I am working with TYPO3 since year 2003. I worked for several agencies and individuals during this time. I am one of the best TYPO3 experts. This is what people say about me, not what I say about myself (I never really wanted to become a TYPO3 expert, it just happened).

I learned a lot of things while working for many people using TYPO3. Among others, there is one most important learned thing: most people think they know the right solution and they only ask TYPO3 experts (like me) to implement that solution. Typically they say: "We want you to make this thing to work like that". They think that the problem will be solved and their own customer will be fully satisfied. They are wrong, of course.

Time goes, I implement what I was asked to implement precizely to the last dot. Their customer says that the solution is a complete crap. The company who ordered the solution to me says that I need to implement something else. Again, they decide on the solution themselves and refuse to let me know the original requirements of the customer. Ok, they are clients for me, so I do what they ask. Their customer is dissatisfied again. Now the company who orders my services starts to think who did wrong. Of course, they will blame me in such case. Usually I show them their own requirements and ask to point me where I screwed up. Of course, they fail to show it because I implemented everything exactly as I was asked. Finally they tell me what their customer wants. I ask a couple of questions and we all find that the solution could me much cheaper, faster and easier than they planned and asked me to make. But now they have to pay me for the already made work plus the new work! And most likely the customer will not come back to them again because they screwed up at least twice.

What's the idea behind all this?

If you hire an expert, let him choose how to solve your problem.

You may think you know how to solve it but it is not necessarily the best way. Pride is not the best thing in business and it is definitely not professional to hire a more competent person for mechanical work. Experts are there not to code you yet another workspaces tweak, they are to solve your initial problem using the most efficient, simple and bullet–proof way.

Don't use a brick of gold as a hummer! Tell me what you want to achieve, not how you think it can be achieved. I may give you a better solution because I am an expert. It is my job to give you a better solution when it comes to TYPO3. Have your client and charge him! But let me find a way to leave your client satisfied and your business growing! Be smart, not proud.

Don't say me how to do it, say me what your customer wants and I will solve it for you and him!