Best way to find tech cofounder and developing web prototype help

[brob742]

So, I have a tested (unbounce.com) website idea that I am going to fully pursue.
Does anyone have any advice on places where they have had success in finding technical co-founders for their business? I live in the Bay area, so I am going to network at some different meetup groups in Silicon Valley, but other than that, any good resources? I know there are some tech cofounder matching sites, but just curious as to see what others have had success with.

Also, when meeting with developers, what is the clearest and most articulate way to present my idea? Should I take some time to learn how to put together a prototype using axure.com? I have heard some good things about the site. I just want to be as prepared and as impressive as possible when meeting with developers. Any other tools you guys know of that puts together solid web prototypes without being technical?

Thanks so much,

Rob

 

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[Nathan Moreno]

So, I have a tested (unbounce.com) website idea that I am going to fully pursue.
Does anyone have any advice on places where they have had success in finding technical co-founders for their business? I live in the Bay area, so I am going to network at some different meetup groups in Silicon Valley, but other than that, any good resources? I know there are some tech cofounder matching sites, but just curious as to see what others have had success with.

Also, when meeting with developers, what is the clearest and most articulate way to present my idea? Should I take some time to learn how to put together a prototype using axure.com? I have heard some good things about the site. I just want to be as prepared and as impressive as possible when meeting with developers. Any other tools you guys know of that puts together solid web prototypes without being technical?

Thanks so much,

Rob

I'm not an expert, nor do I pretend to be but my thought on sharing ideas is have some NDA forms and Confidentiality agreements ready beforehand if you're going to be sharing proprietary information with developers.

Also, what are the co-founder matching sites you are talking about?

Thanks,
Nathan

 

[Milkanic]

Find meetings on meetup.com around web development, php, ruby, pytyhon, etc. Sit in on a couple meetings and find people you get along with. Get beers/coffee after the meetings and network from there.

 

[socaldude]

I would recommend you find one in college. If you are not in college, JUST go to any college and find one. Post a wanted ad at the career advising center. Attend some of the entrepreneur meetings.

I don't know how big entrepreneurship is promoted at any other schools but at MY State University, Entrepreneurship is promoted like CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY. Which is kinda relieving after constantly hearing: get a good gpa for law school! get an internship! blah blah blah.

 

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[andviv]

I like axure but, as far as I remember, was kinda expensive, no?

But yeah, I think you are in the right path. Prototype your idea and get quotes on it.

Also, why do you need a cofounding partner?

Are you the "ideas" guy and need a developer to build it for you?

If so, get estimates on sites like elance or scriptlance.com to get an idea of how much would it cost to have it built.

Maybe you don't need a co-founder....

 

[brob742]

I like axure but, as far as I remember, was kinda expensive, no?

But yeah, I think you are in the right path. Prototype your idea and get quotes on it.

Also, why do you need a cofounding partner?

Are you the "ideas" guy and need a developer to build it for you?

If so, get estimates on sites like elance or scriptlance.com to get an idea of how much would it cost to have it built.

Maybe you don't need a co-founder....

Other than axure, what are some other mock-up/prototyping tools to create an easy storyboard? I am absolutely non-technical, so the easier to use the better.

Correct, I'm the "ideas" guy, but hopefully also turn into the "execution" guy. The nature of the site will be pretty complex on the back-end, so I feel like a tech co-founder will probably be the better way to go. At least that way, I can keep costs down initially and also adjust on the fly like I'm sure we will need to.

 

[huy]

Have you tried Photoshop? I know a lot of web designers like to use it for site mock ups.

 

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[brob742]

Have you tried Photoshop? I know a lot of web designers like to use it for site mock ups.

I have not tried it. Would it be so terrible to draw it out by hand, or is that not so acceptable for developers?

 

[huy]

I've developed a site, but have never worked in industry. With that said, it seems that most developers who do contract work prefer a well-designed mockup simply because it will be less hassle for them later. They don't have to deal with clients not liking the design because they can just give the clients exactly what they ask for.

You're looking for a cofounder, however, so this might be different. Hopefully someone with more experience can give us some insight into this as I'm curious as well.

 

[andviv]

Draw it by hand and scan it. Email the images to them.

That should suffice. Or at least it works for me.

 

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[brob742]

Draw it by hand and scan it. Email the images to them.

That should suffice. Or at least it works for me.

Old school. I like it. Thanks.

 

[andviv]

Draw it by hand and scan it. Email the images to them.

That should suffice. Or at least it works for me.

Old school. I like it. Thanks.

lol, thx.... I've even have received sketches by fax.... hey, whatever works, no?

These days, people can draw it by hand, take a pic with their smartphone and send it to you by txt message.

The important thing is to be able to provide a clear, graphical representation of what you want to accomplish.

Good luck.

 

[czach41]

Are you a Mac guy?

I've used Keynote to create some basic mock ups. It may help you (it is mac's equivalent of power point but it has more advanced features).

Keynotopia was built with apps in mind, but you can use it to mock up your website as well.

Cheap and easy to use.

 

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[andviv]

You can also use Powerpoint....

Google: powerpoint iphone template or similar keywords

Free iPhone Keynote and PowerPoint templates help get you from thought to finish | TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog

 

[brob742]

You can also use Powerpoint....

Google: powerpoint iphone template or similar keywords

Free iPhone Keynote and PowerPoint templates help get you from thought to finish | TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog

I am trying to prototype a site, not an app. Will it still work?