The original post was on Outsourcing Your MVP Creation for Your Startup - Reading Time: 3 Mins and cover image by Jason Leung on Unsplash
Introduction
When it comes to MVP creation, it can be quite challenging, especially if you are a non-technical founder. I would always suggest searching for a technical co-founder.
The alternative path is to learn to build an MVP by tapping on low code platforms like Webflow or design software like Xd or Figma to build your initial MVP.
This gives you a glimpse and clarity on what needs to be done to convey your understanding into technical development. While providing you with tons of feedback to refine and improve it before a single line of code is written.
Your MVP has to Accomplish Two Objectives
The first objective is to gather feedback of your product or service. Which solves the pain point of your ideal users. The second is to solve the pain point with just a small list of core features. That is why it is called Minimal Viable Product (MVP) and not LVP (Large Viable Product).
If you don't do this work before you have an outsourcing development team onboard. It becomes a hassle as you try to make changes to the product or service as you get more feedback on by your users.
Get Your Technical Documentation In Order
Your MVP has to go beyond just the list of features to be built & delivered by the outsourcing partner. You must always include a maintenance & support documentation as part of your project scope. The documentation has to provide you on how to deploy & deliver the software. That is simple that even you can do it yourself without much difficulty.
If you do not do it, you will be at the mercy of the outsourcing partner. Who will be there to charge you an arm and leg for it to enslave you to be dependent on them for future feature changes or maintenance work.
Price vs Cost of a Project
The rules stay the same for me when you are paying for an outsourcing partner. If you pay for peanuts you will get a monkey. The lower the price of a project, there's a higher chance. They do not have the incentive to treat you well or provide better support.
Always look at the cost of a project, which covers the total cost of ownership of an MVP. Please do not look at just price of the project namely the initial price for development of the MVP.
If not be prepared for a rude awaking when it comes to maintaining it or upgrading it. By looking at the cost of the project, you will make a better decision in selecting the right outsourcing partner. As they have a better incentive to take care of you.
Conclusion
Please learn to adopt a strategy of either finding your own technical co-founder or DIY route by learning to build an initial MVP. By gathering feedback to solve a pain point for your ideal users.
Always look at the cost, which is the total cost of ownership of a project. Beyond just the initial price of development. If you fail to do this as part of your own due diligence. I'm afraid you have yourself to blame for being enslaved by your outsourcing partner.
Lastly, are you looking to specialise yourself as a developer? If it's a Yes. I'm giving away my free ebook called "Picking Your Specialisation as a Developer" for anyone interested to command a higher salary or do the work that you like.
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