The Solo Builder’s Journey: Embracing the Grind Before Launch

Look, as usual, I need to keep it real since I’m not going to sugarcoat it… building an app as a solo creator is a special kind of madness. I’m sure you’ve heard Jensen Huang or Elon Musk talk say something off the sort, and they aren’t kidding.

You know that feeling when you think you’re finally ready to launch, only to discover another critical bug? Or when you have what feels like a brilliant feature idea at 11 PM, implement it, and then spend the next three days fixing the cascade of issues it created?

Yeah. That’s been my life lately. And I’m not mad about it either.

The Grind Nobody Talks About

I’ve spent countless hours deep in Perplexity, ChatGPT, and NoteBook LLM research rabbit holes. YouTube podcasts and tutorials at midnight. Reddit threads from 2022 that somehow hold the answer to my specific problem. It’s the kind of work that doesn’t make for glamorous LinkedIn posts or inspiring Instagram stories.

It’s just you, your screen, and an endless cycle of trial and error.

And here’s the thing, pain and frustration are absolutely inevitable when you’re building something you truly believe in. Every bug that pops up tests your strength. Every setback makes you question if you’ve spent hours (let’s be real, dozens of hours) building something nobody actually wants or needs.

That’s the fear that keeps solo builders up at night.

The Reality Check I Needed

After all this grinding, my research kept pointing to the same conclusion: Stop building and start validating.

I probably should have stopped adding features before I actually did. But when you’re deep in creator mode, it’s hard to put down the tools. There’s always “just one more thing” that would make it better, smoother, more complete.

But here’s what I’ve learned, and what every AI tool and YouTube creator kept telling me: Get real users in the app. Let them tell you what actually matters. Stop assuming and start listening.

So as of today, no more new features. (Well, except for the two biggest, most essential ones that are basically done. But then that’s it. I promise. Probably. LOL. SMH)

Why Dynasty Notes Exists

On a personal level, I’ve always been more of an introvert who can flip the switch and be an extrovert when needed. But given the choice? I’d rather stay lowkey, doing my thing, building and creating in my own lane. Chillin.

I didn’t suddenly become bad at networking, I’ve always been this way. Even back to college and high school.

But here’s the irony: We live in a time where the internet and social media make it easier than ever to connect with others, yet we’re feeling more isolated than ever as a society. Personally, life is good, but I know it could be better if more people were aware of what I can do and how I can help them.

I built Dynasty Notes because I’ve dropped the ball on my network, both old connections and new ones. I have dozens of people in my phone from conferences and events, most saved as “Mike from Boston” or just a phone number with no context about where we met or what we discussed.

Nothing ever comes of those connections because I didn’t have a system.

If I needed this tool, I figured others probably do too.

What Makes Dynasty Notes Different

Dynasty Notes helps you build your dynasty one connection at a time.

Whether you’re using it for dating, expanding your general network, or strengthening business connections, the goal is the same: make meaningful connections actually stick.

What makes us unique isn’t just the easy QR code sharing of contact info, it’s that we help you maintain and build on those new connections. We’re solving the problem of those dead-end contacts that never turn into relationships.

Even if I can help individuals strengthen or expand their network in the slightest bit, I think I’ve succeeded.

The Launch That Almost Wasn’t

I’ve been “almost ready to launch” about seven times now.

Each time, I think I’m good to go. Then I hit another bug. Or I implement that new idea that seems essential, which creates new issues. Or I realize I haven’t properly tested something on Android, and down another rabbit hole I go.

It’s a cycle that could continue indefinitely if I let it.

But I’ve learned something crucial: New ideas are great, but they belong on a roadmap, not immediately coded into the app. Otherwise, you’re just adding features that might not even be what your typical user wants or needs.

The ultimate goal is launching. Getting real users. Learning what actually matters.

Everything else is just noise keeping you from that goal.

Finding the Middle Ground

So here’s where I’ve landed: It really is all about trial and error and getting yourself to embrace this journey.

You need to find that middle ground between perfectionism and pragmatism. I will be the first to admit that I’m guilty of this. So know your ultimate goal and keep working toward it, even when the bugs try to break your spirit. Even when you question whether anyone will care about what you’ve built.

I’m launching Dynasty Notes with some preliminary pricing plans, but they’ll probably change once I get high-usage users in here, you know, people attending or running networking events who are meeting dozens of people a day. That’s going to be the real test, and honestly? I’m excited for it.

In honor of this “pre” launch, I’m currently offering 50% off all plans with code: HalfOFFyr1

As early users with at this discounted rate, I’m hoping you will also be able to help with providing suggestions for new ideas along with pointing out any potential bugs or issues I may have overlooked, if any. The plans might adjust as I learn what real users actually need. That’s expected. After all, I’m just getting started.

The Journey Continues

If you’re a solo builder reading this, know that you’re not alone in the struggle. The bugs, the doubts, the late nights wondering if anyone will care, it’s all part of the process.

But if you’ve built something you believe in, something that solves a real problem (even if it started as your own problem), then you owe it to yourself to get it out there.

Stop building in isolation. Start connecting with real users.

That’s exactly what I’m doing with Dynasty Notes now.

And if along the way we can help people feel a little less isolated, build their networks a little stronger, and turn those random conference contacts into meaningful connections?

Then every bug, every late night, and every moment of doubt will have been worth it.

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Ready to build your dynasty? Check out Dynasty Notes and use code HalfOFFyr1 for 50% off your first month. Code is good to use until March 1st, 2026.