The Sixty Second Tech - So You Need A Programmer?

So your web project has grown up and all of a sudden you need a programmer. But how do you find the right one. Here’s a tip, go to meetup.com and find a nearby PHP users group. If there’s not one in your area, go to phpdeveloper.org and ask them to post your need.

Once you get a few candidates, yes, you will need more than one. Sit them down and describe your project in as much detail as you can. Here, one of three things will happen.

They will smile and say “Yeah, I can do that.” To which you reply in a loud voice “NEXT!” If they think they can build your project based on your first description, they either don’t really understand or are desperate, neither are qualities you are looking for.

Or, they will smile and say “Yeah, but if we…” NEXT!

If they already have ideas on how to make your idea better then they spent the entire time daydreaming and not listening to you.

Or, they will smile and say “Let me see if I understand…” BINGO! We have a winner.

Now, negotiate a price that is fair. No, they don’t want a piece of the action, they want cash and they are going to want some of it upfront. Make sure you both sign an agreement before you discuss the project any further though.

My name is Cal Evans and I am your Sixty Second Tech.