Andrew Michalik
Hiring Information
Doing Business: Overview
Rates are charged on an hourly basis, much like those for an attorney or accountant. Like an attorney or accountant, quotes or estimates can be provided without a detailed prior consultation for very simple tasks (like an accountant might do to file a simple tax form). However, because technology systems can be incredibly complex, quotes and estimates are provided in only special cases and only after producing a detailed Project Plan.
Project Plans
Here is a sample Project Plan. It offers a detailed data flow with estimates for the supporting pieces. This plan took 3 days to do the interviews and estimate (which the client paid for) and the results were excellent. Project Plans are an important first step to achieve any kind of accuracy in the work that will be performed later.
Going forward, the Project Plan forms a basis for the documentation, providing the client with knowledge on how to make changes and maintain the systems. Click for a Sample Project Design Plan.
Estimates
Estimates are provided much as an architect creates a drawing for a building. The architect's client purchases this "design", and is welcome to shop for bids from building contractors. Much like the architect, there is no prior commitment to implement the design. The estimates and assumptions are realistic. There's no "bait and switch" with subsequent surprise budget changes.
"Simple", "Easy", or "Quick" Projects
If your project is "Simple", "Easy", or "Quick", I can refer you to someone who specializes in those types of projects. Because of my background, I prefer projects that are too difficult for your average contractor.
Out-of-Area Contracts
Contracts out-of-area with companies equipped to handle telecommuting are welcome.
Consultations
There is no charge for an initial one-hour phone consultation.
Travel and accommodation expenses are billed at reasonable and actual rates.
Work is performed on a time and materials, portal to portal, best effort, work-for-hire basis.
Part-time teleconferences and on-site visits arranged on a mutually agreed upon schedule.
Invoices are due upon receipt. Terms are available on approved credit after 200 consulting hours and a minimum six (6) month relationship. Small business "Net 0" discounts available.
Rates (hourly):
| Hourly | 1 - 8 hours | $140.00 |
| Daily | 1 - 10 days | $130.00 |
| Short-term | 2 weeks to 3 months | $120.00 |
| Long-term (Preferred) | 3+ months | $110.00 |
| Additional 10% discount for flex-time, part-time and off-site work. I save on commuting costs and pass it on to you. | ||
Permanent Positions
1) An Enterprise or Executive
level position with a Fortune 1000
company.
2) A C-Level position with a
non-Fortune 1000 company.
3) An international contract in or
near the following cities: London,
United Kingdom Berlin, Germany
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Stuttgart, Germany Sydney, Australia
Please provide details if you believe you have a position that meets these criteria.
Legal & Accounting
Net-15 terms are available to companies with a good credit history. Net-30 terms are available for services performed on a retainer basis. Terms are available on approved credit after 200 consulting hours and a minimum six (6) month relationship. All work is performed on a work-for-hire, best effort basis.
Questions and Answers
Q: I am looking for a web design solution. I run a XYZ Products Trading company. I designed a simple web site in-house. I need a more sophisticated design for my new project including: Database, mailing lists, news retrieval, BBS, membership, search engine. What can you offer?
A: We visited your preliminary site to get a feel for what your overall goals. We can handle all of the above. What do you want to keep in your database? Membership data? Product information? Do you wish to accept orders for products over the Web? What do you mean by 'news retrieval'? For a 'BBS', the terminology these days is 'discussion group' or 'forum'. You can do that either via a local USENET newsgroup or via a web-based discussion group.
Q: I need feedback on the following: How do I begin the process?
A: Our approach is to perform an overall requirements analysis. The analysis would result in a deliverable which included a specific plan for implementing each of the features of your web site and a cost estimate.
Q: Once the goals are set, what is next?
A: Once the requirements analysis is finished and approved by you, we do the job or you decide to use our plan and hire someone else to do the actual work. If you go with us, we would be interacting with you as we go to make refinements to the spec, get your feedback, etc.
Q: What is the cost?
A: Our rate is $125/hour for short term projects (one day to a few weeks). For longer term contracts, we will negotiate a rate. The overall cost will depend on the exact scope of what you need (what does your database do, how sophisticated is the discussion group, etc.). The site development would take an amount of time proportional to the complexity of the site. Of course, there will be follow-up work required to make adjustments, add minor features, etc. A low-cost maintenance contract for ongoing maintenance to upgrade software, make minor improvements, etc. can be negotiated.