Chris Reynolds’ Post

Last week Alex Ischenko and myself moderated a CTO Round-Table event focussing on Effectively Integrating Freelancers and Consultants into Product-Driven, Cross-Functional Teams: Challenges and Solutions for Success hosted at ablefy and organised by Phil Heath of Third Republic. Over 20 CTOs, VPs, Directors and Engineering leaders joined us for a great discussion. Some were in favour of using freelancers, others against. Everyone contributed to the discussions which was great. But what did we learn? What's my advice if you're using freelancers, contractors, external vendors to work with or for your teams? 1. Integrate them as tightly as possible - give them access to tools and data that they need, give them onboarding information. Teach them what they need to know about you and your project / product and teams. 2. Treat them equally with employees - this may mean creative accounting. Buy them a t-shirt if you're getting some for your teams. Pay for a meal if you do it for your teams. Some of this you might need to do in the form of "billing an extra hour". But the way it will make these individuals, who's efforts you rely on feel, is so much worth it. 3. Want to bind a particular freelancer to your startup long term - offer them VSOP (virtual stock options). The contracts for VSOP can be arranged completely separate from employment contracts and have no immediate tax implications for either party. This can be a great incentive if you want to keep someone but they don't want to switch to permanent employment. Have more questions, or are struggling to integrate external or remote teams successfully? Reach out to me and I'm happy to help! #remotework #freelancer #contracting #futureofwork #teamwork #teamtopologies #organisationdesign

In today's digital era, businesses rely on tech freelancers for dynamic needs 🌐. Whether for short-term projects or ongoing support, freelancers offer flexibility and specialized skills 💼. This blog explores why hiring through a verified platform is more beneficial than hiring randomly 🔍. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gBQrH5wV

We understand the significant challenges freelancers face in securing timely and fair compensation. This thought-provoking post by Wudan Yan sheds light on a common issue within the freelance community. It is concerning to see professionals encounter setbacks when advocating for clear payment terms, especially regarding timely payments and conditions for late fees. This situation highlights the urgent need for a cultural shift around payment practices within the freelance ecosystem. In the comments, there are many freelancers who share their experiences and insights further showing how common this is. We need to work toward fostering a culture that prioritizes fairness and accountability in all business transactions.

I really didn't want to write this update, but I'm committed to sharing both the highs and the lows of running this business. Last week was a AWFUL week at work. I normally write an update each week on our progress the week before, but it really feels like we took several steps backwards last week. Here’s what went wrong: ISSUE 1 ↳ I made a full time hire <2 months ago and next week will be her last Hiring our first FT employee was a massive step for the business (and for me)— I was really excited about it. We recently came to the conclusion that next week would be her last. I won’t go into details around why, but I will say this: - It wasn’t performance related (she did a great job) - It wasn’t budget-related I’m reflecting internally on what went wrong— I took every possible precaution with the hire: ✔️ Did a paid sample project ✔️ Hired fractionally first ✔️ Spent a ton of my time onboarding But despite all that, it still wasn’t the right fit. Sometimes, things just don’t fall your way. While I don’t think I’d change anything about the hiring process, the last couple months have shown me that this role might not have to be a full time position. Rather than backfilling it, I’m going to focus on automating portions of it while hiring freelancers for the rest. Hopefully, that will allow us to run more efficiently as an organization. While I loved the idea of building a full time team under me, now doesn't seem like the right time. ISSUE 2 ↳ Our in-platform messaging, contracts, and payments functionality continues to hit roadblocks. Last Friday, I had a really frustrating call with our dev agency. We were supposed to run through the entire functionality one last time before we initiated our go-live plan. They were supposed to fix all the bugs I found earlier in the week, and test everything end-to-end before the call. But sure enough, there were MORE bugs an issues than there have been in weeks as we walked through the feature set. Brand <> Freelancer Messaging? Didn’t work. Contract initiation? So many bugs. Invoicing and Payments? Couldn’t even get past the first step in the flow. It was so bad, I ended the call early and hit the gym to get my frustration out. This functionality is so critical to the business, and is already 4+ months delayed. A part of me is starting to believe we won’t be able to ever ship these features with our current partner, but the thought of starting over again is scary. I’m going to give it another week, then make an executive decision on how I want to move forward here. *** Running a business is tough— there’s no denying it. The highs are high, and the lows are low. Last week was certainly a low. But not everything is bad— revenue is at an all-time high, profits are higher than ever, and our brand & freelancer community is thriving. This week, I’m laser-focused on picking up the pieces and figuring out how to move forward from last week’s mess. Onwards…

Freelancing or a 9-to-5? That's the big question these days! It seems like everyone with a steady job is dreaming of a side hustle. But will this "gig economy" shake up the way we work? Find out in this blog post where we dive deep into this changing landscape. Click to read👇👇 https://lnkd.in/dR3ii_Su

