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Why cant we find "our guy"??

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Re: Why cant we find "our guy"??

#11

Post by dmlevi »

tauv wrote: post #9
dmlevi wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Well said. We did break it down to MVP. One reason it was turned down because the developer did not want to sign an NDA. We are not looking for a ninja braniac haha although that would be nice. We just want someone that is ready to join the team ;) They will paid for the job with equity incentives.

I think a savvy developer would still want hard cash or something tangible other than just equity which is very volatile, although equity is an awesome bonus (if you get us an MVP /when we launch we will give you X%) NDAs I think aren't so great either, even if a developer passes up, it makes it hard for them to recommend a someone else If they don't pass it up, it makes it just that bit more stressful having to work…

Great advice. This has been a learning experience for us. Although this is my idea, I am creating a team. Im letting people in on this. There is no way I can do this myself so we are truly looking for a partner. We are in Chicago with connections to lightbank, and all sorts of great stuff. My busines partner goes to U of Chicago Booth and his network is impressive.

As for NDA's we agree. We know its a sensitive subject but NDA's can be terminated once trust is built ;) In the beginning and over the internet (although HN is supposed to be a safe environment) we have made the decision to have NDA's pre beta release. Its really just precautionary measures...kinda like a prenup! We don't suspect anything bad will happen but its there just incase.

Re: Why cant we find "our guy"??

#12

Post by dmlevi »

scottyallen wrote: post #10
dmlevi wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Well said. We did break it down to MVP. One reason it was turned down because the developer did not want to sign an NDA. We are not looking for a ninja braniac haha although that would be nice. We just want someone that is ready to join the team ;) They will paid for the job with equity incentives.

Get used to developers not wanting to sign NDAs. We've had it banged into our heads again and again that we shouldn't be signing NDAs, particularly when just starting to talk with someone about their project. Besides, it'll be good practice when you pitch to VCs - they don't sign NDAs either:)

We understand there are a million great ideas and its all execution but whats to stop a developer from saying "wow thats a great idea, I dont need them" When you are approaching a VC you already have eyes and a revenue model. They are already too late. I hear you and we are open to sharing our ideas without NDA's through personal connections. We have shared with developers that are connected in Chicago land area and if we could get a personal connection we dont have a problem with that.

Re: Why cant we find "our guy"??

#13

Post by scottyallen »

dmlevi wrote: post #12
scottyallen wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Get used to developers not wanting to sign NDAs. We've had it banged into our heads again and again that we shouldn't be signing NDAs, particularly when just starting to talk with someone about their project. Besides, it'll be good practice when you pitch to VCs - they don't sign NDAs either:)

We understand there are a million great ideas and its all execution but whats to stop a developer from saying "wow thats a great idea, I dont need them" When you are approaching a VC you already have eyes and a revenue model. They are already too late. I hear you and we are open to sharing our ideas without NDA's through personal connections. We have shared with developers that are connected in Chicago land area and…

The counter argument to that is "Great idea - what other value are you going to bring to the table?" For me, being asked to sign an NDA is often a signal that they don't have anything else unique to bring to the table, which is usually a recipe for failure. Instead, there should be some other reason why this idea will only succeed if you do it. Some good ones are personal domain expertise, access to partnerships, access to distribution channels, design/marketing skills, etc.

If all you bring to the table is an idea, than to be honest, the developer probably doesn't need you.

Re: Why cant we find "our guy"??

#14

Post by dmlevi »

scottyallen wrote: post #13
dmlevi wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

We understand there are a million great ideas and its all execution but whats to stop a developer from saying "wow thats a great idea, I dont need them" When you are approaching a VC you already have eyes and a revenue model. They are already too late. I hear you and we are open to sharing our ideas without NDA's through personal connections. We have shared with developers that are connected in Chicago land area and…

The counter argument to that is "Great idea - what other value are you going to bring to the table?" For me, being asked to sign an NDA is often a signal that they don't have anything else unique to bring to the table, which is usually a recipe for failure. Instead, there should be some other reason why this idea will only succeed if you do it. Some good ones are personal domain expertise, access to partnerships, acc…

Well we were trying to stay modest but heres why we make great parnters.

1 - Our Education. MBA Students from University of Chicago Booth. Ranked top 5 MBA every year. The network is extremely strong and we have all the connections a startup could need.

2 - We have seed $. We can pay you to bang out the MVP in no more than 6 weeks with a nice equity bonus. We are looking for a partner.

