Good, Fast, Cheap

I often use this three-word combination with my clients and on occasion when advising a student on the next career move. "You can have it good, fast, or cheap. Pick any two!" For the people that haven't heard this before, the relevance of it usually takes a second or two to sink in.

Whether you are the one doing the hiring or the one performing the work - this will apply in most situations. There no quick and cheap fixes that stand the test of time, just like there is no final product that will reflect its true value if it is thrown together at the last minute lacking any resources. Cheap doesn't always refer to money spent - often times it is other (human) resources or a particular skill that is needed to get the job done right.

As a client, do you set the right expectations of the people you ask to work for you? As an employee/contractor/freelancer - do you know the correct order of these priorities? Read more about The Fast, Good and Cheap Pricing Method.