Building A Support Network as a Solo Founder

Let's talk about something that might just help your app (and your sanity).

No, not another framework or growth hack.

Just the one thing that everybody needs — support.

Most app founders build alone. That's also the story for most of the 270+ founders on App Talks.

But don’t romanticize the “solopreneur” mindset if you want to be successful.

I’m not saying you should shell our your bootstrapped funds on getting Silicon Valley mentors onboard 3 months in.

Just that you collect a handful of people who know what it’s like when your server crashes at 2 AM or are there to celebrate with you when you finally squash that monster bug or ship that much-awaited feature.

A team isn’t people you hire to work for you.

It’s a support network you find to make failing harder.

Let’s figure out how to do that and why it’s more important than the over-caffeinated, pseudo-rush of being a solo founder.

Redefining "Team" When You're Flying Solo

When you're bootstrapping an app, your "team" is who you lean on. It's your buddy who knows Python, your cousin who works in marketing, or that person you met at a meetup who's weirdly passionate about UX. These are the people who'll give you a reality check when you need it most.

You can build this "team" without breaking the bank:

1. Tap into your existing network: That college roommate who's always tinkering with code? They might be your go-to for technical sanity checks. Your friend in sales? They could help you craft your pitch. Don't be shy - people love to help, especially if you're buying the coffee.
2. Join communities (the free ones): Look, I know you're probably sick of hearing about "the power of community," but there's a reason people won't shut up about it. Facebook groups, Reddit communities, or local events are the richest sources you have for meeting curious and helpful fellow app founders. If you don’t have any idea where to start, join 270+ of us on one of our biweekly App Talks.
3. Barter your skills: Can't afford to hire a UX designer? Offer to help them with something you're good at in exchange for their expertise. Showcase their work. Promote them. If you can afford to, offer equity.
4. Find a mentor (or three): Look for experienced founders or professionals in your area or on LinkedIn who might be willing to grab a coffee and share some wisdom. Many are happy to pay it forward - just don't expect them to solve all your problems for free.

The Freelance Dev Dilemma: Your First Actual Hire

Apart from a support network, most founders will need a developer. If you're smart about it, you can get away with finding a great, battle-tested dev without paying an arm and a leg.

1. Start with what (and who) you know: If you're not a coder yourself, reach out to developer friends for advice or small favors. They might help you scope out your project or even point you to reliable freelancers.
2. Freelance platforms are your friend (sort of): Sites like Upwork, Fiverr or Contra can be a goldmine or a minefield. When you're hiring: Start small: Give potential devs a tiny project first. If they can't handle trials, move on. Check their work history: Past performance doesn't guarantee future results, but dive deeper. Ask them to explain what their challenges were on a project, or drop a message to their previous clients for a review. Here's a recent, insightful thread with a lot of great tips on how to hire a promising freelancer from ☕️ Pete Codes.
3. Consider dev bootcamp grads: They're often hungry for real-world experience and might work for lower rates to build their portfolio. Just be prepared to provide more guidance. Here’s a list by Chevas Balloun from nucamp.
4. Open source communities: Engage with open source projects related to your app's tech stack. You might find collaborators or at least get some free advice. DevCord is great for starters, but check out this exhaustive list by Manasi Nair from ClickUp.
5. Learn about Section 174: If you're bootstrapping and hiring offshore devs, be aware that Section 174 now requires R&D costs to be spread over five years instead of deducted immediately. This change could squeeze your cash flow, making it harder to reinvest in your app's development when you need it most. Plan accordingly to avoid unexpected tax hits. Gergely Orosz has a great breakdown on it here.

Step-By-Step Action Plan to Build A Support Network from Scratch

1. Make a List: Identify 5 people who might offer valuable advice or support. Reach out to at least two this week.

2. Join a Community: Don’t just lurk—engage. Whether it’s a local meetup or an online group like App Talks, being active is key.

3. Share Your Journey: Be open about your ups and downs. Honesty will draw the right people to your side.

4. Be Generous: Offer your help where you can. Even small gestures can build lasting relationships.

5. Stay Curious: The tech world evolves rapidly. Stay on your toes by continuously learning and adapting. If you're in AI, a great newsletter to stay informed is The Rundown by Rowan Cheung.

But the most important part of this action plan is leaving the toxic mindset of being a hardcore solopreneur behind.

Remember, every successful founder started exactly where you are now: with an idea, limited resources, and a whole lot of determination.

But there’s no such thing as a truly successful, solo founder.

Build your support network. That’s your starting team.

The team that will make the difference between burnout and breakthrough.

Want to find app success quicker? Get growing with 300+ founders in the App Talks community at apptalks.io.

Jumpstart your support network on our bi-weekly calls, Tuesdays 12pm Central.