Ask HN: What to do instead if you are not ready to startup your company now?
Currently I'm not ready to startup my company because I have no (proven) idea and no network/team. What you think is currently best to do until I have a proven idea and reliable network?
Apply for Master/PhD? Join another startup company? Join a big company?
4 comments
[ 2.8 ms ] story [ 9.4 ms ] threadYou did not mention a lack of skills or capital. If you have no team at this point, that means you will need a proven idea to convert your 'network' into believing team members. Eventually, you will need people skills to win your team/network (see "How to Win Friends and Influence People", required reading). This is barring making one of those best friends during some shared experience. You can do this side-by-side (note: it's not hard, just requires dedication. Which is hard for some people, I know). Which leaves...
How do I get a proven idea? (Read Paul Graham essays + Lean Startup)
I don't think any of the solutions you provided directly address that issue. Sure, do what you need to in order to survive/thrive. But I don't think those solutions are the most efficient ways to get a proven idea.
Also, there are different levels of ideas. One idea might require $100 million in capital and a large team, but it revolving around a new technology. Another might be a simple web app to make 10 people's live's easier/better that you can do in 4 hours/week. Start with the simple one if you don't think you're ready yet.
In my personal opinion, startups aren't really a viable business strategy. The general idea of a startup is to attract investors to your idea with no reasonable timeframe regarding profitability, instead focusing on fast tracking the creation of a product/s. I really prefer the small business approach of prototyping and reworking to reach profitability and with every action taken to keep in mind the most important question: how will this directly make me money?