(and email I sent to Kyle regarding taking Bitovi from Staff Aug to Consultant)
Let's start with definitions and reality.
First definitions:
staff augmentation contract implies that the client has staff and process, and we contracted to do work -- to increase velocity
consultant doesn't imply developing at all, it implies advising -- the work product may be a document detailing what was advised
The reality is, most Bitovi contracts are staff augmentation contracts, but staff aug and consulting are not mutually exclusive.
This email documents high-level steps Bitovi can take to transition from primarily Staff Augmentation contracts to also include Consulting Contracts.
The entire process centers around changing the internal and external perceptions of what business Bitovi is in.
Short term:
Train developers to ask questions about the business
Train developers to observe problems during development, and perform root cause analysis with actionable advice as the documented outcome
Train developers to observe efficiencies and document them internally as good practices to use on other contracts
Write blog posts and gives talks that are more business focused than tech focused. The goal here is to show that Bitovi is thinking about these problems.
Intermediate:
In pre-closing talks, ask "Why? Why do you need this built? Have you talked to customers? How far along in the process are you?". Figure out who the customer is. We can't advise them on doing the right thing if we don't have even the most basic of information.
During a contract, ask more detailed questions, record responses, and learn about the industry. This information adds to the "advising" role.
Start to change copy on website away from technology and more towards solving problems and delivering value with technology.
More articles and talks. Maybe some industry specific ones (if we have good info from previous clients).
Long Term:
Cultural frame of reference changes. Technology is the means, and not the ends.
Land shorter (1 to 2 weeks) higher-priced contracts. We research, we consult, and we document. If it is technology, maybe we get to bid on its implementation.
Development is a service offered, but is not the focus. Value is the focus. Understanding and delivering on business value for any client and industry that needs it.
(and email I sent to Kyle regarding taking Bitovi from Staff Aug to Consultant)
Let's start with definitions and reality.
First definitions:
The reality is, most Bitovi contracts are staff augmentation contracts, but staff aug and consulting are not mutually exclusive. This email documents high-level steps Bitovi can take to transition from primarily Staff Augmentation contracts to also include Consulting Contracts. The entire process centers around changing the internal and external perceptions of what business Bitovi is in.
Short term:
Intermediate:
Long Term: