Ali Avais

Entrepreneur | Developer | Techie | All things Web Dev

CEO:

Bootstrapping: - A Team Management and Monitoring Software

[Swapna Kumar Panda @swapnakpanda]

Bookmark these sites if you want to upskill in System Design:

[Fasi Zaka @fasi_zaka]

Today is the day to listen to this song again.

Vital Sign’s “Oonchi” - their PAF song

[Pratham @Prathkum]

5 GitHub repositories that will save you time and effort by 90%:

[Swapna Kumar Panda @swapnakpanda]

Learn DevOps and Cloud Computing

- Microsoft
- Amazon
- IBM
- Google
- Harvard
- Stanford
- Georgia Tech

❯ GIT
https://t.co/6lzFObzrUh

❯ DevOps, CI/CD
https://t.co/02n1oVnLGc

❯ Cloud Architect
https://t.co/oDaXXSY2st

❯ Docker
https://t.co/jGr29AkUTD

❯ GitHub
https://t.co/RAgsGHjvpv

❯ Kubernetes, OpenShift
https://t.co/7AJh6y5er9

❯ Networking
https://t.co/oNih49vt8K

❯ AWS
explore.skillbuilder. aws/learn/course/external/view/elearning/12996/build-with-amazon-ec2

❯ Azure
https://t.co/Fs9HSkktKc

❯ GCP
https://t.co/xqFsdivBFn

❯ Serverless
explore.skillbuilder. aws/learn/public/learning_plan/view/92/serverless-learning-plan-earn-a-learning-badge

❯ Linux
cognitiveclass. ai/courses/course-v1:IBMSkillsNetwork+GPXX06VPEN+v1

❯ Deploying TinyML
pll.harvard. edu/course/deploying-tinyml

❯ IoT
https://t.co/T7zvyq4Do5

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

So you're a programmer?

And you've started an agency or freelancing?

You're no longer just "a programmer" my friend.

You're now also:

→ Project manager
→ Account manager
→ Consultant
→ Quality assurance tester

Learn these skills.

They will take you very, very far.

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

Software estimation is hard.

But the more you practise, the better you'll get.

Reflect on your estimates once the project is complete.
→ What went under time?
→ What went over?
→ What was pretty much perfect?

Accurate estimates require constant improvement and retrospection

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

Clients (like anyone) can cause frustration or anger.

But never email, message, or call a client when you're angry.

Instead, write a draft of what you want to say.
Articulate the issue as best you can.

Then forget it for now...

Revisit it tomorrow morning with a fresh mind.

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

It's ok to be a generalist when you first start your agency.

- More possibilities
- Learn what you like / are great at
- Learn what the market wants

But when you have enough to pay the bills, focus on a niche

- Dig into a profitable segment
- Become an expert
- Build authority

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

Continuously improve your business.

Set goals
→ 1 month?
→ 3 months?
→ 6 months?

Have a set time every week to check in with your goals.
(even if you're a single person - meet with yourself!)

→ Are you on track?
→ What do you need to get there?
→ What can you do better?

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

You don’t have to go to college.
You don’t have to wake up at 5am.
You don’t need the newest MacBook.

You just need to not give up.

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

Things that don't matter as much as you think:

- Your business name
- Your logo
- Your domain name
- Your website
- Your technology stack
- Your launch strategy

Things that seriously matter:

- Your product
- Your customers

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

Get out of the building,

Networking is also done IRL.

‣ Attend industry meetups
‣ Attend conferences
‣ Grab a coffee with old colleagues
* Visit previous clients
‣ Have a face-to-face with the competition

Computers make things so easy, but many deals take place outside.

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

Myth: Processes and standard operating procedures are everything.

Reality: Businesses have unexpected & unique challenges.

Have processes in place, but don't blindly follow them.

Know when a situation requires custom attention.

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

Keep relationships professional... that's what you hear.

But do you know what worked for me?
Becoming friends with my clients.
Caring for them, laughing with them, even going out for drinks.

Even now I've sold my business, I still catch up with them as friends.

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

Sales isn't just about winning the project - it's also about consistency.

It's about going above and beyond for your client, even when you don't feel like it.

Even when you're busy, or you're not feeling great.

Consistency is the key to a longterm partnership.

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

You don't need to code everyday to be a "great programmer"

But you do need to have empathy.

→ Empathise with peers who'll debug your code
→ Empathise with users who will use the product

Become a great programmer by understanding the feelings and emotions of other humans.

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

The client sales process starts at the first interaction.

- Listen
- Be confident
- Show expertise
- Show enthusiasm
- Provide value right away
- Build a rapport
- Be unique
- Adapt your pitch
- Sell the future vision

Start off right, and you can stay right.

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

Case studies are important for your website.

But If you're just starting & don't have client case studies, you can write case studies on...

→ Your own personal work (your own projects)
→ Free work you've done for friends & family
→ Demo projects specifically for case studies

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

Don't just email through a client proposal and cross your fingers.

Schedule a meeting to personally take them through your proposal, and field any questions on the spot.

Sales doesn't finish when you click "Send"

[Ali Avais @asquare7]

Client won't pay on time?

You've got a clause in your contract about this right?

... right?

Never start a project without a signed agreement.

In your contract state that YOU own all the work done until the last payment has been received and the project has been signed off.