FAQ

Updated 02-2022

Please contact me if you did not find an answer to a specific question or if you have more questions?

The questions and answers were extracted from the general questions I usually get asked by business owners or companies. I thought this section would be sufficient to showcase them.

If you need to describe yourself and your services, skills and experience to someone, what will it be?

I am a multi-faceted software professional specializing in web-based software solutions and technology. I am like an octopus that likes to have its tentacles in many pots. This is because of my past experience as a business owner running IT-based businesses since 2001, where I not only had service-based businesses, but retail-based ones as well. As a business owner, you need to be at the top of your game, and be involved in all departments to guarantee the success of your venture. You need to learn a lot of tricks of the trade and be involved. Communicate clearly and follow an action plan to the point. This made me do all types of work, from assisting and supporting clients, to assisting in doing the technical work, to doing the monthly accounts, working with suppliers, etc. Since I am used to attending to all clients' needs where possible, it became like second nature to make sure that I have all the skills and tools available to be able to supply the full package to my clients, as I have always done since 2001.

The popular saying goes "A jack of all trades is a master of none". That is not the complete statement and it actually has a part missing. The complete saying is."A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one." It is achievable to become a master of many, just like everything in life, it takes time to learn and grow your skills. You may fail, and you may fail again, but the most important part is the experience you gain from those failures. It's about standing back up and taking control. That is experience in its truest form.

What makes a project work?

Commitment, Good Communication, Best Practices, Good Experience and with a mix of good Transparency & Honesty. Then the most important of all, be always available no matter what.

Also, I do not sugar coat a proposal. In other words, I do not make empty promises.

What questions might you ask a client when starting a new project?

I would first establish a sense of good communication. Make sure that me/I and the client can understand each other. Inform them where I come from and how I operate and most importantly, how they can get always hold off me. I will then try to understand the customer's time availability, their sense of urgency for the project, any doubts they might have. I will try to educate them on all the highs and lows before we start a project. I will also make 100% sure that I can deliver on their requirements and if I am the right person for the job. If all the boxes are ticked, I will send the client a proposal that explain my processes and operations.

What do you love most about your job?

Software Development is my passion. Using my experience and skills to give client value for their money and turn their ideas or dreams into a reality. I have being doing it for over 13 years now as a developer, and 23 years as business owner / entrepreneur.

What inspired you to start your own business?

There is no greater joy than to assist a client to solve their business problem together, expecially via software. I also like working with people and help solve their problems.

Why should our clients choose you?

I am a highly motivated individual, able to work independently or as part of a team to provide an excellent product or service on time and within budget. I also have a wide set of skills acquired from managing my own businesses. My other talents also consist of valued interpersonal relationships-, communication- and multicultural skills. I value and practice professionalism, honesty and transparency at all times. I am a quality focused, taking pride in my work.

Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.

I have all the necessary resources to work fully remotely and am always available via phone, email, Skype, Zoom, Slack, and WhatsApp. I strive to reply to emails within an hour. I am fully off the grid with a full state-of-the-art solar and battery backup system, unaffected by blackouts or load shedding. I also have backup solar generators if needed. I have a very fast fiber line of 500/200 mbs and a backup mobile LTE connection dish with a range of 35 km in case of an emergency. My clients experience little to no downtime as the systems I develop are stable with redundancy in place. In short I plan ahead to succeed and make sure I have the tools to do so.

How does your rates work?

My services can be hired as per the following options.:

  • Per hour
  • Day rate
  • Weekly rates
  • Discounted Monthly rates
  • Discounted Long Term arrangements
  • Closed Estimates. – If the budget needs to be a fixed rate.

Payment

Transfers are accepted via PayPal or a Wire Transfer. All projects require a 70% upfront deposit with a 30% payment on balance when the project is delivered. Bookings are placed once proof of payment reflects in relevant account.

Day bookings and by the hour bookings require payment upfront in full. The reason for this is so that I can book you into an available spot in my calendar.