Having a strong sense of company culture as you scale up as a startup is essential in not falling apart from the original core values.



A great company culture ensures you recruit the best people in terms of their skills and how well they’re going to fit within the team.&nbsp;



This can be hard to maintain and keep track of, as you scale up, but it’s important not to lose track of the vision that got you started with in the first place.



The culture can make or break the company as it affects the company’s most valuable resources &#8211; the people.



According to <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/millennialsurvey.html">research</a>, younger individuals joining the workforce are looking for organisations that reinforce their own personal values, and can maintain a positive environment. &#8211;



“Younger generations are putting their money where their mouths are when it comes to supporting businesses that make a positive impact on society.”



While the paycheck still remains a strong motivator, many say that they would not hesitate to end a relationship with a company that they disagree with in terms of their practices, values and/or political leanings.&nbsp;



Company culture is defined within how people in the organisation behave, their vision, values, language, beliefs, habits, and more.



So, there is no one specific thing that defines company culture. It’s a long-term investment in people that pays off through employee performance.



By maintaining a positive environment where people feel calm and can achieve better performance, the company culture is directly affecting the bottom line. 



Better performance equals better final product and higher productivity, which in turn affects just about every other aspect of the business.



With that said, here’s how to develop a strong sense of company culture and maintain it as you scale up.



<h2>1. Building the Foundation</h2>



It all begins with the “Why”. As your company grows, it’s important to reinforce the starting company missions and values.



The first step of building the company culture begins involves discussion and decisions based on the fundamental values of the business.



What does the organisation want to be known for? How are they different? What makes them stand out?



Ideally, these questions should be asked at the beginning to define the core values as soon as possible.&nbsp;



To make sure you’re on the right track and don’t lose track of your values, it’s a good idea to get them down in writing.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/welcome-to-our-blog-the-story-behind-scale3c/">Our own story behind Scale3C here</a></blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Scale3C-Entrepreneur-Centric-1024x311.png" alt="" class="wp-image-388" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Scale3C-Entrepreneur-Centric-1024x311.png 1024w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Scale3C-Entrepreneur-Centric-300x91.png 300w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Scale3C-Entrepreneur-Centric-768x233.png 768w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Scale3C-Entrepreneur-Centric.png 1684w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Looking for the right talent for your development project? Get in touch at <a href="hello@scale3c.com">hello@scale3c.com</a> to see how we can help.</figcaption></figure>



Think of what matters to your company (vision), and values you want your team members to associate the company with.



From their perspective, this might include things like: 



<ul><li>Flexible/remote work</li><li>Clear communication</li><li>Accountability</li><li>Diversity</li><li>Fun (how you have fun as a company, team building, etc.)</li><li>And more</li></ul>



Once a list of company values is created, it’s time to put them into action. 



These messages then should be shared via employee communications and be present in most of the company decisions. 



The best way to do this is by including them in everything you do. 



For example, if you believe in producing a high-quality product, make sure the feedback and communication methods with the product team is as transparent as possible. 



Ask questions like “What is the WHY behind the product? Is anything missing? How can we improve the product?” 



During the process, make sure to keep your standards high and that everyone involved in the process is not afraid to speak up. High-quality should be present across every single custom-experience touchpoint. 



Company values need to be mirrored in day-to-day activities and communications with clients as well as other employees. An organisation that seeks to be open and transparent in their communications, for example, should make any information they consider important to be accessible by all employees. 



In terms of communications, if they plan to be more informal and close-knit, they could use their first names in emails or even hold face-to-face meetings (though this might depend on the <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/important-project-management-methodologies-for-software-development-choose-one/">methodology</a> and team location). 



The point is that the language you use matters and reflects your team culture. It’s important to keep that consistent as you scale up.	 



Once you have identified a list of values and beliefs you aspire to, the next step is to put those values into action and identify the “Why” behind your activities. 



<h2>2. Defining and tracking the Why</h2>



Defining the “Why” is not a new concept, but many companies often still have a hard time with it.



For many startups, this includes creating the perfect working environment &#8211; one full of foosball tables, free food, bean bag chairs, and more.



While all of that’s good to have, as it can create a welcoming atmosphere, it’s not really a part of your company culture.



You can’t buy your way into having the right culture, as this is focused on the short term.



Instead, the only thing that will hold your company culture intact is determining what your values are and holding yourself accountable to that every single day.



Now, this does not happen overnight and takes patience.&nbsp;



Building a strong Why takes time and patience, but is arguably one of the most important parts of your vision. If you want to recruit, hire, and onboard the right people make sure your Why is clearly defined.



Likewise, culture goes both ways.



Make sure the people you’re recruiting fit within your organisation well also.



When defining the company Why, most organisations go with the Golden Circle concept by Simon Sinek. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Golden-Circle-Why.png" alt="" class="wp-image-389" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Golden-Circle-Why.png 700w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Golden-Circle-Why-300x213.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption> Source: <a href="https://www.smartinsights.com/digital-marketing-strategy/online-value-proposition/start-with-why-creating-a-value-proposition-with-the-golden-circle-model/">SmartInsights</a> </figcaption></figure>



This concept is just as popular now and an important part of defining your value proposition. The golden circle is a concept in an attempt to explain why some people and organisations are able to inspire others, and why some can’t. 



Sinek explains that organisations should start inwards, with the Why first and then move on to the How and What. 



Successfully articulating your Why is essential in your communications (with other people, businesses, etc.).&nbsp; 



Essentially, the Why part refers to the motivation, the How refers to the process and the What to the product. 



As a business, you start off by focusing on the benefits of your product or solution, from the outside in. Then, you focus on how you do what you do.&nbsp; 



Many businesses often overlook why they do what they do. As in, what motivates and inspires them. 



For building the foundation of culture, this is an important step. Because, once you know the Why you can then better communicate your purpose for being to your employees as well as clients.



<h2>3. Scaling up With Culture in Mind</h2>



Once you more or less have a list of certain core values and beliefs in mind, the next thing you should focus on is scaling up, without losing those core beliefs that got you started.



When you’re a smaller team, it’s arguably easier to develop a sense of culture between your employees. When scaling up, it’s important not to lose that close relationship.



One way to do that is to provide feedback channels so as you don’t lose touch with your company when scaling up. Consider weekly video meetings, sending out company-wide (anonymous) surveys, and having regular social meetings and traditions.



Here are some more practical ways to analyse your company culture



<h3>Culture overview</h3>



The first place you can check for an overview of your culture is your communication channels.



