Recipe For Success

Key ingredients for a successful partnership between e-tailers and their software developers.

- Gerhard Nortje

The online retail industry is experiencing a massive boom, with indications that the sector was worth R30bn in 2020, a full third higher than estimates just three years ago. This means retailers of all shapes and sizes need to ensure their systems and e-commerce capabilities are modernised to keep pace with the modern consumer. With this in mind, Gerhard Nortje from redPanda shares the building blocks that nurture a successful relationship between clients and development partners.

For partners/software developers:

• Aim to nurture long-lasting relationships with clients. This means getting to know your client, understanding their business, their people and their processes. There’s little to be gained in terms of meaningful work with once-off projects chasing fast money.

• Invest in people. Attitude is more important than aptitude. Once everyone has similar skills, go for the ones that want to learn, grow and be part of a team. Personalities make teams, so take time to get these dynamics right.