Anecdotes & Musings
Happy Holidays 2022…
Pricilla says — Is Santa Here Yet???
Thank you for your interest in my work at both JumpToConsulting and EMIGURU. Wishing you the joy, peace, and happiness of the season… and all the best in 2023!
From our house to yours — Uncle Daryl, Mary, and “Silly” the Shih Tzu.
Yes, we lost little Sami last year. She was about 13, and the loss was sudden and painful. But then along came Priscilla (who we call Silly) to fill the hole in our hearts.
Like Sami, Silly was another rescue. But she brought some painful baggage as a puppy mill momma. Our first encounter with puppy mills – a learning experience. She is getting better every day as we work to make the rest of her life joyful.
If you find your self considering a furry companion, please DO NOT use a puppy mill. Find a reputable breeder, or better yet adopt from a shelter. There are millions of pets needing “furever” homes, and they make wonderful companions. Merry Christmas to all…
Join us in 2023 as we we continue to slink into “consulting retirement.”
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Happy Thanksgiving 2022…
This quote struck me as particularly appropriate for these times. Best to cultivate at “attitude of gratidude.” Weary of all the whiners and complainers. Be happy instead.
“Be thankful for what you have;
You’ll end up having more.
If you concentrate on what you don’t have,
you will never, ever, have enough.”Oprah Winfrey
Best wishes to everyone this Thanksgiving season!
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Happy Independence Day – 2022…
As you know, this blog is more than just about consulting — it is about Independence — Ocupational, Financial, and Locational.
Here is a clip from the 2014 movie, the Gambler, where John Goodman expounds on being in the position of “F*** You.” I could not say it better myself.
–WARNING — If crude language offends you, do NOT watch this.
But if you want advice straight from the gut… Click Here…
For what is worth, I live in a house with a 40 year roof, and drive two highly reliable Toyotas – a 1996 and and a 2005. I enjoy my “fortress of solitude” and the ability to say F-You — thanks to making my own JumpToConsulting 35 years ago, achieving Financial Independence, and living beneath my means.
Not bragging – just offering my thoughts and best wishes for you on this Independence Day!
Uncle Daryl
P.S. As a consultant, it is best to avoid crude language, but this video clip says it so well. John Goodman, who we usually associate with comedy, does an awesome job as a loan shark. I found the drama chilling.
More Independent Day posts here:
- Independence Day Musings -2011
- Consulting as a Path to Financial Independence -2013
- Happy July 4th – 2018
- Happy Independence Day – 2020
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Knowing when to say NO…
This post was sparked by two recent events — both resulting in happy endings…
Event # 1…
A firm I greatly respect recently announced they were seeking a part time coach for consultants. Eight to twelve hours a week, as part of a paid program to help struggling consultants take their business to the next level.
My immediate reaction was to respond. Not only did it sound like a good fit, but it also sounded like fun. So I submitted the on line application, and was pleased to be invited for further discussions the following week.
Due to our annual AZ to MN summer migration (our way of dealing with AZ heat along with grandkids in MN) we postponed the meeting by a week. This gave me time to really think about the potential commitment I might be making.
Upon reflection, I decided to decline. Why? At this stage in life, I did not want to be tied down to a long term regular schedule. Actually, this was one of the original motivations for making my original JumpToConsulting. Like many consultants, I thrive on new challenges, and routines quickly bore me — and eventually grind me down.
As Dirty Harry famously said in one of his movies, “A man has got to know his limitations.” Thankfully I recognized mine in time.
Event # 2…
This one was a bit more serious, from a post on a financial blog I follow. The author was a retired career Navy officer in the submarine service.
He shared a story from early in his career, when he was offered the “opportunity of a lifetime” for an immediate promotion and accelerated career advancement. But it meant long term sea tours instead of anticipated shore duty for the next two years.
The fly in the ointment was he had just married his fiancé after waiting for the opportunity to finally be together. From the pained expression on his face, his CO immediately realized what his answer would be – even before our hero did.
Yes, he turned the offer down, realizing it was not the best career decision. But as he explained, it was the RIGHT decision for his brand new marriage. He is still happily married almost 40 years later – now retired and living the good life in Hawaii – and with no regrets.
Some closing thoughts…
When faced with decisions like this, I often ask two key questions:
- Could I do this?
- Should I do this?
And then I trust my gut. These two questions have served me well. I hope they help you.
Peace — Uncle Daryl
PS – Tomorrow marks 54 years of happy married life. Thanks, Mary, with all my love!
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A response to marketing SPAM…
Do you get unsolicited and unwanted canned emails touting how they can “help” your business? If so, here is a response I borrowed from fellow engineer and long time direct marketing consultant/copywriter Bob Bly.
Most of the time I simply delete the offending emails, but when Bob mentioned this in one of his email newsletters, I decided to have some fun.
Here is the response I sent back for the next unwanted email:
Borrowed from highly successful direct marketer Bob Bly:
- I don’t recognize your name.
- I don’t know who you are.
- I don’t have any evidence that you can help me.
- I don’t know who your clients are.
- I don’t know what results you have gotten for them.
- I have no evidence that you are different or better than all the other firms sending me emails like yours every day of the week.
- You don’t know anything about me, our business, our goals, our priorities, our needs, and our most pressing challenges.
Now… what was it you wanted to sell me?
Full disclosure: I “stole” … er, I mean adapted this copy … from a famous and successful ad McGraw-Hill ran many years ago.
PS – If you want professional direct marketing help, I suggest you contact Bob at www.Bly.com. But be prepared to buy his services, not sell yours.
I plan to continue. Is this unkind? Probably, but if it results in even one change, it is worth it.
BTW, do NOT send out unsolicited emails for your marketing. Rather, spend your time and money to understand both your target market and your offer, and then craft a focused approach. Use a rifle, not a shotgun!
And if you are a marketing consultant, do NOT suggest this to your clients. In a future post I’ll share my story of the “Put a Dollar in Every Direct Mail” fiasco from years ago. Not my idea, but forced upon me by a boss who was swayed by a local advertising firm. Don’t.Be.Stupid!
P.S. Here is another email option from this grumpy old engineering consultant 🙂
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A Humorous Pearl of Wisdom…
Since light travels faster than sound, some people seem bright – until you hear them speak.
— From fellow engineer and blog reader Bob Hofmann
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Food for thought…from 2500 years ago…
Socrates on Stupidity…
Smart people learn from everything and everyone…
Average people from their experiences…
Stupid people already have all the answers.
Thanks to RJ, a fellow blogging engineer!
Interested in resurrecting the FREE monthly teleconference? If so, please let me know.
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Any Regrets About Jumping???
Here is an answer posted to the question “Any Regrets About Retiring Sooner?” at a private financial forum to which I belong. I thought the question applicable here regarding making a JumpToConsulting.
When my business partner was dying from cancer, I asked him if he had any regrets about our business. He replied with an ironic chuckle, “Maybe one. Perhaps we should have started the business sooner.”
This is not a sad story. We shared 28 years working together as partners in a small engineering consulting practice. We had a ball, and enjoyed the independence so much we often joked we were already retired. We both hit Financial Independence a few years after starting the business, but kept going just for the fun of it. BTW, we also took time off to enjoy life along the way.
Just suggesting you not wait too long to follow your dreams, retirement or otherwise. As the old saying goes, “Looking back, one does not regret what they did as much as what they did NOT do.”
The forum is an extension of a public blog esimoney.com (Earn-Save-Invest) where readers share their goals and successes with financial independence. The blog includes over 300 interviews with millionaires, where we share what we did and how we did it. The 300 interview represent well over a half billion dollars of self made wealth. Check it out here.
While the blog is free, the forum has a fee and is currently closed, but it does open up once or twice a year. ESI has plenty of practical information for those interested in financial independence. Consulting is just one path.
