Rhodes as she sits down with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson to explore the concept of "buying the company" as they dive into the diverse considerations that shape our purchasing choices.

From supporting forward-thinking initiatives to valuing customer service and longevity, Jason and David illuminate what customers are truly investing in when opting for a smaller, bootstrap business like 37signals. Plus, a look at the ever-evolving nature of consumer preferences.

Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of the layers beneath purchasing decisions and valuable insights into crafting a brand that authentically mirrors your company's values.

Rework book
Books by 37signals
37signals Introduces ONCE | REWORK
Introducing ONCE
Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant
Sign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.com
HEY World | HEY
The REWORK podcast
The 37signals Dev Blog
37signals on YouTube
The Rework Podcast on YouTube
@37signals on X

Key Takeaways:

How you’re voting with your dollars when making purchasing decisions, and expressing support for a company's innovation, ease of use, company values, or a specific ethos.
Companies that challenge the status quo and push boundaries can attract consumers who want to support forward-thinking and innovation.
Consumers don't have to apply the same criteria to every purchase, allowing for flexibility in decision-making based on individual values and needs.
A strong brand reputation can lead people to choose a product because they trust the company.
Embracing the fluidity in consumer choices—people can change their minds based on evolving perspectives AND company actions.
How you engage with your customers leaves a lasting impression and contributes to your company's reputation. Whether it's exceptional customer service, longevity, or a commitment to transparency, companies should actively promote the values that set them apart.

Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter).

If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, leave us a voicemail at 708-628-7850 or email, and we might answer it on a future episode.

Links and Resources:

Underdo the Competition Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

In business, the idea that more is better often leads companies to engage in an endless race to add more features while losing sight of what truly matters to their users.

Consider the iconic success of the iPod. By excelling at one thing, done exceptionally well, it attracted legions of unwaveringly loyal fans.

This same philosophy is why the team at 37signals consistently aims for simplicity, recognizing it as the secret sauce for creating unforgettable products.

In this episode, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson sit down with Kimberly Rhodes to discuss the art of "underdoing" the competition as outlined in their book "Rework."

From Basecamp's high-level simplicity to the disruptive potential of their new product line, "ONCE," the conversation explores the success of products that have rewritten the rules through simplicity, focusing on the small details that elevate products to greatness.

Key Takeaways:

Simplicity is the key to crafting unforgettable products. Why prioritizing value at the simpler end leads to success.
Mere imitation without significant differences leads to failure—why challenging industry giants like Gmail requires radical differentiation AND originality.
Small details = big impact. Learn from Tesla's success, where even seemingly insignificant details contribute to a unique user experience.
Explore how 37signals is poised to offer radically simplified versions of existing products at better prices under the "ONCE" umbrella.

Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter).

If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, leave us a voicemail at 708-628-7850 or email, and we might answer it on a future episode.

Links and Resources:

Rework book

37signals Introduces ONCE | REWORK

Introducing ONCE

Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant

Speaking Gigs, Attending Conferences, and the Importance of Gathering Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

In a world dominated by virtual interactions, coming together in person offers an opportunity to foster deeper human connections that are impossible to achieve through any other means. Jason Fried recently took the stage in Vancouver and David Heinemeier Hansson did the same at Rails World in Amsterdam.

Today, they join Kimberly Rhodes to share their unique perspectives on life beyond the digital realm. Listen in for their valuable tips for making the most of attending or speaking at conferences and embracing the personal growth that comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.

Rails World 2023 Opening Keynote - David Heinemeier Hansson

Key Takeaways:

The importance of real-life interactions to point out what's lacking in our digital-first world.
The transformative power of in-person connection to reshape perceptions, and foster deeper human connections.
The value of public speaking for the speaker: how speaking at conferences can help speakers distill their knowledge, engage with their audience, AND challenge themselves.
Why emotion trumps content at conferences—what attendees are really seeking.
Tips for navigating conferences, making meaningful connections, and pushing past your comfort zone for personal growth.
Finding the right mix between expanding your social capacity, and knowing when to step back and recharge.

Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on YouTube and X [formerly known as Twitter).

If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, leave us a voicemail at 708-628-7850 or email, and we might answer it on a future episode.

Links and Resources:

The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self