I have an Idea, now what?

Question

I have an idea for a website that I think could be successful, but it will require ALOT more work then the other projects that I have worked on in the past. Where should I start?

Answer 1

Start on a functional prototype. Get it in front of people to see if its worth working on any further. Any small pieces that you can get working will help you figure out where to go next.

Answer 2

Jessica Livingston of Y Combinator did a presentation today at the Business of Software conference. Her company funds start ups with seed money (rarely more than $20,000), early in the process, in exchange for a small stake in the company (2-10%).

They may be an option for funding and supporting you if you're willing to take the effort and risk of a startup.

The website describes how to apply for capital, and what you need to do to get started.

Answer 3

I agree with John, functional prototype, get a few other people to voice their opinions and maybe get some help from people who have been through the whole startup game themselves.

Good luck!

Answer 4

As soon as possible:

I recommend that you write a one-page summary explaining exactly what you will do. Then, I recommend you show this to as many people who you trust who are potentially users as possible.

I also recommend that you draw diagrams showing the user-flow and the dependencies between components (in the order you have to develop them, possibly organizing them by release). Furthermore, you should enumerate the points of depending on other products.

If people don't care, you don't know how some underlying technology works, or some dependency looks really long, study that part very carefully or cut mercilessly.

Answer 5

You people that voted down David really need to get to the library and read a few books!

Answer 6

If you have a great idea but are short on time or sweat equity, you could submit it to Cambrian House and see what happens...

Answer 7

You just need to download this piece and patiently listen till THE GUY (yeah I coined that for him..like THE DUDE ) gets (or rather is nearly dragged) offstage.
It's the art of the start video..
At the end, reflect on your plan again and see if it still feels like a good idea. If yes, just 'Get Going'

40 mins of your life you'll never regret

PS: Thanks to dmytro malenko for sharing this in the tech-talks thread.

Answer 8

Check out my response to a similar question:

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/263723/developing-a-software-idea-into-a-business#283597

Answer 9

Create the simplest prototype you can and show it to potential customers.

You could paper prototype it or use something like Denim (free OSS for mocking up websites).