For example, consider the language used in your Slack or other communication <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/8-essential-tools-we-use-while-running-a-business-remotely/">tools</a>. To get an overview of your morale, collaboration, freedom of opinion, and more, you can use analyse your team’s keywords used. Here’s how that works. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Bunch.Ai-Keywords-Culture.png" alt="" class="wp-image-390" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Bunch.Ai-Keywords-Culture.png 998w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Bunch.Ai-Keywords-Culture-300x115.png 300w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Bunch.Ai-Keywords-Culture-768x293.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 998px) 100vw, 998px" /><figcaption> Source: Bunch.ai</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://bunch.ai/">Bunch.ai</a> is an AI tool that maps your keywords and phrases used to cultural characteristics, by incorporating the latest research from organisational behavior. Then, a set of KPIs show you how well you’re doing in several key areas of company culture &#8211; such as being customer-focused, goal orientation, collaboration, and more.



<h3>Ensure the environment reflects culture</h3>



Office design and environment can have a significant impact on the company culture, but it can’t replace it.&nbsp;



Keep this in mind when physically scaling the company and designing your new spaces. Several <a href="https://www.dezeen.com/2016/03/22/haworth-white-paper-research-how-to-create-a-successful-organisational-culture-working-styles-office-design/">studies</a> suggest that “architecture and design can support or even change company culture&#8221;. The research points out that the workplace is usually viewed as a cost rather than a performance indicator



Some companies need more formal office layout to help the staff focus on technical problems, this kind of approach requires more individual workspaces.



Meanwhile, others that want to encourage collaboration should, in turn, reflect that with flexible design and plenty of spaces for group activities.



<h3>Recognising achievements</h3>



As you grow and onboard more employees, keeping track of employee satisfaction becomes more and more important.



According to the <a href="https://www.bluleadz.com/blog/annual-digest-of-company-culture-statistics">research</a>, organisations that show regular recognition for achievements experience 31% lower voluntary turnover.



Recognising achievements and milestones show that you’re paying attention and that you care. Consider project achievements, achievement-wide milestones, and other important group KPIs. Make sure you’re tracking what’s important, and when possible, celebrating it with your employees.



<h2>Conclusion</h2>



All in all, developing a strong company culture is an essential part of business, no matter how small it might seem.&nbsp;



Many companies rely on short-term onboarding processes that give the employees only a general overview of their culture. But learning is a continuous, long-term process, and many companies often lose track of this.



If you ever plan to onboard the right people and scale up eventually, it’s good to have the Why behind your company developed, and ideally, written down.&nbsp;



Once done, you have to make sure you don’t lose track of it. Keep track of your communication channels and ensure that your working environment reflects it.



Remember &#8211; culture has a direct effect on productivity. By creating a welcoming environment, you’re investing in your future and current employees.



If you’re looking for the right talent for your development project, skill-wise as well as culture-wise, contact us at <a href="mailto:hello@scale3c.com">hello@scale3c.com</a>. We work with IT projects from scratch, improve current ones, or put them in touch with the right individuals for specific company needs.

How to Develop and Sustain a Strong Company Culture as a Startup

The project management methodology you use will dictate how the rest of the project will perform. Having the right one in place is. essential to success.

5 Important Project Management Methodologies for Software Development (and How to Choose one)

When you’re running a startup, every second can make the difference between meeting your deadlines or falling short.&nbsp;



How you manage your time means the world of a difference between sleepless nights or running a successful corporation. When you realise the importance of time management, you might start taking it more seriously and think about how you can save time each day.



Time is one of the most important resources we’ve got. Once it’s lost, it cannot be recovered.&nbsp;



Everyone has 24 hours each day. How you make use of that is what determines if your startup is going to be successful.



From hacking your sleep schedule to the different project management methodologies though, there are many time techniques out there &#8211; some more effective than others. Though staying up every day till 4 AM to work on your startup might sound like you’re getting more work done &#8211; it’s also a sure way to achieve burnout or gain some serious health problems.



When talking about time management, it’s essential to stress the importance of health.



A healthy mind resides in a healthy body.



If you’re going to be planning for the long-term future, you need to be sure you’ll get there in the first place and not lose your drive.



Elon Musk, for example, is known for putting in 120-hour work weeks and getting less than 7 hours of sleep per day. Science says sleep deprivation is a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-sleep-deprivation-damage-2018-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">recipe for disaster</a>.



If you’re going to be putting in long hours of work, make sure you know some of the health issues you’re risking.



But why risk damaging your body and brain in the first place?



Instead, you might want to consider working smart, not hard.



Some of the benefits of proper time management include:



<ul><li>Increased efficiency and productivity.</li><li>Reduced stress and a higher quality of life.</li><li>More free time to spend with your loved ones.</li><li>Achieving your set goals and meeting your deadlines.</li><li>Having more time to work on the more important parts of your business and scale-up.</li></ul>



Once you know how to manage your time effectively, you can accomplish more.&nbsp;



With that said, at Scale3C, we recommend the following time management techniques to get more done in your startup:



<h2>1. The Eisenhower Matrix</h2>



Dwight Eisenhower lived an extremely productive life.



He was a five-star general in the United States Army, a president of the Columbia University, the first Supreme Commander of NATO, and more &#8211; all this before becoming the U.S. president.



Yet, he still somehow found time to pursue hobbies like golfing and oil painting.



Eisenhower had the incredible ability to sustain his productivity throughout not only weeks, but also decades of work. To say he had a lot of tasks to balance daily would be an understatement.



This eventually led him to invest the now world-famous Eisenhower Method, which is used to help prioritise tasks by urgency and importance.&nbsp;



“I have two kinds of problems, the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important, and the important are never urgent.” &#8211; Dwight Eisenhower



When you’re focusing on efficiency, it’s important to set your priorities first. This is where the above framework comes in. It’s a simple decision-making tool that can help you get started right away.



Here’s how:



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="http://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eisenhower-Box-Time-Management-Technique.png" alt="Eisenhower box as a time management technique illustration" class="wp-image-276" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eisenhower-Box-Time-Management-Technique.png 990w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eisenhower-Box-Time-Management-Technique-300x242.png 300w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eisenhower-Box-Time-Management-Technique-768x621.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px" /><figcaption>Source: <a href="https://jamesclear.com/eisenhower-box" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Jamesclear (opens in a new tab)">Jamesclear</a></figcaption></figure>



Essentially, there are four following quadrants:



<ol><li>Important and urgent tasks with a strict deadline that you need to do straightaway.</li><li>Important, and not urgent tasks that have a deadline and you can do later.</li><li>Unimportant and not urgent tasks that you can delegate to someone or <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/what-you-should-look-for-when-outsourcing-tech/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">outsource</a>.</li><li>Unimportant and not urgent tasks that you need to eliminate from your schedule completely.</li></ol>



The main goal of the matrix is to help you filter any unnecessary noise from your decision-making process and concentrate on the tasks that matter.&nbsp;



As with all time-management frameworks, if you’re going to adopt this one in your life, it’s important you stick to it and work on it consistently. Try not to add more than eight tasks per quadrant so as you don’t get overwhelmed.



