Many entrepreneurs who dream of developing their projects but encounter budget constraints often turn to hiring solo engineers. While many professionals are available, unfortunately, project failures are not uncommon due to preventable issues, there is something about being the only technical person in charge of a project that can tempt good professionals into cutting corners and undermining accountability. This blog aims to delve into these red flags that, if identified, should prompt immediate action to protect your investment.
Doing Things Right from Get-Go
For those not well-versed in the technical intricacies of development, establishing a robust project management structure is pivotal. This doesn't require an in-depth understanding of coding but involves setting up essential frameworks. Firstly, creating a task management board visible to both parties provides a dynamic overview of tasks, stories, and development stages. This transparency ensures everyone is on the same page regarding project status. Secondly, outlining a clear timeline that both parties agree upon is crucial. While occasional delays are understandable, a persistent deviation from the agreed-upon timeline should raise concerns. Lastly, maintaining control over access to tools, repositories, and environments is vital. Avoiding reliance on an engineer's personal accounts ensures you retain ownership and control, enabling a seamless transition if necessary.
If (or once) you are already in the middle of development, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
Regular Deployments Are Not the Norm
A telling sign that something might be amiss is prolonged periods between deployments. An effective engineer should ideally be deploying changes on a weekly basis to a shared repository. Each week without deployment not only means a potential loss of work but also hampers project momentum. Regular, consistent deployments foster collaboration between the owner of the product and the engineer, ensuring that the project evolves steadily and aligns with the intended trajectory.
No Documentation
Whether you plan to stick with a solo engineer throughout the project or anticipate the need for additional help down the line, robust documentation is non-negotiable. This documentation serves as a resource for reference and insight into the project's progress. An engineer's reluctance to document their process might be indicative of issues in their code structure, unhealthy development practices, or a lack of intention to share knowledge. Comprehensive documentation not only provides visibility for project owners but also facilitates a smooth transition for additional engineers who may need to step in.
Multiple Delays on the Same Tasks
Engineering, by its nature, involves complexities that may lead to occasional delays. While this is understandable, persistent delays on the same tasks, with constantly shifting deployment dates, should raise concerns. This could indicate technical challenges the engineer is grappling with, an inability to meet deadlines due to juggling multiple projects, poor time management practices, or other underlying issues. Vigilance is crucial, especially when overcommitment becomes a pattern, as it may signal deeper challenges that need addressing.
What to Do if You Spot These Issues?
Entrepreneurs must recognize that their time and financial resources are invaluable. If critical issues surface, immediate action is necessary. This doesn't necessarily mean severing ties with the engineer, but seeking an external perspective is advisable. Oceans Code Experts, for instance, offers expert audits that shed objective light on project status. Additionally, providing contingent engineers and resources can help realign the project trajectory. Proactivity in addressing issues ensures a smoother journey from project inception to realization.
In the entrepreneurial pursuit of turning dreams into reality, the solo developer route can be fraught with challenges. Identifying and acting upon red flags early can be the difference between project success and failure. While solo developers can be invaluable assets, maintaining vigilance and proactively addressing issues is paramount. Oceans stands ready to assist entrepreneurs in navigating these challenges, ensuring the full potential of solo-driven projects is realized.