Life is short… Have no regrets…
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Appearances Can Be Deceiving…a Humorous Personal Story…
Never judge a book by its cover, right? And never judge this consultant by what he is wearing – particularly on the weekend…
The more I thought about the following personal story, the more humorous it was to me. I hope you enjoy it too.
In my last post, I mentioned my wife breaking her hip. Happy to report she is now home and doing well.
In order to facilitate things, I decided to buy her a new set of wheels — a wheelchair. Not absolutely necessary, but it was a good move.
I first checked Amazon, but the model of interest would not be available for a week or more. On a hunch, I decided to check Craig’s list.
Lo and behold, there was the exact same model she was using in the transitional care facility — immediately available and about half price. And it was only four miles away. How much better could it get?
It was Sunday afternoon, I immediately respond, and yes, it was available. But it would be best if I picked it up right away. So I dropped everything and hustled over.
Not thinking, I grabbed my checkbook rather than the cash machine. Who uses cash these days anyway?
Here is where it becomes humorous. Not knowing the neighborhood, I arrive in my 25 year old Toyota and park next to a shiny brand new BMW in the driveway of a $1.5 million dollar town house.
Posh neighborhood on the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis.
The neighbors were having some sort of soiree of in the front yard, when this old guy (me) shows up. I was wearing ragged shorts and my free t-shirt with the motto “Life is Short – Do Stuff That Matters.”
Hadn’t shaved. Did I mention I’m missing a bunch of teeth awaiting dentures and eventually implants? The Beverly Hillbilly had arrived 🙂
The wheelchair was brand new, with a mileage of about 500 yards. When I whipped out the checkbook, the guy gets a pained look. “Did you not bring cash?” Oops.
I gave him a business card and assured him the check was good. He reluctantly took the check – probably not wanting to miss his sale. Turns out he was a realtor – and who knows – may have even needed the money.
As I left, I detected some “stink eye” from the neighbors. Pretty sure they told the seller he would never see his $250. In retrospect, I should have hit the cash machine, but doubt that would have changed the neighborhood reaction (which matters to me not at all.)
As I reflected on this, I found it more and more amusing. But then I also wondered how many of these young millennial “high fliers” were actually wealthy (net worth) or were just living a pseudo-glamoros lifestyle (aka “Keeping Up With the Jones.”)
This is not meant to be critical nor is it even my business, but I felt some sadness that the latter might be the case — at least for some of them. I remembered an early boss who was house poor (story #2) and trapped in his job.
Hope you enjoyed this, also hope it also provided some perspective. If you are reading my blog, you are probably interested in becoming independent (occupational-financial-locational) just as I have. With rare exception, you don’t get there showing off and going deeper into debt.
PS – Shared this on a private financial forum (more details in the next post) and it generated many humorous responses. Many of us subscribe to a “stealth wealth” philosophy. This was the financial message of the Millionaire Next Door series by the late Dr. Stanley.
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A thought for today…
Been busy here, but wanted to share this thought that I just ran across:
Today is a gift, it’s why it’s called the present. Don’t let it go to waste…Do stuff that matters!
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The September Teleconference is Cancelled, but will resume in October.
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A Pearl of Wisdom from Kurt Vonnegut…
Ran across this on the Internet (where else?) and wanted to share. Such wisdom by Kurt Vonnegut:
“When I was 15, I spent a month working on an archeological dig. I was talking to one of the archeologists one day during our lunch break and he asked those kinds of “getting to know you” questions you ask young people: Do you play sports? What’s your favorite subject?
And I told him, no I don’t play any sports. I do theater, I’m in choir, I play the violin and piano, I used to take art classes.
And he went WOW. That’s amazing!
And I said, “Oh no, but I’m not any good at ANY of them.”
And he said something then that I will never forget and which absolutely blew my mind because no one had ever said anything like it to me before:
“I don’t think being good at things is the point of doing them. I think you’ve got all these wonderful experiences with different skills, and that all teaches you things and makes you an interesting person, no matter how well you do them.”
