In this episode of Rework, host Kimberly Rhodes alongside 37signals co-founders, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, talk about the company&apos;s renewed sense of ambition and excitement for upcoming projects. They highlight the importance of keeping things fresh, while emphasizing the balance between ambition and practicality.Key Takeaways:00:41 - The source of the company’s ambition explained02:18 - Sticking to fundamentals and simplicity can still have a major impact06:09 - A hefty price tag on software doesn’t mean it’s good11:29 - How 37signals structures teams for new product development18:17 - Uncertainty can serve as adventure the exact path to success is not known22:32 - A change in priorities is often necessary to fuel ambition24:59 - The motivation is to make products betterLinks and Resources:Books by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

REWORK

A Matter of Ambition

In this episode, host Kimberly Rhodes chats with 37signals&apos; cofounders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson about the company&apos;s Summer Fridays policy, which grants employees a four-day workweek from May to September. While the perk encourages work-life balance and a feeling of seasonality, there are drawbacks to consider, like reduced productivity.Key Takeaways:00:46 - 37signals&apos; Summer Friday policy and why it was initially introduced03:09 - The trade-offs the company makes with summer hours10:12 - The challenge with summer hours in the pursuit of more ambitious goals13:09 - How the company balances coverage for always-on teams, like customer support16:17 - The effect on team projects that require collaborationLinks and Resources:Samsung shifts to emergency mode with 6-day work week for executivesThe Hawthorne EffectBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

How We Work: Summer Fridays

In the podcast, REWORK host Kimberly Rhodes talks with 37signals co-founders, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, about their journey spinning off products. They stress the value of keeping contracts simple and how once the handover is done, it&apos;s best to take a hands-off approach and let the new team run things. They share their experiences with boards and underline the need for trust and flexibility. Key Takeaways:00:43 - The steps they took to transition "Know Your Company" into its own independent entity.04:49 - Contracts don&apos;t offer as much protection as people believe.10:58 - The differences in spinning off a startup vs. a long-established company.14:53 - Letting capable partners take the reins and run the show independently.18:51 - The challenge in finding the right partner for a spin-off business.20:12 - In any transaction, things may not turn out as expected, but it may be worth taking calculated risks.23:19 - Contracts don&apos;t necessarily prevent disputes and can sometimes escalate them unnecessarily.Links and Resources:Canopy, formerly known as Know Your Company‘Know Your Company’ Deal StructureBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

A Spin-off Story

"Consensus is cozy, but broad agreement is not our aim. The right decision is. Which is why we take the time to think, debate, persuade, listen and reconsider and then, someone, decides. If you disagree, that’s fine, but once the decision is made, it’s time to commit and support it completely."Tune in as Kimberly leads a chat with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founders of 37signals, about the concept of Disagree and Commit. Once a decision is made, everyone should be in 100% — no looking back.Key Takeaways:01:01 - Breaking down how Disagree and Commit operates02:17 - Identifying the most suitable person to make the final decision based on the circumstance07:40 - Embracing the "manager of one" concept, empowering individuals to decide independently with reasonable supervision09:33 - Acknowledging that delegating decisions doesn&apos;t compromise the emphasis on quality14:04 - Always keeping the door open to revisit and tweak things15:44 - Granting capable individuals the freedom to make mistakes, alongside providing guidance for improvement20:35 - Viewing hiring not just as an evaluation of current abilities but also considering potential growth opportunities.Links and Resources:Jeff Bezos 2016 Letter to Amazon ShareholdersThere’s No Speed Limit by Derek Sivers –  https://sive.rs/kimo Books by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube

Disagree and Commit

Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the co-founders of 37signals, dive into their book REWORK and discuss the essay “Strangers at a Cocktail Party” with Rework host, Kimberly Rhodes. From their experience, hiring too many people at once can throw off the balance and continuity of a company&apos;s culture. They talk about the importance of gradual assimilation and how culture is implicit, not always written down. They share insights on the value of fresh perspectives and the excitement of facing challenges head-on.Key Takeaways:00:30 - Gradually integrating new hires is important for upholding an organization&apos;s established norms and values.02:30 - Company culture is nurtured through the daily interactions and collective experiences shared within an organization.05:34 - New hires inject new perspectives and innovative ideas into the mix.07:14 - Embracing crises and novel challenges is part of the excitement of running a business.12:19 - Reflecting on the hiring patterns at 37signals.14:23 - While change is essential for adjusting the company&apos;s culture and strategy, it&apos;s vital to implement it carefully and minimize disruptions.Links and Resources:The Half-Life of Facts by Samuel ArbesmanAll About Atlas - Boston Dynamics RobotBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

Strangers at a Cocktail Party

This episode of REWORK delves into an essay from the book "It Doesn&apos;t Have To Be Crazy At Work," co-authored by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, advocating for the use of asynchronous communication for work projects. During the discussion, they explore the downside of chat and suggest it be reserved for informal discussions and social interactions.Key Takeaways:00:36 - Different communication methods in the workplace – chat vs. asynchronous 02:22 - The benefits of centralized communication for project management and how chat can hinder productivity09:20 - Managing multiple conversations for a single project11:28 - How project management tools reduce the need for frequent meetings, check-ins, and follow-ups20:05 - Data retention practices for both formal and informal communicationLinks and Resources:Once. com – https://once.com/Campfire – https://once.com/campfireBooks by 37signals – https://37signals.com/booksSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY – https://www.hey.com/The REWORK podcast – https://37signals.com/podcast/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.

