Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

yeah thats a VERY good summary of what i need lol artist and not geeks. I guess one of my additional problems is that a large majority of people that produce sites with as high quality as we do are stuck in the freelance game and not interested in a working position under another company...at least thats what were finding.

So I have the added task of finding someone with good enough quality, but willing to look at our existing network as a huge advantage to taking them to the next level.

Here is how we do it at my business. Instead of looking for graphic designer and a developer in one; search for both positions. A designer can put together layouts, and the developer then codes it. This combo works out very well from what i have experienced.

Greg

Vevolution, I have considered that. My hesitation is that I like controlling the design as well because that makes up a good amount of our gross sales and I know that partnering would significantly decrease our margins...however If they can increase our capacity and capabilities beyond what we are able to do on our own then it would make sense.

I think we would lose about 20% off our margins from a typical partnership scenario. However if the partnership worked both ways...ie referrals from their client base and vice versa the expansion would more than justify it. Seems like a no-brainer :-) sometimes it takes an outside force to make it apparent though.

Now I just have to find a creative design firm and not a geek squad that does tons of corporate sites. That's the next challenge.

Thanks for the help by the way.

Try https://www.atlantaima.org and post a job.

Harry Hallman

You have already received some great responses, and although the question is closed, I'd like to post my two cents worth.

Speaking from a freelancer point of view, I generally love to partner with a larger firm on the occasional project. If you put some time into interviewing and working with a "harem" of freelancers (SO not P.C. Sorry!) you can choose the appropriate team member based on the design and technical requirements of the project. I, for instance, am a logical thinker and team player, but the bulk of my experience is in print. I've taken a few classes and learned the necessary steps to design a legible and user-friendly site, but a programmer I am not. I have created web sites--the "architecture" and visuals--and worked with the programmer-geek-types to create it, in essence acting as art director on the overall visuals and a project manager on the creation of the actual pages--coordinating content, proofs, etc.

For me, it's the best of both worlds, as I like working with the client to create something they are very happy with, that fits their brand personality and the message they want to communicate. I learn enough technical information to be a friendly, knowledgeable face so that the client doesn't have to get all "geeky."

Generally it works like this: I create dummy pages in my application of choice, work with the client to nail the look and general site map, and then send the appropriate files to The Geeks to execute the technical stuff. I am the first point of contact on the pages they generate. Once they look good, they are forwarded to the client for final approval. I am the primary point of contact with the client.

In my case, for instance, you would hire me (or a web design firm) on a per-project basis, or partner for the long term on one client's site. Depending on how you might like to work it, I would represent your company in dealings with your client, or you could have someone on your payroll be the go-between. Our contract would specify that the client is yours and that anything they need that you provide would have to go through your firm, whether they want to hire me to do it or not.

(Sort of like working with a temp agency like Aquent. Their clients are theirs, and if I work for one of their clients and the client wants to hire me, they have to go through Aquent. I have signed a contract with the agency that states that I can't work for their client for a certain period of time after my last contact with them through the agency. Grrr. But, that's a whole 'nother post!)

Anyway, I ramble. The point is there's a big difference between design and execution, and it's a challenge to find an individual who is both right- and left-brain that can do both design and execution really well. It can be a win-win for your business to create a team of external providers who can work well together. You don't have to provide the latest hardware, software, training, overhead, payroll and benefits for an FTE (that's corporate-speak for full time employee), and you get a competent team to provide the best of show quality web services.

Good luck! --Dina