Processing

The decision of how your goals are going to get done and who is going to complete them needs to be based on what you want to accomplish and what you have to invest, which in turn should help establish your project budget.

There are all kinds of Web experts and people with know how who can build a Web site for you (or spec out a local area network, or build a computer, or write an inventory database, etc.).  The issue often ignored is the long run. Will your upfront investment in development be flexible enough to not require total "rebuilds" in the very near future? Is the person you hire for your initial set–up going to be available for maintenance and updates, or do you want a system that allows you to complete these things yourself?

Much of this is about planning and how you approach this will determine your long-term success and cost.  Consider these different options:

• Regional/national Web developer who knows your industry?
  
  
• Local developer who knows you?
  
  
• Do you have a friend with the needed skills?
  
  
• What about a high school or community college students looking for experience and extra dollars?
  
  
• What about various combinations?