Ben and Jacob delve into the topic of "Race-to-the-Bottom" freelancing and the potential pitfalls of using platforms like UpWork and Fiverr to find affordable talent. They discuss how the pressure to compete on price can result in low-quality work, missed deadlines, and additional expenses for the client.

The hosts provide examples of how paying more upfront for quality freelancers can save clients money in the long run, as the work is done efficiently and to a high standard. They also offer suggestions for how freelancers can differentiate themselves in a crowded market and demonstrate their value to clients.

Whether you're a business owner looking to hire freelancers or a freelancer seeking to stand out in a competitive market, this podcast episode provides valuable insights on the dangers of "Race-to-the-Bottom" freelancing and how to avoid them. Tune in to learn more about the importance of investing in quality talent and the benefits it can bring to your business.

Developing an app involves more than just the initial decision to create one; it can be challenging to determine the appropriate approach for your app.  Ben and Jacob explore the various types of apps available, including web, native, progressive web, and hybrid apps. They examine the advantages and disadvantages of each option and provide insights into the critical factors to consider when deciding which type of app to pursue. Ben offers a detailed breakdown of each option's decision-making process, helping listeners better understand the necessary considerations when building an app.

Ben and Jacob discuss the importance of data privacy and why it should matter to everyone. They define what data privacy means and how it relates to data security. They also provide examples of data breaches and how they can harm individuals and organizations. The discussion then shifts to how various entities collect, share, and use data, including social media platforms, advertisers, and governments. They highlight the risks associated with this practice and the potential for misuse of personal information. Next, Ben and Jacob explore the legal frameworks to protect data privacy, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States. They also discuss individuals' role in protecting their data privacy, including being aware of what information is being collected and who has access to it. Finally, they provide practical tips for individuals to protect their data privacy, such as using strong passwords, being cautious when sharing personal information online, and using privacy-focused tools and services. Overall, this episode of "Big App Energy" provides a comprehensive overview of data privacy and its importance in today's digital age. It is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn more about how their personal data is collected, shared, and used and how they can protect themselves from potential harm.

Ben and Jacob discuss the critical decision of whether to build or buy when developing software applications. They weigh the pros and cons of each option, sharing insights from their own experiences as well as from industry experts.

They delve into the various factors that can influence this decision, such as the size and complexity of the project, the available resources and expertise, the desired level of control and customization, and the timeline and budget constraints. They also explore scenarios where one approach might be more advantageous than the other, such as when building a minimum viable product (MVP) or integrating with third-party tools and services.

Throughout the episode, Ben and Jacob offer practical tips and best practices for making this decision, such as conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis, leveraging existing open-source solutions, seeking external feedback and advice, and staying flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.

Whether you're a seasoned software developer or just getting started in the industry, this episode of Big App Energy provides valuable insights and perspectives on the build-vs-buy debate that can help you make informed decisions and achieve success with your software projects.

Ben and Jacob discuss the concept of a "stack" in software development. They break down a stack, how it works, and why it is essential in development.

They begin by explaining that a stack is a collection of technologies that are used together to create a software application. They discuss the different layers of a stack, such as the operating system, the programming language, and the database, and how each layer interacts with the others to create a functional application.

Throughout the episode, Ben and Jacob use real-world examples and analogies to help listeners better understand the concept of a stack. They also discuss some common challenges and considerations when selecting and using a stack, such as compatibility issues, security concerns, and scalability.

Overall, this episode of Big App Energy provides a thorough introduction to the concept of a stack and is an excellent resource for anyone interested in software development or looking to improve their understanding of the technology behind the applications they use daily.

Ben and Jacob dive into agile project management and the SCRUM framework. They start by explaining the origins of SCRUM and how it evolved from rugby into a methodology for managing complex software projects.

They then break down the roles in a SCRUM team, including the Product Owner, the Scrum Master, and the Development Team. They also explain the various ceremonies in a SCRUM sprint, such as the Daily Standup, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective.

Throughout the episode, they provide real-world examples of how SCRUM can be implemented in different organizations and industries, and they share their own experiences working on SCRUM teams. They also discuss some common challenges that teams might face when implementing SCRUM, such as balancing flexibility with structure and how to overcome these challenges.

Whether you're new to SCRUM or looking to deepen your understanding of this popular project management methodology, this episode of Big App Energy is an excellent resource for anyone interested in agile software development.

Ben and Jacob discuss the importance of keeping your developers happy to ensure a successful and efficient development process. They start by discussing the common misconceptions surrounding the role of developers and the impact that their satisfaction has on the overall success of a project.

Next, they dive into some practical tips and strategies for keeping developers motivated and engaged, such as providing opportunities for professional growth, creating a positive work environment, and fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration. They also discuss the role of compensation and benefits in attracting and retaining top talent.

Throughout the episode, Ben and Jacob draw on their own experiences as developers and managers to provide real-world examples and insights into what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to keeping your devs happy. Whether you're a seasoned manager or just starting out in the world of software development, this episode offers valuable advice and actionable steps for creating a happy and productive team of developers.

Ben and Jacob discuss finding and choosing a development shop for your app. They start by discussing the importance of finding a development shop that fits your project, including their expertise, availability, and communication style.

The hosts then share their own experiences with finding development shops, including the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned. They provide tips on where to start your search, such as online directories and referrals from colleagues, and how to evaluate potential development shops based on their portfolio, reviews, and communication.

Throughout the episode, they also discuss common pitfalls to avoid when choosing a development shop, such as going with the cheapest option or needing more research. They emphasize the importance of investing time and effort into finding the right development shop to ensure the success of your app.

Overall, "Big App Energy Episode 4 Dev Shop Hunting" is a helpful resource for anyone looking to find and choose a development shop for their app. It provides practical tips and insights from experienced professionals in the field.

Ben and Jacob dive into the often daunting topic of app development costs. They explore why app development can be so expensive, what factors contribute to these costs, and how businesses can manage them. From the cost of hiring skilled developers to the complexity of building and maintaining an app, they provide valuable insights into the various expenses associated with app development.

Ben and Jacob also discuss the importance of setting a realistic budget and timeline for app development and the potential risks and challenges of trying to cut corners or skimp on costs. They draw on their own experiences as app developers to share real-life examples of the types of costs, and considerations businesses should consider when embarking on an app development project.

Whether you're a startup founder or an established business owner looking to build an app, this episode of Big App Energy offers practical advice and valuable insights to help you navigate the complex world of app development costs. So please join Ben and Jacob as they share their expertise and help demystify the world of app development expenses.

Ben and Jacob dive into the app development world and explore every entrepreneur and product manager's question: How long does it take to develop an app? They discuss the various factors that can affect the app development timeline, such as the app's complexity, the development team's size, and the technologies and tools used in the process. The hosts also share some real-life examples of app development timelines, ranging from a simple app built in just a few weeks to a complex enterprise application that took several months to complete. They discuss the pros and cons of different development approaches, such as using pre-built templates or building from scratch. They also provide tips on optimizing the development process to save time and resources. Listeners will learn about the importance of planning and communication in app development and the benefits of agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban. They also discuss some common pitfalls and challenges developers face during the development process and how to overcome them. Whether you're an entrepreneur with a new app idea, a product manager looking to streamline your development process, or just curious about the app development world, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to help you navigate the app development journey.