A Ding Or Two on Our Tech Guy

Posted on May 18, 2008
Filed Under Advice, Development, Foundation, Startup | Leave a Comment

I think the biggest pitfalls I’ve heard people say of the Tech Guy is that he rarely possesses a vision or the ability to take an idea to market.

I’m not entirely sold that the vision part is unique to the Tech Guys. I’ve met plenty of business people and entrepreneurs who can’t see past their initial business concepts/ideas…during my stint as a business coach the primary thing my clients needed was a vision.

Taking the idea to market…I have to agree with that, but here is why, and what I think are the real dings on the Tech Guy: Leadership and Creativity.

Leadership – or in this case the ability to motivate, build and manage a team. Our Tech Guy can build the prototype but the ability to take the idea to market requires building a team and surrounding oneself with key people who can move you and the product forward. That’s not an ability that many Tech Guys have…it involves a lot of networking, meeting people, and sharing of information. It’s more for the extroverted types, which the Biz Dev Buy normally is.

Managing a team requires being able to maintain a clear understanding of all the moving pieces…but again – this isn’t just the Tech Guy who can’t handle keeping everything straight. However, he is more likely to focus only on the tech end of things; forgetting there’s more to it.

Creativity – or in this case constantly coming up with alternative solutions and innovative problem solving. The Tech Guy is more logical in his thinking and the Big Dev Guy is more creative. Marketing, sales, and business development requires a great deal of creativity and quick thinking. Creativity isn’t a strong quality in most Tech Guys.

Quick Crash Course On Initial Things to Do

Most import thing for a Tech Guy to start doing is…Networking! Start meeting people and getting out there. Meet more people than just other Tech Types. Grow your network.

Bounce your ideas off the new folks you meet and get feedback right away.

Find out if what you are working on inspires others, that will be critical to build a team.

Ask yourself: “Can you go beyond the tech?” If all you want to do is code; you’ll need a partner immediately or you are better off joining someone who is looking for a Tech Guy.

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