And that honestly changed my life. Because I went from a failure, someone who hadn’t been talented enough at anything to excel, to someone who did things because I enjoyed them.
I had been raised in such an achievement-oriented environment, so inundated with the myth of Talent, that I thought it was only worth doing things if you could “Win” at them.” – Kurt Vonnegut
Good advice for consultants too. I continue to be amazed at how seemingly insignificant past experiences helped solve a problem. Often things I did not excel at, but like Vonnegut simply found interesting at the time. And after pursuing some of these, I improved and even became pretty good – often a pleasant surprise to me 🙂
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Tired of political “hate-mails?” Here is a solution…
This post was prompted by a particularly obnoxious political email (which I’ve dubbed “hate-mails”.) When asked to delete me from future mailings, that just escalated things. Some people are just plain rude.
With all extreme political polarization, you may have received similar unwanted missives. The simplest approach is to block the offender’s email, but in a wicked moment I decided to have some fun and take it one step further.
So I created the SH*T-list. Thanks to autoresponders, you can send an automated response. Here is mine:
Congratulations. Due to your recent “hate-mails” you are now on my personal SH*T list. It is not easy — very few people make it.
It helps if you are bigoted, arrogant, or narcissistic. Political “hate-mails” are perfect. Just being controversial is not enough, as I welcome diverse ideas and opinions when offered in a mature way.
Your message was not read, but sent to my SH*T folder. If/when the stink gets too strong, I may look at the SH*T folder to see if anyone landed there by mistake. At that time, your SH*T will be sent where it belongs — into the sewer.
I hope you understand. Feel free to wallow in your own SH*T. My life is richer and better without your SH*T in it. Have a nice day.
The precipitating “hate mail” went way beyond political humor or satire. Among the vitriol, it accused several Muslim Congresswomen of supporting genital mutilation. You can’t get much more disgusting than that.
After being asked to delete my name from his mail list, a follow up “hate mail” implied those who did not agree with the author were Nazis. Nice, huh? All this from someone I thought was an old friend.
Upon reflection, I decided NOT to proceed, and blocked the offender and moved on. If you decide to use my example, however, do so with caution as it may sever friendships or worse. But those who won’t treat people with respect are not your friends anyway. Similar to bad consulting clients.
Peace — Uncle Daryl
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Happy Independence Day 2021…
Since this blog is about independence, July 4 is always a special day here.
No, this is not about politics or waving the flag — rather it is about living life on YOUR terms (not those of anyone else.)
Decided to recycle my July 4 post from ten years ago. I’ve surprised myself that the blog has continued this long, but people tell me they still find it useful. That, and the FREE monthly teleconferences. So read along, and join us at the next FREE teleconference.
Here is the 2011 Independence Day post:
Since I selected an Independence Day motif for my blog, it is only appropriate to offer some Independence Day musings.
As stated elsewhere, freedom was a major motivator in my JumpToConsulting. But I didn’t realize it right away. Rather, that epiphany came a few months later.
Driving back from a client and listening to the radio, the commentator was discussing small business. He then quoted a survey that showed that the majority of small businesses were started for freedom — not, as many assume, for money or even power.
I about drove off the road. Yes, I suddenly realized! That was the main motivator for me too. The first few years were lean — made a little less money and worked many more hours.
But it was all worth it for the freedom to do my own thing, to make my own decisions, and even to clean up my own messes.
But freedom is not for everyone, and that is OK too. Some people prefer the security of a steady paycheck, or the camaraderie of the water cooler. Other have family responsibilities that preclude taking financial risks. And many are very content with things as they are in the world.
Over the years, I’ve run into several examples of the above. After brief discussions, I’ve even discouraged some of them from making the JumpToConsulting. After all, not everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur.
But if you want to change the world and the itch is there, it is hard to fight it (see previous post.)
I suspect our nation’s Founding Fathers felt the same itch. After all, many were already independent businessmen — Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and more.
