Congrats on getting this out! I recently started on my own startup and like you I always feel behind.
That aside, I've heard many people in the NY area ask for a service similar to this, but for managing whole buildings. Do you have an idea of what your initial target market might be?
Also, the video is very well done, but you make the assumption that someone would want to watch that to learn more about your site. I'd add some text for those that prefer reading.
I'm a Web/Mobile Product Manager (did this in the Bay Area for 4 years) turned MBA student with a strong desire to start my own startup.
To copy and paste from my linkedin:
I am an untraditional MBA student.
I find it difficult to digest traditional/big corporate ways of thinking and because of that I spend most of my time outside of class helping Austin entrepreneurs refine and develop their businesses: as of Sept 2011, I am working at two different startups as well as trying to launch two businesses of my own and help another person launch theirs. Additionally, I advise 19 first year MBA students as they begin their entrepreneurial journey.
With that said, I still make sure to do all my work as I do have a responsibility to my group members who may take getting an MBA more seriously than I do.
In short - I hustle. I do work.
Expected to graduate in May 2012
Focus: Technology, Entrepreneurship, Social Enterprise, Lean Startups
/copy and paste
Because of my experience as a product manager I actually do have experience working with developers, so a lot of the advice I've been given here rings true - but starting a company with someone such as yourself is way different. I actually know one tech person whose philosophy is to just not work with business people as he thinks he can do everything himself - more power to him.
Thus, my inquiry.
It's funny you bring up marriage. I was debating with someone the other day who you have to trust more - your business partner/co-founder or your spouse. Either or, both can screw you. Haha.
1. "If I were an investor, I would have to want to invest in us." That makes so much sense, I can't believe I've never thought of it in that light before.
2. Agreed.
3. "You probably have to make it actually worth my while."
- Specifically, is this money/equity? Or is there another dimension I'm overlooking?
4. If I'm understanding you correctly: you want to work with someone more passionate about figuring out how to solve problem X as opposed to someone who's passionate about using their proposed solution. Correct?
Point of reference: My background is in software product management at Bay Area startups, and then I went to go get my MBA (finishing soon... hopefully...).
I mention the MBA thing because in my entrepreneurship classes, I'm often the only one saying that X should keep going with their business even when things aren't looking too bright (I've found that most MBAs natural inclinations are to exit a business because being making a startup work is exponentially more difficult).
With that being said, I think it takes a tremendous amount of maturity and awareness to know when to kill your startup. Personally, I think this makes you a better entrepreneur, and I wish you the best of luck on whatever you attempt next.
Thanks for this tip. It's pretty clever.
When you reach out like this do you reach out with specific feedback in mind?
Again, thank you.