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DIY, Outsource, Partner... How should I approach creation?

1 pointsby jaypreneurover 13 years ago
Hi all. I come here for some advice. Like plenty of others, I have an idea for an internet business. I know that an idea isn't worth much though if you don't act on it and execute. So, I've been trying my hardest to do what I can. I'm not technical, but I've been been working in all the ways I know how and learning what I don't.<p>I've developed the idea, asked potential customers questions, got feedback. I know it has potential. So, I designed the website wireframe, business model, marketing model, logo...<p>But now comes the time where something useable needs to be created. I can show potential customers a wireframe and ask them questions, but until they actually show they are willing to use (and pay) for it, I know I don't have any real traction.<p>I come here asking for advice on how I should approach creation. There seem to be three approaches:<p>1. Do it yourself 2. Outsource 3. Find a co-founder<p>Now, I am determined to learn to the technical side regardless. I've started on that journey, tackling HTML, CSS, and Javascript. I'm no expert, but I understand. I want to go after PHP as well. However, I know I don't have time to be professionally proficient in a reasonable time. It won't stop me from learning, but I'm not sure if it's the smartest way to approach this. But please, tell me if I'm wrong. I don't underestimate the amount of work/experience needed to be a great coder though... so I don't expect to be good enough in a few months.<p>In regards to outsourcing, I have a good amount of money saved, enough to hopefully create something. However, that something might not even be close to the end goal... and then what? What about when customers ask for more? What about maintenance? What if I do go to investors and it's just me... sure, I consider myself valuable on both the business and design end of things, but with no one to cover the technical aspects, who will want to invest? Which brings me to...<p>Finding a technical co-founder. I'm from NYC and plan on going to some startup meetings I've found out about. However, I know this is a scary proposition as well. For one, I have nothing created, so will anyone want to even come on board? Then I guess I need to assess options 1 &#38; 2.<p>I just am looking for some guidance here. I'm at this standstill and I feel overwhelmed with all the options and just pick a direction and go. If that's outsource and then find a technical co-founder once something is implemented, then I'll tackle outsourcing now. If it's DIY, then pick up my pace (hell, quit my job, live at home and make studying and creating my new job) so I can get things going. If it's find a technical co-founder, than go out there and prove myself.<p>Anyway, I apologize for the length of this post, but I guess I have a lot on my mind here. But any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

1 comment

dlfover 13 years ago
Check out this blog from one of the founders of Yipit, starting here: <a href="http://viniciusvacanti.com/2010/09/07/guide-to-finding-a-technical-co-founder/" rel="nofollow">http://viniciusvacanti.com/2010/09/07/guide-to-finding-a-tec...</a><p>Also, hack! Not just code, but think of ways to validate product-market fit without actually having to build the whole damn thing. Set up a landing page with a button or two that mimics the feature you want to test. If someone clicks on it, at least you'll know there's interest. If not, no big deal. Assuming they click on it, instead of sending a 404 error, put something like "We're building [description of awesome, world changing web app]. If you want to be one of the very first users and brag to all your friends about how in the know you are, sign up below." Then just put a nice tidy email field with a big ole' submit button. Done. You've proven people want what you're building and you have a list of emails of people you know will use your product once you've built it. Use that to convince some superstar to become your technical cofounder.<p>Startup Weekends and that sort of thing are a great way to meet potential cofounders as well, where people share their idea for a startup, form teams and hack all weekend. Whatever you do, don't waste your money on outsourcing, especially at this point. Startups are a long road. Get out to events, get to know people, and share what you're working on (no one is going to steal your idea). Good luck!
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