Ask HN: Where can I hire developers for my dinky bootstrapped startup?

2 points by j32fun 8y ago ↗ HN

I'm interested in some ideas, fellow HNers. I run a bootstrapped software business. It's small, but profitable. I want to expand the company, and I see myself (who's technical) as needing some hired help in expanding the codebase with features and maintenance of the code.

I've tried the usual routes in finding contractors and interns to see if they would make a good fit into the company. I'd say that I've had 0% chance of success in this.

Any suggestions on those who have made a similar journey from a company of 1 person?

4 comments

[ 3.2 ms ] story [ 22.8 ms ] thread

techjuice 8y ago ↗

You may have to hire actual employees or highly paid contractors if you want the best people working for you. Unfortunately, if you are not able to pay really nice compensation you will get the bottom of the barrel people working for you. Now that may not be very realistic due to you being bootstrapped so you only have the following options: Hire an employee, hire better contractors, change where you are hiring interns from pr bring in a partner and make them a partner in your company that can help take some of the burden or outsource.

If you want to outsource, you should insure you test the quality of the work you get before signing long term contracts.

gus_massa 8y ago ↗

There are official monthly threads for jobs offers and freelance work. You can try posting there in the correct one: https://news.ycombinator.com/newsfaq.html

For the latest post, see https://news.ycombinator.com/submitted?id=whoishiring

j32fun 8y ago ↗

Thanks. I never paid attention to the monthly thread (was not in the position to look for a job). I'll definitely be combing through it.

SlowBro 8y ago ↗

If it’s profitable could you demonstrate your profitability and outlook to investors so that you could afford better help?