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Aman Shekhar
Aman Shekhar

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I run multiple $10K MRR companies on a $20/month tech stack

#ai #machinelearning #techtrends

I remember when I first stumbled upon the idea of running multiple $10K MRR companies with a tech stack that costs just $20 a month. It felt surreal, like finding a unicorn in a world of horses. I’ve always believed that you don’t need a massive budget to build something incredible. So, I rolled up my sleeves, grabbed my favorite mug of coffee, and started experimenting. Spoiler alert: it’s been a wild ride, full of twists, turns, and a ton of learning.

The "Essential" Tech Stack

Ever wondered what the secret sauce is? For me, it’s a combination of a solid cloud provider, a few open-source tools, and the magic of automation. My go-to? DigitalOcean for hosting, GitHub for version control, and Zapier for all the glue in between. I’m always on the lookout for budget-friendly solutions, and trust me, you don’t have to break the bank to get started.

For example, I use a simple DigitalOcean droplet to host my applications. At just $5/month, it’s like having a mini server at my fingertips. I remember the first time I spun up a VPS—scanning through tutorials, feeling overwhelmed, yet exhilarated. It was a classic “Aha!” moment when I realized that the cloud was my playground, and I could scale my projects without worrying about infrastructure costs.

Getting Cozy with Automation

Now, let’s talk about automation. I can’t stress this enough: if you’re not automating, what are you even doing? I’ve integrated Zapier into my workflow, and it’s a game changer. Need to push new leads from my landing page to my CRM? Done. Want to trigger an email when someone subscribes? Easy peasy. This not only saves me time but also ensures I’m consistently engaging with my audience. It’s like having a personal assistant who never sleeps (and doesn’t demand coffee breaks).

Here’s a quick example of a Zap I set up that sends a Slack notification whenever a new user signs up:

const z = require('zapier-platform-core');

const sendSlackNotification = (user) => {
  z.request({
    url: 'https://slack.com/api/chat.postMessage',
    method: 'POST',
    body: {
      channel: '#new-signups',
      text: `New user signed up: ${user.email}`,
    },
    headers: {
      'Authorization': `Bearer ${process.env.SLACK_TOKEN}`,
      'Content-Type': 'application/json',
    },
  }).then(response => {
    if (response.status !== 200) {
      throw new Error(`Slack Error: ${response.content}`);
    }
  });
};
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The Real MVP: Open Source

I can’t rave enough about the open-source community. Using tools like WordPress for my blog and Next.js for my front-end was a revelation. The beauty lies in the flexibility and the vast repositories of plugins that can extend functionality without the need for custom code (which, let’s face it, can be a rabbit hole).

But here’s the catch: open-source isn’t a silver bullet. I learned this the hard way when a plugin update broke my entire site the night before a major launch. Panic mode activated! I quickly realized that while open-source is powerful, it comes with its own set of risks. Always have backups and a rollback plan.

Learning from Failures

Let’s not sugarcoat it—I’ve had my fair share of failures. I once built an AI-driven tool that was supposed to revolutionize customer support. It was a disaster. The model I trained was more confused than a cat in a dog park. I learned that not every idea is a goldmine, and sometimes, it’s the failures that teach us the most valuable lessons.

The key takeaway here is not to get discouraged. Each failure is a stepping stone. I picked myself up, dusted off my keyboard, and refocused on simpler, more achievable projects. I found that building a minimal viable product (MVP) and iterating based on user feedback is a far better approach. It’s all about staying nimble and responsive to user needs.

Productivity Hacks That Work for Me

Want to know a productivity hack? I use Trello to manage my projects, and it’s been a lifesaver. I create boards for every project, and the visual layout keeps me focused. Plus, I’m a big fan of the Pomodoro technique. It’s helped me stay on task and avoid burnout.

Another tip? Set clear boundaries. I’ve made a habit of working in sprints—intense work sessions followed by breaks. It’s like a workout for your brain! This way, I’ve managed to maintain high levels of productivity without feeling overwhelmed.

The Bigger Picture: Industry Trends

So, what’s next for tech? I’ve been diving into generative AI and its applications, and I’m genuinely excited about the potential. It feels like we’re on the cusp of something big. But let’s tread carefully; there are ethical considerations we can’t ignore. I’ve seen companies rush into implementing AI without considering the implications, and that’s a recipe for disaster.

I think it’s crucial for us as developers to advocate for responsible tech. It’s not just about building something cool; it’s about building something that’s good for society. It’s a conversation we need to have more often.

Final Thoughts

To wrap it all up, running multiple $10K MRR companies on a $20/month tech stack is not just a dream—it's a reality if you're strategic and willing to learn from your mistakes. Embrace automation, leverage open-source tools, and don’t shy away from failure. Those lessons will shape you into a better developer.

So, what’s stopping you? Dive in, experiment, and let’s create the future together! Who knows? You might just discover your own unicorn.

Connect with Me

If you enjoyed this article, let's connect! I'd love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation.

Practice LeetCode with Me

I also solve daily LeetCode problems and share solutions on my GitHub repository. My repository includes solutions for:

  • Blind 75 problems
  • NeetCode 150 problems
  • Striver's 450 questions

Do you solve daily LeetCode problems? If you do, please contribute! If you're stuck on a problem, feel free to check out my solutions. Let's learn and grow together! 💪

Love Reading?

If you're a fan of reading books, I've written a fantasy fiction series that you might enjoy:

📚 The Manas Saga: Mysteries of the Ancients - An epic trilogy blending Indian mythology with modern adventure, featuring immortal warriors, ancient secrets, and a quest that spans millennia.

The series follows Manas, a young man who discovers his extraordinary destiny tied to the Mahabharata, as he embarks on a journey to restore the sacred Saraswati River and confront dark forces threatening the world.

You can find it on Amazon Kindle, and it's also available with Kindle Unlimited!

Thanks for reading! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to discuss tech, books, or anything in between.

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