3 Hard Lessons We’ve Learned In This Business

We’re often asked how we’ve lasted this long.

Twenty years in business is no small feat; twenty years in the software development business is a near-miracle.

Though we could claim that the secret lies in what we’ve done right (partially true) the secret can be more aptly found in what we’ve done wrong; the hard lessons we’ve learned along the way. Here are our favorites.

1. When consulting with a new customer, always speak the truth. No matter how tempting it is to up-sell.

We learned relatively early-on not to mold any offer, estimate or budget simply to get the business; the results have been interesting. Though we’ll typically lose business at the start due to this habit, the clients who do choose to sign on with us, stay with us for the long haul.

We might offer a time frame, be told that it’s too long and that a client is headed elsewhere they’ve been offered a shorter estimate, only to see that same client come back once the estimate they were given by competitors falls flat. We’re honest, and it has served us well.

2. Invest in the right people.

The very core of our business is to have the best engineers possible. That being said, we spend a lot of time and money on them, making large investments in training, education, morale-builders and cultivating an overall culture that we’re very proud of. Given this, our turnover rate is next to zero and we can approach any client with the man power, competency and tools necessary to do the best job possible.

3. Adapt to industry trends.

When we started this business, the internet hadn’t even gone public.

Throughout the years, we’ve anticipated the direction tech was taking prior to specific industries even making news. It’s how we’ve maintained the relevancy of our knowledge, tools and trade.

Companies will go on until they’re blue in the face with success-backed rhetoric, industry expertise, talking points and sales; we’d rather you understood what has made us the strong company we’ve become than put on the guise that we’ve never had to learn in order to grow.

Honorable mentions for challenges and learning 

• No one can predict the future. Requirements change, and it’s impossible to plan for every eventuality. Be prepared to adapt and change your plans as needed.
• Communication is key. Make sure everyone on the team is on the same page and that communication is open and honest. This will help to avoid misunderstandings and delays.
• Set realistic expectations. Don’t promise more than you can deliver, and be prepared to manage expectations throughout the project.
• Be flexible. Things will inevitably go wrong, so be prepared to adapt your plans and be flexible with your resources.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available to software developers, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
• Learn from your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s important to learn from them so you can avoid making them again in the future.
• Celebrate your successes. It’s important to celebrate your successes, big or small. This will help to keep you motivated and positive throughout the project.

TL;DR

We’ve been in business for 20 years. Here are three things that have helped us succeed:

1. Always be honest with customers.
2. Invest in the best people.
3. Adapt to industry trends.

Other challenges and learnings:

• Be prepared to adapt.
• Communication is key.
• Set realistic expectations.
• Be flexible.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Learn from your mistakes.
• Celebrate your successes.

These are just a few of the hard lessons that experienced software developers have learned over the years. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in the software development business.