I don’t want equity .. Pay me!!

Kiki… I have this great idea …. *insert long explanation of grand plan that will make millions* ….I don’t have money at the moment , but I’ll give you shares , we’ll be rich … What do you think ?.

The number of times I've heard this is not few. Everybody has an app/website idea that “has the potential to bring millions”. If you are a programmer .. you probably feel me.

So before you come to me with your MILLION DOLLAR IDEA, here are a few things you should consider.

1. You need me … I don’t really need you

Yes I said it.
If your idea is actually good (usually very rare) , what makes you think I’ll be ok with just a slice of the pie. Especially if I’m the one doing 99.67% of the work and all you have to offer is an idea.
What is to stop me from going it alone ?

2. Your idea might not be that good.

86.7% of the grand ideas people have shared with me are quite frankly terrible. But most people present it like they've just found the money tree seeds… The glow on their face as they explain their big idea could light up a … eeehm… a very dark place ☺.
This makes it hard for me to give an honest critique. I mean, its hard for me to tell you that “that puppy you've invited me to see which you are very proud of is actually a hyena …. and it’s dead”
I have a heart :/

3. I gots bills to pay

If your idea has passed the No 1 & 2 test ie, What you are bringing to the table is more than an idea, and It IS a good idea, then consider this.

Your idea won’t pay my rent.

While building your idea … I need to eat. I need a place to sleep. I need to fuel my car. Ok I don't have a car, I out source ☺, but I still need to pay my bus fare.

4. Ideas need money.

Yes your idea is brilliant, but guess what…. To make that 1,000,000 Ksh, you need to invest a bit/a lot.
You can’t pay for servers with equity. Advertising also needs money. Your million dollar idea wont get you money if no one knows about it.

The thing is… I have ideas of my own to build … there’s just a lot more to consider.