Once you have a list and know what’s urgent and what’s not &#8211; getting started becomes much easier.



Tip: if you’re not sure whether you should outsource or do it in-house, read our guide on the topic <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/in-house-vs-outsourcing-what-you-need-to-know-and-overview-of-each/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">here</a>.



<h2>2. Pomodoro technique</h2>



You might have already heard of this time management technique before.



The Pomodoro technique is famous and one of the most effective productivity methods used by startups all around the world. Mainly due to how easy it is to start using it &#8211; all you need is a timer (or just an <a href="https://zapier.com/blog/best-pomodoro-apps/">app</a>).



The technique helps you power through any distractions and stop procrastinating by cutting your tasks into bite-sized pieces. If you always end up distracted halfway through a task, this technique is for you as it allows you to work in short bursts instead.



Once you compile a list of all the tasks you need to take care of for the day, you can then use the Pomodoro technique to manage your time effectively.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="http://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pomodoro-Time-Management-Technique-1024x538.png" alt="Pomodoro guide as a time management technique" class="wp-image-277" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pomodoro-Time-Management-Technique.png 1024w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pomodoro-Time-Management-Technique-300x158.png 300w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pomodoro-Time-Management-Technique-768x404.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption> Source: <a href="https://project-management.com/what-is-pomodoro-technique-and-how-to-utilize-it-to-maximize-productivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Project-Management</a></figcaption></figure>



The whole process can be broken down into four simple steps:



<ol><li>Choose a task you’d like to get done. Doesn’t matter how big the task is. What matters is that you can concentrate on getting it done.</li><li>Set the timer for 25 minutes dedicated to that task and that task alone. Concentrate on giving it all you got and make sure you don’t get distracted until the timer rings.</li><li>Once the time is up, you can then take a short 5-minute break to grab a coffee, go for a walk, or do anything else as long as it’s not work-related.</li><li>Now, repeat the process four times and then take a longer 15-30 minutes break. Afterwards, start again until you’re out of tasks!</li></ol>



Simple, right?



The short work sessions help you really get engrossed in the tasks and the frequent breaks keep your mind fresh. After the break, you can come back with a refreshed state of mind and continue working.



If you’re working in development, for example, the Pomodoro technique is a great way to work in sprint coding-sessions and get a lot of work done in short sprint sessions. While this tactic works in any industry, we’ve had a lot of success in our web development tasks and projects.



If you can’t stand working for hours on end, try the Pomodoro technique and use your breaks wisely.



<h2>3. Pareto Principle (or the 80/20 rule)</h2>



The Pareto Principle simply states that 20% of the inputs or activities are responsible for 80% of the outputs or results.



Originally, the observation came from the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto who noticed that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. This concept can now be applied to most situations in our daily lives and business.



<ul><li>20% of the company’s customers often produce 80% of the total revenue.</li><li>20% of the workers generate 80% of the result.</li><li>20% of the code makes for 80% of the value.</li><li>And so on.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="http://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pareto-Principle-Time-Management-Technique-1024x594.png" alt="Pareto principle for time management 80/20 cup" class="wp-image-278" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pareto-Principle-Time-Management-Technique-1024x594.png 1024w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pareto-Principle-Time-Management-Technique-300x174.png 300w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pareto-Principle-Time-Management-Technique-768x445.png 768w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pareto-Principle-Time-Management-Technique.png 1463w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



It’s important to note that this is not always the case and the ratio might be different sometimes (e.g. it can be 70/30, 90/10, so on).



The practical application of the principle has to do with how we manage our time-to-tasks ratio and prioritise tasks.&nbsp;



Most things in life are not distributed evenly.&nbsp;



So, to better manage your time, try to approach your decision-making and task-management with the 80/20 rule in mind.&nbsp;



Consider the 20% investment you can put into developing a task (e.g. 10 minutes research) and how that will affect the 80% of the bulk work (e.g. 50 minutes writing the code).



There is often an underlying cause with most tasks that can help you get it done faster.&nbsp;



Work backwards and try to figure out what you need to effectively finish the task.



<h2>4. Eat the frog</h2>



“Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day” &#8211; Mark Twain



Now, we don’t advocate actually eating live frogs. Instead, let’s interpret these “frogs” into the most difficult tasks we dread. That makes much more sense and sounds plausible too.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="http://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eat-the-Frog-Time-Management-Technique.png" alt="eat the frog illustration " class="wp-image-279" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eat-the-Frog-Time-Management-Technique.png 960w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eat-the-Frog-Time-Management-Technique-300x191.png 300w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eat-the-Frog-Time-Management-Technique-768x489.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



“Eating the frog” means doing the worst or extremely important task first thing in the morning, to get it out of the way before moving onto other tasks. Once the worst is behind you, you’re more likely to take on a more positive approach the rest of your day.



If you’ve been putting off your worst task because it’s too difficult or demanding, this technique suggests you should focus all of your attention on it so that you can move on. Otherwise, you might end putting it off and procrastinating too long.



Find your most important task, and tackle it first thing in the morning. Getting it out of the way will you give you a momentum to continue and a strong sense of accomplishment early in the day.



For some, this includes code reviews or a long-dreaded web development project. Whatever the task, it’s better to get it out of the way first.



After all, once you’ve eaten the frog, everything else doesn’t sound as hard.&nbsp;



The frog, in most cases, may include tasks that you don’t want to do, but actually have to.



You can use this approach with the Eisenhower Matrix to see what’s the most urgent and important thing you have to do, and start there.



<h2>5. Stop multitasking, start automating</h2>



If you want to get more done, it’s better to go through your daily list of tasks by giving them your undivided attention and then move on only when you’re done. As opposed to trying to juggle too many tasks and getting only half of each done.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="http://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Multi-Tasking-Time-Management-Technique.png" alt="juggling balls as multi tasking time management" class="wp-image-280" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Multi-Tasking-Time-Management-Technique.png 632w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Multi-Tasking-Time-Management-Technique-199x300.png 199w" sizes="(max-width: 632px) 100vw, 632px" /></figure></div>



Instead of doing many things at half-effort, concentrate on getting specific tasks done one at a time. When we switch our focus from one task to another, the change often disrupts our train of thought and forces it to wander off in another direction.



This mainly happens due to small tasks or distractions that might not take long, but long enough for us to switch focus and lose our concentration.



For example, switching to and from different development projects may cause you to lose focus and get lost in your code. It’s better to go through developing each task at a time.



To make the best use of your time, think about how you can automate (if not delegate or outsource) those minor tasks.



Look into using <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://ifttt.com/" target="_blank">IFTTT</a> (If This, Then That) or <a href="https://zapier.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Zapier</a> to connect your apps and streamline your workflow process.



The tools you use in your day-to-day activities are just as important. You need to make sure they’re working for you and you’re not wasting time with any unnecessary features you don’t need.



