You Have An App Idea Worth A Million Dollars, Too?

Software developers have a common problem in society all around the world. I bet all the developers have a friend which has a great app idea! These friends think that creating a software product is the greatest way to make millions. Actually, they are correct. However, the same people think that developing an app is easy and cheap. Well, they are all wrong on that point!

Especially In Turkey, the software perspective is so weak and insufficient. As a software engineer, I hear those great app ideas three times a week. They always offer me some share from the company which we will find for that great app. Yes! There are two key points. First, as you can imagine, the company is not founded yet. And second, this is an app idea, and they don't clarify their roles in that company.

After 5+ years of software development and entrepreneurship experience, I learned to ask “How much is your budget?”, “While I am developing the greatest app idea you mentioned, what will be your role?” questions, at last. Now, question by question, I would like to make a few comments.

Question: How much is your budget?

Answer: I have no budget! You will be a company owner, please believe the app!

Well, being the owner of a company not that great for everybody! Just consider that everyone doesn't have to share common dreams. Also, let’s say that the answering person is a teacher. As a software developer, I believe my team can release the app in 4 months if we work day and night. Well, the key point is this: for 4 months, you need to pay your rent, take part in social activities, etc. Shortly, “We need money!”. While the teacher continues to work and live their lives, people expect so much self-devotion from developers. Don’t forget! Writing code can be fun, but it is not our hobby.

Question: What will be your role in the app?

Answer: I will sell that app to my network. I am the key-part of that app because you don’t know the people I know and you can’t reach them alone if you want to.

First, you came to me with the idea and I had no interest to meet the people you talk about. Second, I know having a network is crucial for selling a product. However, answer me this: would you open a terrible restaurant on a very busy street? What I’m trying to say is having a network is not the only key point. The robustness of the app, scalability, and readability of code are other important things in that matter. Because nobody can guarantee that I would be the only developer in that project. To sell a product, you need to have a product:) Yeah, yeah I know, if you cannot sell the product, it means nothing. Therefore you need a professional team. Guess what? Another reason app development isn't cheap.

Question: How do you know you can sell the software to your network? What would be the reward for my 4 months of developing time, if the app fails?

Answer: Because I know them, I know their needs. You just give me a working app. The app will not fail, we will be very rich after you release the product.

Hmmm, maybe you can tell your app idea to your network and get some feedback. The app can mean nothing to them. After positive feedback, still for failure. Because there are hundreds of apps released to markets in a day and, people might not notice your app.

In short, creating a product is a hard thing. Teamwork is playing a significant role in that process. So many people in different areas are needed. Every profession has a different role. In my next article, I would like to explain people's sick expectancies from a developer or an engineer about their roles.