Some were even traditional “consultants” — John Adams (lawyer) among others. All valued their freedom, and were willing to work, fight, and even die for it.
As Ben Franklin said at the signing of the Declaration of Independence “We must hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” Said in humor, it reflected the seriousness of the situation.
Fortunately, none of us face being hanged for making a JumpToConsulting, or any other jump. Their success gave us the freedom to pursue our independence today.
So thanks Ben, Paul, Tom, George, John, and all the rest!
Happy Independence Day, and remember, “UNCLE DARYL wants YOU.. to find your FREEDOM too!
Happy Fourth of July! Let freedom ring…
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Some Pearls of Wisdom…
From a favorite curmudgeon and fellow engineer, Bob Bly:
Dear Direct Response Letter Subscriber:
Many times throughout my adult life I’ve been given unsolicited advice:
- On parenting … from friends who don’t have kids.
- On investing … from people who have less money than you do.
- On business success … from people who make less money than you do.
- On health … from well-meaning friends who have zero health credentials.
- On leadership … from individuals who are not a leader or anything.
- Etc, etc.
My point is simple, and I phrase it as a question. Namely….
Why would you take advice from someone who knows less, has less experience, and is less successful than you?
Think about it … and if you would take advice from this person… I’m curious to know why.
Unsolicited free advice is usually worth exactly what you paid for it: nothing.
Remember the old saying: opinions are like a-holes; everybody’s got one.
Sincerely,
Bob Bly
P.S. My response to people who are particularly irksome, rude, or arrogant when giving me unsolicited advice is: “When I want your opinion, I’ll tell you what it is.”
Want more pearls of wisdom? Or want to learn more about marketing you small business, or writing copy? Then subscribe to Bob’s free newsletter at www.bly.com.
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COVID Update 2021…
Good news from the head shed here at JumpToConsulting. Mary and I both got our second COVID shots (Pfizer.) No adverse effects, other than a mild headache which was alleviated with Advil.
My advice — get your shots! The sooner we all do so, the sooner we get back to “normal”, whatever that was. Frankly, I do not understand the reluctance of too many, but maybe that is just my engineering (and consulting) mind. Science works!
It has been one heck of a year. Just over one year ago, we locked down here. Did not mess around — my grandmother died in the 1918 flu. She left behind an infant — my mother — along with a toddler, sisters, and parents. There is no doubt that loss affected my mother and ultimately me – making us better appreciate this beautiful gift of life.
Frankly, I am more than annoyed with those who did not (and still do not) take this seriously, and I wonder how many needless deaths occurred. No, this is not a political statement, although I realize politics played a huge role.
Here are some positives. Early on, a scheduled in-person class for April was cancelled, but we replaced it with a live on-line class. Some effort to convert, but it worked well. That led to three additional virtual classes in 2020, with two more currently scheduled in 2021.
I’m hooked — no more travel, plus it opens up a world wide market. The technology is impressive and reliable. (Have used Zoom, GoToWebinar, and WebX.)
As a result, additional classes are on the horizon. I now have a second marketing partner (a subject for a future post) and look forward to working with both.
The class formats have changed. Rather than cramming things into two full days, the classes are now spread out over three or four partial days. Start later, end earlier, and build in more Q&A time. This makes it easier for students to digest the material, and easier for me as in instructor too. Still experimenting with the format, and excited about the possibilities.
This has nicely tied in with my longer term goals to move things on-line. In 2018, I took an in-depth class on the subject (Course Builder’s Laboratory by Mirasee.com) but did not move ahead due to inertia — mine and the market. COVID changed that.
I’m now participating in a pilot program (Teach Your Gift Pro) that is focused on making the conversion from live to on-line. Both programs are highly recommended if you are at all interested in offering on-line education as part of a consulting practice.
Full disclosure — I have no affiliation with Mirasee, other than my admiration for what they are doing in the educational arena.