Tip: we at Scale3C also recommend using the following <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/8-essential-tools-we-use-while-running-a-business-remotely/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">tools</a> to help you get started in managing your startup.



Multitasking can be just as harmful as procrastinating and can kill your productivity. In terms of time management, it does more harm than good. When your focus is split apart between a number of tasks, you’re not really doing either of them that well.



In short, it’s better to list out your priorities (by using the above time management techniques, for example) and then attack them one-by-one. The number one priority should be on quality.&nbsp;



When you’re taking it slow, as long as everything is on schedule &#8211; you’ll be able to clear your workload eventually, slow and steady.



Focus on what&#8217;s urgent and important, ideally at the beginning of the day, and everything else will follow from there.

Every second matters when running a startup. Here's what we at Scale3C recommend for time management to get more tasks done daily.

Scale3C Recommends: 5 Effective Time Management Techniques for Startups

In our previous blog post, we talked about <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/what-you-should-look-for-when-outsourcing-tech/">what you should be looking for when outsourcing tech</a>. 



Outsourcing tech development is one of the more convenient ways you can scale up, assuming you know what you’re looking for.



However, the other side of the coin is doing it in-house.



Both of these options are viable and have their own set of pros and cons. 



Most of the time, however, the decision comes down to the scope of the project. Factors like the time-frame of the project, the budget, and most importantly, your team, are the most important things to take into consideration.



Is the project short-term? Will you continue the working relationship afterwards? Will you be able to find the right talent locally?



Regardless of the option you go with, it’s important to define your requirements and expectations first. 



It may sound obvious, but you need to clearly define what you’re looking for from a project development standpoint first.



This is why there is no right or wrong answer. Each case is different and sometimes you might want to consider hiring in-house rather than outsourcing and vice-versa.



First, to get a better sense of each option though, it’s worth defining what these terms actually mean and what you should look for when considering them.



<h2>What’s the difference?</h2>



In-house (or insourcing) simply refers to assigning a project to a person or a department within the company instead of seeking outside help. 



The cost associated with hiring an inside talent is relatively higher compared to outsourcing. Though it also comes with the benefit of being able to train employees based on the company needs and being available when needed. 



Depending on the project, and if it requires physical presence and communication, this can be a good thing.



For example, in the case of an emergency security breach, it’s a good idea to have someone nearby who can take care of it.



If a situation needs to be dealt with immediately, you need to be able to call someone in to deal with it as soon as possible. In that case, you would have no time to look for an outsourced specialist.



By hiring in-house, the company is potentially paying extra money just to be safe. The employee will be trained to the level deemed necessary and most likely, will continue working with the company. Being able to offer a high salary and the room for growth is sometimes enough to make employees become more invested within the company.



The <a href="https://www.cio.com/article/2417125/9-questions-to-consider-before-insourcing-outsourced-it.html">insourcing process</a> is also arguably simpler as the communication happens face-to-face and for most people &#8211; this is easier. 



There are fewer language and cultural hurdles, no time-zone differences, and the overall management process is also simplified.



<h2>Why you should hire in-house</h2>



So, to recap, some of the benefits of hiring in-house include:



<ul><li>Being face-to-face &#8211; Physical conversations offer more engagement between employees (and employers) when covering the same project. This may lead to an increase in morale, a better understanding of the project and faster progress.</li><li>Long-term relationship &#8211; Once a company decides to hire someone they think is a right fit, they’re investing in the employee’s talents, time, and future. If this is the case, they often want the employee to stick around for future projects and help the company in other ways. An increase in salary, room for growth and other on-office perks are great motivators for most people, especially for the long-term.</li><li>Easier management process &#8211; For all the above reasons, the management process becomes much more simplified. Technical solutions usually become resolved much faster, and emergencies are easier to handle. When necessary, an in-house talent can also direct all their attention to a problem that must be fixed quickly. </li></ul>



With all that said, in-house development also comes with its own set of downsides. It’s easy to feel restricted when looking at in-house development and comparing it to other options. 



<h2>The downsides of hiring in-house</h2>



The cons of in-house development can mainly be seen in terms of its restrictions. 



You need to consider factors like the financial outlay, time, and quality control.



As mentioned above, hiring in-house also means looking for the right person fit for the job, investing in them, and making sure their onboarding process goes well. Finding the right people and training them can be a costly and time-consuming process. 



Additionally, the training never stops, as they will need to constantly update their skills, knowledge, and more. All this, while making sure they’re a right fit within the team culture.



Of course, if they do satisfy all of the above criteria, they will need to be paid a regular competitive salary with certain employee benefits, in order to keep them satisfied within the company.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Hiring-InHouse-Discussion-1024x768.png" alt="Team meeting discussing in-house " class="wp-image-200" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Hiring-InHouse-Discussion-1024x768.png 1024w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Hiring-InHouse-Discussion-300x225.png 300w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Hiring-InHouse-Discussion-768x576.png 768w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Hiring-InHouse-Discussion.png 1934w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Once you do assemble a great in-house team with all the required talent, at the end of the day &#8211; you’re in full control. You have them fresh and ready for anything you might require along the course of the project.



Together, you will be working together towards a common goal, unified by the culture around your brand and have the precise knowledge of every little detail along the way. 



If you have the budget and aren’t constrained in time, this might be the better option for you. If not, however, it’s also worth exploring other options.



<h2>Why you should outsource </h2>



Finding the right way to approach your operational activities is an important part of working on your business, as opposed to working in your business.



You always want to be looking at the most cost-effective and efficient ways to get tasks done.



Outsourcing has been a common practice for most companies (both startups and corporations) for some time now. Thanks to the internet, it is now easier than ever to hire outside help to improve your development work.



If you want to outsource, we recommend finding a company (or a freelancer) that is the perfect fit based on your <a href="https://www.inc.com/bruce-eckfeldt/10-simple-steps-to-define-your-business-processes-and-scale-more-quickly.html">requirements</a>. 



Each project has its own set of requirements, such as the budget, deadlines, and the necessary skills.



Luckily, when seeking outside help, you’re not restricted in who you can hire as the options are practically limitless. 



That is one of the biggest advantages of outsourcing work &#8211; the convenience of choice.



Most freelancers or companies are specialists in very targeted fields, such as software development, product design, UX/UI, and more. So, once you know what kind of talent you’re looking for, you can search for one within that specific niche.



It can take much less time to find talent, once you know what you’re looking for. There are many websites for hiring freelancers for quick one-time projects. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Hiring-Outsource-Discussion.png" alt="illustration outsourcing freelancers for projects" class="wp-image-201" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Hiring-Outsource-Discussion.png 948w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Hiring-Outsource-Discussion-300x228.png 300w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Hiring-Outsource-Discussion-768x583.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px" /></figure>



For short-term projects, outsourcing can be ideal. 



