This episode challenges the common entrepreneurial urge to build custom software solutions from scratch. Ryan Lunka, CEO of Blended Edge, argues that for most businesses, particularly in e-commerce, off-the-shelf platforms and integrations are not only sufficient but strategically superior. He emphasizes validating business models and sales processes before investing in complex custom development, advocating for a composable, integrated approach to technology stacks.
Key takeaways
Prioritize validating your business model and sales before custom software development; off-the-shelf solutions are usually sufficient for early-stage companies.
Recognize that 'custom solutions' often lead to unnecessary complexity and cost; leverage robust, commercial platforms like Shopify, Magento, or BigCommerce instead.
Embrace composable commerce: integrate best-in-breed off-the-shelf solutions rather than attempting to build a monolithic custom system.
Understand that even enterprise-level challenges in digital marketing and e-commerce can often be solved by strategically integrating existing platform capabilities.
Avoid the 'IBM Approach' of over-customization; focus on efficient integration of proven technologies to achieve business goals.
Ryan Lunka is the co-founder and CEO of Blended Edge, a company helping software teams deliver product integrations faster, easier, and more cost effectively. On this podcast, we talk about why there might be no reason you’ll go custom, opposing the “IBM Approach”, the ecosystems at work in your business, and so much more! To learn more, visit: http://honestecommerce.co Resources: Ryan’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryanlunka Blended Edge’s website blendededge.com Blended Edge’s blog post about the 9 Boxes Framework that can help you with prioritizing your integration opportunities blendededge.com/blog/prioritizing-your-product-integration-roadmap Previous episode with Ross Beyeler of Trellis honestecommerce.co/blogs/podcast/building-out-a-real-foundation-for-your-online-store-with-ross-beyeler Visit gorgias.grsm.io/honest to get your 2nd month with Gorgias free! Visit klaviyo.com/honest to get a free trial! Visit avalara.com/honest to find out how your business can be sales tax ready! Visit rewind.com/honest and enter your email to get your first month absolutely free!
What does this episode say about shopify & ecommerce platforms?
Prioritize validating your business model and sales before custom software development; off-the-shelf solutions are usually sufficient for early-stage companies.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Recognize that 'custom solutions' often lead to unnecessary complexity and cost; leverage robust, commercial platforms like Shopify, Magento, or BigCommerce instead.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Embrace composable commerce: integrate best-in-breed off-the-shelf solutions rather than attempting to build a monolithic custom system.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Understand that even enterprise-level challenges in digital marketing and e-commerce can often be solved by strategically integrating existing platform capabilities.
What does this episode say about shopify & ecommerce platforms?
Avoid the 'IBM Approach' of over-customization; focus on efficient integration of proven technologies to achieve business goals.
