An idea for non-technical co-founders: try a service-first business
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Re: An idea for non-technical co-founders: try a service-first business
#2Good points. With the abundance of services like Wufoo forms, Shopify, Weebly, and other "make your stuff without code" products out there, it is easier now than ever before to pull together a MVP, even if it means to take care of things behind the scenes manually. See how nastygal.com made it big with a humble start from an ebay store. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/25/technology/nasty-gal-an-on...
Re: An idea for non-technical co-founders: try a service-first business
#3>In practice, when I was attending meetups, I did not meet a single non-technical person who had done any of this leg work. I would have taken them and their idea very seriously if they had.
This is why I've stopped attending meetups that aren't specifically targeted towards devs. It's a shame, because there are many interesting people at those events, but every time I go to one I get sick of explaining why I don't want to work for startup X or be represented by recruiter Y.
Re: An idea for non-technical co-founders: try a service-first business
#4This is a good approach for non technical people, no doubt. That is if it really suites their skillset.
As a non-technical founder, you are likely good at building and maintaining relationships. You are probably good at selling things. You might be great at framing, so people buy into your vision or get excited about your ideas. These are amazing, difficult-to-acquire skills.
Unfortunately, too many non-technical founders do not have those skills. Many people believe that an idea and "hustle" (working hard, being persistent) is enough. Now they just need to find people to build it, people to market it, people to sell it. They have this great idea! the rest will just fall into place.
The OP saw teams that made it through the YC process. Likely, those are not your average non-technical founders. If you do have those skills, then for sure - this is great advice.
Re: An idea for non-technical co-founders: try a service-first business
#5I think this is excellent advice for developers too. We often get caught up tinkering with code because we enjoy it, when we should really be looking for an off-the-shelf or non-technical solution. If you can validate your ideas with nothing but google forms and manual email, all the better.
Re: An idea for non-technical co-founders: try a service-first business
#6Good points. With the abundance of services like Wufoo forms, Shopify, Weebly, and other "make your stuff without code" products out there, it is easier now than ever before to pull together a MVP, even if it means to take care of things behind the scenes manually. See how nastygal.com made it big with a humble start from an ebay store. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/25/technology/nasty-gal-an-on...
An in-depth interview with PandoMonthly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y04gnM57Sow
Re: An idea for non-technical co-founders: try a service-first business
#7As a tech person involved in a small company (not a startup), I can vouch for this reality, because I see it every day. The tech I bring to the table is very helpful, but the service side of the business is core.
There are tons (tons!) of businesses out there that can be made to scale, optimized or otherwise improved through technology, but can be proven out with nothing more than a wordpress blog (or other free, non-custom infrastructure).
Re: An idea for non-technical co-founders: try a service-first business
#8I think this is excellent advice for developers too. We often get caught up tinkering with code because we enjoy it, when we should really be looking for an off-the-shelf or non-technical solution. If you can validate your ideas with nothing but google forms and manual email, all the better.
Definitely. All too often, I'm into building what can be bought (often bought for $0). I'm a developer because building stuff is fun, but it isn't always the right choice for the business.
Re: An idea for non-technical co-founders: try a service-first business
#9Good points. With the abundance of services like Wufoo forms, Shopify, Weebly, and other "make your stuff without code" products out there, it is easier now than ever before to pull together a MVP, even if it means to take care of things behind the scenes manually. See how nastygal.com made it big with a humble start from an ebay store. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/25/technology/nasty-gal-an-on...
Nasty gal is such an amazing story, and definitely a great example.
Re: An idea for non-technical co-founders: try a service-first business
#10Good advice. Wish it was a little less condescending. I'm a marketing type who can code (more) now.
There is a vast amount of knowledge one needs to learn just to be a beginner. I don't blame so many idea people for trying to find shortcuts.