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Since you're posting this question on HN, I'm going to assume you are trying to do an internet startup. Are you a hacker or a hustler? Quick general definitio

by trussi 15y ago

Since you're posting this question on HN, I'm going to assume you are trying to do an internet startup. Are you a hacker or a hustler? Quick general definitions: Hacker is the technologist who understands how to use technology to solve business problems. Hustler is the sales/marketing person who understand the specific market vertical (customer problems) and has the ability to sell whatever the hacker builds in that market. If you're a hacker, finding hustler co-founders is pretty easy. Look for a subject matter expert (SME) in the market vertical you are going after. They should be able to give you all the info you need to penetrate that market (customer pains, sales strategies, introductions, price points, etc). Al they have to do is tell you what to build, then sell it. If you're a hustler looking for a hacker, it's much more difficult. Any hacker that's actually capable of playing an integral role in your success is already working on another project. The only place I know of where you can find decent talent is in corporate America. Find the person living the office space movie and offer them a path to freedom. If you're a hustler looking for a hacker, you have to be one hell of a hustler to get any respect. You have to nail down every possible non-technical aspect of the opportunity. And it better be one hell of a good plan you put together. It has to be so well put together that the hacker knows immediately you are the real deal and all the hacker has to do is hack. Being a hacker who's been approached by a lot of hustlers over the years, let's just say you have your work cut out for you (assuming you're the hustler looking for a hacker).

prodigal_erik 15y ago
Be advised that, just as we must be careful using "hacker" before the wrong audience (I no longer think we can win this battle against ignorant reporters), some of us see "hustler" and reflexively think of con artists and criminals. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hustler_(disambiguation) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hustler_(disambiguation)
- pbreit 15y ago
  I think few on HN would take issue with the usage of either word.
- trussi 15y ago
  Good point. That's why I specifically defined each term.
kilroy123 15y ago
Sorry, I should have been more specific. I would be the "hacker". I'm personally, doing almost all of the development. So I would be overseeing the technical side. I'm looking for a co-founder who would be better suited for the business side. Not that I couldn't or wouldn't be very much involved. I would absolutely be out there trying to "hustle" and sale all day everyday as well. :)
- pbreit 15y ago
  You might consider taking the next step: what type of service are you contemplating? Where are you located? What is your background?
- trussi 15y ago
  It's a huge step in the right direction if you are willing to get out in front of customers! That's a pretty scary step for most techies. You have to narrow down your scope to a specific market vertical. Get as specific as you can. Then you start getting customer feedback ASAP. If you have several (or a lot of ) markets you can go after with your idea, then pick a couple to test. What sometimes happens is you end up in a market that wasn't even on your radar because you talk with somebody about the tech you're building and they apply it based on their experience and, boom, you're in some totally out-of-left-field market that proves to be the lowest hanging fruit. Find some competitors, then use LinkedIn to connect with some former employees, especially sales people. They will be perfect SMEs. Even if you don't partner with them, you can still pick their brain to get a better understanding of the market. Next place to find your hustler would be to identify your best potential customers, then try to connect with one of the technical people via a back door channel (i.e. don't just call the company and ask to speak with them). This is a bit trickier, but still very valuable because you can cultivate a relationship with an inside champion (which makes the sales process much easier). The hardest part (for me anyway) in finding a hustler is that you'll have to spend time working on your value proposition. Once you branch out beyond being the lone soldier, you have to figure out how to communicate your idea to other people. This takes time away from coding, which is always tough for any hacker. But it's an invaluable exercise.

by trussi 15y ago

prodigal_erik 15y ago

Be advised that, just as we must be careful using "hacker" before the wrong audience (I no longer think we can win this battle against ignorant reporters), some of us see "hustler" and reflexively think of con artists and criminals. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hustler_(disambiguation) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hustler_(disambiguation)

pbreit 15y ago
I think few on HN would take issue with the usage of either word.
trussi 15y ago
Good point. That's why I specifically defined each term.

kilroy123 15y ago

Sorry, I should have been more specific. I would be the "hacker". I'm personally, doing almost all of the development. So I would be overseeing the technical side. I'm looking for a co-founder who would be better suited for the business side. Not that I couldn't or wouldn't be very much involved. I would absolutely be out there trying to "hustle" and sale all day everyday as well. :)

pbreit 15y ago
You might consider taking the next step: what type of service are you contemplating? Where are you located? What is your background?
trussi 15y ago
It's a huge step in the right direction if you are willing to get out in front of customers! That's a pretty scary step for most techies. You have to narrow down your scope to a specific market vertical. Get as specific as you can. Then you start getting customer feedback ASAP. If you have several (or a lot of ) markets you can go after with your idea, then pick a couple to test. What sometimes happens is you end up in a market that wasn't even on your radar because you talk with somebody about the tech you're building and they apply it based on their experience and, boom, you're in some totally out-of-left-field market that proves to be the lowest hanging fruit. Find some competitors, then use LinkedIn to connect with some former employees, especially sales people. They will be perfect SMEs. Even if you don't partner with them, you can still pick their brain to get a better understanding of the market. Next place to find your hustler would be to identify your best potential customers, then try to connect with one of the technical people via a back door channel (i.e. don't just call the company and ask to speak with them). This is a bit trickier, but still very valuable because you can cultivate a relationship with an inside champion (which makes the sales process much easier). The hardest part (for me anyway) in finding a hustler is that you'll have to spend time working on your value proposition. Once you branch out beyond being the lone soldier, you have to figure out how to communicate your idea to other people. This takes time away from coding, which is always tough for any hacker. But it's an invaluable exercise.