Because if that’s what they specialize in, you’re saving a lot of time and money. As an added benefit, outsourcing can also be cost-effective because you also have access to cheaper talent with the same high-quality proficiency.



To recap, some of the benefits of outsourcing include:



<ul><li>Convenience &#8211; If there’s a certain task you can’t do on your own, there are countless websites dedicated to hiring outside help. Usually, the developers there also specialise in a specific field or niche. This is a great way to save time. If you know what you’re looking for, the only thing that’s left to do is book a call to see if they’d be the right fit for your specific project. </li><li>High-quality talent &#8211; You get what you pay for. Depending on the task, it might be worth paying extra to make sure it’s perfect. The online gig economy is constantly growing and because there are so many freelancers available, all you have to do is filter through ratings and reviews. Once you set your expectations, finding the right talent for the job is just a matter of time.</li><li>Price-factor &#8211; Because of the nature of outsourcing, you can hire talent from other countries where the price for their work might be different. These outsourced employees often cost less than their in-house counterparts, and come with the same quality skillset (if not higher). </li></ul>



Collaboration with external workers also involves some downsides, however. So, there are a number of things you need to keep in mind to minimise them.



<h2>The downsides of outsourcing</h2>



The cons of outsourcing mainly come in being limited within your work relationship.



Most people cite <a href="https://www.onescm.com/5-cs-outsourcing-concerns-address/">communication</a> as their main concern, their involvement in project development, and finally, also have issues regarding transparency. Here’s how you can minimise all of that. &nbsp;



A lot of communication issues arise from the difference in time-zones. It may sound scary at first to hire someone from another country with a 10-hour difference but this can be subverted by maintaining a consistent schedule and sticking to it. 



To do this, set hours that work for you and the outsourced employee, and have times when both of you will be available for calls. 



Proper time-management techniques and having a clear weekly calendar go a long way, as we found out.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Talks-Simon-Anderson-Time-Management-1024x779.png" alt="Scale3C meeting with Simon Anderson regarding time-management in Utah (US)" class="wp-image-202" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Talks-Simon-Anderson-Time-Management-1024x779.png 1024w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Talks-Simon-Anderson-Time-Management-300x228.png 300w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Talks-Simon-Anderson-Time-Management-768x584.png 768w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Talks-Simon-Anderson-Time-Management.png 1999w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption> “The only challenge could be the time management, but we haven’t had any problems with that, all the work and meetings were scheduled on time. We also thought that language might be a challenge, but Scale3C made sure that everyone in the team members speaks English really well. So we, actually, haven’t had any challenges and we have begun to make the decision to use Scale3C for full-time development positions.” &#8211; <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/scale3c-talking-with-simon-anderson-the-ceo-and-founder-of-notis/">Simon Anderson</a>, Scale3C Talks.</figcaption></figure>



Once your time-management and communication guidelines are set, the involvement in project management also becomes easier. 



By having weekly sprints and daily status updates with a constant feedback loop, we make sure everything is in progress. We follow through this with Q&amp;A sessions once developed features go through quality assurance, which are then validated by UX/UI designers.



Finally, having transparency and trust issues at first might be a factor for those outsourcing for the first time. While hiring in-house definitely makes it easier to handle any trust factors, having a contract or an NDA document in place clears away any doubts.



With that said, you can never be too safe when hiring outside help. 



Which is why you should always go with freelancers or agencies you can trust. This is where reviews or word-of-mouth referrals come in useful and it is always a good idea to do your research before hiring.



<h2>Mixed approach</h2>



Both in-house team and outsourcing require a mix of understanding of skills, patience, and diligence. While outsourcing software development might be the more cost-efficient solution, <a href="https://softwarehut.com/blog/it-outsourcing/in-house-vs-outsourcing-development/">retaining in-house staff is a sound long-term strategy.</a>



Ultimately, however, most companies often use a mix of both approaches at the same time. 



Having a ready in-house IT team might be essential to some degree. Though on the other hand, tasks like customer support, online security or development can be outsourced while you continue working on your business. 



If possible, having in-person meetings can also be a great way to boost morale and make sure everyone in the project is on the same page. 



Though this is harder to do when outsourcing, we try to make it happen when possible.



This is why we met two of our key clients in Salt Lake City (US) to discuss business and the work we are doing together (more about <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/category/scale3c_talks/">Scale3C talks here</a>).



<h2>Final thoughts</h2>



Not all roles are right for outsourcing and some tasks are better to do in-house. 



Keeping experts around on the off chance that you might need them in the future can be too costly and time-consuming for most companies. On the other hand, outsourcing all aspects of your business without thinking about your company vision or your customers can kill your momentum.



To find the perfect balance, you might want to define your budget, time constraints, and other requirements in your project management.



It may be hard to satisfy all of your requirements, but as long as you know what you’re looking for, you can manage your project within that scope fairly easily.

In-house vs Outsourcing - What You Need to Know and Overview of Each

Operating a business can be an incredibly hard task.



Even more so when you are doing it remotely without physically meeting all of your clients.



However, working full-time off-site does come with its own set of advantages.



A remote workforce usually works from home, or more commonly, from a co-working space and enjoys the benefits of less overheads and other types of costs. In turn, the employees are more flexible in their work and have a different approach to office culture.



Operating a business remotely can be a smart and effective way to cut costs and grow your brand. 



All this, while not losing out on clients and other advantages of a traditional office environment. If anything, being fully remote exposes you to a wider variety of clients worldwide &#8211; as you’re not limited in terms of who you can work with.



Remote work has many benefits and as office culture is changing, just about everything can now be done remotely in a digital way. From sharing files to conference calls, you don’t need to physically be in the same room anymore. Getting everyone ready in one room at the same time can be more time-consuming than getting on a quick Skype call.



At Scale3C, we are based in Lithuania but we work with international clients &#8211; from the U.S. to the U.K., France, and other countries. We firmly believe in flexible and remote work and the time-zone difference hasn’t been a particularly difficult obstacle for us. 



Virtual communication can be just as effective as face-to-face, as we learned from talking with <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/scale3c-talking-with-simon-anderson-the-ceo-and-founder-of-notis/">Simon Anderson</a> &#8211; one of our key clients living and working in Salt Lake City (U.S.).



Here are a number of other things we learned from the experience of running a fully remote business.



<h2>Importance of Communication</h2>



There is nothing more important than having the foundations of communications organised while working remotely. 



Communication is arguably one of the biggest challenges people might have when thinking about working remotely. Once you establish consistent guidelines of how and when you’ll be working with your clients (and your team), you’ll find that the process becomes a lot smoother.



The time-zone difference, in particular, might seem daunting when doing business with international clients. When you have a 10 hour time difference with your client, you might think it would be hard to keep up with your communications. 



