Sorry I wasn't clearer. I'm trying to find out what the industry pay is for the job. I'll ask for much less. I want this to be an easy decision for him :)

I get that, but there should still be some financial projections done. How much you get paid will be dictated partially by this.

As I know you know, salary is only one component of a comp package, especially when we are talking about technology startups. The range is probably zero to $300K depending on more factors than we can reasonably list here.

One of the challenges I'm having trying to respond is a technically there isn't a "startup manager" - there's a founder/CEO that can't think of anything else over 24 hours on how to make an idea succeed, and then there are professional management that are brought in to take a seed concept into professional funding. Sounds like you are in between those two.

For sake of discussion, let's say that a capable manager taking on responsibility for coordinating and doing the tasks you listed in the first post is customarily paid $100-$150K as a 1099. Typically this would include some sort of option package. I don't know why are you are not interested in equity/options, because if I were negotiating this for me, I'd say something like: "I'll help you save cash when you need it the most and I don't need it today. I'll take $48K a year so you (the owner) have some skin in the game and I have to suit up to earn my keep. Based on milestones (clicks, users, revenue, etc.) you bonus me $XX and/or Options of YY%."

Call me if you want to discuss more - I'm a partner at a venture acceleration firm.

Don, thank you for the comprehensive reply. Much appreciated.

These are bootstrap startups, so I will be wearing all the hats until the first leads start coming in. I don't fancy myself as a salesperson, so we'll need people to handle the leads.

He may very well come back to me with a lower monthly pay/options proposal. Its something I would consider, but at this stage in my life, I am trying to keep things as simple as possible.

He is also open to seed capitalization, so if that talk happens, I very well may get in touch with you. Thanks again :)

Wow am I underpaid...

Some really high numbers floating around here. I work in tech startups for many years now and I don't know of any product managers making 200k. Not even close. And I have been in larger companies too, also not happening. If this is a self funded venture by a friend, take a good round of stock and start at 100k. That's what I'd throw out there not knowing a whole lot more.

Have fun!

G