Initiator Creator - Initiator Creator - Issue 46

Initiator Creator - Issue #46

​By Saurabh Y. // 16 January 2021

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Developer

​We Don't Need Data Scientists, We Need Data Engineers - Mihail Eric

There are 70% more open roles at companies in data engineering as compared to data science. As we train the next generation of data and machine learning practitioners, let’s place more emphasis on engineering skills.

​Mithril.js - Modern client-side JavaScript framework for building Single Page Applications - Github

It's small (< 10kb gzip), fast and provides routing and XHR utilities out of the box. Mithril is used by companies like Vimeo and Nike, and open source platforms like Lichess.

​Open AI releases DALL·E, a model capable of Creating Images from Text - OpenAI

DALL·E is a 12-billion parameter version of GPT-3 trained to generate images from text descriptions, using a dataset of text–image pairs.

​Forgo - A 4KB alternative of React to create modern web apps using JSX - Github

Unlike React, there are very few framework specific patterns and lingo to learn. Everything you already know about DOM APIs and JavaScript will easily carry over.

Designer

​A retrospective of incorporating nostalgia in design - UX Collective

In the world of design, originality is a desirable and highly respected trait in the byproducts of the creative process but is admittedly a difficult feat. So why go through all the trouble, when you can “borrow” ideas that have worked from the past and do it again.

​The two design skills that will matter in 2021 - UX Collective

The design industry landscape is changing — we need to change with it to stay relevant and thrive. In this article, Michal Malewicz shared two main things you need to consider for a successful year.

​Chapter 6: Web Design - CSS-Tricks

Alec Pollak was little more than a junior art director cranking out print ads when he got a call that would change the path of his career

Entrepreneur

​Riding the Wave: Justin Jackson on His Startup Journey and Finding Market Fit - SaaS Mag

Justin Jackson, co-founder of Transistor.fm, coming up with a great SaaS product is a lot like surfing. “When you’re surfing,” Jackson says, “you’re waiting for the right wave. The same is true in business: you want to be in the water, waiting for the right opportunity to reveal itself.”  Surfers, and entrepreneurs both need to learn patience and observation. Good waves have a certain size and shape to them, which surfers can learn to recognize.

​Your Startup Needs Product Reviews - Twitter

If your startup is greater than ~50 employees and you haven't implemented product reviews for each major product initiative, you should stop what you're doing and implement them now.

​No Meetings, No Deadlines, No Full-Time Employees - Sahil Lavingia

Sahil started Gumroad in 2011. In 2015, they reached a peak of 23 full-time employees but after failing to raise more money in 2016, he ended up: a compnay of one. Now 25 people work's on Gumroad but no-one is full-time, not even sahil himself. They have no meetings and no deadlines either, yet they're growing 85% year-over-year.

Marketer

​Differentiation Strategy - CXL

A differentiation strategy is a way to stand out from the noise and give people a reason to choose your business over others. You’d think companies would be all about that.

​21 Smart Google SEO Tips for 2021 - Moz

Moz SEO expert Cyrus Shepard shares his top 21 tips for successful Google SEO in 2021, including what to prioritize and what to look out for in the year ahead. He's also included a bunch of helpful resources in the article.

​Don’t Sell! Instead, Make Friends: How to Connect Authentically - Quiet Revolution

Storytelling, as opposed to selling, is the way to go. Your story creates a bond between yourself and your customers or clients. It enables them to grasp your values, and helps them get to know, like and trust you. Relationship building, not selling, is the way to build a truly satisfying business. Selling can be heartless; relationships are the heart and soul of what you do.

Interesting Read

​How to measure technical debt - Andre

If you are working in tech you probably heard of technical debt. For product managers it is the sword of Damocles alluding delayed projects and rejected feature requests. For engineers it can be a tremendous source of frustration and reason to quit jobs and move on. This article aims to help product managers and technical leads to understand and measure technical debt.

​5 thinking tools to add to your metacognitive toolbox - Ness Labs

Developing metacognitive skills is essential to being productive while taking care of your mental health. While some tools such as journaling or the Eisenhower matrix are already well known, there are other tools borrowed from the world of education. Here are five thinking tools you can add to your metacognitive toolbox.

Community Submissions

If you like to share a project or article with the rest of the readers then please DM me at @ICforpreneurs or hit reply

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​Pressful - Video Press Interview with Real Journalist​

Pressful connects startups with professional journalists, who will conduct a 5 minute video interview & blast it off to major news outlets.

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Outro

🙏 Thank you for reading Initiator Creator issue #46

This issue is sponsored by Safetywing. Safetywing is global health insurance for remote workers and digital nomads.

If you value Initiator Creator, feel free to forward this copy to your friends. Suggestions or comments? Hit reply or DM me at @ICforpreneurs​

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