The technical classes at emiguru.com have superseded the long term goals of a short class on consulting. Rest assured — it is still on the drawing board.
In the meantime, check out the FREE webinar, or visit us at our FREE monthly teleconferences. The latter are always interesting, and helpful to me too as people share their concerns about making their own JumpToConsulting.
Until next time, stay safe and stay healthy. Better days ahead!
PS – Check out the following COVID related posts:
Question – Do you have a favorite book on consulting (or even small business?) Please share…
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I Suddenly Realized It Was Time for Change…
This personal story that dates back to 1977, when it hit me it was time to make a career change. That would ultimately lead to my JumpToConsulting ten years later.
Wistfully gazing out the airplane window as Waikiki receded below — where Mary and I had just spent the week basking in the tropical December sun and playing in the ocean — our conversation went something like this:
- ME – “Did you have a good time?”
- SHE- “Yes! It was a great time!”
- ME – “You now… there IS one thing that pisses me off about this trip.”
- SHE – “Like what???”
- ME – “That we were almost too “sensible” to do it. But I NOW look at life differently…”
A little background. At the time we were married nine years with two small children and a mortgage. Life was busy and extra money was sparse. Trips to Hawaii were not on our radar for the foreseeable future.
Then a business trip to Hawaii materialized. As an engineer for a defense contractor, I was tasked to install some equipment and brief the military brass (included a General and his staff) at Pearl Harbor on a new system.
As an aside, one of the reasons I got the invitation was my teaching experience gained while moonlighting. It gave me presentation skills that most of my technical colleagues lacked. That experience later proved highly useful as a consultant.
At first, I though we could not afford a trip for two of us. And who would take care of the kids? Although I knew Mary would love to join me (after all, it was December in Minnesota) I couldn’t see a way to pull if off.
That was until Mary prodded me with a slightly sarcastic comment at breakfast one day. Wives can (and should) do that 🙂
Mulling it over on the way to work, I decided to just buy her a ticket too. It was before airline penalties, so there was little risk. I had been secretly saving for a big Christmas gift anyway — what could be better? I was pretty sure she would like it.
That night I gave Mary her ticket to Hawaii. The catch was that we would fly out separately, and she would come a few days later when I was done with business. The kids? Grandma and and an Aunt/Uncle each took one of our boys. It all worked.
There was a small glitch with Mary’s trip. Arriving at the Minneapolis airport (no winter coat although below zero outside) she was informed her flight to Los Angeles was cancelled. What now? The agent grinned and said, “Don’t worry — we already rebooked you on a flight with a later connection to Honolulu.”
Those were the days before cellphones. When her original flight arrived, and she was not on it, there was a brief moment of panic. But a quick phone call home assured me she was on the next flight — about four hours later. No problem — I’ll just wait in the bar.
I must confess when she finally arrived after several Mai-Tais, I was feeling no pain. But neither was she, as the five hour flight from LA also provided complimentary Mai-Tais. Ahh – those were the days, right? It was good that we took a cab to the hotel.
We spend the next week on a second honeymoon, enjoying the beauty of Hawaii, the December weather, and some Mom & Dad time minus the kids.
It was also time for reflection — how do we want to live, and where do we go from here?
The whole experience was a life changer. Six months later I left the defense industry to start a new career as a Sales Engineer, which ultimately put me on the path of my JumpToConsulting.
My advice? If opportunity knocks on the door, ANSWER IT! Don’t be irrational, but don’t be too “sensible” either. As Helen Keller noted, “Life is a grand adventure.” Be sure to enjoy it –particularly if the adventure includes Mai-Tais and tropical breezes in December!
Aloha — Uncle Daryl
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How We Made $15+ Million by Adding Training To Our Consulting…
For over 25 years, training was an important part of our consulting business. Financially rewarding, too. But I must confess we didn’t plan it that way…
Here is the story, as shared with colleagues in a program in which I participate. (Teach Your Gift Pro by Mirasee.) My first encounter with Mirasee was in 2018, when I enrolled in a class with the goal of converting existing live class materials to on-line.
