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Ask HN: Founders: Interested in earning extra cash?

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Ask HN: Founders: Interested in earning extra cash?

#1

Post by bryanjoseph »

Hey HNers. Need some feedback: How many founders / cofounders could use, or could have used, extra income while starting up your company? The typical job/gig search thing just doesn't seem efficient or practical for entrepreneurs. I'm thinking about starting a service that helps founders get recruited for extra remote work ---- and get paid very well for it.

I'm thinking something along the lines of a marketplace exclusively for entrepreneurs, where you'd create say offers or packages which employers can purchase, and on our end we'd go out and ultimately serve as your recruiter and find you work that fits in your schedule.

The issue is that founders don't have time to look for work and browse job descriptions, or interview --- so we'd need to make it clear that you have x amount of availability, you're being hired remotely, and at a rate you specify.

For employers, entrepreneurs typically have highly desirable skill sets --- even with limited availability and performing remote work.

Is this of interest? Thoughts?

Re: Ask HN: Founders: Interested in earning extra cash?

#3

Post by bryanjoseph »

chewxy wrote: post #2

You have my attention. Now, what's the pitch?

I'm thinking something along the lines of a marketplace exclusively for entrepreneurs, where you'd create say offers or packages which employers can purchase, and on our end we'd go out and ultimately serve as your recruiter and find you work that fits in your schedule.

The issue is that founders don't have time to look for work and browse job descriptions, or interview --- so we'd need to make it clear that you have x amount of availability, you're being hired remotely, and at a rate you specify.

For employers, entrepreneurs typically have highly desirable skill sets --- even with limited availability and performing remote work.

Thoughts?

Re: Ask HN: Founders: Interested in earning extra cash?

#5

Post by kohanz »

bryanjoseph wrote: post #3
chewxy wrote: post #2

You have my attention. Now, what's the pitch?

I'm thinking something along the lines of a marketplace exclusively for entrepreneurs, where you'd create say offers or packages which employers can purchase, and on our end we'd go out and ultimately serve as your recruiter and find you work that fits in your schedule. The issue is that founders don't have time to look for work and browse job descriptions, or interview --- so we'd need to make it clear that you have…

packages which employers can purchase

Have you validated the employer demand? Seems like that would be the tougher part of the equation.

Sure, employers need part-time, remote workers, but are they willing to pay a premium for entrepreneurs? I'm skeptical.

Re: Ask HN: Founders: Interested in earning extra cash?

#6

Post by chewxy »

bryanjoseph wrote: post #3
chewxy wrote: post #2

You have my attention. Now, what's the pitch?

I'm thinking something along the lines of a marketplace exclusively for entrepreneurs, where you'd create say offers or packages which employers can purchase, and on our end we'd go out and ultimately serve as your recruiter and find you work that fits in your schedule. The issue is that founders don't have time to look for work and browse job descriptions, or interview --- so we'd need to make it clear that you have…

I like the idea. The problem I see with this is, actually matching to employers. I would be willing to give this a try.

Also, put this description at the top thread.

Re: Ask HN: Founders: Interested in earning extra cash?

#7

Post by bryanjoseph »

kohanz wrote: post #5
bryanjoseph wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm thinking something along the lines of a marketplace exclusively for entrepreneurs, where you'd create say offers or packages which employers can purchase, and on our end we'd go out and ultimately serve as your recruiter and find you work that fits in your schedule. The issue is that founders don't have time to look for work and browse job descriptions, or interview --- so we'd need to make it clear that you have…

packages which employers can purchase Have you validated the employer demand? Seems like that would be the tougher part of the equation. Sure, employers need part-time, remote workers, but are they willing to pay a premium for entrepreneurs? I'm skeptical.

Yeah, working on that feedback/validation as well. Typically larger companies lack innovation and are encouraged to hire entrepreneurs. Especially if you've proven yourself, and can show what you've done --- it eliminates a lot of uncertainty and validates your worth. But even if you haven't, if you can show what you're working on, and your skill set --- it's a big plus. I'd personally like to hire from this pool.

Again though, do need to validate from the other end and working on it.

Re: Ask HN: Founders: Interested in earning extra cash?

#8

Post by bryanjoseph »

chewxy wrote: post #6
bryanjoseph wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm thinking something along the lines of a marketplace exclusively for entrepreneurs, where you'd create say offers or packages which employers can purchase, and on our end we'd go out and ultimately serve as your recruiter and find you work that fits in your schedule. The issue is that founders don't have time to look for work and browse job descriptions, or interview --- so we'd need to make it clear that you have…

I like the idea. The problem I see with this is, actually matching to employers. I would be willing to give this a try. Also, put this description at the top thread.

Cool glad to hear. Matching functionality / process will be very important, agreed.

Re: Ask HN: Founders: Interested in earning extra cash?

#10

Post by karmajunkie »

What I really want is an agent. I'd be willing to give up a small percentage if my hourly every month to an agent who brought me contracts I was really, really interested in. I've thought many times about how to pull this off, and I just don't know if the dynamic is right in the industry.
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