Big Small Big
I work with a number of clients that range in size and have noticed something interesting (at least to me). The bigger companies tend to have more resources, take a longer time to produce something, but in the end put out a high quality product. A lot of people inside of the big business (with big ambition) see the long development cycle and get frustrated for the long processes and decide to leave big business and start their own small business in hopes of being more efficient/quick. Once the business is set up – the ability to release products seems… Read More »
Read MoreContracts Are King
There has been a lot of talk about contracts in my field in the last few months, especially after the F*CK You, Pay Me talk/video. I have used a contract for 100% of my work now for a few years – after getting into a few situations where I did not get paid and had to learn the hard way. Contracts also help with situations where the client wants to add in a number of new features/functions/etc without getting charged extra. Just like backups – people know they should do it, but generally feel ok if they do not. Time… Read More »
Read MoreHow I Stay Motivated
Everyone gets burned out now and again with what they do. When you are busy working on all kinds of projects it is easy to get lost in the mix, get caught up in all the switching tasks/taking calls/staying on top of email/feeling like you are just chasing yourself in circles, which can bring on some major burn out. In order to keep burn out low – I have been doing the following which has worked well: Take time each day – during “work hours” to work on a pet project. In the end your skills will develop, and you… Read More »
Read MoreHow NOT to Take/Make a Business Call
It is unbelievable how some people act on a conference call or even a business related call. From my experience here are some pointers on how NOT to impress your colleagues/clients/developers. (All based on actual things I have experienced) Make a business call while in the drive-thru at McDonanlds…and then ask me to hold while you order your “Big Breakfast”. You called me – why couldn’t you wait until at least after ordering?What it tells me: You do not respect my time and this will not be the last inappropriate call. Anything is game. Have multiple conversations while on a… Read More »
Read MoreAsset Management with ResourceSpace
This is a follow-up post to my post: Asset Management. I spent an exciting Friday night going through the config, learning the workflow, setting up accounts, and getting to know everything that ResourceSpace has to offer. After a few hours of playing around and applying various customizations (with ease) I am sold on using ResourceSpace for asset management. What I like about ResourceSpace: It has good documentation – both in the code as well as in a wiki It is easy to customize both in look and feel as well as configuring admin options It has been well thought out… Read More »
Read MoreManaging Time (Pre-Contract)
Over the past year – I have been really trying to tighten down a lot of processes/functions in my company – and wanted to talk a little bit about managing what I call “pre-contract” time. When potential clients first contact us – I generally spend thrity minutes to an hour getting the initial project information. This includes having an initial call to gather existing documentation, mockups, timelines, and other other project details. After this – I generally write a follow up email and either put everything in my notes in writing or have the client email me a list of… Read More »
Read MoreFinding Your Pace
We all work at different paces. Some like to try and do everything really quickly so they can relax later. Others wait until the last moment and race to get things done (they find energy and excitement in the challenge to finish). Still others prefer to keep a grueling pace throughout the entire project in order to get everything plus more done. Although I have done all of the above – if nothing else – Oregon Trail taught me one thing: pace is everything. While some of these routes to the end result will work some of the times, the… Read More »
Read MoreJappler Recommends: Work/Life Balance
Over the last few years I have, like most other business owners, struggled with a good work/life balance. While I do not feel like I am at an optimal balance yet – I know and I a lot closer than I once was. This can be tricky – but here are some tips that will help you achieve it. When working with clients – clearly state your business hours. I generally do this on the initial call or email as well as on my voicemail so when a client calls after midnight or tells me they are available until 11:30pm… Read More »
Read MoreMake Opportunities
Several years ago, the company I worked for had a secretary full of life lessons which she would tell me about each morning. Out of everything she ever told me – one thing really stuck. She told me “Jen – don’t wait for opportunities, make them”. There are not too many days that go by that I do not think about that. So many people wait around for “that phone call, that new job, that right guy/girl, etc” (you fill in the blank) and those people will often live most of their life with regrets and/or with dead end jobs…. Read More »
Read MoreWhen is Vacation?
I have been going non-stop now since the summer and dream of some time away from it all so I can either finish something fun or just relax yet every week day, weekend, and non-sleeping hour seems to be jammed packed with something. I absolutely love owning my own business but sometimes it makes things like taking time off or getting away a bit more complicated. Let me re-phrase that…getting completely away. Any business owners out there that have a secret they want to share so I can better enjoy my time? I am happy to be busy but it… Read More »
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