3 - We are good guys. We want to make it and we think this is it. Simple as that. Its not this is my idea, do this or do that. The developer will be a partner and have insight and say. We hope to sell and then move on as a team to the next job.

Re: Why cant we find "our guy"??

#16

Post by humj »

You mention a "big idea" and use the startup "team" rhetoric, but that's all par for the course. Think about all the signals you're giving off. Others have mentioned here already what the NDA signals. Contract-based pricing and vague equity incentives feels a lot like you're looking to outsource development of a huge project for too little return despite the "team" rhetoric, even if that's not your intention.

Options:

1. if you're looking for "your guy", (s)he needs to REALLY be part of the team. Don't tip-toe around it with vague incentives, contract-based pricing and NDAs. These things signal inconfidence.

2. Become "your guy". Or at least try. Shw that you're hustling and that this thing will get made with or without "your guy".

Re: Why cant we find "our guy"??

#17

Post by dmlevi »

humj wrote: post #16

You mention a "big idea" and use the startup "team" rhetoric, but that's all par for the course. Think about all the signals you're giving off. Others have mentioned here already what the NDA signals. Contract-based pricing and vague equity incentives feels a lot like you're looking to outsource development of a huge project for too little return despite the "team" rhetoric, even if that's not your intention. Options…

Humj thanks for your insight. You should understand my business partner and I are new to this. We have been reading posts for HN for a few months now trying to feel out the community. Although it seems my statement seems vague, dont mistake it for not being confident. Its purely two MBA's taking a leap. If we had development skills this wouldnt be a problem then would it? Part of the reason for finding "my guy" and your correct could be a woman too, is that we want to partner with a developer. I think you've mistaken my post. When I post an actual offer I will take this advice and not tip-toe. An NDA to us more like a pre-nup. Think of this way, we dont think anything is gonna happen but its there just incase? How can you argue against that as a developer? Im trying to learn here which is why I posted this so I value your opinion.

Re: Why cant we find "our guy"??

#18

Post by dmlevi »

dmlevi wrote: post #17
humj wrote: post #16

You mention a "big idea" and use the startup "team" rhetoric, but that's all par for the course. Think about all the signals you're giving off. Others have mentioned here already what the NDA signals. Contract-based pricing and vague equity incentives feels a lot like you're looking to outsource development of a huge project for too little return despite the "team" rhetoric, even if that's not your intention. Options…

Humj thanks for your insight. You should understand my business partner and I are new to this. We have been reading posts for HN for a few months now trying to feel out the community. Although it seems my statement seems vague, dont mistake it for not being confident. Its purely two MBA's taking a leap. If we had development skills this wouldnt be a problem then would it? Part of the reason for finding "my guy" and y…

Also I did not say this was a "big idea", thats what developers have said to us that we pitched it too...

Re: Why cant we find "our guy"??

#19

Post by humj »

dmlevi wrote: post #18
dmlevi wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Humj thanks for your insight. You should understand my business partner and I are new to this. We have been reading posts for HN for a few months now trying to feel out the community. Although it seems my statement seems vague, dont mistake it for not being confident. Its purely two MBA's taking a leap. If we had development skills this wouldnt be a problem then would it? Part of the reason for finding "my guy" and y…

Also I did not say this was a "big idea", thats what developers have said to us that we pitched it too...

I'm aware these may not be your intentions, as I stated in my post. I'm saying, be sure to step outside and think honestly about how it comes across to someone who isn't familiar with your or your business.

Re: Why cant we find "our guy"??

#20

Post by dmlevi »

humj wrote: post #19
dmlevi wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Also I did not say this was a "big idea", thats what developers have said to us that we pitched it too...

I'm aware these may not be your intentions, as I stated in my post. I'm saying, be sure to step outside and think honestly about how it comes across to someone who isn't familiar with your or your business.

Ya, personally I dont feel good about the NDA either. I can understand how it comes off but I think developers should also put themselves in our shoes. I only send it when its someone Im dealing with online or someone that I dont have a personal connection with. I have pitched to a few developers in Chicago based off personal connections because there is no need to worry. Unfortunately it seems as HN is against this but I still have not heard a good enough argument to prove me otherwise. Its unfortunate that developers are judgmental when asked to sign an NDA, however I can see how it can come across. Im def thinking outside the box but at the same time, taking precautionary measures to ensure sustaining our intangible value.
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