Seeking advice from programmers for non-programmers
Quarrelsome: I'm an apps developer (I work more "end product" than services) and architect who deals day to day with system engineers (who build the tools we build upon), product managers, project managers and testers. So i'm a few steps down from yourself and also have a step "lower" in regards to system engineers (who are programmers programmers and know more about the system than the requirements, if you get what I mean).
Sorry my world isn't start up world, I work for a big 'ol transport company but I hope this helps.- How do software engineers perceive business types?
- How do they come to respect or disrespect someone in this role?Depends, but the easy trap to fall into is that they will think that you are making decisions that effect them without understanding their problems. They may not understand the sales process, they may not understand the considered risk you took when you sold that feature YOU KNOW you didn't have even though clinching that deal was strategically essential.Therefore you really need to ensure that you communicate effectively and listen to them effectively. Most mis-placed anger is just a massive misunderstanding. 
You can also mitigate this by having a reference in their development-sphere who backs you up if your decisions are brought into doubt (which you need in companies that are so large that you don't have the time to give to them).- How can I best approach a software engineer with an idea?Slow the fuck down. I mean sure build it up a bit but don't pile on the features, it needs to be a challenge but business types seem to be very good at talking about a huge number of features which makes projects sound like death marches. Work on the core principles of the project and leave the star-gazing out of the initial conversation.Oh and have a plan and some work done that looks like work. A lot of devs impressions from such meets are: "he wants me to do all the work". Especially with tech start-ups. Some devs don't appreciate how much work the rest of it is.- What can a business type do to build trust with a programmer?Listen, same as with anyone. You may need to poke them a little more than other people to get their "real" opinion sometimes but most coders are the same as everyone else.- What motivates programmers? Success? Personal fulfillment? Money?Tech, interesting tech or an exciting sounding project, then money. Sometimes its the other way round.- What do programmers think motivates business types?Money and politics (Alpha-malism)