When we sat down with two of our key clients from the U.S., however, we were thrilled to see our communication efforts had paid off.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Jesse-Robinson-Meeting-1024x729.png" alt="Scale3C Meeting with Jesse Robinson of Getch Foundation" class="wp-image-184" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Jesse-Robinson-Meeting-1024x729.png 1024w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Jesse-Robinson-Meeting-300x214.png 300w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Jesse-Robinson-Meeting-768x547.png 768w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Jesse-Robinson-Meeting.png 1999w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>“Yes, you are overseas, but I have never experienced any issues while trying to set up a call with you or get the bugs fixed. You are always very flexible with time… There is a bit of the time difference, but honestly, I would hardly call that an issue. Maybe for some people, it might be an issues not being able to talk to your team face to face, but for me, face to face is less important, technology is so good these days when it comes to virtual communication.” &nbsp;&#8211; <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/scale3c-talking-with-jesse-robinson-executive-director-getch-foundation/">Jesse Robinson</a> on the challenges of working with a remote development agency.</figcaption></figure>



We found that though the time-zone difference can be challenging at first, being flexible when it comes to meetings is an easy way to plan ahead. Sometimes this might mean coming in earlier than usual or staying a bit later, but it’s definitely doable as long as you’re consistent with your meetings.



Once you set up your communication channels with your clients, you’ll find just how smooth your meetings can be. To keep it simple, create a separate communication channel for video calls, a separate one for emergencies where you’d be available all day, and another one (usually emails) to recap and cover weekly tasks.



This way, you’ll be more flexible with your clients, and they’ll know when and where to reach you if they need you. 



Time is an essential asset and when you have specific channels for your communications, you’ll find that the weekly team meetings will become much more productive and less of a chore.



<h2>Planning is key</h2>



Planning out meetings across different time zones become an essential part of your schedule once you find out how to communicate in the most efficient way possible.



Afterwards, to make sure everything goes as planned, you need to be consistent within your time management and organisation.



For this, our approach is different with each client but our values are the same.



Essentially, we create a roadmap, document each step and a task during the way, and follow it thoroughly, while still having the room to make changes.



Flexibility is the core of how we handle things as we tend to adjust to the client’s needs and practices.



Here is what that <a href="https://scale3c.com/#process">process</a> usually looks like:



<ol><li>First, we brainstorm together to get an idea of the desired product.</li><li>We then explore possible technologies and solutions to create the vision and how we’ll get there.</li><li>Based on that, we match the best talent who can fulfil those specific needs to the project and create a backlog of the first sprints.</li><li>During the weekly sprints, we give daily status updates and create a constant feedback loop with the client on the progress. Each week consists of shippable increments and is followed with quality assurance when the QA specialist and a UX/UI designer validates the deliveries.</li><li>Finally, we have a final review of everything and release the final product with the client’s permission.</li></ol>



Though our “formula” to each project-organization tends to be the same, we also realize that each client is different with their own set of unique needs. This is why our practice is built around their needs and we are always available each step of the way. During which, we keep things clean and clear in our documentation and track everything without any unnecessary bureaucracy.



Adaptability is also important here and it’s a good idea to have a back-up plan in case things go wrong. You can’t be ready for everything, no matter how well you plan, there might always be certain unforeseen variables along the way.



<h2>The team matters</h2>



Like when communicating with a client, it’s just as important to have the same approach to your internal communications and work culture. If you’re working remotely and your team is close all day, it’s essential to have high morale and a strong sense of work culture.



How you communicate when you’re not working reflects your attitude when working on a project. It’s important to get a sense of everyone’s personalities and how they react to different situations. 



It’s the relationship between team members that creates a true company culture and when everyone feels natural communicating with each other. For this reason, you might have to put in extra work to make everyone feels more connected and real. 



Apps like Slack and Google Hangouts help but it’s just as important to create a meaningful bond face-to-face in a physical environment when possible.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Slack-Channel-Communications.png" alt="Scale3C Slack channel communications screenshot" class="wp-image-185" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Slack-Channel-Communications.png 493w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Slack-Channel-Communications-203x300.png 203w" sizes="(max-width: 493px) 100vw, 493px" /></figure></div>



If you’re working with a startup and don’t have a lot of employees, it’s somewhat easier to create a sense of culture. Though, this also means you have to make sure you’re hiring the right people each time. Having people who are passionate about the project is the key, especially if you want your company to stand-out.



For this, meetups can be a great way to bring the whole team close, not only on projects but when working together as well. Interpersonal relationships shared by all the team members are just as important outside the office.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Team-Outside-Work.png" alt="Scale3C team meeting outside office meetup" class="wp-image-186" srcset="https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Team-Outside-Work.png 720w, https://old.scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scale3C-Team-Outside-Work-225x300.png 225w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



Every meetup we’ve held has brought the team closer, both inside and outside work. How we keep progressing and growing together is a testament to that. Any obstacles we find along the way brings us together and being able to communicate effortlessly is the key to problem-solving.



If you would like to find out more about us and what the 3C stands for &#8211; be sure to read <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/welcome-to-our-blog-the-story-behind-scale3c/">the story behind Scale3C</a> 



<h2>Collaboration</h2>



In short, being fully remote has its advantages and it’s important to capitalize on them. 



Collaborations are an essential characteristic of any healthy organization. Culture drives collaborative practices among individuals, teams, and the working relationship with the clients.



As a result, teams are more likely to see greater communication and overall success. Start with making sure everyone is on the same page &#8211; both in terms of their work approach and so that they’re a right fit within the team as well. 



Once you have the right communication guidelines down, everything else follows naturally. Ultimately, organizations are about people and their success lies in the successful execution within their collaboration.

Tips to Keep in Mind when Running a Fully Remote Business

Both startups and corporations choose to outsource parts of their business functions. Tech development, most notably, is one of the most common outsourced jobs today.



The number one benefit outsourcing tech offers is the convenience. However, just like hiring offline workers, there are a number of things you should keep in mind.



If you’ve decided to outsource parts of your software development, you’ll find that some companies and freelancers you work with tend to be more reliable than others, depending on your budget.



In other words, you get what you pay for.



The online gig economy is constantly growing. Right now, there are more freelancers than ever (with 53% of U.S. companies using flexible workers, according to <a href="https://upwork.docsend.com/view/c35mxp4">Upwork</a>).



Though it is too soon to say if the field is saturated or not, there are still some precautions you should take when outsourcing tech. For example, it goes without saying that you shouldn’t hire just about anyone you find online. So, the first thing you should do before hiring any online help is &#8211;



<h2>Define your requirements</h2>



Every project is different and so is every tech developer.



It’s a good idea to set your expectations beforehand and let it be known to the person you’re outsourcing your work to. 



With a limited amount of time, it’s hard to truly get to know someone on the other end of the screen, so it’s best to get down to brass tacks straightaway.



