Comments on: Client development – think partners, not employers

By: Matthijs

Matthijs — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 06:31:18 +0000

Yes, passing by now and then

You’re right, it depends on the kind and size of the project what and how much needs to be communicated, how much client education is needed, etc. For smaller projects, a few phone calls or a single meeting might suffice.

I mentioned that not all (potential) clients appreciate it when you want to take the time to ask many questions and discuss issues. However, that might be a sign that you might not even want to work with that potential client. You know the cases when people think they can just pay you a certain amount (usually way too low) and have a working website/app next month. But I guess you also mention that in your article in some way

By: Eran Galperin

Eran Galperin — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:05:54 +0000

Hey Matthijs, nice to see you here

I am talking more about communications with prospective clients for major projects. Above certain budgets, people really need to have a certain feeling of comfort in order to come to terms.
Also, for ongoing projects, we find it very useful to have the client understand more in order to reduce the load on us translating his requests in actual requirements.

I agree that development is more familiar territory, and dealing with people is more unpredictable – which what makes it sometimes more exciting and interesting.

By: Matthijs

Matthijs — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:18:23 +0000

Excellent article. Agree on all points you bring up. When you work in the web industry for a while, you’ll learn these things. Sometimes the hard way
But it isn’t always easy. Take for example the client education bit. Some people/clients really appreciate it when you take the time to explain things, ask questions, etc. But other people just want you to do the job, send a bill and be done with it. I think the coding bit is the easiest part of the job. Dealing with a wide variety of people, getting a sense for who they are, what they want, etc is the hard bit (makes the job much more interesting though)

By: Giorgio Sironi

Giorgio Sironi — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:20:10 +0000

You’re right, these figures make me laugh. How can anyone think a web developer could be payed 6$/hour? That’s under the minimum wage in many states of US.