Rework

In this episode of Rework, the spotlight is on listener questions. Listen in as Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson share their insights on a range of topics — from 37signals' approach to user testing and the impact of Stoic philosophy on their business principles, to discussions on profits and expenses, and the crucial decision of when to hire. Tune in to hear their unique perspectives on these key aspects of building a successful company.Check out the full video episode on YouTubeKey Takeaways: Uncover why 37signals rejects traditional user testing and prioritizes being their own first customer. They unveil their unique perspective on product development and share the one question you need to test every product against.Explore how Stoicism functions as a mental operating system, fostering calm and efficient thinking in response to business challenges. David delves into Stoic principles and recommends some essential Stoic readings for entrepreneurs (See links below).Jason and David discuss their ap

Getting an app into Apple's app store without giving up 30% of profits is something the team at 37signals battled back in 2020 when it launched the HEY email service. What they didn't expect would be to have some of the same challenges in 2024 with the HEY Calendar app.Listen in as David Heinemeier Hansson shares the history of the 2020 challenge along with the most recent app store rejections — and the last minute update the team made to the app to get the final approval.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. 

Today, we're diving into a question that has piqued the curiosity of many of our listeners and clients: How exactly does 37signals keep track of all the moving pieces in a fully remote company with team members spread throughout the world?The answer lies in our use of Automatic Check-ins, a tool embedded in Basecamp 3.0 that has revolutionized how we stay connected with what everyone is working on. But how do these Automatic Check-ins work, and why are they so essential to the pulse of our remote work culture?In this episode of Rework, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson join host Kimberly Rhodes to unveil the game-changing secrets behind 37signals' efficient work tracking system.Listen in as Jason and David explore the harmony between Automatic Check-ins and remote work, contrasting it with the cumbersome nature of traditional status meetings. Plus, discover the tool's impact on transparency, productivity, and the unique ways it fosters organic interactions within the team.Check out the f

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.Check out the full video episode on YouTubeKey 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 doma

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

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. Check out the full video episode on YouTubeKey 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

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 37si

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.Check out the full video episode on Y

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. Check out the full video episode on YouTubeKey Takeaways: How you’re voting with your dollars when ma

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.Check out the full video episode on YouTubeKey Takeaways: Simplicity is the key t

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.Check out the full video episode on YouTubeKey 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.W

Have you ever wanted to bid farewell to bothersome emails without the hassle of unsubscribing or composing polite "please stop emailing me" requests?Today 37signals' co-founders, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, join host Kimberly Rhodes to walk listeners through HEY's newest addition that allows users to express their email frustrations unconventionally. Introducing the 'Fuck No' feature for those instances when a simple "no" just won't suffice. Listen in as Jason and David delve into the concept of Easter eggs—those hidden surprises that infuse a touch of edgy enjoyment into software. Then discover how this feature has emerged as a compelling reason for both newcomers and returning users to explore HEY as their email solution. If you've ever wanted a playful solution to solve an age-old email dilemma, tune in!Check out the full video episode on YouTubeKey Takeaways: The 'Fuck No' feature in HEY: offering unapologetic email management with

This episode kicks off with the Underdog Challenge winner sharing the unconventional strategies that enable his small business to take on their larger competitors.Then, 37signals' co-founders, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, sit down with host Kimberly Rhodes to delve into the power of building an audience through authentic content.Jason and David share the secret of building a genuine connection with your audience and the importance of having "skin in the game" in content creation. Listen in as they walk listeners through the vital components of organic content creation to engender trust and resonate with your audience in a landscape overflowing with "content marketing BS."Check out the full video episode on YouTubeShow Notes: [00:00] -Kimberly welcomes Christian Hyatt, the co-founder and CEO of cybersecurity company Risk3sixty, as the winner of 37signals' Underdog Challenge.[03:16] - Christian shares his top tip for underdogs.[03:50] - Kimberly awards one year of Base

"Ideas are immortal. They last forever. What doesn't last forever is inspiration. Inspiration is like fresh fruit or milk: it has an expiration date,” - from Rework, by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier HanssonOn this episode, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the Co-founders of 37signals, sit down with host Kimberly Rhodes to share their perspective on the fleeting nature of inspiration with insights from the chapter called "Inspiration is Perishable" in their book, Rework.Listen in to discover why Jason and David liken inspiration to rocket fuel and offer advice to prevent smothering your best ideas with unnecessary tasks. They also explore team motivation and share the secret behind their enduring 20+ year working relationship. Tune in to learn how to seize the moment when inspiration strikes, make the most of it, and avoid wasting its potential. Check out the full video episode on YouTubeShow Notes:  [00:00] - Kimberly introduces the topic of the show today, from the book, Rewor

