How to take software from idea to product with no skills?

**368race** · Apr 12th, 2011, 09:55 PM

Ok I am a business person with no developer skills to speak of...I know there is probably posts out there somewhere to reference but I thought I would throw it out there to this forum for thoughts as it seems to be a good place to brainstorm.

I have an idea around some search software, from a few convo's I've had with associates it is fairly complex to build. I have no time to dedicate to researching how to build this myself and really that is not my strength. Also do not feel like throwing big bucks at it either as it is most likely a hair brained scheme...so here are some questions:

1. Are there sites or services out there that could take an idea and put a price tag on it to develop? I know some have referred elance.com as an example to post for development input...but I'm not sure that makes sense in this case.
2. What are some thoughts on seed development - anybody out there take equity as a form of payment - if they believe in the concept? I guess it is hard to trade equity without a business in place...but my thought being 50% of something is better than 100% of nothing provided I can convince someone it can work!
3. Tied into number one, are there developers that would work piece meal, almost salary basis and if so what are the average hourly rates?

I've had people say it could be $10K - $25K just to build the software, then it has to be taken to market. But at least if the product is built then bootstrapping can begin, I'd be ok from that point...but how to get it built?!

So I'm sure that this is clear as mud, but it mostly reflects that I can explain the idea but have no clue (or skills) to build...so need insight into very low cost initiatives to explore further...any thoughts or direction appreciated.

**Chief** · Apr 13th, 2011, 10:07 AM

I would look into checking out a blog called Software by Rob and maybe looking into his product called the Micropreneur Academy. His whole approach is to find & test the market first before building the application. In the Micropreneuer Academy there are resources on how you can outsource product development, but it is important you figure out if there is a market FIRST.

**MJ DeMarco** · Apr 13th, 2011, 12:17 PM

Can you find customers (or committments) for the software first? In other words *ACT* like the software exists, or create a dummy prototype, and then use that as leverage for finding equity partners.

Not really the same thing, but when I knew I had 1,000+ preorders for my book, it compeled me to want to finish it versus just saying "Eh, forget it."

**Gary** · Apr 13th, 2011, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by Chief

I would look into checking out a blog called Software by Rob and maybe looking into his product called the Micropreneur Academy. His whole approach is to find & test the market first before building the application. In the Micropreneuer Academy there are resources on how you can outsource product development, but it is important you figure out if there is a market FIRST.

Another good resource for the same approach is Running Lean by Ash Maurya. He has a systematic approach to developing software that he has culled using methodology and insight from other highly-respected experts. The book is worth the $20.

**Inphinity** · Apr 13th, 2011, 02:38 PM

You could do a storyboard of sorts for how the product will work, and as MJ suggested then use that to try and secure preorders. If you have 50 businesses lined up to buy your product (and hey, get a deposit too) you can get on your way - AND the storyboards will help you explain the idea to the developers you contract or hire.

**368race** · Apr 13th, 2011, 06:24 PM

Thanks for the resources everyone, I will certainly explore and appreciate the input as I have not heard of these tools before...and I agree MJ your idea is a good reminder, I get caught up in the 'build it and they will come' philosophy but you can also do as you suggest and "act as if" and use validation and/or pre-orders to get it built as well - sales can remove alot of hurdles.

I like the idea of a story board, help visualize the concept as well as force me to clarify my pitch/explanation.

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