Are you a non-tech founder with a brilliant idea for an IT product but need help figuring out how to start? You're not alone. Many people are in the same boat, feeling the potential to create a game-changing product but lacking the IT knowledge to make it a reality. However, this should not be a reason to give up before trying.
As a non-technical founder, managing your business based on technology is crucial, but learning how to code is unnecessary. However, it's essential to have a basic understanding of the technology that powers your product. Non-technical founders may face more challenges, but with the right approach, these challenges can be managed effectively. This article will provide a high-level overview of the fundamentals that every founder should know while building a successful product.
Research Competitors
Every idea seems unique and novel when it first pops up in our minds. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that there might already be a similar product out there. Therefore, it's vital to conduct thorough research by browsing the internet for solutions that cater to the same issues your product aims to solve.
Assuming that you have found competitors, mapping their business models for further analysis is advisable. It is essential to compare their approach with your idea and model to determine if you have a competitive advantage. Thinking critically about every aspect that could help you stand out from the competition would be best.
If you have concluded that your idea still has potential and can compete, it's time to move on to the next step.
Write The First Version Of The Product Requirements
It is crucial to begin creating formal requirements, even at a high level, to better understand how your product should function and identify any gaps in the requirements that need to be addressed. Wireframe creation can be beneficial at this stage as well. It would help if you also considered building scenarios that cover the functionality you want to include and describe the behavior of your product on specific screens.
Furthermore, it is essential to consider the operational aspects of your application, such as whether it requires support agents, domain experts, or other personnel. It would be best to consider how your employees will manage the application and how it should behave in different locations.
If you lack experience in product management, consider improving this skill or hiring someone to help you formalize your requirements. Having clear and accurate requirements will save time and money in the later stages of product development.
Try To Build Solutions With No-Code Tools
In today's fast-paced business world, time-to-market is crucial. Therefore, building a solution that could be better but quicker to launch can help you gain a competitive advantage. Consequently, exploring the possibility of a "fast-track" solution is essential.
Fortunately, many no-code or low-code platforms are available on the internet that enable you to build websites, mobile apps, and APIs without requiring a deep technical background. By leveraging these tools, you can save valuable time and resources that would otherwise be spent on product development. In addition, this can allow you to focus more on marketing, customer acquisition, and other vital aspects of growing your business.
However, there are also downsides to this approach. For example, relying heavily on these tools can limit the customization and flexibility of your product. Additionally, it can lead to technical debt and other issues. Therefore, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether this approach best fits your business needs.
Find Your IT Expert (CTO, Co-Founder)
Hiring an IT expert or CTO is crucial for running a successful IT business. A tech expert can provide valuable support and guidance for a founder who may need a more robust technical background. Ideally, the IT expert should have a solid understanding of the business domain that the company is operating in, but there are more important aspects of the role.
The primary responsibility of the IT expert is to build and manage a core tech team that can deliver the product. If a founder decides to work with freelancers or service companies, the IT expert should be capable of overseeing the quality and timeline of the work.
Regular meetings with the IT expert are essential to gain a better understanding of the product from a technical perspective. This includes learning about solution design, technologies, and other important technical details. Communicating with the development team is also vital, and the IT expert can help facilitate this process. With the help of a skilled IT expert, a founder can focus on other aspects of the business, confident that the technical side is being well-managed.
Estimate Expenses
It is crucial to take a meticulous approach and consider recurring and non-recurring costs to estimate expenses. This step is essential for building a solid foundation for your business. One famous saying accurately describes this process "measure seven times, and cut once."
Your monthly costs and an estimate from your IT expert that includes risks should be the main numbers you need to know when estimating expenses. These figures will define a significant part of your initial investment, and clearly, understanding what to expect is vital.
When creating your minimum viable product (MVP), you need to make sure that it covers mission-critical non-functional requirements. These are essential for ensuring that your product can handle real customers without severe technical problems. Discussing these requirements with your IT expert and balancing them with the estimate and product scope to ensure success is essential.
Ultimately, estimating expenses is a crucial step in the product creation process that can save you time and money in the long run. By carefully considering all costs and requirements, you can create a solid foundation for your business and ensure its success.
Build Effective Processes
To ensure efficient and timely delivery of products, non-technical founders should prioritize building effective processes. Often, delays are caused by bureaucratic processes or a lack of streamlined procedures. Therefore, it is important to define your "just enough" strategy that is sufficient to achieve your goals without unnecessarily complicating things.
Similarly, it is essential to carefully consider the list of tools that will be used in the development process. While having a comprehensive set of tools can be helpful, it can also lead to inefficiencies and confusion. Finding the right balance and using only the necessary tools can streamline the development process and improve delivery times.
For longer-term projects, it is worth considering process automation. Automation can reduce manual efforts and increase productivity, thereby speeding up the delivery of products. In addition, by building effective processes and using the right tools and automation, non-technical founders can ensure that their development teams work efficiently and effectively toward achieving their goals.
In conclusion, starting a tech product as a non-technical founder can be challenging and rewarding. Following the steps outlined in this article can increase your chances of success and avoid common pitfalls. Remember to validate your idea, assemble a capable team, estimate expenses, and build effective processes. With these fundamentals in place, you can focus on developing a great product that meets your customers' needs. We hope this article has provided valuable insights and wish you all the best in your product creation journey.
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