37 Signals does it right with mobile

A perfect example of what should be done. It doesn't take a company with the power of Google to create a proper web app. A small team can recreate a good app too. The need for a native app is just not there. The team at 37 signals have opted to not have 4+ versions of a basecamp mobile (ala 1990's) and instead take advantage of the technology available right now. This is why web apps are where it's at. As a regular basecamp user, I can say this app is good. I'm only missing the ability to reorder the todo lists …more
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Are you paying for your employer's ability to stay in business

Here is a scenario: A project/job needs a bid. The employees of the company are asked to input their time estimate. They do, and it turns out that the job has a tighter budget than the time required at the normal rate. The boss then decides to lower the price to get the project. Now they can't have it eating into their profits. What do they do? They make the employees work long hours (because you can legally require tech workers over a certain wage without paying overtime). This shifts the cost to the employees. …more
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Outsourcing - Get the Whole Story!

Last night I went to a seminar in which the speaker owns close to a hundred websites producing some sort of passive income. He was teaching people how get started and replicate his success.

During the course of this 3 hour seminar he scratched the surface of using outsourcing. Claiming only the good things, $3 per hour, english speaking, systems to find them. What he failed to mention was the countless hours lost trying to find good people. Or the fact that all of his projects are 1-3 files and nothing of…more

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Managing your project - meet your Requirements First

Don't stray from the original requirements to do work that is sexier, or is the result of scope creep. I've seen this time and time again. Especially with those new to freelancing. This is not a problem limited to freelancers though. Complete the initial task first. Before you run out of time and money. Then go back and add the polish. At least when you finish, you'll have a usable product ripe for an up-sell.

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The Outsourcing Low Cost Lie | Lessons of Failure

The Outsourcing Low Cost Lie | Lessons of Failure. I have to agree here. I find that the cultural differences between the US and other countries are astounding. We as a country give little instruction and expect the professional to use some of his/her time for discovery and using their professional judgement. After all, that's why we pay them. I have found that a lot of time is spent using a waterfall approach to the…more
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