In their book REWORK, 37signals’ co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson write about the power of saying no. This week on the podcast, they revisit that idea, diving into the hidden costs of saying yes and the burden of commitments that often come with it. They also discuss how saying no preserves simplicity and helps maintain focus.

Key Takeaways:

• 00:45 – Saying yes often comes with regret
• 03:00 – Yes feels good until it’s time to fulfill the commitment
• 07:58 – Adding features to products often results in layered complications
• 14:53 – Saying no is more difficult when you have the capacity to say yes
• 19:51 – The courage to say no creates space for simplicity
• 29:30 – The best way to say to no to customer requests

Links and Resources:

Books by 37signals

Sign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.com

HEY World | HEY

The REWORK podcast

The Rework Podcast on YouTube

The 37signals Dev Blog

37signals on YouTube

@37signals on X

Twice a year, 37signals brings the entire team together for a company meet-up. In this week’s episode of The REWORK Podcast, co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson reflect on how these meet-ups began and how they've evolved over time. They also discuss how they prepare for the meet-ups and the importance of the venue selection.

Key Takeaways:

• 00:50 - Jason shares the early history of 37signals' meet-ups
• 02:18 - Why in-person conferences build deeper connections than online meetings
• 06:57 - How the location and architecture of meeting spaces can elevate the experience
• 15:30 - Weighing the financial cost of a meet-up against the value it delivers
• 18:48 - Memories from the company's Atlanta gathering
• 22:17 - An inside look at the meet-up agenda

Links and Resources:

Books by 37signals

Sign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.com

HEY World | HEY

The REWORK podcast

The Rework Podcast on YouTube

The 37signals Dev Blog

37signals on YouTube

@37signals on X

37signals’ co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson explore the many benefits of having full control over their business. They talk about the importance of taking measured profits and running an efficient operation, which allows freedom to create without constraints. This approach gives them room for trial and error and plenty of flexibility for expanded opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• 00:41 - The launch of Writebook confirmed 37signals' achievement of optionality
• 03:19 - Ideas and decisions don’t have to be perfect when a company is run efficiently
• 09:26 - 37signals history with buyout offers
• 11:22 - When it was tempting to consider venture capital offers
• 18:03 - Finding fulfillment in doing what you love rather than creating solely for profit

Links and Resources:

“Achieving Optionality” HEY World post by Jason Fried

Books by 37signals

Sign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.com

HEY World | HEY

The REWORK podcast

The Rework Podcast on YouTube

The 37signals Dev Blog

37signals on YouTube

@37signals on X