If you're worried about someone stealing your idea, don't.

A year ago, I posted similar things on HN about collaborating with technical folks to bring my ideas to fruition and received a variety of responses. Some wanted to learn more and help, others not so much. So far, the ones below are cordial, but you'll get a slew of hackers telling you that you're "not trying hard enough if you don't learn to hack and do it yourself."

That article does the best job, I believe, in summing up what actionable steps you can be taking. You're not going to be a software engineer, and frankly, it's a bad use of the talents you have to try. But, there is an incredible amount of value in learning a little bit about code, being able to prototype - or at least mock-up - something, and most importantly, understanding what makes engineers tick. People are inspired by the idea of building great things - what you need to do is learn how to communicate your vision.

So, that's my advice; I'd recommend the article as a guide to get started. Now (warning) here's my editorial:

We "non-technical" folks have been overwhelmed by the rhetoric about how "if you can't hack, you can't add value." Give me a break. If it were all about coding, the 99% of failed start-ups would have succeeded. I see so many "projects" and "businesses" run by hackers who, typically out of pride, ignore the most basic "non-technical" principles that could have brought them success.

Yet, where WE fail as non-technical folks, is by behaving in EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, failing to appreciate the other half. Hackers are not code monkeys here to do our bidding and "turn our billion dollar idea into an app." The mutual lack of respect is the problem! Embrace that, and you'll find engineering PARTNERS you can create magic with.

Turns out, my ideas were solid too, since in the time since, one of them was launched by Google (where I work - I was uninvolved) and several others have been piling up on TechCrunch recently with funding. Why didn't I do them? I realized I was guilty of that lack of understanding of the other half. Since then, I've learned/am learning functional amounts of Python/JS/HTML/iOS and have developed an exponentially better understanding of how to collaborate with engineers. As a result, I believe I am infinitely more prepared to start a successful business.

the "pure" techies are weak on planning and marketing products - you're ahead of them already.