Some of the more obvious things you should be looking for in an applicant is if they’ve worked on a project similar to yours, what tech they specialize in, and some of the other essential details (how long it’s going to take, how much it’s going to cost, and so on).



Be sure to also consider the “<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/317624">soft skills</a>” in a developer. Communication is crucial to any successful project and can make or break how well it’ll go. Set clear boundaries with your workers beforehand and define how and when you’ll be communicating (Slack channel, phone calls, etc.).



There is nothing worse than not being able to contact your employees on demand. Simply setting clear working hours (so that your timezones match up) when they’ll be available can save you a lot of trouble down the road. 



Remember: proper planning prevents poor performance.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sdqa0dkqOxvF4ADc7zEcfy1cbmtHcMSHtO_NjOb31ibnaqusLXVr5oiIJGVQsHFK4rqAq0UMMIwFXL-xhbfJXTYwfsvum_nYYkucMDeNbK_-g7I4_7ydM4ulmRn6tioVjhaXZ3I" alt="Deciding-Requirements-Tech-Outsource"/></figure>



To start, it’s a good idea to have some ground rules defined (in terms of what you’re looking for and how you’ll be working together). 



This way, you’re saving yourself a lot of trouble in case things go wrong. You’re also making it easier for your outsourced employee as well. If you already have certain guidelines to live up to, they’ll know what to expect on your part.



It’s better to have certain onboarding material ready for your online employees than to be forced to meet them halfway through and figure things out as you go.



Quality is conformance to requirements.



Once you’ve set clear expectations and defined how your outsourced help will be able to integrate into your current workflow and organisation, the next step is taking a look at some of the core factors that you might want to take into consideration when outsourcing tech.



<h2>Cost-efficiency</h2>



This is where it all starts. 



Can I afford it? How much will it cost?



These are some of the most first and the most important questions you might be asking yourself when considering hiring online work.



To give a more detailed breakdown of what it means to be cost-efficient, you need to consider time, quality, and money (or <a href="https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/triple-constraint-project-management-time-scope-cost">the triple constraint</a>). 



One of the most important benefits of outsourcing tech is being able to get work done at a relatively lower cost than hiring in-house in a more efficient way. 



Though, this largely depends on where you’re outsourcing your work. 



It might be tempting to hire a worker from a country where the cost of living is lower, because their wages would also be lower. But there are other factors you need to take into consideration here as well &#8211; such as the quality of their work, work-culture, time barriers and more.



All of this usually has a direct or an indirect effect on their cost as well. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/nOTO73f8uYsEaC_E722E22Z6P--JFnTAZ6tlLnzAYWrbw1NgUpC0hRQVOe3gJFJDZjMg5IDJxcJFAGTsJYavogfhns9ZCD3Ci7tkDTv3hFjh4kCH1BsKZFYRuoGZ0DJKwi1w9qo" alt="Cost-Efficiency-Tech-Outsource"/></figure>



For example, if someone has a lot of experience in communicating with tech startups and also specializes in app development, chances are, they’re going to come at a higher rate as well. 



This would be backed up by their experience and expertise, which once again goes to the “defining your requirements” part.



On the other hand though, just because they’re willing to work for less, doesn’t always mean the quality will be high as well. There is a huge difference in the wage pattern between the developed and the developing countries, and a lot depends on the cost of living. The type of work you can get done in the West may come at a much higher price than in a developing country. 



Though, this might be reflected in the quality of their work as well.



Finding that sweet-spot between cost and quality is never easy. You shouldn’t be looking at outsourcing only from a financial standpoint. 



Instead, you should also take into consideration &#8211; 



<h2>Scaling up</h2>



Depending on how things are going until now, you might want to continue working with your online employee on additional projects, or cut your losses and start from scratch.



Ideally, it’s the former but either way, you should be prepared for both cases.



If things have been going well with your outsourced help, be sure to document everything and note down what made it work so well for the future. For future projects, you’ll already have experience on how to approach tasks and you’ll waste no time preparing. 



If you’re going to be working with the employee &#8211; that’s even more convenient as you both will know what to expect. If you want to take things to the next level to <a href="https://channels.theinnovationenterprise.com/articles/how-today-s-small-businesses-use-outsourcing-to-scale-up">scale up</a> &#8211; you could look into hiring an agency, instead of single freelancers.



Hiring a tech agency might come at a relatively higher cost but that’s the option most startup entrepreneurs go with. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/PjxiaJiB6yNtu6kzZBrbpWWGkWCNgGLvEDxb2ILO38E853l-gdmnQEnIyz002Ub9MkYJp7mD_9tdNcABcZZbEVjWGTdh3QbIJ2QQdmWXeq7tFGu3l4D94VvQhW3DshUiDXeIKVY" alt="Scaling-Up-Your-Business-Through-Tech-Outsource"/></figure>



Of course, as mentioned above, a lot depends on your work and what you’re trying to accomplish. It goes without saying that you should do your research first.



When considering an agency, you should also take into consideration their work culture and vision. If it aligns with yours (e.g. you’re both focused on Android development as a startup) &#8211; the process is likely to be a lot smoother.



Additionally, with an agency, it’s more likely to know what you’re getting yourself into, as opposed to a mere freelancer. But there are also other things you should be looking into when considering outsourcing to an agency.



Look for any testimonials and past projects that make them stand out, what their work process and approach is like, their vision, target market, and more. If they already have some experience with working on projects similar to yours, everything is much more likely to go smoother.



Well-done scaling up campaign, especially when it comes to tech, can skyrocket your firm to success. If you’re going to go with an agency, be prepared, consider your options and know what you’re getting yourself into.



<h2>Work methodology</h2>



An essential part of any project management is deciding on a development methodology you’ll use.



This topic gets a lot of discussion and because every software development process is different, there is no right or wrong answer. Instead, a lot depends on your work process, deadlines, and quality control.



Generally, the two most popular methodologies are <a href="https://www.seguetech.com/waterfall-vs-agile-methodology/">waterfall and agile</a>, both of which have been tried and tested but have two different work uses, with their own strengths and weaknesses. 



When it comes to outsourcing tech development, you need to take a step back and look at your project management within the bigger picture to find the methodology that best suits you.



What you will find is that the process from vision to launch depends a lot on your flexibility. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/hzaOt2Wh7P-Lw_b8tCZY1joChPsF5SbH_0um2pCf9tRzc8mcDI5SnQsUg_2rlUU0HbOZDZk5c-l4osvkF33eEr34GQ0_K3AAAmx-_B7QBFUqCvCs89xsC1ajvVha6CpJIWJReU4" alt="Scale3C-Methodology-Process"/><figcaption><a href="https://scale3c.com/#process">Scale3C Process</a> </figcaption></figure>



For instance, the waterfall methodology is a linear approach to tech development and each of its stages must be finished before the next one can begin. Because the design is decided on early in the <a href="https://securityintelligence.com/the-system-development-life-cycle-a-phased-approach-to-application-security/">development lifecycle</a>, this approach is better suited for projects where multiple software components must be designed.



