May 11, 2010 at 09:28Joint project "old rake". Or a proven way to ruin a relationship
I’ll start the story in a fairly standard way: “As a friend of mine told me ...”
In general, the IT world is quite small, so when a project arises and there is a lack of our own resources, or just if we need to order something, we all first remember our friends who this could help. Why friends? Because initially it already determines a certain degree of trust and a more preferential mode of cooperation.
How it ends and what to pay attention to so that it does not end, I wanted to talk about this.
If the transaction is a simple type of sale, then, as a rule, everyone is satisfied. One got a little cheaper or a little faster, the other got a little more warning or waited a bit with payment. In general, there is a measured civilized life.
But now the word “project” appeared on the horizon ... the air smelled of money, work, and something else ...
Today I assume that you, my dear habratchitory, act as the executor of the order, which is driven by a friend of yours.
I’ll try to explain what is generally not a secret, but many regularly renege on this in the name of good relations. As I was recently convinced, this life experience, saturated with tears, then with the blood of the Performers, must be transferred to the format of the commandments. If someone will add the commandments or offer a replacement - it will be just fine.
To simplify, I’ll immediately make a reservation that I use the high term “friendship” as a substitute for the term “good business or friendly relations”, because every time I write such a bunch of words I will be too lazy, and reading to you is boring. In addition, friendship, like love, often require completely irrational, illogical actions and completely non-commercial business.
So, let's begin.
Commandment One:
Do not overestimate "friendship."
There is always a certain threshold of losses that you are ready to go to maintain your “friendship”. It is this assessment that becomes the cornerstone around which further actions are built. Define this threshold for yourself and remember that your obligations are your obligations, you will have to fulfill them, unlike your partner, who can pump something up.
Commandment Two:
Use Prepayment.
Nothing strengthens faith in a person and his decency, like payment made on time. If the project begins, the main question becomes the question of seriousness of intentions. As a rule, symbolic prepayment is not a problem, and if it is, this is another reason to think, maybe you are not the only "friend" who digs for free?
Commandment Three:
Save Time.
Often, "participation" in the project begins to grow in a number of related unpaid consultations, confusing communications, and so on. Remember - your time is not restored.
Commandment Four:
Manage Communication.
Each action is desirable to make visible, understandable and formal. The worst that could be "a week ago, you talked on the phone ...". Initially, determine what will be considered an official document - a contract, email, or something else. And then - any call, any discussion should be closed by a letter from your (believe me, it’s easier) side listing all that we could agree on and asking for corrections if something is wrong. In a day, you can send the same letter with a note that since no amendments have been received, this letter is the basis for further work.
Commandment Five:
Assess Risks.
In addition to financial and temporary risks, there are still management risks. Be careful with them. If you see weak project management on the part of your partner, you must once again evaluate the feasibility of entering the project. A friend can be a very good person. it will just be used by someone else, but the result will be unpleasant for you.
Commandment Six:
Stay Honest. Whatever happens, one's obligations must be fulfilled to the end. This does not mean that you have to finish the project for free, it means that the promised amount of work needs to be done. You have made a decision about the acceptable risk - follow.
Commandment Seven:
Review the list of "friends."
There is always a certain threshold of losses that you are ready to go to maintain your “friendship”. It is this assessment that becomes the cornerstone around which further actions are built.
This is my beginning. If someone is ready to fill up the list of commandments - welcome.
In general, the IT world is quite small, so when a project arises and there is a lack of our own resources, or just if we need to order something, we all first remember our friends who this could help. Why friends? Because initially it already determines a certain degree of trust and a more preferential mode of cooperation.
How it ends and what to pay attention to so that it does not end, I wanted to talk about this.
If the transaction is a simple type of sale, then, as a rule, everyone is satisfied. One got a little cheaper or a little faster, the other got a little more warning or waited a bit with payment. In general, there is a measured civilized life.
But now the word “project” appeared on the horizon ... the air smelled of money, work, and something else ...
Today I assume that you, my dear habratchitory, act as the executor of the order, which is driven by a friend of yours.
I’ll try to explain what is generally not a secret, but many regularly renege on this in the name of good relations. As I was recently convinced, this life experience, saturated with tears, then with the blood of the Performers, must be transferred to the format of the commandments. If someone will add the commandments or offer a replacement - it will be just fine.
To simplify, I’ll immediately make a reservation that I use the high term “friendship” as a substitute for the term “good business or friendly relations”, because every time I write such a bunch of words I will be too lazy, and reading to you is boring. In addition, friendship, like love, often require completely irrational, illogical actions and completely non-commercial business.
So, let's begin.
Commandment One:
Do not overestimate "friendship."
There is always a certain threshold of losses that you are ready to go to maintain your “friendship”. It is this assessment that becomes the cornerstone around which further actions are built. Define this threshold for yourself and remember that your obligations are your obligations, you will have to fulfill them, unlike your partner, who can pump something up.
Commandment Two:
Use Prepayment.
Nothing strengthens faith in a person and his decency, like payment made on time. If the project begins, the main question becomes the question of seriousness of intentions. As a rule, symbolic prepayment is not a problem, and if it is, this is another reason to think, maybe you are not the only "friend" who digs for free?
Commandment Three:
Save Time.
Often, "participation" in the project begins to grow in a number of related unpaid consultations, confusing communications, and so on. Remember - your time is not restored.
Commandment Four:
Manage Communication.
Each action is desirable to make visible, understandable and formal. The worst that could be "a week ago, you talked on the phone ...". Initially, determine what will be considered an official document - a contract, email, or something else. And then - any call, any discussion should be closed by a letter from your (believe me, it’s easier) side listing all that we could agree on and asking for corrections if something is wrong. In a day, you can send the same letter with a note that since no amendments have been received, this letter is the basis for further work.
Commandment Five:
Assess Risks.
In addition to financial and temporary risks, there are still management risks. Be careful with them. If you see weak project management on the part of your partner, you must once again evaluate the feasibility of entering the project. A friend can be a very good person. it will just be used by someone else, but the result will be unpleasant for you.
Commandment Six:
Stay Honest. Whatever happens, one's obligations must be fulfilled to the end. This does not mean that you have to finish the project for free, it means that the promised amount of work needs to be done. You have made a decision about the acceptable risk - follow.
Commandment Seven:
Review the list of "friends."
There is always a certain threshold of losses that you are ready to go to maintain your “friendship”. It is this assessment that becomes the cornerstone around which further actions are built.
This is my beginning. If someone is ready to fill up the list of commandments - welcome.