How do you find Owners Equity?

What's the best advice for people who ask, "How do I find an X who's willing to work for equity?"

• Personally, I think they need a reality check. Ideas are a dime a dozen. Even good ones. What's rare is the ability to execute, and that depends on the team you've put together. And so, if you don't have a good team of founders, or the money to attract the implementers, you've got nothing. I think it also shows a naivety towards the market, which is a bad sign. Talented programmers aren't out there begging for work. But I'm not too articulate. Can someone wrap this up better? See, e.g.

• Answer:

  I was taught that there are three good reasons to persue a given venture: You like the people involved. You like the project. You like the money. If you can get two out of those three, then the project is worth doing. If you're asking people to work for equity, that means that the money is highly uncertain. Anyone who's done this once or twice knows that "working for equity" might wind up being the same as "working for free." So you're left with finding people who are willing to do it because they already like you AND they like your idea. (Note: If one of those falls apart, then they're likely going to stop working with you.) The best place to find those people is amongst your family and friends. HOWEVER...the real potential cost of pulling a member of your family or your close circle of friends into a startup business with you is that you permanently damage the relationship with that person. You're probably better off finding cash through loans or investment and then hiring the right team to get the job done.