The Wrong Time for Real Time

In this episode of REWORK, host Kimberly Rhodes sits down with the co-founders of 37signals, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, to provide an update on their latest product — Campfire, under the Once umbrella — just about one month after its initial launch. Once introduces a new software paradigm where users pay just once and own it forever, departing from the conventional subscription model. The discussion delves into their pricing strategy, their emphasis on long-term profitability over immediate gains, and offers insights into what lies ahead for Once.Key Takeaways:00:32 - Initial Reflections: Once, 30 Days In 02:03 - Setting Benchmarks: Unveiling Novel Concepts for Long-Term Success 09:58 - Embracing the Journey: Finding Joy in the Process 13:39 - Looking Forward: The Future Trajectory of Once 15:53 - Taking Risks: Navigating the Gambles of Product Launches 23:24 - Pricing Puzzles: Deciphering the Right ValueLinks and Resources:Once. com and CampfireBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.com HEY.comThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X 

More Than a Month of Once

37signals is hiring! However, the traditional resume and formal education credentials don’t rank as high as you might think in their hiring process.In this episode of The Rework Podcast, host Kimberly Rhodes chats with co-founders of 37signals, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson about reviewing potential job candidates. You’ll hear them discuss why a personalized cover letter can tell a lot more about a potential hire than chronological work history, and why AI isn’t always a dependable author for those details.Key Takeaways:00:45 - Resumes are basically piles of lies02:27 - Cover letters should explain why you want the job05:07 - Test driving final candidates11:05 - Jason and David’s involvement in the hiring process18:59 - Finding employees that are the right cultural fitRework 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 rework@37signals.com, and we might answer it on a future episode. Links and Resources:Books by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEY The REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X 

How We Work: Finding the Right Team

David Heinemeier Hansson recently revealed that he&apos;s making the switch from Apple to Android and trading in his Mac for a PC. In this week&apos;s episode, cofounders of 37signals Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson discuss the shift in direction, the events that led to the change of platform, and what the company was missing by being focused on the Apple ecosystem. 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:From the Apple Newsroom: The App Store, Spotify, and Europe&apos;s Thriving Digital Music MarketBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEY The REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X 

A New Take on Platform Preferences

Kimberly is switching things up this week and taking a more casual approach with the co-founders of 37signals, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, asking them a series of rapid fire questions. Jason, for example, reveals the book that granted them permission to forge their unique path, while David shares the profound advice from Jeff Bezos about investing in things that don&apos;t change. The two of them also open up about their business journey, the meaning behind their work, and even hint toward upcoming projects. Get ready for a candid and insightful peek into the minds of Jason and David.Check out the full video episode on YouTubeKey Takeaways: [0:27] - How Ricardo Semler&apos;s Maverick empowered Jason[0:53] - David also credits Blue Ocean Strategy[1:25] - Best piece of advice?[4:39] - Productive habits?[6:20] - Most meaningful part of David’s and Jason’s jobs?[9:32] - Discussing inspirations like nature and architecture[11:02] - First principles, tech exploration, and aesthetics inspire David.[13:16] - David is embarking on a grand adventure fueled by unresolved anger.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:MaverickBlue Ocean StrategyBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHE

Rapid Fire with Jason & David

Kimberly sits down with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson to discuss a chapter from REWORK titled “Press Releases Are Spam,” explaining why traditional press releases don&apos;t work well for their product launches. The conversation touches on the shift from formal press releases to direct-to-consumer approaches in today’s media scene. They touch upon the importance of hearing from authentic voices with skin in the game rather than relying on formulaic press releases. The founders also share insights on their personal involvement in marketing and the ups and downs of being engaged in the social media attention game.Check out the full video episode on YouTubeKey Takeaways: [0:40] - Press releases haven’t worked for 37signals[6:59] - Awkward CEO making direct-to-consumer work sets a significant trend[9:05] - Press releases signal desperation; personal connections more effective[14:17] - Authenticity trumps marketing.[20:24] - Don&apos;t delegate your voice; maintain direct communication[25:52] - Balancing the trade-offs of social media[27:15] - Discussing navigating the intensity of attention cultureRework 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:Books by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEY The REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X 37signals on LinkedIn 

Press Releases Are Spam

Join host Kimberly in this episode for a candid chat with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson. Diving into a recent social media controversy, they discuss the decision-making process and lessons learned. The conversation covers the challenges of public communication, navigating social media, and the importance of thinking before reacting. Gain valuable insights into managing public image, handling controversies, and balancing authenticity with professionalism. The co-founders share personal experiences, encouraging a more thoughtful approach to online interactions and providing behind-the-scenes insights into successful business communication practices.Check out the full video episode on YouTubeKey Takeaways: [0:25] - Discussing recent social media controversy[5:47] - Importance of debating ideas rather than attacking individuals[7:47] - The complexity of media representation[9:22] - Patience and perspective in online discourse[15:21] - Occasional regrets are part of pushing boundaries.[19:44] - The complexity of tradeoffsRework 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:Books by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEY The REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X 37signals on LinkedIn 

