We’ve written a couple of blogs about how to safely leave a dev company when they can’t deliver anymore. So, how do you find the right dev company moving forward? Apart from some of the common things we all tend to do (like looking at a company’s LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Google reviews), there are some greater steps you can take to ensure a more symbiotic relationship.
5 Tips For a Healthy Tech Partnership
We touched on some of this advice in our previous blog, “Warning Signs The Agency Relationship Is Off The Rails”. In this piece, we’ll go into more detail, and add new tips that are specific to vetting your next devs.
1.) Transparency:
This is important for both you and them. It’s important that they are taking obvious steps to show you that they are being transparent and honest with their processes and capabilities. Equally, it’s important that you are totally forthright about your needs and expectations. This enables them to properly assess if they can meet your project and business obligations. It’s also important that you have an upfront conversation about ownership of all aspects of the project. Dev environments, domain ownership, and any intellectual property affiliated with the product should be clear and well laid out.
2.) RFPs (Request For Pitch) Are Your Friend:
Putting out a request for proposals is a great way to meet with multiple dev companies and really examine which ones check all of your boxes. It’s a solid way to see the quality of their work and take a peek into their passion and drive. You can also get a firm gauge of their ability to deliver what you need, on budget, and on time. Ultimately, it’s a way to ask yourself if they have the personality, skills, and design-savvy you need.
3.) Understanding Value:
It’s important to remember that value is not solely about who can charge you the least. It’s also not just about who’s got the biggest or most recognizable name brand, either. When we talk about value, we ask – what’s the worth of their work? Are they invested in the success of your business? Do they have case studies showing how they’ve benefited companies like yours (even if it’s not specific to your field)? In their pitch for you, did they bring up questions and/or ideas that are helpful to the root of your project and business needs? A true technology partner is the goal!
4.) Do You Like Them?
I know this might sound silly, but it’s a totally fair question and important to feel out. More than anything, this is about a gut feeling. You will be spending a lot of collaborative time together, it’s best to ensure you’re really on the same team. Below are some ways to help figure that out!
Ask yourself questions, such as:
- Do you understand and feel comfortable with their style of communication?
- Will you be able to communicate the way you need to?
- Do your ideals line up?
- Is there a potential for a difficult relationship due to certain beliefs?
- Do you have a compatible drive and work ethic?
- Are they going to be able to keep up with the pace you need?
- Would you hire them as an employee of your own company?
- Hiring an agency is like hiring a whole new wing of employees, do you feel you can trust them with your technology?
5.) Post-Launch Support Is Key
Has the potential dev company that you’re vetting laid out a clear plan for support once the product has launched? Whether you have internal teams that will be doing the lion’s share or not, it is essential that the company that built your product set clear expectations for how you can anticipate their support. There are a number of things to pay attention to and ask about in regard to their support services. For example, ensure they have a clear support process for you to follow. Find out what their support covers and get the costs affiliated with support.
Great Tech Partnerships, Great Products Made
We hope this brief guide helps you create lasting and valuable relationships with the tech company you partner with next!
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