Unveiling Easter Eggs in Slack: A Journey of Playfulness and ProductivityIn this episode, James Sherrett shares the playful and intricate details behind the design of Slack, highlighting how the software incorporates game-like features known as Easter eggs. The narrative explores various hidden gems like custom loading messages, the self-loathing web socket error message, the story behind the introduction of the Shruggy emoticon, and the inventive use of slash commands.Additional touches include the reordering of emojis for a positive user experience, the surprise animations hidden in the preferences section, and the user-friendly Slack bot. The episode emphasizes how these playful elements make the work communication platform engaging and delightful for users.00:00 Introduction: The Game of Work01:31 Easter Eggs in Slack: An Overview01:44 Custom Loading Messages: Making Waiting Fun03:10 Web Socket Woes: Connection Troubles04:50 Slash Commands: Hidden Treasures06:58 Emoji Decisions: Injecting Fun into Work08:45 Preferences Menu: Hidden Features10:08 Slack Bot: Your Friendly Guide11:04 Conclusion: Share Your Favorite Easter Eggs This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.slackstory.com
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So Yeah, We Tried Slack
Creating Slack's Launch Video: Behind the ScenesJames Sherrett narrates the story of Slack's launch video, produced by Sandwich Video in 2014. He explains the significance of having a Sandwich video for a tech startup, detailing the video's production, the script collaboration between Slack's team and Sandwich, and the quest for a fitting title. The final title, 'So Yeah, We Tried Slack,' emerged from a key line in the video. Sherrett also mentions a sequel video created during the COVID-19 pandemic and teases future content on Slack's Easter eggs and unique features.00:00 Introduction: The Quest for a Sandwich Video01:21 The Making of the Video01:52 The Title Dilemma02:37 The Final Decision04:04 Aftermath and Reflections04:37 Easter Eggs in Slack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.slackstory.com
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Pricing and “Fair Billing Policy”
Slack's Journey to Fair Billing and Effective Pricing StrategiesBy 2014, Slack saw consistent weekly growth and recognized that once teams started using the platform, they rarely stopped. There were two main growth drivers – acquiring new customers and expanding in existing customers – and two main tensions Slack faced, particularly the hybrid use of multiple communication tools.To address these tensions, Slack adopted three key pricing principles: simplicity for new customers, fairness for existing ones, and speed for deployment. Specific tactics like starting with a high pricing point, avoiding unlimited user deals, and offering credits instead of discounts were employed. The highlight is the fair billing policy, which ensured users were only charged for active usage, boosting customer trust and simplifying billing processes.The story winds up with a nod to Slack's long-term approach to customer satisfaction and its impact on their sustained business growth.00:00 Introduction: A Slack Story by James Sherrett00:22 Understanding Slack's Growth Levers01:12 New Customers: The First Growth Source01:58 Expansion of Existing Customers03:32 Tensions in Slack's Growth Model05:50 Principles of Slack's Pricing Strategy08:21 Tactics for Implementing Pricing Principles15:49 The Fair Billing Policy Origin Story21:40 Conclusion: Reflecting on Slack's Journey and Lazy Computer Programmers This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.slackstory.com
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Offsite in Sonoma
Slack's Early Days: Sonoma Offsite ReflectionsIn this episode, James Sherrett recounts his first offsite experience with Slack in Sonoma on May 15th, 2014. The narrative captures the early, intimate scale of Slack's global workforce of around 30 employees, the significance of in-person interactions in a remote-first company, and the excitement surrounding their burgeoning product success. Sherrett shares his initial thoughts and questions about offsites, his reflections on meeting his new boss Allen Shim, and the profound realizations about Slack's potential and future. Highlights include candid moments with colleagues and pioneering discussions on product and customer interaction, illustrating the blend of meticulous work and imaginary thinking that characterized Slack's early growth.00:00 Introduction: A Slack Story by James Sherrett00:27 First Offsite Experience in Sonoma02:26 Meeting the New Boss: Allen05:43 Getting to Know the Team07:50 Offsite Activities and Reflections10:11 The Future of Slack: Aspirations and Challenges12:45 Conclusion: Embracing Change and Change and Change This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.slackstory.com
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#accounts
Navigating Sales in Slack: Early Deals and Hard-Learned LessonsJames Sherrett recounts his experiences of closing early sales deals at Slack without a traditional sales team. He describes the significance of celebrating wins through dedicated Slack channels and shares a memorable story about negotiating with Sauce Labs, a customer demanding a discount. The narrative highlights the importance of understanding customer needs and being prepared for tough negotiations. Sherrett explains how these early experiences and the detailed pricing proposals were pivotal in refining Slack's approach to sales and customer success.00:00 Introduction: A Slack Story by James Sherrett00:19 The First Deal: Celebrating Wins01:16 Creating the #accounts Channel03:27 Memorable #accounts Post: Sauce Labs05:09 The Cannon09:32 Crafting the Perfect Pricing Proposal18:14 Conclusion: Lessons Learned19:28 Teaser: Up Next - Offsite in Sonoma This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.slackstory.com
In 2013, I started as #9 on the Slack team. A Slack Story tells the best stories from the 7 years and 5 jobs that followed. The Podcast is those stories in audio form. Plus more to come.
Subscribe by RSS with this link: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/3721181.rss www.slackstory.com
Ireland