Couldn’t agree more Monica. I call it ‘guy with an idea’ syndrome and I’ve been burned by these types before – both in wasted time, effort. and resources. No startup experience, no relevant knowledge, entirely no way of making it happen without a ‘techie’ or some other subject area expert they’re grasciously willing to split ‘profits’ with. Red flag, red flag, red flag.
I own a medium size interactive agency in Denver and get approached for ‘partnerships’ like this almost every week. They’re dangerous, plain and simple. 9 times out of 10 its someone that ‘used’ to make ‘a lot’ of money in mortgages or real estate – they spent what they made during the 04 – 07 run-up on cars/homes/etc., the house of cards came crumbling down and are now scrambling for something/anything to maintain a lifestyle they can no longer support. And they want to do it off the back of someone ‘s hard earned talent and expertise. Because ‘techies’ and us ‘web people’ who invest our lives into being competent at this for some reason – need their brilliant idea. Why would we have our own ideas – right?
I always get a kick out of the ones that take the posture of interviewing me and the rather talented team I’ve assembled. And always toting a non disclosure they cut/paste from somewhere…junior varsity in an NFL world.
You’re right – this person is dangerously ignorant. He’s an idea-guy of the worst sort – he thinks his grand idea is actually worth something (apparently 60% of something with zero equity or valuation). The truth is ideas are worth squat. Competent planning and execution are how new markets are created & sustained. This post is on the right track with pursuing a programming partner- but his track record earns him the right to ask some of these things: http://www.carsonified.com/2008/12/
Nicely designed blog by the way. Found you via Mashable – keep up the good writing.
Bill
P.S. – my wife and I use to have similar issues with finances until we both read Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad. Changed our lives and makes for a healthy marriage. 10 years, 3 kids and 4 companies (one of which we sold in 06) later – that book (and others in the series) has been a great road map to get and keep our family on the same page with money. If you want to get out of the financial fish bowl our education system and culture has neglected to teach us about – read that book. Best wishes in 09!
(This will involve creating some technologies that don’t exist yet.)
For someone who admittedly says he’s not a tech person he’s assuming that existing technology can’t do what his vision calls for. It’s a tall order to ask someone to come up with programming languages, tools, etc. that don’t exist yet. He should sign an NDA on his own idea and not talk about it anymore with anyone else.
Ok that was harsh, i apologize. Great site! Mind if I link to from my blog?
Bill, thanks for the comment. I’m glad I’m not the only person who feels this way.
That’s something I don’t understand – why don’t people think “techies” have good ideas? I have great ideas, and I have the technical know-how to implement them too. The two skills are not mutually exclusive.
Thanks for the PS. I’ve heard a lot of good things about that book, but your recommendation is the first that makes me actually want to read it. I’ll have to grab a copy for my husband and me. Of course, we’re still pretty new to our marriage, so hopefully our differences will iron themselves out over the next 5-10 years or so
Monica O'Brien is the Director of Digital at Fizz and author of the book Social Pollination, which helps businesses leverage social media for crazy growth!
Monica O'Brien is the Director of Digital at Fizz and author of the book Social Pollination, which helps businesses leverage social media for crazy growth!
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Couldn’t agree more Monica. I call it ‘guy with an idea’ syndrome and I’ve been burned by these types before – both in wasted time, effort. and resources. No startup experience, no relevant knowledge, entirely no way of making it happen without a ‘techie’ or some other subject area expert they’re grasciously willing to split ‘profits’ with. Red flag, red flag, red flag.
I own a medium size interactive agency in Denver and get approached for ‘partnerships’ like this almost every week. They’re dangerous, plain and simple. 9 times out of 10 its someone that ‘used’ to make ‘a lot’ of money in mortgages or real estate – they spent what they made during the 04 – 07 run-up on cars/homes/etc., the house of cards came crumbling down and are now scrambling for something/anything to maintain a lifestyle they can no longer support. And they want to do it off the back of someone ‘s hard earned talent and expertise. Because ‘techies’ and us ‘web people’ who invest our lives into being competent at this for some reason – need their brilliant idea. Why would we have our own ideas – right?
I always get a kick out of the ones that take the posture of interviewing me and the rather talented team I’ve assembled. And always toting a non disclosure they cut/paste from somewhere…junior varsity in an NFL world.
You’re right – this person is dangerously ignorant. He’s an idea-guy of the worst sort – he thinks his grand idea is actually worth something (apparently 60% of something with zero equity or valuation). The truth is ideas are worth squat. Competent planning and execution are how new markets are created & sustained. This post is on the right track with pursuing a programming partner- but his track record earns him the right to ask some of these things: http://www.carsonified.com/2008/12/
Nicely designed blog by the way. Found you via Mashable – keep up the good writing.
Bill
P.S. – my wife and I use to have similar issues with finances until we both read Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad. Changed our lives and makes for a healthy marriage. 10 years, 3 kids and 4 companies (one of which we sold in 06) later – that book (and others in the series) has been a great road map to get and keep our family on the same page with money. If you want to get out of the financial fish bowl our education system and culture has neglected to teach us about – read that book. Best wishes in 09!
I think the best part about the ad is this:
(This will involve creating some technologies that don’t exist yet.)
For someone who admittedly says he’s not a tech person he’s assuming that existing technology can’t do what his vision calls for. It’s a tall order to ask someone to come up with programming languages, tools, etc. that don’t exist yet. He should sign an NDA on his own idea and not talk about it anymore with anyone else.
Ok that was harsh, i apologize. Great site! Mind if I link to from my blog?
Bill, thanks for the comment. I’m glad I’m not the only person who feels this way.
That’s something I don’t understand – why don’t people think “techies” have good ideas? I have great ideas, and I have the technical know-how to implement them too. The two skills are not mutually exclusive.
Thanks for the PS. I’ve heard a lot of good things about that book, but your recommendation is the first that makes me actually want to read it. I’ll have to grab a copy for my husband and me. Of course, we’re still pretty new to our marriage, so hopefully our differences will iron themselves out over the next 5-10 years or so
Rikin,
Your comment cracked me up! Feel free to link to whatever you’d like.
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