01/29/2024
You got an idea that requires software! You’ve validated the idea. You’ve gotten feedback from people outside of your friends and family. You have found a gap in the market no one is paying attention to. Everything in you says “I need to build this or someone else will!”. You got some options for software developers to acquire, hire, or do it yourself.
In this posting series, each day I'll explain the routes that are available to you and the pros and cons between them all. Today's pick: The Overseas Freelancer.
The Overseas Freelancer
Startups are costly, so you’ve decided in your mind you’ll pay the least amount of money for the job. You can get better talent when your startup is making money, right? You go to some popular freelance, post your job, and start interviewing potential freelancers who can do the job. Typically, you sift through a ton of people who are not qualified or who do not have the experience needed to do a good job. You finally find a person who is qualified and has some good reviews and decide to hire them.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Good looking resumes
- Eager to work
- Will always agree with you
Cons:
- Possible language barriers or cultural misunderstandings
- Single point of failure
- Many iterations to get what you want
- Length of time to get things done are usually extended
- Freelancer might have multiple jobs competing for time
- Security is not main concern
- Timezone and availability differs from yours
- Hard to enforce intellectual property contracts and non-disclosure agreements
- Task takers mentality. The freelancer often thinks through technical requirements, but not business requirements
- Freelancer may hold code hostage and make demands for access if you decide to pivot from them
- Varying standards of what good quality is
In our journey of software idea realization, today's spotlight is on the Overseas Freelancer route. I've outlined typical pros and cons, yet each experience is distinct.
Curious to hear about:
Personal Experiences: What was your reality working with overseas freelancers? Any unexpected benefits or challenges?
Cost vs. Quality: How did you ensure quality while being cost-effective with overseas freelancers? Any effective strategies?
Communication & Cultural Nuances: Your approach to overcoming language and cultural barriers? Impact on timelines or results?
Alternatives & Regrets: Ever wish you chose differently, between local hiring, DIY, or overseas freelancers?
Your insights are vital for those navigating software development decisions. Eager to hear your stories and learn together!
