Finding a partner or outsource a core competency of a start-up?

[putinwork]

Hey everyone,

I'm in a situation where I'm looking at developing a website app within a niche and have about 60% of my research and feature list/mindmap complete. From my experience within this niche, I KNOW it can be a success.

I have 3 routes to take with this type of project:
1) Find a partner to help me develop this app since I am not knowledgeable in this field
2) Outsource the work to a DevShop to get it done I want to avoid elance/odesk etc as this project is of decent size and hiring through the web for this overseas just increases the risk of failure or a poorly done job) Do it right the first time or don't do it, right? It'll cost about 3-4x more hiring locally rather than overseas.
3) Learn how to code myself, which will take at least 1+years and that's just getting the basics down.

The problem with Option #1 is finding a partner that I can trust that has the knowledge of developing this app is quite slim. My network of friends/acquaintances aren't specialists in this sector so finding someone to accept this job and be a partner in this is quite hard. I don't want to just be forced to pick anyone from the streets or craigslist

Option #2 has it's own downfalls as well. Speaking with a few coders, they have all suggested that I hire in-house which means hire someone full-time, or risk having your core competencies outsources which is a formula for a very high risk of failure. An app will always need updates and maintenance being done, so this would be the downfall of this option. The upside is that once built, the I can truly test the concept if it's a hit or not and if it is, quickly hire a CTO or find a partner when traction is gained. However, at the same time, fully relying on the DevShop to not screw up and keep things online.

Option #3 is time. Not saying I'm not patient and not willing to learn, but being brutally honest I don't have any experience coding and to become an expert in it will be a very long road ahead. I've already bought some books and reading online for tutorials as I would want to understand the basics and fundamentals but to become an expert in coding in a year is not realistic.

I've read some very popular threads about the matter, but I am still stuck on which direction to take. The project scope would take a few months to accomplish, so it's not just chump change we're talking about.

My other option that I thought of while typing this is to pitch it to an investor or investment firm and utilize their technical resources on helping accomplish this goal.

I do want to repeat, that I am not trying to take the easy way out by outsourcing the work but having no experience in an industry such as web development coding is NOT something someone can easily do over a short span of a year or 2.

I would welcome any advice or critiquing of my approach to this problem.

Thanks everyone!

Edit: I am sure there are many success stories of this being done, excellent example is Myclean.com, but even then they had their own troubles with the outsourcing process.

 

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[stranger]

Pm me, if you want. I know a good professional programmer i've worked with time to time.

 

[putinwork]

PM'ed you stranger.

I'm currently leaning towards getting a DevShop to do it, but of course I'm very open to hearing other member's opinions.

 

[dknise]

Stop Looking For A Technical Co-founder | TechCrunch

Step in line for that technical co-founder who's looking to develop someone else's idea!

 

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[putinwork]

I'm currently still learning coding on the web, but I think I may also take a course at my local college to get some hands on experience and have a professor to guide me through technical questions that I may have down the road.

After a few days of thinking, I think I will be doing a mixed approach of Option #2 & #3. Getting a Devshop to do the work, while I learn coding online and in a classroom setting.

My reasoning? There is no way that I would be able to completely code the entire project myself, within a reasonable timeline (even 2-3 years) would seem like an eternity. I don't need to know how to code the entire site as I will most likely never have to do certain parts again. However, I do think it is crucial to learn how to maintain and improve the site as I scale it going forward.

I also learned that specific devshops can offer maintenance packages along the way so they can look after some of the technical areas while I'm still in learning phase. This would allow me to grasp the concepts easier in the real world situations as well as ask questions and learn how to take the reins of the site once I am ready.

I am very open to suggestions and advice regarding this topic, so feel free to express your thoughts.

 

[ManWithABeard]

After a few days of thinking, I think I will be doing a mixed approach of Option #2 & #3. Getting a Devshop to do the work, while I learn coding online and in a classroom setting.

That's what I'm doing, I figure I learn coding while working on getting my idea execution to a Devshop while learning to code, just so I know what to ask for and how to ask, instead of demanding things on something I know nothing about.


Sort of did that with graphic design from my last business, didn't know sh*t about design, did nothing but tutorials, now people still offer to pay little 'ol me to design for them every now and then . We're Fastlaners my man, we'll find a way to make things happen! Good luck.