Although the course was very useful, due to inertia (mine and the marketplace) I did not proceed — but then COVID changed all that. The result? Last year I did four live multi-day virtual classes on-line, with more in the future.
But as my wife pointed out, I am once again failing retirement. That’s OK, though, as I still meet my three pronged criteria of “Have Some Fun — Do Some Good — Make Some Money.” This is from my post at Mirasee:
Hi B2B Colleagues,
Let me share some marketing insights based on 30+ years of B2B training.
Since 1987, my late business partner and I helped our engineering colleagues learn how to identify/prevent/fix Electromagnetic Interference (aka EMI) problems as part of our consulting business (www.emiguru.com). Yes, esoteric, but stick with me as I share a few things learned along the way regarding B2B marketing.
What started out as a request for help by a couple of clients (Can you teach us how to do a better job next time?) evolved into a financially rewarding training business. 12,000+ students (and about $15 million in revenues) later, the training part is still alive but at a lower level as I ease into retirement.
Not bragging — just offering some encouragement. When we started I had no idea where the B2B training would lead. It has been great fun and obviously pretty successful. But it did not happen overnight.
In 1992, we stumbled into working with a marketing partner — a prominent test equipment supplier to electronics designers (our mutual target market.) We ran the program (promotions, registration, and fulfillment, the latter including arranging meeting space and more.) We shared mail lists (both direct mail and email) and had great field support from their sales force.
We got revenue, and we both got highly qualified leads (those who were both interested and could spend money.) It was win-win-win as the students won too. That relationship lasted about 25 years until it died out due to the increasing cost of promotions and fulfillment.
In 2012, we were invited by a long established training company to be in their catalogue. Another marketing partnership. As they specialized in the defense industry, we developed a highly focused class for their market.
It was not too difficult as we had a lot of consulting experience plus existing materials. In this case, the training company handled the promotion, registration, and meeting arrangements. All we did was show up and teach. Now on line, it is even easier.
In 2018, I signed up for the “Course Builders Laboratory” with the idea of converting two multi-day classes from in-person to on-line. Learned a lot, but due to inertia (mine and the market place) did not move forward.
Then COVID happened. Last year led to four multi-day on-line classes (pilots?) with more on the horizon. The best part — no travel for me or my students — and the market is now world wide. Yea!
Today I am investigating a new potential partnership to resurrect the original commercial course. The financial equation is much more favorable with on-line delivery. Much less cost to promote and fulfill. No travel and hotel/catering costs, and a much broader potential market. I’m excited about the prospects.
As you can see, I am a big proponent of partnering in the B2B marketplace. I hope this has been useful, and that I haven’t blathered on too long. I know much of Mirasee’s past efforts have been aimed at B2C, but rest assured there is a huge market in B2B, particularly with the move to on-line learning. The marketplace if different but there is a lot of lot of $$$$ to be had, along with great satisfaction.
Best wishes — Daryl
PS -Also working on a short B2C course on how to start/build/operate a small consulting practice based on my 40+ years experience. More of a labor of love (see my blog at www.jumptoconsulting.com.) But the real $$$ for me are in B2B – and that is still fun too.
As I pointed out in an earlier post, there is a great synergy between training and consulting. Each can feed the other.
Training, however, requires a lot of time and commitment, so I don’t recommend jumping in with training when starting out in consulting. Long term, however, the payoff is there, and it nicely augmented our retirement funds.
If training has appeal, consider teaching for an educational institution, such as university, junior college, or adult educational program. This can even be done prior to making a full time JumpToConsulting, providing visibility/credibility and experience. In fact, that is how we got started — moonlighting as evening instructors in adult-ed over 40 years ago.
Hope this has been helpful, and perhaps even planted some seeds on how to make your own JumpToConsulting!
P.S. – The $15 million was not all profit, as we had promotion and fulfillment costs. But it was still quite profitable ($10M+) while also feeding the consulting side of the business.
