Re:Does a Business Guy have a Place in Software Startups?
by joshwa on Friday April 11, 2008 @02:06PM
(#161209)
Not that I'm a strictly a business guy (I straddle product manager and hacker roles), but there are quite a few things, depending on the product/service, that need doing that aren't directly related to building the product:
* The "idea" stuff, also known as product management- defining features, writing requirements, market analysis to make sure you're going to achieve product/market fit, etc. Developers can/should have a say in this, but it's not always a match for all developers' skillset.
* Bizdev - lining up distribution, partnerships, and customers-- talking to them to make sure their needs are being met in the product, and making sure there is sufficient revenue/incentive to keep everyone happy
* Keeping the books, writing the appropriate bizplans/marketing plans/etc if bringing on investors is on the horizon
* The "idea" stuff, also known as product management- defining features, writing requirements, market analysis to make sure you're going to achieve product/market fit, etc. Developers can/should have a say in this, but it's not always a match for all developers' skillset.
* Bizdev - lining up distribution, partnerships, and customers-- talking to them to make sure their needs are being met in the product, and making sure there is sufficient revenue/incentive to keep everyone happy
* Keeping the books, writing the appropriate bizplans/marketing plans/etc if bringing on investors is on the horizon
* Engaging outside resources - legal, accounting, office, contract workers (designers, developers, whatever core competencies aren't on staff already)
* Project management/cat herding