jdileo

Be advised that the only reason my family currently enjoys it's quality of life (think big house and foreign cars) is because I have taken risks. I grew up poor and have defied the odds since I was 18.

I don't understand your comment. Are you saying a family man should no longer stretch, grow and strive for abundance....because it is selfish?

Hiring the right person is never easy, and your question "where their heart is" makes it even harder.

I want to give you a question that has served me well for nearly a decade, and gets as close as possible to your question.

Ask the candidate what they would do if they won the lottery tomorrow.

This question will immediately advise you as to what their core values and true ambitions are. Certainly this isn't a "tell all", but when evaluated within a comprehensive interview is valuable information.

Urgency is that I've spent last 6 months licking wounds and doing due diligence on what's next. It's time to make a decision and start swinging for the fences.

I am so eager to get back to putting in a 60 hour week of real productivity I could cry!

My wife is totally supportive. She has seen me create millions out of nothing before, and wants me to feel passionate about why I get up in the morning.

"recenly lost"=$3M down to $300K...dumped too much into keeping previous company alive when economy dumped.I can invest $200-250K of my own before seeking additional funding.

I am a proven operator and team builder.  I believe I would be a great complement to brilliant technologist with great ideas but no funding and, most important, real life business execution.

I'm looking for pitches.  No app's or piggybacks.  Something that, if executed, can be a true disruptive technology.  I am open to hardware as well as software technology.

My wife rocks.....would follow me to the moon. She is the best and totally supportive.

will do.

1. Per my profile, which you have read, I am a technology novice.

2. Any successful business owner will tell you that the biggest question need answered when entering a new verical is "what is it I don't know that I don't know".

Enter YC at average 6% give, worth every penny!

Being that you're addressing this question to me, thought I would answer.

YC's value extends FAR beyond the minimal dollar amount it gives each startup. If you really don't get that, you simply haven't been paying attention. SAD.

They are innovative and believe customers will buy content of value...still a rather new idea to some tech. participants and observers.

Also, they are completely honest and transparent in their endeavors....this very post by andreyf was taken from 37Signals post. They didn't have to tell all of us how much money they make or how they do it........I believe they are passionate about the community and exposing others to what they've done that works and not works.

I am amazed with all the negative comments. I have seen, firsthand, how often 37Signals works to contribute.

I love their idea and think many thousands will find it a benefit.

I have hired hundreds of people during the course of my career.  In my experience, the most effective way to make solid hires consistently is to a) conduct an analysis of the candidates history of accomplishment and b)evaluate brains.

I understand you are currently seeking summer interns, no problem. Today, young people that are proven achievers have much to examine:

1)  Projects they've built or been a part of--just because they were curious if they could do it.

2)  What are they passionate about:  who have they read/studied in the area?

3)  Are they aware of market leaders in your sector and can they discuss what they believe is right/wrong in their model.

4)  Extra-Curricular's (speaks to buy-in of culture)

5)  How do they define providing value/work ethic?

The above represent top 5.  Be certain that when you find a candidate you'd like to hire that you can articulate the value proposition you offer to them. Be prepared to demonstrate how being a part of your team will benefit them.  Don't bullshit, anybody smart enough that you want to hire can smell it a mile away.  Be Good.  Absolute best of luck.

Last week PG listed his 5 most admired entrepreneurs, all of them are to your definition "knowledge workers"...I doubt any of them would agree with your thoughts. Winners do what it takes to win, period!

Take JL's book Founders at Work for a spin and note how few place 40 hrs. working per week as the priority.

Respectfully, your point is due to lack of proper execution, not the notion that very few amazing accomplishments are achieved by those who seek 8-5 work.

My comment is directed to the argument the author makes that working 60 hours a week is a horrible thing and, indeed, exploitative. I could not disagree more.

I have been a business owner for nearly a decade and, at its most, was responsible for leading a company of 110 employees. I am 36 and have never worked a mere 40 hour week in my life, and it's certainly not something I see my peers doing either (the successful one's anyway). If you wish such minimum time invested I suggest getting a job at the post office or DMV.

Building a company is, in large part, about building culture. When done correctly management does not need to demand that employees work extended hours, the effort is a by-product of the buy-in to goal and the various incentive plans that are offered.

