Saying Goodbye to Our First Product, MeSocial

First Version - Concept

Started out as an idea to manage all social media, MeSocial was the launching point of our company, 1ME, LLC. Creating an unknown path for us to take on, teaching us more than we ever realized, and weeding out individuals who could not grasp the entrepreneur profession, MeSocial was more than just a product we were trying to create, it was a learning tool for a start-up venture.

Since its beta launch in April 2013, it has spawned a team size of 12, raised $10K from a crowdfunding campaign, created an office in India with 5 developers, and a user base north of 600 accounts.  Today, that is no more.



With its main intentions to integrate posts from the major social networks into one location, ability to manage multiple accounts, and allow you to make a status update that could be posted across all your connected social accounts at one time, it was just the base of what MeSocial could do. As we further its development, we were able to integrate chat from Facebook and Google Hangouts, add a news RSS reader, pull in videos/pictures trends, manage calendars locally and from Google, and the ability to create sticky notes, to just name a few features.

Second Version - Alpha Testing

The question I faced earlier this year was do I grind and continue this website or do I pivot to something else? With the changing technology landscape and the rapid shift to mobile and mobile apps, it was time for MeSocial to pivot to the mobile platform as well. Something I should have done last year, to be honest with you and base on the "when will you have a mobile app?" questions from our users alone. That was an expensive lesson and MeSocial will never be the product that I saw in my vision a couple years ago. That is a good thing as my vision has changed and developed to something I know is better.

Third Version - Beta Launch

Now all of this is gone but what it left behind is a wealth of lessons learned, self development, and the mechanics of how to operate a start-up. So farewell to 1ME's first product, MeSocial. You have shown us what it is like to take an idea to reality, pushed us to our limits as we tried to keep up with the ever changing technology landscape, and taught us the hardships of being an entrepreneur.

We are done with MeSocial, the website. However, a piece of its function will exist as we build a mobile app that is just more than a social hub and I'm excited to share that news soon!

Last Version

Lastly, I would like to personally say thank you to all of our friends, family members, and MeSocial users that have signed up on this website, who took the time to share your feedback, and most importantly, believed in the team and I in this start-up venture!

Failures are great only if you choose to learn from it. So stay tuned!

Thank You Letter to the 1ME India Team

I wanted to share my email to the 1ME India team, truly grateful to work with these people!

To my first 1ME Team,

WOW. I cannot believe it has already been a year here in India and 2 years working together on this start-up. Originally, it was just for MeSocial but you have helped me build 1ME and develop MeToo Studios. I have been told that we moved at a fast pace and I can truly say, yes we did! You should be proud at the work you have accomplished in an environment that was quite hectic.

Long days, sleepless nights, and working non-stop every day for weeks at a time, I have pushed you guys to the limits. The best part is that these limits were pushed further and further and it shows me what you are capable of doing and then some. Was it worth it? You decide but I would definitely say yes! It has been great watching you all learn, grow, and develop as I have done the same. The team I knew years ago, just requested for requirements and then coded. The team I know now, questions, advises, and provides feedback on how to make the product better. You have gone from being a "developer" to an "engineer" where you now put thought and creativity into what you do. What an awesome thing to witness and I hope you see it as well.

Even though we are not able to continue together, I hope you remember the goals you have set for yourself on the back of the 1ME sign. I ask that you continue to meet with each other, share ideas, and develop together. We share this common bond which I will always cherish because it is a start to something great! Remember 2 things. First, success is not about being the best, it is about seeing what the person next to you is doing and doing it better. Second, there is always a solution to a problem.

On behalf of the 1ME team, directors, and investors, thank you for all you have done for my company. I am blessed to call you my colleague, friend, and family member. I look forward to the next steps and what the future holds for you all. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or need someone to bounce ideas off from, I am here for you. It is not a goodbye but till we meet again. Many more successes awaits!

Sincerely,
Thomas

First Day of a New Chapter

Today is the first time in 14 years that I do not have some sort of paying job to go to. And this is the first time in 14 years, I feel content and I'm actually ok with that. Running my own company, creating something, and being somebody is my endless quest to be successful, to feel successful. Hopefully, I can find that one day. And to find it, I need to do this on my own.

I gave up a 6-digit salary, a great job in a high profile role, and my own condo in New York City. Would I do it again? Yes, in a heartbeat. This is not my definition of success, just steps to get to the next step.... Today.

This is my first blog post as I document my start as an entrepreneur but most importantly, the Founder of 1ME, LLC. I promise to keep these posts short and will end it with a lesson learn, tip, advice, or quote. Thank you for your on-going support, nothing can be built without it!

TT Quote Pick: "For one minute, walk outside, stand there in silence, look up at the sky, and contemplate how amazing life is."  -Unknown