Starting a Tech Business: A Practical Guide for Anyone Creating or Designing Applications or Software

Platforms

You have five primary platforms to get your idea off the ground, and they're not mutually exclusive. You may well start with one and transition to another as you get rolling.

1. Do It in Your Existing Company

If your goal is to upgrade your current company's IT infrastructure, this is the obvious and only option. Even if it isn't, it's an option you should consider. As a manager, I run across at least one article every week about “fostering innovation inside your organization.” Companies are increasingly recognizing that recruiting, retaining, and putting innovators in an environment where they can perform is critical to their long-term success. If you're an employee, building your technology-enabled business inside your existing company may not provide the upside of going it alone; however, it will reduce your risk and probably your time to market substantially. And you'll be appropriately rewarded if your company values innovators. If not, you'll have the experience under your belt. Additionally, if you at least offer to build your new technology-enabled business inside your existing company, you're likely to remain on better terms with your management if you do go it alone. Finally, have a look at the employment agreement you signed when you started the job and make sure it allows you to do what you have planned. Otherwise, it may put you at risk for trouble later. If in doubt, consult an attorney.

If you're a manager, your job is to put your employees in a position ...