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A Pearl of Wisdom… Rights vs. Obligations…
Here is a “Pearl of Wisdom” from fellow engineer and blogger at RJ’s Corner. In these politically tumultuous times, this really resonated with me. Is it about me, or is it about you?
“The single biggest thing I learned was from an indigenous elder of Cherokee descent, Stan Rushworth, who reminded me of the difference between a settler mindset of “I have rights” and an indigenous mindset of “I have obligations.”
Instead of thinking I am born with rights, I choose to think that I am born with obligations to serve past, present, and future generations, and the planet herself.”
RJ is a retired engineer who blogs anonymously from rural Indiana. I thoroughly enjoy his thoughtful insights, and share much of his philosophy. Hope you find this of interest too.
Caring for others is the essence of consulting. It is not about the “right” to make a big pile of money — it is about the “obligation” to make the world a better place.
Food for thought this holiday season!
Peace — Uncle Daryl
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Ten Guiding Principles at KGA…
This post was inspired by a recent post at Consulting Success, titled Our 10 Guiding Principles:Inside our Consulting Business and Life. It resonated with me, and got me thinking about the principles that guided Bill Kimmel (my late business partner) and me at Kimmel Gerke Associates.
The first three (Do Some Good – Have Some Fun -Make Some Money) were our mantra, but upon reflection I was able to come up with seven more. The list is short and sweet. These were not random, but the result of many discussions (often over beer) on how we wanted to live our lives and run our business.
(1) Do some good – The essence of consulting is improving the client’s status — either by solving problems or achieving aspirations. At the end of the day, you need to leave the world in a better place.
(2) Have some fun – If it isn’t fun, why do it? Life is too short to do stuff that isn’t enjoyable.
(3) Make some money – The ultimate goal of every business, even non-profits. And remember Marv’s sage advice, You can’t go broke when making a profit.
(4) Don’t be greedy – As is said about the stock market — Bears make money — Bulls make money — Pigs get slaughtered. Always leave some money on the table, and always tip well!
(5) Be humble – Nobody likes arrogance or narcissism. And remember TIAABB (There Is Always A Bigger Boat.) Can’t remember where I heard that advice, but I’ve always liked it.
(6) Take calculated risks – Don’t take foolish risks, but don’t be paralyzed by fear. Assess the risks and make a decision. Consider the worst case, best case, and then roll the dice. (Unless it might kill you, which it probably won’t.)
(7) Share what you know – Pretty sure that is how the parable of the loaves and fishes worked — people shared what they had. Share and others will share with you.
(8) Be approachable – Very important for consultants, as you do not want to unwittingly intimidate those who might need your services. If an engineer, be ready to buy a beer.
(9) Keep learning – Your knowledge and experience are what you have to sell. Keep filling your experience bank account.
(10) Do it your way — That’s the reason to become a consultant, right? Can’t say it any better than Frank Sinatra did.
Hope you enjoyed this. These principles served us well.
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VOTE… It is your right and your duty…
Time for a Mini-Rant…
In 1968, my wife and I were denied our right to vote. I am still annoyed.
We were married in June that year, and moved to a new state for both of us. Thanks to a Catch-22 were were not allowed to vote in November, as we had not met an arbitrary six-month residence requirement. Nor were we allowed to vote in our previous home states, as we had moved.
A letter to our new congressman resulted in the typical politician’s bulls*t response. We left the original state two years later, taking our skills, careers, and a half century of future tax dollars with us.
But we voted in every election since. We donated to and worked on campaigns for those we supported. And unlike too many today, we voted the person — not the party — for people and policies in which we believed.
No straight tickets – no blind partisan politics for us! We simply voted our conscience…
With an election tomorrow, I urge each of you to vote if you have not already done so, and I ask you to vote YOUR conscience — and to VOTE for decency and fairness for all.
Thank you… Like consultants, together we can make the world a better place.
End of Rant
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