Frankly, I believe it is dangerous to suggest in an entrepreneur forum like HN that working any less than necessary to win is, or should ever be, an option.

I agree with this comment completely.

I've been reading comments on the Google Ventures launch on HN, TechCrunch, CNet and others........the general tone is ugly. Why is it that Google was beloved as a young, underdog company but after it achieves what we all strive for....true global impact....people become skeptics and, almost, root for their demise? Human nature or something more?

37signals absolutely has a valid point and I agree with their decision to make this public so all can be aware of the tactics being employed by GS.

FYI-GS is using the same type of extortion that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has used since inception to scare companies into becoming a paid member.  The general public has no idea how dishonest many of these client attainment methods really are.

thanks for quick reply, sir. make it a great day.

I agree with PG and MA and many others that a startup, especially a good one, has a much better shot in a startup hub. Both the SV infrastructure and mentality value those that build great technology. While it is true that there exist other pockets of this (NYC, Boston, Austin, etc). SV is not a pocket, it's the entirety of the community and that has massive value.

Sometimes an "average person", like me, is in the early stages of their study of your chosen field Mr. Robinson. As such, articles such as this are very helpful.

Why the disdain and distrust of a novice trying to educate themselves?

This 36 yr. old east coast entreprenuer is taking his wife, three kids and life savings to silicon valley to build a great technology company! All the core fundamentals of success hold true in this economic environment, if not more so. The only people that should "stay home" are those that seek the quick hit. If you want to truly build something great and long-lasting......I believe the American dream to be alive and well!!

Although I am new to HN I have tried to contribute in a positive way and have not, until now, left a negative comment.

Being a founder is about getting things done, busting walls down and doing, often, the unthinkable in terms of effort and brainpower to prove your thesis correct.

Based on your question, you probably aren't ready.

Me 2

your post is an inspiration.....what it's all about! Best of luck w/ your startup.

I believe the y comb. experience is well worth the equity. In fact, many of the company's who try out for y comb. don't need their seed money.

Paul Graham(ish) tech. wisdom, networking opportunities, mind-sharing with past YC founders and VC connections if/when time arises are all huge.

And for me personally all of the above are important X 10 because I'm a tech & SV outsider just beginning to build my shere of influence in the sector.

I think this is a great idea. I will be on the ground in SV May 1st. Have to catch YC next time around.

Delivery Agent works hand in hand with the networks to promote their objectives. Inventory options are terrible and in no way is the site dedicated to a first rate consumer experience.

Think about the Barnes & Noble website prior to introduction of Amazon.com.

A website that offers for sale any and all merchandise a consumer sees on TV that they'd like to purchase. Merchandise may be clothing, shoes, fragrance, electronics, automobiles, jewelry, etc.

Website will offer an opportunity to purchase exact items, or selected less expensive imitations, in a very AMAZON.COM way.

Website will offer discounts and a rewards program that is viral.

Additionally, company will provide powerful advertising & branding opportunities for manufacturers who wish to attain premium website placement for their products.

thank you for the well thought out insight. i agree with how important the "marriage" of partners is.

also, i mean no disrespect to the hacker community. a tech company is surely nothing without the stud technologist.

it just seems to me that if i have operational experience and some capital i would be a good fit for the right hacker that is considering keeping an unfulfilling job or going to grad. school because they lack the money to take the leap.

I appreciate you taking the time to write this well thought out response owkaye. My interest in a co-founder stems from me having no experience in hacking or tech, felt it best to bring in someone with vested interest. Wasn't thinking 50/50, probably more like 80/20 because I'll be funding. You make some good points I am going to think about heavily.

Regarding YC, I believe they offer a ton of value beyond the money...especially for someone on the outside like me. The mindsharing, networking to other YC founders and hopefully, eventually, VC's when the beta iterates successfully are worth giving them a vig.

FYI-Co Founder does not need capital to invest....I have that covered. Stanford Grad. Students, where are you??

Moving to Bay Area because I believe Paul Graham & Marc Andreesen are correct when they say that serious tech. players should locate to the tech capital. (see their posts on the subject so I don't have to re-type :)

Website idea leverages consumer buyers-impulse in way not done to date. Need hacker(s) that have technical ability to build top-notch retail site....I know this is vague, and non-inspirational, but I don't want to give away full concept for obvious reasons.