🌐 The True Cost of a Software Developer's Hour: Unveiling the Complexity Hello, LinkedIn network! Today, let's dive deep into a question that's on the mind of many in the tech industry: "How much should a software developer's hour really cost?" 💡🕒 In the realm of tech, determining the hourly rate isn't just about putting a price tag on time. It involves understanding a mosaic of factors that influence this cost. Whether you're a budding freelancer, a seasoned developer, or a business owner, grasping this concept can significantly impact your project planning and budgeting. The Composition of an Hourly Rate The cost per hour can vary dramatically depending on several aspects, including the developer's expertise level, the market demand, and the employment type (freelancer vs. in-house). For instance, while a junior developer might start at $10-$20 per hour, a senior developer's expertise could command $50 or more per hour. 🚀 Freelancers vs. Company Developers Freelancers might offer their services at a lower rate as they eliminate the overheads of working through a company. However, companies justify higher rates by providing structured environments, managed services, and often, a more comprehensive skill set which ensures project completion from start to finish. 🏢➡️📈 What's Included in the Hourly Rate? When discussing rates, it's crucial to consider what's included. For freelancers, the rate might only cover direct labor cost. In contrast, company-based rates often incorporate administrative costs, project management, taxes, and profit margins. Understanding these components ensures transparency and helps in making informed decisions. 🤓💼 Beyond the Numbers: The Value of Experience While numbers are crucial, the value delivered by a developer cannot be understated. Experienced developers bring efficiency, problem-solving skills, and foresight that prevent costly mistakes and ensure the project's success. Investing in quality might cost more per hour but can save money and time in the long run. 🌟🛠️ Conclusion: A Strategic Approach to Developer Costs Determining the right hourly rate for software development requires a strategic approach that balances cost with quality, experience, and the specific needs of a project. By understanding and articulating these factors, businesses and developers alike can foster a more sustainable and productive working relationship. Let's continue the conversation! What has been your experience with setting or negotiating rates in tech? Drop your thoughts and insights below! 👇🔍

Why Do Software Development Costs Vary? Let’s Break It Down. Software development in countries like the USA and Canada can be expensive, whether you're working with freelancers or agencies. But the good news is, you're not tied to just one region. Outsourcing gives you the chance to find skilled developers worldwide, often at much better rates. What Affects the Cost of Software Development? 1️⃣ Experience Matters Developers with more experience charge higher rates, and that’s fair—they bring valuable expertise to the table. But if your project doesn’t require advanced skills, you might save by hiring mid-level developers. 2️⃣ Project Duration Longer projects often come with better pricing. It’s like a subscription—the more consistent the work, the better the deal. Developers appreciate stability, so long-term projects are usually more cost-effective than one-off tasks. 3️⃣ Technology Choices Not all tech stacks cost the same. Rare or outdated technologies might come at a premium, while trending or widely-used ones can be expensive too, simply because they’re in high demand. 4️⃣ Freelancers vs. Teams Freelancers might be cheaper, but working with a professional team—like Envision Xperts—offers peace of mind. Teams provide structure, reliability, and quality assurance, which can save you headaches in the long run. At Envision Xperts, we balance expertise, affordability, and reliability to deliver exactly what your project needs. Whether it’s web development, e-commerce, or custom software, we’re here to help you turn your ideas into reality. Got a project in mind? Let’s chat!

Why Did a CEO Refuse to Pay Me Despite My High Demand Skills? Answers: https://lnkd.in/d3-s3Xb2 #FreelanceLife #ClientRelationships #BusinessDining #Consulting #TechMigration Hey everyone! So, I recently had a dinner with a CEO of a consulting firm, and let me tell you, it was quite the experience! I mean, I’m used to my fair share of awkward client meet-ups, but this one really took the cake. 🍰 It started off pretty normal—he reached out because he believed my skills in tech migration could really help his company out. We grabbed lunch, and that’s when the fun began. First off, the guy was super loud and obnoxious, bragging about his fancy wine and practically interrupting everyone around us. 😒 Now, onto the meat of the meeting (literally and figuratively). Everything was going great in terms of discussing the project until we got to the monetary part. I pitched my day rate and a potential salary if they were interested in hiring me. And then things took a weird turn: **CEO:** “You’ll get neither. That’s too expensive, and you’re not a real freelancer.” **Me:** “Wait, what? I definitely am one!” **CEO:** “No, real freelancers bil...

Work isn’t just about earning a paycheck, it’s about: 1. Finding purpose. 2. Building connections. 3. Creating impact. But millions are still searching for opportunities. With DualGro, we’re solving this. By connecting talent to projects and ideas to execution, we’re redefining what it means to work. Imagine a world where your skills can reach anywhere and where your next big opportunity is just a click away. That’s the future of work. And it’s happening now. Visit our Version 1 website - [ www.dualgro.com ] to hire freelancers and become one. [ Official website is under development where you can hire freelancers and manage them inside our website, once we launch it ]

Why Did a CEO Refuse to Pay Me Despite My High Demand Skills? Answers: https://lnkd.in/drYVfRSe #FreelanceLife #ClientRelationships #BusinessDining #Consulting #TechMigration Hey everyone! So, I recently had a dinner with a CEO of a consulting firm, and let me tell you, it was quite the experience! I mean, I’m used to my fair share of awkward client meet-ups, but this one really took the cake. 🍰 It started off pretty normal—he reached out because he believed my skills in tech migration could really help his company out. We grabbed lunch, and that’s when the fun began. First off, the guy was super loud and obnoxious, bragging about his fancy wine and practically interrupting everyone around us. 😒 Now, onto the meat of the meeting (literally and figuratively). Everything was going great in terms of discussing the project until we got to the monetary part. I pitched my day rate and a potential salary if they were interested in hiring me. And then things took a weird turn: **CEO:** “You’ll get neither. That’s too expensive, and you’re not a real freelancer.” **Me:** “Wait, what? I definitely am one!” **CEO:** “No, real freelancers bil...