Classics By Carlos

Like it or not, your success as a professional (be it software development, network administration, or anything) depends on how the marketplace accepts the value that you bring into the table. That is, the more value you give that the customers are willing to accept in exchange for something of value, the more successful you become. Increasing your value in the marketplace, therefore, is a necessary ingredient for success in your chosen field. And a sure way to guarantee failure is to contribute nothing of value to others.

I personally know of there are three potent weapons available to any professional who is serious about increasing his value in the marketplace. If you want to DO more, HAVE more and BE more… well, READ more of the following… [Read more…] about 3 Ways To Increase Your Value In The Marketplace

How much does it cost to create a website? As a web developer, I often hear that same question over and over from business acquaintances I get into contact with. Some would like to build a business website, thinking that it is a cool thing to do. Others would think that building a website is much like typing a thesis paper on a word processor and therefore it should be easy and cheap. If you were to answer that question, what would your response be?

Three hundred thousand Pesos? Fifty thousand? Five thousand? One thousand? Just a cup of McDonald’s hot chocolate?

Any Web Developer worth his salt and who has been in the business of developing websites — or Web Applications for that matter — is aware that the first question raised above is actually incomplete. It doesn’t even give you a hint as to the nature of the project. So any figure you that you will come up with based on that question alone is in fact meaningless. But, on the side of the customer (the one asking for a price quotation), it is a good way of spotting the kind of web developer you are talking to – whether an amateur or a real professional.

“Hey Carlos, if you don’t come up with a figure right then and there, how will the client know if he will hire you to do the project or find someone else?”

Thanks for asking and you have a good point. First, I don’t regret losing a client who doesn’t know what he is about to do. If I should be working WITH a client, I’d like to do it with someone who awards a project not on the basis of price alone, but on the benefits he will derive in knowing that he is working with a real problem solver. Second, as a web professional, I always make it a point to remember that I am also a consultant. It is my job to dissect what my client’s real needs are and offer a few suggestions. It could be free during the initial stage, I’d be glad to do that. Just because a client wants a business website doesn’t automatically mean that it is the perfect pill for him to shallow.

“So Mr. Consultant, how do you proceed?”

If you are new to Web Development Business, read carefully. I am about to share some priced possessions that I’ve been keeping in my treasure chest of wisdom learned from being a practicing web developer and software consultant. I am assuming here that you are dealing with a client who relies on you for guidance in showing him the right way to develop his website.

Here are the five points to remember:

[Read more…] about How To Give A Price Quotation For Building A Website

Before I start throwing a few suggestions on how to jumpstart your freelance programming career, let me share bit of my own experience on how I started and became a freelance programmer.

The End is the Beginning is the End

Allow me to begin at the end. Circa April 2004.

The American founder of the Web Development team that I helped organize decided to call it quits… and it’s final. With about 13 months of existence, we are finally closing shop. All four Filipino programmers are forced to ask the inevitable question: What will you do next? It’s a question we keep asking each other. If you happen to be involved in such a situation, you would naturally ponder on that question, too.

[Read more…] about Jumpstart Your Freelance Programming Career

“Can you create a clone of YouTube in PHP? How long will it take you to do it and how much do you charge?”

“I bought this JavaScript code that has built-in shopping cart. Now, what I want to do is convert it to PHP. My budget is $100. Are you interested?”

“I am forming a company that would compete with Company X, but I need volunteer programmers with topnotch skills like yours. I can’t afford to pay you right now, but I do promise to give you a portion of the profit when we become successful. Care to join us on board?”

As a freelance programmer, you have probably been offered impressive-sounding or other downright stupid projects like the ones above. Over the years, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that not all projects and clients are worth investing my time. Here is my take on why you should avoid the trap.

[Read more…] about Say No To Some Clients and Projects

I’ve seen people who jumped into a freelance career only to loose interest and go back into their default comfort zones: being employees again. There are many reasons why they “failed” as freelancers one of which is not knowing what it takes to be one. Deciding to be a freelancer is not only a matter of changing careers. It is an emotional investment that involves a change of mindset. It’s not an easy path to take. The road ahead is full of surprises. It is not for everyone.

This article is written for employees who want to venture into a freelance career, but not sure yet if this is for them. Knowing what it’s like to be a freelancer is always a good way of assessing before you actually jump into the freelance frying pan.

Here are five things to keep in mind before deciding for a freelance career. Check to see if freelancing is right for you.

[Read more…] about 5 Things To Consider Before Jumping Into A Freelance Career

As kids, we all have been asked that question. Teachers, parents and one thousand relatives are all fond of throwing that million-dollar challenge. Some would love to hear our funny replies over and over again. The serious ones would test us for our sense of future direction.

Do you still remember your answers? Let me guess what you wanted to be when you were a child.

1. Programmer?
2. Search Engine Optimizer?
3. Web Designer?
4. Linux Administrator?

Oh, I forgot. Those job titles probably did not exist way back then. Let me have another try.

1. Doctor?
2. Engineer?
3. Teacher?
4. Anything, but a teacher?

That power-packed question certainly brings to life a number of childhood dreams and memories. Would you care to join me for a short 10-minute travel back in time? And then for another 10 minutes, a fast-forward ride into the future!

[Read more…] about What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?