Since it is the Fourth of July, a rant on independence seemed appropriate. After all, it was my overwhelming desire for Occupational Independence that got me into consulting in the first place. When I started my consulting practice, I was NOT Financially Independent (FI) — which I define as being able to quit one’s job […]
Here is a question from Cheryl at the Business Consulting Buzz group: Has anyone had luck at using workshops as a sales tool? I am considering this in my area at no charge to increase my client base. Has anyone been successful doing this? If so, what have you found to be the best time […]
Here is my first “interview” — Jacob Beningo of Beningo Engineering. It was his newsletter that provided the humor in the previous post. Jacob speciaizes in the “development and design of quality, robust embedded systems.” He has a degree in Electrical Engineering (another gEEk), started consulting in 2009, and has been on his own since […]
10 Signs You Might Be A Consultant… (1) Your largest expense is socks from never leaving the house. (More wear and tear) (2) Business casual is khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt (3) 3 months of vacation a year just doesn’t quite feel long enough (4) Bean counters panic when they see you (5) Afternoon […]
Should you pay referral fees? That question was recently posted at LinkedIn on the Business Consulting Buzz group: Referral Fees for Independent Consultants? Interested in your opinions: As an independent Consultant, would you be willing to pay and/or receive referral fees? Here is my reply: As consulting engineers, we are concerned that referral fees might […]
Another quick question from reader C, that generated the grist for this post. Thanks, C! I’m going to a networking event for small business/non-profits, and it has occurred to me that I need a quick elevator speech. Like “Hi I’m C from … we help people view and analyze their data by using maps” Most […]
As a follow up to an earlier post on LLCs, reader C asked about fees. Here is my response: Hi Daryl, Thanks for the advice on LLCs… Another quick question — how do you go about setting up your fees? C Hi C, Glad my advice helped. Still remember the questions I had many years […]
Can’t believe we just hit 100 blog posts! Who would have thought there were a hundred things to say about starting and building a small consulting practice? Well, after two years, there are still plenty of ideas to share and explore. In fact, my original list of possible posts has actually grown. As soon as […]
One of my favorite stories, I often share this with wanabee or newbie consultants. It goes like this: Pat and Mike are out in the woods hunting. They hear a lot of noise in the brush, and suddenly a bear appears fifty yards away. They decide to run. But after a few yards, Pat stops, […]
As a consultant, you can’t know everything. Sometimes you need to bring in other experts. When you do, it is much easier if you have greased the skids ahead of time. Here is a geek story from my college days. Ernie was an ME (mechanical engineering) student, and a good one at that. However, he […]
Here is the synopsis of a recent e-mail exchange from a JTC candidate that you may find of interest. I’ve edited it and sanitized it (personal information is left out), but I’m sure C will recognize herself. Hi Daryl, I came to your website from Mister Money Mustache, and I’ve decided to throw my hat […]
This is a true story. Not even the names have been changed… Mary (my wife) was at the beauty shop, getting her hair done. She couldn’t help hearing the conversation in the next chair. The discussion centered around the new boy friend of the customer’s niece. Here is a summary of the exchanges: Hairdresser – […]
With apologies to David Letterman… 10 – MONEY – Can lead to Financial Independence. It ultimately did for me. 9 – PLACE – Choose your own work location. Worked out of my home for the past 30+ years, and must say I really enjoy the commute. The view from the patio is nice too. 8 […]
Consulting isn’t just about expertise — it is also about relationships. What better way to build those relationships than through networking? Networking isn’t just for consultants. It is something you should do regardless of your career. As the old saying goes, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” True for finding new jobs… […]
In celebration of Engineer’s Week, February 17-23, 2013… You could not… Drive to work… cook a pot roast… bake bread… take a shower… watch television… make toast… brew coffee… mow the lawn… call your mother… be cool in the summer… wash you clothes… play computer games… listen to your stereo… ride your bike… videotape a […]
As part of my commitment to get off my butt and write my book on consulting, I attended the Indie Author Publishing Conference this weekend in Phoenix. Over 120 authors and prospective authors heard from several panels of experts that included book editors, agents, publishers, legal experts, and more. The focus was on the business […]
Directories should be a part of every consultant’s marketing strategies. The secret is to be listed in the right directories – those used by potential clients. So give some thought to where you might look to find someone like yourself. Most directories provide search capabilities (expertise, location…), so consider your search categories. If you don’t […]
Recently ran across this web site and newsletter, and wanted to share it here. In addition to being a useful resource, it is also a delightful success story. In 2000, Michael Katz launched Blue Penguin Development, a one man firm that teaches professional service providers how to position themselves as “likeable experts.” Much of his […]
I’m living proof. No MBA, and in fact, I’m an MBA dropout. But more on that later. This post was precipitated by a post by Martin Zwilling at Startup Professional Musings, where Martin discusses the pros and cons of an MBA for entrepreneurs. His advice is right in the title – Don’t Delay Your First […]
Boomers and geeks take note! Close to retirement, and wondering about consulting? My long time friend Don shows you a way. Fresh out of engineering school, Don and I worked together in the late 1960’s at Collins Radio. In addition to both being EEs (Electrical Engineers), we shared a common interest in amateur (ham) radio […]