Company culture is more than just a buzzword or a section in your employee handbook. It's not something you can just write down and expect to manifest. It creates itself organically, through the attitudes and actions of your team that define how you work and more importantly how you work together. Today, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the Co-founders of 37signals, sit down with host Kimberly Rhodes to share their perspective on the pivotal distinction between 'wanting' the right culture and actively 'doing the work' to foster a positive culture that truly reflects your values.  Listen in as they share what they look for in character and contributions when hiring new members for the team and how they assess whether a person will enhance or detract from the company's culture and operations.And for those facing the tough question of whether their company culture ‘sucks’, they provide valuable insights into the hard choices, and uncomfortable conversations that drive meani

In this episode of Rework we're turning the spotlight onto you, our listeners, with another episode of listener questions. Today, Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the co-founders of 37signals, to pull back the curtain on the intricacies they faced when hiring a COO for their team, and the intuition-driven decision making they used to ensure their new hire would be a good fit and complement the team. Plus, how to help your company get started with working in six-week cycles, and adapting product development principles to professional services companies.Listen in to explore Jason and David's unconventional yet remarkably effective strategies for business development and growth.Show Notes:  [00:00] - Kimberly introduces the topic for today’s podcast, listener questions, with a question from Justin who asks, "I saw that you hired a COO in 2021 after not having someone in that role for a while. What’s the 37signals approach to executive hiring?" [00:46] -

In a world where subscriptions have become the norm for everything from streaming services to heated car seats, the team at 37signals recently unveiled a new venture that's poised to reintroduce the notion of software ownership with a pay-once model called ONCE. Today, Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the co-founders of 37signals to introduce ONCE to listeners of the show. Listen in for a behind-the-scenes look at the driving principles, unique challenges, and potential impact of David and Jason's vision to offer simpler, more user-centric software, that they hope will transform the digital landscape and empower users worldwide. Check out the full video episode on YouTubeShow Notes: [00:00] - Kimberly opens the show, with the team introducing ONCE today on the show.  [00:25] - Jason clarifies exactly what ONCE is.[01:16] - Inundated with software subscriptions? Why 37signals is aiming to reintroduce software ownership with a pay-once model. [02:03] - The shift

In our recent episodes, we've been talking about the principles of Shape Up – the cornerstone of 37signals' product development philosophy. We've explored the art of crafting a pitch and the decision-making process that takes place at the betting table. Shape Up acknowledges that there's always more work than time allows, and on today’s episode, we’re zeroing in on a critical aspect of the Shape Up philosophy—when to stop tinkering and take the leap and ship.Join Kimberly Rhodes and 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson as they share their wisdom on the ever-present dilemma of shipping on time versus shipping perfect, and the fine balance between must-haves and nice-to-haves in product development. Plus, the value of Hill Charts in Basecamp to keep you tethered to the reality of where your project truly stands.Listen in as Jason and David provide practical strategies to master the art of timely product delivery that doesn't sacrifice quality to ensure your tea

Recently 37signals co-founders David Heinemeier Hansson and Jason Fried found themselves at the center of an unexpected internet storm. It all began when David made a significant announcement: Turbo 8 would no longer be using TypeScript. What followed was a whirlwind of controversy and social media fireworks.  In today's discussion, Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason and David to unpack the impact of social media on these types of discussions and the broader implications of these online controversies on open source contributions. Check out the full video episode on YouTubeShow Notes: [00:00] - Kimberly opens up the discussion, sharing the recent announcement made by David, that Turbo 8 would no longer utilize TypeScript and the resulting online controversy.[00:33] - Jason shares his reaction to the drama unfolding and offers kudos to David for handling the storm with grace.[01:34] - David shares how it all began with eternal debate: dynamic vs. static languages, strong vs. weak typing, and 37signals is

Picture this: a dimly lit room where velvet-robed figures gather in secret to make decisions of paramount importance as the fate of the pitches for the next product development cycle hangs in the balance. The "betting table” – where the formalized pitches for each six-week work cycle are selected – might seem mysterious but we're about to unravel its secrets. Listen in as host Kimberly Rhodes sits down with 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson to explore the unique inner workings of the "betting table" and how this process shapes each product development cycle.Tune in to discover 37signals' approach to selecting and refining projects at the "betting table."Check out the full video episode on YouTubeShow Notes: [00:00] - Today on the podcast, the discussion focuses on the betting table and how the decisions are made about which pitches are selected and which projects to schedule.[00:42] - Jason shares what the betting table is. [02:26] - The betting