- To start, can you briefly introduce yourself and explain your role as a technical consultant at BackstageIT?
Hi, I’m Jeffrey. I’ve been active in the IT industry for about 10 years now. After my education as a developer, I found myself naturally gravitating towards a role as a translator between customers and development teams; using wireframes and user stories to bridge the communication gap. I’m passionate about helping customers in the Netherlands communicate and collaborate effectively with their team in Moldova.
- Can you describe the primary responsibilities and day-to-day activities of a technical consultant in the context of Extended Teams?
As a technical consultant, I am responsible for helping our customers in the Netherlands manage their extended teams in Moldova and work together efficiently to deliver high-quality products and services. This includes providing guidance and support on a variety of tasks.
- What inspired you to become a technical consultant, and how did you find your way to BackstageIT?
I’m inspired by the opportunity to help customers improve and expand their projects, and to work with a variety of companies and teams. I’ve always been passionate about technology, and I love using my skills and knowledge to help others solve problems and achieve their goals.
- In your view, what is the key role that a technical consultant plays in helping businesses scale up and innovate?
As businesses grow and innovate, they need to be able to adapt their technical infrastructure and processes accordingly. Technical consultants can provide the expertise and guidance that businesses need to make these changes smoothly and efficiently.
In the case of the Netherlands and Moldova, technical consultants can help to ensure that the two countries are able to work together as effectively as possible, despite any technical differences. This can involve developing new technologies, adapting existing systems, and so on.
- How do you work with clients to understand their technical needs and align them with Extended Teams’ offerings?
Some clients prefer that I work from their office once a week to get more involved in their day-to-day business, while others prefer to meet regularly to discuss the on-going work and the future plan.
- Could you share a specific success story or project where your role as a technical consultant made a significant impact on a client’s business?
I recently worked with a client who was struggling to get their new software product to market. They had been developing the product for several years, but they didn’t have a clear plan for how to approach the project or when to launch.
I helped them to develop a new plan that focused on launching a first release as soon as possible without sacrificing quality. I also worked with them to involve stakeholders from the Netherlands in the testing process, which helped to ensure that the product met their needs.
- What are some common challenges that businesses face when trying to scale up their technical teams, and how do you assist them in overcoming these challenges?
Communication is key when scaling up technical teams, especially when team members are not working from the same office. Businesses should establish clear and consistent communication channels and rhythms, such as daily stand-ups, sprint demos, weekly team meetings, and one-on-one meetings.
- What qualities and skills are essential for a successful technical consultant, especially in the IT and software development field?
I think they should be technically savvy, good in communication, a problem solver, analytical, organized, customer-focused, and creative.
- How does your role complement the services provided by Extended Teams in terms of forming and managing development teams for clients?
I complement our services by helping clients and their extended team work together more efficiently and effectively.
- What advice would you give to businesses that are considering extending their team with BackstageIT?
Let me help you out! 😉
- How do you maintain strong client relationships and ensure that their evolving technical needs are met over time?
I guess you could say it helps I’m in contact with them quite a lot!
- In your opinion, what are the most significant benefits that clients can achieve by listening to the expertise of a technical consultant?
I help clients bridge the communication gap between them and the development team. I also help them structure their workflow to be more efficient and effective.