Agile is based around rapid delivery of the tech functions &#8211; on sprints, in other words. Rather than creating tasks and schedules, development is defined within sprints (usually in weeks), where most work is completed. And if it’s not done, planned work is reprioritized for future sprint planning.



Agile relies on a high level of customer involvement throughout the project and a lot of back-and-forth communication.



Once you’ve decided on which methodology to use, you can then refine the process to best fit your project goals. Though this isn’t to say your development process must follow either of the above methodologies, it’s still a good idea to define them beforehand to make the process easier for everyone involved.



<h2>Putting it all together</h2>



All in all, if you’re thinking of outsourcing tech development, you should first have an overall idea of what you’re after and what your project management approach will be like.



As long as there is active participation (from you and your employee&#8217;s side) and proper communication established &#8211; the development process is bound to go better when everyone is involved.



Regardless of the model you choose, it’s just as important you don’t forget regular communication and exchange of feedback. These soft skills, along with a sense of personality, work culture and a vision can go a long way.



Once you’ve set your requirements and expectations, one final thing you should do to decide if outsourcing is the right choice for you is to actually talk to and get to know who you’re taking on for outside work.



The testimonials and reviews can only say so much. The best way to actually know if who you’re outsourcing your tech to is the right fit, is by learning more about their work approach and vision.



Chances are, there are a number of online workers who can help you get your work done. However, &nbsp;the number of people who can do so while keeping your brand and your approach in mind &#8211; much less.



Every project is different and it’s very likely for your requirements and work process to be unique to you. 



As such, when outsourcing any kind of work online, being prepared and flexible are some of the best ways to go about doing so, and to bring your ideas to life &#8211; you need help from someone who truly understands your approach.



<h2>Being entrepreneur-centric</h2>



Here at Scale3C, our approach is something we like to call <a href="https://scale3c.com/#entrepreneur-centric">entrepreneur&#8211;centric</a>.



We always keep your needs in mind and go from there. 



We know what it is like to be a startup and we specialise in providing an approach that is based around flexibility. So, first, we have a brainstorming session with you to get an idea of what the desired product is like and then take the weight of product development off your shoulders.



This way, you’re involved in our step-by-step process to launch your product, and receive constant updates each step of the way. Our weekly sprints consist of daily status updates and a constant feedback loop with you to make sure everything is working as intended.



Afterwards, each of our developed features goes through quality assurance, during which a QA specialist, a UX/UI designer and product owner validate the deliveries.



In the end, we do a final review with the customer and release after your GO decision.



If you are interested, <a href="https://scale3c.com/#quote">Request a quote</a> now and let us work towards winning your trust and getting more business, or email us at (hello@scale3c.com) if you have any questions.

What You Should Look for When Outsourcing Tech

Welcome to our first Scale3C blog post!



We are very excited to launch this blog where we will share with you the latest trends in web and mobile technologies. In an easy way, we will help you to understand the differences between similar technologies or will share insights why for example native mobile app could be a better investment into your product&#8217;s future and scalability. Our developers, designers, and product owners will also share their personal insights and knowledge with you on various topics. In our &#8220;Scale3C Talks&#8221; section you will find interviews with our clients and entrepreneurs from different business fields. Finally, we have a place where we will be able to share our expertise and experience with you!



Let us introduce ourselves, the founders of Scale3C &#8211; <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurynas-pletkus-a3522a61/">Laurynas</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariuskavaliauskas/">Darius</a>, 2 friends who have decided to start their own business after many years of work for the big corporations. Please check our LinkedIn profiles to get a better understanding of our professional background.



While working together we come up with the idea to start the company which could help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life by leveraging design and technology. A company which would be known for its quality of work, creativity, the dedication of the team and who would be your guide and friend on a daily basis. We wanted to help other businesses to grow by providing them world-class IT services for a reasonable price, as from our experience we knew that it is challenging to find a trustworthy IT company which could fully meet your expectations or even exceed them.



Starting from 2017 we have helped many companies to scale their
businesses and be prepared for the next investment. Our team consists of very
professional and talented people and they are coming from various fields and
companies what brings us a unique advantage when we are working with clients
from various fields and we need to combine the best suitable team for them.
Please find out more of some of us in our &#8220;Team&#8221; section. 



From simple websites to complex IT systems we are building unique and engaging experiences on web, hybrid, iOS and Android platforms with interactive UI/UX designs, animations, and 3D models. If you have a long lasting project we also provide outsourcing services where you can have your own development team dedicated only for you. Our practice is built around your needs. Let us take the weight, of product development, off your shoulders. Other good reasons to start with us: 



<ol><li>We bill fairly. Request a quote, compare with other development agencies and see it for yourself. </li><li>We make realistic estimates and follow the roadmap. </li><li>We&#8217;re always there for you. Our clients praise the way we run their projects. </li><li>Always know what&#8217;s happening and when it is going to be completed. </li><li>We keep clean and clear documentation. No bureaucratic nonsense. </li><li>The first thing we do is sign the NDA. Your trade secrets are safe with us. </li><li>Unlike some other developers, we always track the hours fairly. </li><li>We’ll be able to support your legacy code or advice on what technology to use for your brand-new project to maximize ROI.</li></ol>



The most
important principle of our work is flexibility! We’ll adjust
to your process practices if they are in place. If not, we’ve got things
covered as well: 



<ol><li>We will brainstorm together with you to get an idea of what is the desired product. </li><li>We start with wireframes and explore existing technologies to create the envisioned solution. </li><li>Matching the best talents who can fulfill the needs of the client and the complexity of the product. </li><li>A backlog is created and planning of first sprints starts based on priorities set. </li><li>Daily status updates and a constant feedback loop with you on the progress is set. </li><li>Each developed feature is going through quality assurance: QA specialist and UX/UI designer validate the deliveries. </li><li>We do a final review with you and release after a GO decision.</li></ol>



Now, you know much more about us than before. We hope you have enjoyed this read and now you have a better understanding of how we could help your business to scale. Please reach out to us, and let&#8217;s talk!



P.S. If you were wondering what &#8220;3C&#8221; stands for, the answer is &#8211; Connect, Consult, Complete.



Cheers,



Darius &amp; Laurynas



The Founders of Scale3C

How to Develop and Sustain a Strong Company Culture as a Startup

5 Important Project Management Methodologies for Software Development (and How to Choose one)

Scale3C Recommends: 5 Effective Time Management Techniques for Startups

In-house vs Outsourcing - What You Need to Know and Overview of Each

Tips to Keep in Mind when Running a Fully Remote Business

What You Should Look for When Outsourcing Tech

Welcome to our blog: The story behind Scale3C

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