This is a follow up to a post about Developers and VCs in kenya
Allow me to advance the following theory about developers who I believe will make breakthrough innovations and those who will keep waiting for VCs to knock on their doors or the govt to advance them funding.
I believe the difference between the 2 is USERS. I had a conversation with a developer one day who is thinking about doing his own thing. In the absence of generous angel investors My advice was the following
1. Draw up the concept of whatever it is you want to do
2. Implement the solution starting off in a very small way. A basic app that performs the basic functions intended will do
3. Get the intended market using the software. Get some beta testers who are in the real world. Even if they are not paying for the application.
4. Use feedback from the beta testers to improve the product.
5. When you have refined it, you can now scale up and get people paying for a working solution that already has many evangelists.
I dont believe technology adoption or even established competition is the barrier to succesful software development. People refuse to use technology for many reasons and most are psychological. But once you get people using the applications, then you can build up a user base based on referrals or you could even advertise at that point.
With a growing user base that is loyal, you will get VCs not just knocking on your door but offering you money to scale up the product. Ideas are in plenty, working solutions are very very few.
the above process will definitely take time and sweat, but its a surer way to go than to wait for people to cheer you on when you have nothing to show for it.
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Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,but that we are powerful beyond measure.It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.As we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear,our presence automatically liberates others.
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