This post provides a general overview of how I work with clients, and on collaborative projects. If you’re thinking about working with me, this should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Over the years, my personal and business goals have evolved and grown. I’m not talking here about growth in terms of corporate strategy or market share, but more about the kinds of work I want to do, and the impact my actions can have on society.
And as these goals have evolved, so too have my business practices. Nowadays, I’m much more interested in working with good people on projects that help create healthier, more vibrant communities.
A different kind of workweek.
The workweek around here isn’t limited to 9-5 Monday through Friday. Things are a bit more fluid. 🙂
I schedule my week to align with my lovely wife’s work schedule. As a medical professional, Betty’s workdays vary, including alternating weekends. I value our time together, and set up my work calendar accordingly. My scheduled workdays are available for review on my Calendly calendar, which is always updated for at least the coming thirty days.
Workdays for me typically run from about 11:00am – 9:00pm ET. My clients on the East Coast tend to understand that I won’t be bugging them for early morning meetings, and folks out west find this schedule aligns nicely with their workdays.
And while I’m not suggesting it for everyone, I’ve found that with fewer interruptions, weekends are often the most productive times for getting things done.
During off-hours, I try to maintain healthy work boundaries. Yes, I’m accessible to help out pretty much any time in the event of a crisis, but that’s the exception rather than the rule. If Betty and I are heading offline—say, into the great outdoors for a while—I’ll make sure to give you an appropriate heads up.
Project management
A new project begins with an open discussion, a time where we can share information and begin to place your goals into an appropriate context. Understanding current pain points, user issues and technology constraints helps to define what success will look like down the road.
I’m experienced with a wide range of project management software, and can quickly come up to speed within an organization’s established workflow.
That said, my standard go-to tools for collaborating include:
- Asana For project management and shared calendars. When we work together, you can access a custom Asana Workspace, where you can review and update the shared project calendar, create and manage tasks, and carry on conversations.
- Google Drive, Docs, Sheets A private shared repository for copy, documentation, data analysis, asset management.
- Github Code development and sharing
- Slack Team communication for groups
For design and development, a few favorite tools get used regularly around here, including:
- Figma Prototype and wire framing toolkit
- Local-WP WordPress development environment
- VIM and Visual Studio Code Open-source code editors
- WP-Engine and SiteGround WordPress site hosting
Scaling virtual teams
Quite often, I work one-on-one with a marketing executive or solopreneur, helping define goals, develop strategies, and implement solutions.
Other assignments require a greater degree of attention.
Project complexity, scope, and time constraints can all contribute to the need for an integrated team of specialized professionals.
I’m proud to work with a stellar group of creative pros — writers, photographers, producers, developers and designers. With proven talent and expertise, each participant is a valuable contributor to the project’s success.
Our virtual teams get to do their best work with steady, open communication, using accessible cloud-based project management.
Feel free to contact me and find out how we can team up to help bring projects of any size to life.
Invoicing
All projects are based on an initial estimate, which establishes project scope, delivery, schedule and cost. Changes to any of these elements are discussed and documented as needed throughout the course of the project.
The project estimate will also define the invoicing schedule. Projects are often invoiced at pre-agreed milestones. Unless otherwise agreed, all invoices are net 10 days, with late invoices subject to a 1.5% monthly service charge.
I use Harvest for generating invoices, which can be paid online. Invoice notification emails will come from notifications@harvestapp.com. Please whitelist this address to avoid missing any important documents.
Keeping in touch
Throughout any project, I’m available as needed via phone, text and email, and am always willing to respond to your questions or needs.
Keeping lines of communication open is just one of the ways I work to ensure our work together is productive and rewarding for everyone involved.