Lessons Learned
DSS offers services that help both clients and developers learn the easy way what they might otherwise learn the hard way. Allow me to share 3 critical lessons I've learned regarding web and database development projects.
Development Projects: Lesson #1
The quality of the product developed is a direct result of the quality of the client-developer communication throughout the project.
I learned this lesson after being on both sides of development projects — as the small business manager challenged with communicating my organization’s needs to developers, and as the developer challenged with thoroughly understanding my clients’ needs so I could deliver products that met those needs.
The truth is that neither party’s communication challenge is an easy one.
There is, however, a tried-and-true way to bridge the communication divide: written requirements.
Although many business people cringe at the prospect of using this detailed communication method, nothing else on the planet goes further to ensure an outstanding final product.
Development Projects: Lesson #2
The long-term success of a software product is dependent on the quality of the client-developer relationship behind it.
Most clients and some developers fail to realize that it is ultimately in the best interest of both the client and the developer to build a strong, productive, mutually-respectful relationship that endures throughout the life of the website or database developed.
Like any other kind of relationship, though, a successful, long-term client-developer relationship requires ongoing communication to keep it strong. This communication is best accomplished by periodic hi-how-are-ya's, thank-you's and kudos where appropriate, and written specifications when bugs, process changes and/or product enhancements are involved.
Another point that underscores the benefits of a long-term client-developer relationship is worth mentioning. Many clients don't realize that the original developer generally knows the product's structure and design complexities the best. As a result, product maintenance and subsequent system enhancements are generally performed more efficiently and effectively by that developer. Assuming that the original product was well developed to begin with, building a solid, respectful relationship with the original developer generally results in less risk, less cost, and happier campers on both the client's and developer's end.
Most clients and some developers fail to realize that it is ultimately in the best interest of both the client and the developer to build a strong, productive, mutually-respectful relationship that endures throughout the life of the website or database developed.
Like any other kind of relationship, though, a successful, long-term client-developer relationship requires ongoing communication to keep it strong. This communication is best accomplished by periodic hi-how-are-ya's, thank-you's and kudos where appropriate, and written specifications when bugs, process changes and/or product enhancements are involved.
Another point that underscores the benefits of a long-term client-developer relationship is worth mentioning. Many clients don't realize that the original developer generally knows the product's structure and design complexities the best. As a result, product maintenance and subsequent system enhancements are generally performed more efficiently and effectively by that developer. Assuming that the original product was well developed to begin with, building a solid, respectful relationship with the original developer generally results in less risk, less cost, and happier campers on both the client's and developer's end.
Development Projects: Lesson #3
Professionalism is in the details. Sloppy interfaces negatively impact your company's image.
Whether you're the client or the developer, a polished, letter-perfect
final product sets you far apart from your competition.
The web today is full of sites with misspellings, run-on and fragmented sentences, poor grammar and other improper use of the English language, all of which infer a lack of professionalism and respect for quality.
Unfortunately, that negative perception of the business often overflows into a prospect's perception of the products and/or services the business offers.
So don't make the mistake of thinking that good enough is good enough --
it isn't.
Small business owners, make the relatively-minimal investment in editing and proofreading services to protect your brand.
Developers, invest in outside editing and proofreading services to ensure that the types of image-busting imperfections listed above don't reflect on your client's professionalism — or on your own.
Let DSS Help
Whether you're currently the client or the developer involved in a web or database development project, working with DSS will assure you of a professional and outstanding end product and a more pleasant journey along the way.
Please review the details of my services by clicking below and/or contact me for further information.