At GearedApp, we don’t just build software – we join forces with our clients’ in-house teams to create tight-knit partnerships and seamless workflows. In this blog series, we’ll shed light on what it really means to work with an extended development team, exploring the benefits of this approach, plus how to determine whether it’s the right fit for your business.
Almost as important as delivering the work itself is establishing how we’ll actually work together. That’s because, to build a successful partnership, both parties need clear expectations and a shared understanding of workflows.
How often will we check in? How closely will we collaborate with your in-house team? What tools and processes will we use? These details might not seem like the top priority, but they make all the difference in the long run.
Over the years, we’ve refined our approach and found the extended team model to be the most effective way to drive results for our clients while fostering transparent, trusting partnerships.
In our last blog, we explored the key differences between the extended team model and traditional agency outsourcing. Now, let’s take a closer look at how we put the extended team approach into practice at GearedApp.
What is our approach to working as an extended team?
At GearedApp, we have over a decade of experience working as an extension of in-house teams, helping businesses achieve first-rate digital transformations. The way this looks varies depending on the skills and expertise needed for each specific project.
For example, with Raven Controls, we came on board to help design and develop a new mobile app, whereas for Lindemann Healthcare, we stepped in to automate existing processes, helping them move from paper-based to digital. With Blackford and Dufrain, our role was to support in building a front-end interface for their existing backends.
No two projects are the same, but the way we approach our work remains consistent across the board.
Here are some of the key principles that we bring to every project:
Creating clear channels of communication
Effective communication is at the heart of how we work as an extended team. We pride ourselves on being highly responsive and engaged, ensuring transparent collaboration from start to finish.
For example, we make ourselves available on instant messaging platforms like Slack, and we’re always happy to accommodate regular check-ins to stay on top of priorities. We like this level of transparency as it makes the collaboration feel natural and personable, rather than transactional.
Taking an agile approach
Through sprint planning, iterative development and ongoing feedback, we make sure that progress is continuous and that evolving business needs are met with agility.
Rather than rigid long-term roadmaps that can lose their relevance, an agile approach allows for real-time adjustments, making the development process much more effective.
Adjusting to each client’s needs
Working as an extended team is a balancing act that requires flexibility. While we bring our own expertise and problem-solving skills to the table, we’re also conscious about staying true to our clients’ top priorities. This means we take initiative and identify areas for improvement, while also adapting to our clients’ preferred ways of working.
That said, our role goes beyond simply fitting in. We’re not just here to tick boxes or follow instructions down to the letter. By coming in with fresh eyes, we’re often able to spot things that might be overlooked from the inside. Seeing as we bring a wealth of experience from a range of industries, we can provide proven solutions, challenge assumptions and bring new ideas to the table. This outside perspective helps drive results, sometimes in ways our clients hadn’t originally considered.
Why do we enjoy working this way?
We get to build relationships with amazing clients!
The extended team model allows us to build deeper, more meaningful relationships with our clients. This type of partnership fosters trust, transparency and a shared sense of ownership that goes beyond a more traditional client-agency relationship.
We get a better understanding of our clients’ needs
One of the biggest advantages of this approach is the direct feedback loop it creates. This allows us to iterate quickly, refining and improving solutions based on real-time insights. Rather than making assumptions from a distance, we can adapt to projects as they unfold.
We get to see the impact in real time
Because we work closely with our clients’ teams, we see the direct impact of our work. Seeing projects evolve in real time and knowing that our contributions are making a real difference is truly rewarding, reminding us of why we do what we do!
Thinking that an extended team could help your business?
In our next blog, we’ll be breaking down the key factors to consider before you decide whether an extended team approach is right for your business.
If you want to find out more about how we work and how this could complement your business development needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch.