Blog
I've started a development blog because there are a lot of issues that face sofware contractors -- and our clients -- that are worth discussing. Sometimes the topics are mundane, some are practical, and some are philosophical, but in all cases I think it's important to talk about these issues.
Fast Tracking a Remote Developer
You’ve taken the risk of hiring a remote developer, and you want him to get started as soon as possible. What’s your first step?
In my experience, the #1 thing a client can do to get a developer up to speed with their team is to provide a 100% preconfigured development box. This might […]
Communication: The Key to On-time and On-Budget Projects
One of the greatest dilemmas a contractor has to face when submitting a bid for a project is whether to be conservative or liberal in the bid. If you’re overly conservative (overbid) then you look expensive, and there’s a good chance a competitor is going to undercut you. If you’re liberal (underbid) then you run […]
How does off-site development work?
Many potential clients are unsure how off-site development works. Traditional companies are used to the model of “you show up, you sit down, and you do your work”. Many managers are uneasy with off-site development since the workers are now “out of sight”. To get around this ingrained mindset, freelancers such as Hooka Tooka must […]
When Should You Hire a Contractor?
Assuming your company is comfortable with the process of off-site development, the obvious question is: is hiring a contractor right for you? While I have an obvious bias, there are many situations where contracting makes sense and a few cases where it really doesn’t.
Are contractors overpriced?
A common assumption about freelancers is that they’re overpriced. This belief is based upon the “sticker shock” some managers feel when they see a quoted hourly rate or a final bid for a particular project, but to understand why contractors are often economically attractive, we have to put those numbers into perspective.