Keep Calm and Delete the Tweet

This week, join your host Kimberly Rhodes along with the co-founders of 37signals, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, as they celebrate Basecamp&apos;s 20th and 37signals&apos; upcoming 25th anniversaries. The excitement extends to the success of their book REWORK, which recently surpassed a million copies sold worldwide.They delve especially into the chapter titled "The Myth of the Overnight Sensation," exploring the book&apos;s journey, impact, and the challenges faced during its creation. From unexpected compromises with publishers to the book&apos;s timeless nature, Jason and David share insights on treating a book as a product and how it has aged well, continuing to resonate with readers around the globe.Jason and David also reflect on the writing process and the book&apos;s unique qualities, including its concise nature and impactful content. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of the past, present, and potential future of 37signals’ writing about work and business.Check out the full video episode on YouTubeKey Takeaways: [00:39] - Big news: REWORK just surpassed a million worldwide copies sold![02:13] - The book was definitely not an overnight success.[04:12] - How treating books as products enhances impact, and longevity.[05:29] - The book, initially 50,000 words, was cut in half to 25,000, which caused a conflict.[07:06] - Hear about the compromise that was made.[10:25] - The book&apos;s brevity, initially concerning, impressed the editor, leading to improvements.[13:58] - How the book serves as a persuasive tool, empowering readers to articulate their thoughts.[15:52] - David points out that the book&apos;s immediate start contributed to its success.[18:24] - Writing a book is overrated; instead focus on consistent online writing.[20:06] - REWORK’s success lies in compiling proven internet hits for lasting impact.[24:39] - Any plans for another book?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:Books by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEY The REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X 37signals on LinkedIn 

The Myth of the Overnight Sensation

Chances are, you&apos;ve heard Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson stress the vital role of trusting your instincts in business.This week, host Kimberly Rhodes takes a deeper dive into the heart of human decision-making with the co-founders of 37signals—exploring how the interplay of intuition and accumulated experiences becomes your compass for navigating the complex landscape of business decisions.Join Jason and David as they unravel the intricate dance between data-driven decisions and the art of making judgment calls, guiding listeners through trusting your gut and breaking free from external pressures when making product and pricing decisions.Listen in to discover how the power of experimentation and the &apos;try it and see&apos; approach often unveil valuable insights, with reality as the ultimate judge.Check out the full video episode on YouTubeKey Takeaways: [00:28] - The limitations of data-driven decisions [03:00] - The magic of intuition and the black-box nature of gut decisions[04:53] - The role of market feedback in evaluating the effectiveness of decisions[06:39] - Cutting through the noise in decision making[09:00] - Experience and judgment in decision making[11:39] - Testing pricing and the importance of experimentation[15:45] - The crucial role of gut feelings[17:51] - Accepting uncertainty and avoiding perfectionism[21:10] - Utilizing momentum and adopting a &apos;try it and see&apos; approachRework 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:From Jason&apos;s HEY World: It’s all a judgment call Books by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEY The REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X 37signals on LinkedIn 

It's All a Judgment Call

Product launches can be a delicate dance between anticipation and anxiety.Today on "Rework", Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson sit down with host Kimberly Rhodes to explore the intricacies of knowing when a product is ready for launch. Listen in to learn the art of patience with the "Give It Five Minutes" principle and the necessity of building a "bucket of arrogance" to weather feedback storms during challenging launch phases. Don’t miss out on Jason and David&apos;s unparalleled insights as they delve into nuances involved in bringing a new product to the market.Check out the full video episode on YouTubeKey Takeaways: Launching with impact—assessing quality, avoiding embarrassment, and infusing novelty are key elements in launching a memorable product to the market.By embracing a "swarm" approach, the team addresses and rectifies issues promptly during the initial launch ensuring a smoother user experience."You can&apos;t design on people&apos;s requests. You have to design on their behalf"—how using a selective approach to customer feedback allows for more thoughtful and user-centric product development.Rejecting the concept of roadmaps, in favor of flexible product evolution."Give it Five Minutes": why acknowledging the temporal unreliability of early feedback, especially during a launch, is crucial.How building a “bucket of arrogance” helps with weathering feedback storms. How prioritizing qualitative feedback over quantitative metrics during a product launch helps to address issues without compromising the product&apos;s integrity.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:Give it Five Minutes From Jason&apos;s HEY World: Live with it for a while Software Has Bugs | REWORK This again, Apple? | REWORK Books by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEY The REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X 37signals on LinkedIn 

Readying for Launch

A podcast by 37signals about the better way to work and run your business. The REWORK podcast features the co-founders of 37signals (the makers of Basecamp and HEY), Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson sharing their unique perspective on business and entrepreneurship along with host Kimberly Rhodes.

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REWORK

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