What to do if budget is a major issue for your project

So you're ready to start your project. You know what you want built. You have the time in your schedule to have it built. And you have an idea of who will build it. But after talking with a few software consultants, you've gotten a bit of a sticker shock....

What to expect before starting a project

The first step to working with you is what I call my New Client Consultation. This is a 30 minute phone call where we talk about the project and your business. I want to find out if I can help you and if it looks like there will be a...

My Project Management Process

The way I approach managing projects is simple. Simple enough that I'm going to describe it right now. We plan out what we think needs to be done. The work is estimated conservatively so it's likely the actual implementation will be under the budget. You (the client) then put the...

More than just the code

Now you've heard a bit about what clients I like to work with and quick overviews of my main processes. Now I'd talk to talk about what I can do to help. You probably need help with a Ruby web application, which is my main technical specialty. Perhaps it has...

What I look for in a client

Over the years I've worked with a variety of clients. Different industries. Different businesses. Different business models. Of them, I've found some common criteria that makes the relationship work best. A good relationship is important for both you and me. Communication becomes easier. Less mistakes are made. And overall, the...

Scheduling on a short timeline

Sometimes you need a software consultant, but you're on a tight timeline and you're not sure if there is enough time to hire one. Every consultant operates on their own schedule, and if you're betting on working with someone specific, you need to make sure they'll be available. There are...

Hire a remote software consultant or a local one?

It's time to hire a software consultant, but where do you look? Do you look only in your local network of contacts? Or do you look for anyone in your city? In your state? Country? Worldwide? Local bias There has always be a bias for buying, consuming, and hiring locally....