[Summer Remix] 55: From Building A Can’t-Live-Without SaaS Business From The Ground Up to Planning Global Impact with Jesse Patel

**Summer Replay: Here is one of our favorite episodes we are re-releasing with a new introduction. Stay tuned for all new episodes coming later this summer**

On this episode of Worth It, Dustin R. Granger, CFPⓇ and I interview Jesse Patel, the cofounder of Workflowy, the fastest, most flexible list maker on the planet and one of our absolute favorite tools for business and at home. We discuss how this simple, but powerful tool has changed our lives and his. We dig into his journey from working a typical 9-5 job, to joining an incubator, to creating  the ultimate list-making program, where you can shift focus from the big picture to minute details in a fluid fashion. So take a pause from your to-do list and listen to our interview with the creator of the ultimate to-do list app!

 

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL LEARN [2:34] The journey behind the creation of WorkFlowy: from idea to incubator to success [16:41] How the app appeals to people on both ends of the organization spectrum [27:54] What are the changes and goals does Jesse envision for Workflowy [32:25] How Jesse strives for balance and flexibility as co-founder of a startup company while raising twin toddler girls with his wife

WHAT IS WORKFLOWY

 According to Jesse Patel, it’s a way to think big, but start small. It is basically a giant to-do list, where you can dump all your ideas in and then create order from the chaos. From podcast notes to procedure manual, Dustin and Danielle use WorkFlowy at work (it’s completely essential to their business!) and at home. As Dustin says, it becomes an extension of your brain, where you can work out your thoughts. It is the perfect tool for thinking and focusing because you can shift your focus from big picture ideas to the tiny details in a fluid fashion.

 

THE IDEAL CLIENT FOR WORKFLOWY CAN BE ANYONE

The app appeals to people on both poles of the organization spectrum, from Type A to the more scattered brain types. It fulfills a core need for people, to be able to see all their thoughts catalogued and searchable. It has been used by doctors, lawyers, screenwriters, and more. No matter the career path, users can create their own systems and processes tailored to whatever business they are in.

 

THE FUTURE OF WORKFLOWY

Even though the key to WorkFlowy is the simplicity, Jesse hopes to continue to improve and add to the app. One of the key features he believes is missing, is a dates & reminder system - a way for the app to pull out certain parts from across various lists and create a daily to-do list. Despite this challenge, users continue to use the app for hours a day. Danielle put it best, once you use, you are hooked and there is no going back.

 

HOW TO BALANCE IT ALL 

Jesse is a CEO of a successful start-up, father to twin toddler girls, and loving husband, how does he do it all? He stresses the importance of setting up specific work hours during the day in order to not fall back into his workaholic ways. Jesse also learned to understand when to step back in his business and trust in the work of others, you can’t do all the things always. Occasionally you also need to give yourself some space (maybe on a skateboard) to be creative.

 

Resources & People Mentioned WorkFlowy WorkFlowy on Twitter Connect With Danielle and Dustin Ask your questions! On Facebook On Twitter