A Guide to tech for the non-techies
In this guest blog, Heather Payne, co-founder of Toast91 and experienced CTO, shares her tips on how to start a tech product even if you have no technical experience
Building a social impact business as a non-technical founder can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing the technical aspects. However, with the right approach, you can effectively navigate these challenges and create a powerful, impactful business. In this guide, we’ll explore three key strategies to help you succeed:
Manage technical development without a technical background: learn the basics, build a strong technical network, and avoid common pitfalls to effectively manage your technical development
Refine your product through user feedback: understanding your users’ needs is crucial for building a product that truly makes an impact
Embrace low-code and no-code solutions: these tools enable you to bring your ideas to life quickly and cost-effectively, even if you don’t know how to code.
Let’s dive into each of these strategies in more detail.
1.Manage Technical Development Without a Technical Background
As a non-technical founder, managing the technical aspects of your business can be daunting. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about making the right decisions. However, with the right strategies, you can effectively navigate this terrain. This section will help you understand the basics, build a strong technical network, and avoid common pitfalls that non-technical founders often encounter.
Common traps to watch out for:
Over-reliance on a single expert: It’s tempting to lean heavily on one technical person, but this can lead to blind spots. Always seek multiple perspectives to ensure well-rounded advice
Not understanding what you’re buying: Whether it’s software, a service, or a development partnership, make sure you grasp the essentials of what you're investing in. A lack of understanding can lead to overspending or choosing the wrong solutions.
Ignoring the importance of contracts: Without clear agreements, you risk misunderstandings, scope creep, and even legal issues. Always have a contract, even for pro bono work.
Now, let's dive into how you can manage your technical development effectively.
Learn the basics
You don’t need to become a coder, but understanding key technical concepts —like APIs, databases, and cloud computing — will make it easier for you to lead your team and make informed decisions. Consider taking introductory online courses that can demystify these topics for you.
Build a strong technical network
Engage a Fractional CTO or a technical advisor who can provide the strategic guidance you need without the commitment of a full-time hire. They can help with technology choices, architecture, and vendor selection. Also, don’t hesitate to join tech communities or attend meetups to expand your knowledge and network.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
When you're bringing in a supplier or consultant, always interview at least three candidates—preferably those who have been recommended to you. This will help you understand different approaches and ways of working. Asking questions, even the ones that seem basic, will give you better insights into their expertise and whether they're the right fit for your project.
Create a contract with them
Even if the work is pro bono, having a contract in place is essential. It should clearly outline the scope of work, timelines, and expectations. Make sure to have someone knowledgeable review the contract to protect yourinterests and ensure everything is clear from the start.
Leverage the right tools
Using project management software like Trello or Asana can help you keep track of development tasks and timelines. Even though you’re not coding, tools like GitHub are useful for collaborating with developers and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
2.Refine Your Product Through User Feedback
To create a product that truly makes an impact, you need to deeply understand your users’ needs. This means actively gathering and iterating based on feedback.
Start by identifying your target users
Who will benefit most from your solution? Knowing this will help you focus your efforts and get the most relevant feedback.
Conduct interviews and build MVPs
Talk to your users — ask open-ended questions and really listen to their experiences and pain points. Then, use low-code tools to build Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that you can test with real users.
Iterate based on what you learn
Don’t be afraid to make changes. Refining your product is an ongoing process, and the more feedback you gather, the better your product will become.
A few tips for effective interviews:
Listen more than you talk: Let users share their stories and insights.
Ask open-ended questions: Encourage them to give detailed responses
Follow up: Validate your findings with additional questions or surveys to deepen your understanding
3. Embrace Low-Code and No-Code Solutions
As a non-technical founder, one of the best ways toget your digital projects off the ground is by using low-code and no-code platforms. These tools let you create apps, websites, and automations without writing a single line of code.
Why should you consider these platforms?
Speed: You can quickly prototype and iterate on your ideas, allowing you to move fast and test your concepts.
Cost-effective: By eliminating the need for expensive developers, you can stretch your budget further.
Accessibility: With these tools, you and your team can make updates and changes independently, giving you more control over your product.
Where should you start?
Bubble: Ideal for building web apps with drag-and-drop elements.
Airtable: Combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a database.
Zapier: Automates workflows by connecting different apps and services.
How to make the most of these tools?
Start simple. Use templates to get up and running quickly, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Even though these platforms are user-friendly, consulting with a technical advisor can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your project is scalable.
Go for it!
Managing the technical aspects of a social impact business as a non-technical founder is challenging, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right strategies. Start by learning the basics and building a strong technical network to guide your development efforts, refine your product through user feedback, and embrace low-code/no-code solutions to bring your ideas to life. By focusing on these areas, you can create a powerful, impactful business that makes a real difference in the world.
Heather Payne
Fractional CTO & founder of Toast91
LinkedIn | Toast91