Offer multiple options in your quote
Creating quotes that convert is as difficult as getting clients in the first place. As a business, you want to go for a high margin on your work but also for the highest possible customer satisfaction.
Writing on software design, company building, and the aerospace industry.
All of my long-form thoughts on programming, leadership, product design, and more, collected in chronological order.
How we do customer support at Beyond Code
Selling software and video courses to thousands of customers comes with a lot of customer support and responsibility. Some customers don’t understand where they can download a product, others have technical questions and some want refunds.
Grow, when it’s time to grow
On 1st of March 2021 and after about three years, Beyond Code grows from a Company of One to a team of three!
5 important things about money that I wish I learned earlier
Until a few years ago, my understanding of money was pretty basic. I got a monthly paycheck from my employer and spent most of it every month. I had a few savings, but in case of a job loss, I'd need a new job quickly, or I would run out of money fast.
Build a network before you start freelancing
Before you start freelancing, you have to have a network. Getting clients is hard, but it is much harder if you have no referrals and don't know anyone who has the power to hire you. So, how do you build it?
The concept of F-you money
Have at least six months of cash in your bank account and you can do whatever your want. Decide who you work for and when you do it.
How to achieve progress
I don't understand why so many people are afraid of progress instead of striving for it. If I look at the world, I see people who don't like change–they don't want progress in their personal life, in politics, and in business.
Why you should run a business
I think everyone can start a small business and should do this to learn a lot. In my three years of working for my own company, I learned so many different things and was faced with so many situation that I learned so much more than in my career before.
Selling your software is hard
I'm sure you have read about a software unicorn and thought: I had this idea before, too! If I had built this, I would be a billionaire now!
A worst-case scenario for developers
It took me years to make the jump from my job as an employee to become self-employed. In hindsight, I realize that I have never thought about my worst-case scenario for this life change.
Their company, their rules
It took me seven years to go from employee to being self-employed. During these seven years, I tried to change the company I was working for as a developer, team lead, and project manager. I argued with our boss multiple times a week and got pushed back in more than 90% of all cases.
Why you should stick to the default Laravel architecture
Projects which are built by teams of developers and that take months to build, need to be easily maintainable. They should be easy to understand and follow as much default conventions as possible. Why? Teams change.
Build trust with new clients
Trust is an essential thing in business. It makes negotiations about new projects easier and focuses on rational solutions for your client instead of emotional reasons for or against a business relationship. This is a guide how we create trust.
Increase your hourly rate
Most freelancers, agencies, and consultancies base their offers on an hourly basis. This is fine in many cases and also something that your clients understand. However, how do you choose your rates and how do you handle them in negotiations?
If a client asks for a lower price, be comfortable to say no
After several meetings and countless emails about details of an upcoming software project, you have finally crafted an offer. After a while, the client gives you a call and asks if you can build the project for a lower price or provide them with a discount. What do you do?