Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I`m at the stage with my idea (web-based) that I want to develop a proof-of-concept (POC). I don`t have much in savings as I plan to continue working my day job until this (or something else) takes off, so I can`t afford to pay a developer. I"m in the IT industry myself and used to program, but it`s been a while and I know my limits. I have friends/colleagues I"ve worked with over the years and have one guy in particular in mind to help me build this POC.

What is the BEST strategy here? Do I offer him a partnership off the bat? Do I offer to pay him once (if) $ starts coming in and see what he`d be willing to do for free until then? Do I bite the bullet and attempt to get funding?

My gut tells me to avoid spending any upfront $ on something I haven`t yet even sample tested.

Is there some way you could do a scaled-down version of the site just to get that proof of concept? Maybe that wouldn`t cost thousands of dollars, or perhaps that your friend might consider taking on as a favor?

The POC will be as scaled-down as possible. I`m definitely going to try the "favor" route, first 

Another option is to build a more simplistic site in whatever tools you`re familiar with or can learn fairly easily. For example, use plain HTML and create the proof of concept, even if it doesn`t have all the features and functionality. You can still do a lot with HTML---enough to at least show where you`re doing, put something online, and get a "sense" of market interest. Right?

In todays web 2.0 world HTML on its own definitely has its limitations.
 I have spent days with HTML and snippets of java script putting a few web pages together and you soon realise the limitations, both your own and the software. With the availability of free open source software such as joomla, wordpress, phpbb etc with the plug ins for extra functionality you can see where its going.
 These packages have been put together over several years and been through the mill in terms of real world testing.
I would say bounce it off your friend and see how he feels about it.

Agreed, there`s only so much HTML can buy you in terms of a POC that anyone in this day and age would get excited to see. That said, I aim to create some static mock-ups in PS and post them up to start generating some buzz/feedback/ideas. I`ll definitely share with this group once I`m at that stage.

Thanks guys!