The patterns that cause failure.
UNDERPRICING AT THE START
The single most common cause. Difficult to correct, and it makes every client feel like a burden.
GROWING FASTER THAN SUPPORT CAPACITY
Response times slip, quality declines, clients leave.
NO SYSTEMS
Everything depending on memory. Works at five clients and fails at thirty.
TREATING IT AS PASSIVE INCOME
It is a support business. Expecting otherwise produces resentment and neglect.
NOT STATING TERMS
Every disagreement becoming a negotiation.
ABSORBING SCOPE CREEP
Free work becoming expected work.
NEGLECTING MAINTENANCE
Client sites compromised, becoming your emergency and your reputation.
BEING UNREACHABLE
The one thing you are actually selling.
NO BOUNDARIES
The business consuming everything until you resent it.
DEPENDING ON ONE LARGE CLIENT
Their departure ending the business.
WHAT THE SUCCESSFUL ONES DO
Price properly, grow slowly, document everything, sell maintenance, and stay reachable within stated hours.
