Ravens_Shadow
THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE
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@Scot Here you go.
I run a software company that is now paying my programmers salaries (one market value, the others $500/m each). However I started it by getting people to work for "free" for 2 years, mind you, they have PHD's in computational physics or rendering, so their market value is definitely within the 6 figure range for what I have them do. I gave some programmers royalties. I gave others equity. It all depends on the situation and what they bring to the table.
Here's how you can do it too:
Step 1. Figure out what your idea is and create some documentation on it. Write out all of its core features that you'll need for an MVP.
Step 2. Go find programmers who have created things that you like, be it an app, or SaaS, whatever.
Step 3. Strike up a conversation with that programmer via text or voice, doesn't matter.
Step 4. Ask them if they're looking for work. If they say no, move onto the next one without wasting your breath. If they're still interested for whatever reason, pitch the idea.
Step 5. Pitch the Idea if they're free to work or have time.
Step 6. Get them excited about it during your pitch.
Step 7. Tell them you have no cash but you'll give them royalties on all sales, or equity within your company.
Step 8. They agree to join you because you have good leadership
Step 9. Get them all setup on github and tell them to get to work.
Step 10. Manage the project and stay on them.
Step 11. Release an MVP
Step 12. Make your first dollars and split the profits.
Some pointers here, don't immediately give up royalties. Sign a contract saying you'll give them royalties once their vesting period is over. The vesting period for an app should be however long it'll take to make the app. You also need to say that they have to stay on the team and do maintenance to continue to receive royalties over time. As soon as they leave, royalties stop 1-2 months later from that date.
Everything is negotiable. Some programmers, even with PHD's, just want fun projects to work on. If you work hard and show that you provide value to them by running the business, you too can get apps programmed for free.
If i need new programmers, within 2-3 days I can talk to 10 programmers, vet them, and bring at least one of them on for a testing period. If they fail our tests, they don't get to stick with us. If they pass, we welcome them aboard.
I will mention I occasionally threw $100 their way for beer money/play money just to show that I wanted to grow this thing. Little dollars go a long way sometimes.
I run a software company that is now paying my programmers salaries (one market value, the others $500/m each). However I started it by getting people to work for "free" for 2 years, mind you, they have PHD's in computational physics or rendering, so their market value is definitely within the 6 figure range for what I have them do. I gave some programmers royalties. I gave others equity. It all depends on the situation and what they bring to the table.
Here's how you can do it too:
Step 1. Figure out what your idea is and create some documentation on it. Write out all of its core features that you'll need for an MVP.
Step 2. Go find programmers who have created things that you like, be it an app, or SaaS, whatever.
Step 3. Strike up a conversation with that programmer via text or voice, doesn't matter.
Step 4. Ask them if they're looking for work. If they say no, move onto the next one without wasting your breath. If they're still interested for whatever reason, pitch the idea.
Step 5. Pitch the Idea if they're free to work or have time.
Step 6. Get them excited about it during your pitch.
Step 7. Tell them you have no cash but you'll give them royalties on all sales, or equity within your company.
Step 8. They agree to join you because you have good leadership
Step 9. Get them all setup on github and tell them to get to work.
Step 10. Manage the project and stay on them.
Step 11. Release an MVP
Step 12. Make your first dollars and split the profits.
Some pointers here, don't immediately give up royalties. Sign a contract saying you'll give them royalties once their vesting period is over. The vesting period for an app should be however long it'll take to make the app. You also need to say that they have to stay on the team and do maintenance to continue to receive royalties over time. As soon as they leave, royalties stop 1-2 months later from that date.
Everything is negotiable. Some programmers, even with PHD's, just want fun projects to work on. If you work hard and show that you provide value to them by running the business, you too can get apps programmed for free.
If i need new programmers, within 2-3 days I can talk to 10 programmers, vet them, and bring at least one of them on for a testing period. If they fail our tests, they don't get to stick with us. If they pass, we welcome them aboard.
I will mention I occasionally threw $100 their way for beer money/play money just to show that I wanted to grow this thing. Little dollars go a long way sometimes.