I consult startups. A few of them are scared to share their idea with anyone. I stare blankly and wonder why.
If you are a non technical founder, then you better have something more to bring to the table than just an idea. Maybe a marketing background, inside information in the field you wish to work in, connections, access to money, publications, management skills, etc. You should have at least something of tangible value.
Now let us look at a coder’s technical skill set. They can make the platform.
Let me ask you a question.
If the coder does not believe in your project, will they make it?
Probably not.
So signing an NDA prior to discussion is a waste of their time.
Here is another question.
What if the programmer is one of the best out there?
Will they steal your idea?
They probably see offers like yours all the time. Why would they waste their time taking your project apart to use it as their own?
They probably have better things to do.
Now let me ask you another question.
If the coder does steal your idea, what are they going to do with it?
They do not have the inside knowledge you have. They do not have the connections. They do not have the marketing and sales team. They do not have the domain expertise. They do not have the leadership skills you do. They do not have any of this.
How are they ever going to get the project off the ground?
Remember that movie, The Field of Dreams?
“If you build it, they will come.”
That is the biggest myth out there.
No one will come because no one will care. That is, unless you market your product correctly and create a desire for your brand.
Want proof?
Startups 101: How to create a business plan. – Leonard Kim
This business plan has been up for over a year. I am still patiently waiting for someone to steal it.
Would you please steal the idea from me?
Think about it this way. If you were to go in for an interview with a company for a job, would you sign anything on your first visit if it did not come with an offer?
Probably not.
So why would the programmer?
So stop wasting time with paper pushing and just talk about the deal. If they agree, then sign paperwork.
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Originally posted on Quora.