Ask HN: My startup has a crush on two designers, how do I show them? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: My startup has a crush on two designers, how do I show them?

5 pointsaelaguiz5 comments

They have at least a few opportunities as they are very well respected. We're in the process of raising our seed round (150k of 550k in) so we can't compete on salary or benefits.

What we can compete on is:

- Titles

- Significant equity

- Creative control

- Flexible hours & plenty of work from home

- Badass team with a successful exit and a huge opportunity

I know nobody can speak for an individual but I'm wondering: What other things I could do or offer to show a great designer that nobody will treat them better or value them more than us?

I've got a ton of experience hiring rock star engineers, it's easier because I am a strong engineer myself. They tend to be convinced of my earnest with a Macbook Pro and a Das Keyboard. What sends the same message to a rockstar designer? I'm willing to go pretty far out of my way here to let these dudes know how much we <3 them.

Have you already contacted them at all?

the first thing I would do is just contact them and let them know you love their work. What designer doesn't love to hear that. See if you can get them interested in your project at all. That has to be number two on your list. It's better to have a good designer who is in love with your product than a great designer who is only half engaged.

See how the conversations go, and if they are interested at all. You should get a feel for it. If you can't engage them directly, maybe they have other contacts they would recommend for you. I'm assuming you're in an area where designers are in high demand, so realize you'll likely have a difficult time getting anybody, let alone your top picks.

Oh yes, we're past the initial contact phase. They know we're going to make them an offer. I'd like to just make the best offer possible.

The best would be to ask them what would make them happy at new job, which conditions, etc. Then be honest, and offer them what you can.

Yeah, that's just really good advice to anyone. I'm looking for something creative that would put me over the top. I'll keep thinking.

Don't be creative. Be honest.

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