Covailnt’s 2017 In Review
To describe 2017 as a catalyst is a bit of an understatement.
As Covailnt’s founder, I have a lot to be grateful for this year. From applying to our first accelerator to creating an active Slack community of over 100 freelancers, 2017 got Covailnt’s ball rolling. However, as with most things in life, it came with its highs and lows.
This moment is a great time to reflect on our progress, note shortcomings, and set our sites on Covailnt’s 2018 launch. It is incredibly important to note: none of this would have be possible without this incredible community. I’m truly humbled by your support and encouragement over the past year. Thank you!
At the beginning of 2017, Covailnt wasn’t much more than a name, a logo, and few old mockups that had been rattling around in my head. I knew the basics; Covailnt would be a platform that connects freelancers and rewards them for their work. It wouldn’t be a marketplace, or a social media platform, but rather a true digital extension of how freelancers work in the real world.
My masters program set the cadence for the year. Up first was what I consider to be one of the most crucial steps in transforming an idea into a venture, customer discovery and validation. This is where you, the freelancing community, helped pave the way. Between surveys, interviews, and discussions, Covailnt was examined from every angle. The value prop was honed, features blown up and iterated, concepts validated or eliminated and priorities set. Along the way, our vision was embraced, and people began to get excited about what Covailnt was being built to do.
The spring brought the launch of a very basic MVP. Our open freelancer directory is a simple place for freelancers to put a face to their names, and share contact info and portfolio links. In tandem with the directory, we opened up our internal Slack group. We did this to provide our growing community with actual tangible access to each other and the working Covailnt team. We also began accepting Beta Invite requests, and as of this writing there are nearly 400 people in line. (This blows my mind a little bit!)
With the help of Covailnt’s resident Gif master, we launched FLIRL (that’s Freelance In Real Life). It’s an expertly curated gif reaction Tumblr for all things about freelance life. PS, we take submissions if you want to contribute!
Over the summer we launched our blog, and the first post told the backstory behind Covailnt. I touched on the importances that trust plays for us as freelancers and how a change in the perception of freelance talent is in the air. My favorite posts included The Monetization of Creative Connections at the Expense of the Working Designer, as well as our new Focus on the Freelancers series — kicked off with the amazing Patrice Embry.
The fall brought the last term of grad school (capstone project and all), and Covailnt’s first accelerator applications. While we weren’t accepted into Y Combinator, doing the research and preparing the application was valuable in-and-of-itself (plus there’s something to be said for rejection conditioning!). I’ll be sharing Covailnt’s application and what might make it stronger if/when we apply again in a separate blog post.
The YC application was followed up by an application to FounderTrac, a local accelerator here in Maryland. With graduation behind me, the program’s continued mentorship and accountability was a big draw. Despite making it into the finals, again Covailnt was not selected to participate in the 2018 cohort. However we were able to make connections that lead to our first VC meeting and resulted in the potential for continued conversations.
Throughout the process of researching, preparing and applying to these accelerators, it was important to remind myself that these programs will not make or break Covailnt’s future success. These programs offer huge upsides, from networking to press coverage and investments, but they aren’t a lifeline (nor do we need one, to be honest). Looking to 2018, Covailnt faces just as much, if not more, potential now as it did before any rejected accelerator application.
2017 and Lessons Learned
Reflecting on this year, there are two key things that I, as a founder, need to keep in check for 2018.
Burnout
I began 2017 arrogant about my own threshold. By the end of the year, I was tanked. Things slipped, including my own cadence, motivation, and ability to execute. This had an impact on my decision making, the feedback I gave my team, how I allocated my time, and my overall mental state.
2018 Goal: Strike a balance between the work, and active recovery.
Expectations
Specifically, what I want to accomplish vs. what is realistic to accomplish. I need to remember that this is a marathon, and not a sprint.
2018 Goal: Identify where my optimism is not in line with my ability to execute, and provide the appropriate transparency when pulling in reinforcements.
Getting it done in 2018
Moving from Research to Implementation:
It goes without saying, but there isn’t one way to build a web application. Over the past year, we hashed out our technology stack and identified our core development and design principles (we are marrying React components and elemental development practices with Atomic Design). Our next step is to take Covailnt’s current platform, apply these core principles to the work that has been completed to date, and build out the remaining features.
Optimize existing experiences:
Outside of the web application itself, the Covailnt website, directory, and communications all have aspects that need attention.
Continued focus on you, the freelancer:
After all, the freelancing community is why Covailnt exists in the first place. In 2018 we will continue to shine a light on world changes and what they mean for freelancing. I am excited about growing our Focus on the Freelancer series and showcasing amazing freelancers. We also want to increase the role we play in sharing content and resources across the community.
Most importantly, we want to reflect your voice, and need as a freelancer. If there’s anything we are dropping the ball on, overlooked, or simply haven’t addressed well… tell me! Here is my email and Calendly.
And of course… I can’t go through an entire post and not give a shout out to the amazing people who have helped me out over the past year!
Ethan Parry, PR and Designer Extraordinaire
Ashley Fryling, Owner of All Things GIFs
Carson Wright, Development Visionary
Claire Suellentrop, Crafter of Copy
Dominik Kandravý, Bezier Curve Master
Covailnt is a web app for freelancers who need to work with people they trust. Covailnt makes it painless for freelancers to connect and collaborate. Users can see other’s skills and style at a glance, instantly know who’s booked up, and work with those who work the way they do.
