📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

No Tech Background? No Problem Don't let your lack of technology skills keep a great idea down. Here's how to start up and attract the right tech talent.

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

So you have a great idea for a startup, but lack the engineering know-how to turn that idea into a reality? Don't let an initial hurdle like that stop you in your tracks.

When the idea for our startup Hukkster was born, we knew we had come up with something that could truly change the face of retail. Coming from fashion merchandising backgrounds, our programming knowledge was quite limited but with determination and an open mind, we made our idea a reality.

Here are three tips for starting up without a tech pedigree:

1. Understand the problem.
Before you can fully launch your idea, you have to truly understand the problem you're solving. With our extensive retail experience and mutual love for shopping and fashion, we were both the industry insiders and the target demographic. As non-technical founders of a tech company, its crucial that you bring something unique to the table.

Having an extensive knowledge of the industry and a true passion for your project will give you credibility right out of the gate to attract the technical talent you'll need to build your company. We've also found that engineers love a good challenge, so having a clear understanding of the problem you're solving and why your approach is the right one is important when recruiting technical partners.

Related: The World's 20 Hottest Startup Scenes (Infographic)

2. Talk to anyone and everyone.
If you try to keep your idea to yourself, you're sure to miss out on a lot of opportunities. You'll be closed off to so many people who could provide advice and feedback along the way. Put yourself out there and take meetings with anyone you can get your hands on in the startup space -- technical and non-technical people alike -- to learn from their successes and failures.

To build your network, try cold calling. It might be intimidating, but the worst they can say is no and with more people in your network you'll have more opportunities for introductions to technical talent. Remember that your idea is a starting point. In the end, your success depends on how well you execute your idea. Though, having the right people in your network will surely help.

3. Think outside the box.
Just because you aren't starting out with a technical founder doesn't mean you can't get your proof of concept -- or what's known in entrepreneurship parlance as minimum viable product -- off the ground. Know that this cursory product doesn't have to have all the bells and whistles of your final version. It simply needs to prove out your concept. Breaking down your idea into smaller steps will make it feel more possible and easier to see your goal.

Related: How to Make the Most of a Summer Internship as an Aspiring Entrepreneur

We're living proof that you don't need to be a coding genius to get your idea off the ground. Use the skills you do have to your advantage.

How did you start up without a technical founder? Let us know with a comment.

Erica Bell and Katie Finnegan

Hukkster Co-Founders

Katie Finnegan and Erica Bell are the co-founders of Hukkster, an online shopping tool that helps you track products on sites you love, get notified when those products go on sale and gives you the ability to buy when the price and time are right.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

These Coworkers-Turned-Friends Started a Side Hustle on Amazon — Now It's a 'Full Hustle' Earning Over $20 Million a Year: 'Jump in With Both Feet'

Achal Patel and Russell Gong met at a large consulting firm and "bonded over a shared vision to create a mission-led company."

Business News

Samsung's New Ad Pokes Fun at Apple's Controversial 'Crush' Ad

Creative universes overlap in a new ad from Samsung.

Starting a Business

This Couple Turned Their Startup Into a $150 Million Food Delivery Company. Here's What They Did Early On to Make It Happen.

Selling only online to your customers has many perks. But the founders of Little Spoon want you to know four things if you want to see accelerated growth.

Branding

All Startups Need a Well-Defined Brand Positioning Statement. Here's a 3-Step Framework to Help You Craft One.

Startup founders often lack time but they should invest resources in identifying a winning brand position that will then drive all their strategic decisions.

Business News

An Ohio Pub Is Going Viral for Its 'No Exceptions' Door Policy — Here's Why

Only people of a certain age can grab a drink on a Friday or Saturday night at Donerick's Pub in Ohio.

Business News

Dell Is Labeling Hybrid Employees With 'Red Flags' Based on How Often They're in the Office

Dell will consider the frequency of employee badge swipes when it determines how hybrid employees are reviewed, rewarded, and compensated.