Sami says “Feliz Navidad…” 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 2020! From our house to yours — Uncle Daryl, Mary, and Sami the Shih Tzu. PS – For your holiday enjoyment, here is […]
That is what my doctor told me this week during an exam when I commented I was a bit stressed and down in the dumps. She kindly chided me and said you sound like my dad (a year younger than me). She then said she sees this a lot in older men, particularly those struggling […]
Time for a Thanksgiving rant. I, for one, am weary of the whining and complaining that seems to be taking over the country, and even the world. While I try to stay politically neutral on this blog, too many of today’s political leaders (if you can call them that) seem more focused on manipulating emotions […]
The Number One question I’m asked by those interested in consulting is “How Do You Get Your Clients?” My Number One answer is usually “Peddle your behind off.” Meaning, if you are not willing to market and sell your services, you are better off not pursuing independent consulting. But to be successful, you need to […]
Heard this story years ago, and decided to share it here. It goes like this: Two neighbors lived across a creek from each other. There was a small bridge connecting their two properties, and they became friends and enjoyed each other’s company. But then there was a falling out, and neither spoke to each other. […]
Here is a quote from Dr. Alan Weiss (the Million Dollar Consultant) in his recent newsletter. I could not agree more! “Businesses of all sizes need external expertise these days. They can’t solve their own problems or ensure their own innovation any more than a patient can operate on his or her own appendix or […]
Good advice from a recent newletter. Based on personal experience, there is too much risk for blowback and hard feelings. #1–Your friend or family member might not have any clue about market rates for freelance projects. #2–They might assume that they’re entitled to a steep discount because they know you. #3–If the business relationship goes […]
This post was written in response to a recent troll attack on Bob Bly, fellow engineer turned highly successful copywriter and author. This is also an update to a favorite post done way back in 2012, when first trolled at JumpToConsulting. Trolls, by their very nature, are unsuccessful losers. If they were successful, they would not […]
Courtesy of my consulting gigs… 71 VW Convertible… Although semi-retired here, I still teach classes in my engineering speciality. Very satisfying to share my experience and knowledge, plus it brings in “fun money.” So when I parked next to this VW (with a for sale […]
By now it is obvious the blog sabbatical continues. But the plan is to get back in the saddle, sharing ideas and advice on how to start/build/operate a small consulting practice. Life has a habit of getting in the way. Nothing serious — just some unanticipated twists and turns that take up time. Got re-elected to […]
Some words of wisdom… When the client has beaten upon you long enough, Give him what he asks for instead of what he needs. This is very strong medicine, and is normally required but once. (Author unknown) Still on a blogging “sabbatical” here, but planning to resume regular programming soon. © 2019, https:. All rights […]
And you thought I was just taking a sabattical, right? Well, secret negotiations were going on, due to close on April 1. Apparently blog sales are hot, as Mr. Money Mustache (a favorite blogging engineer who preaches financial independence) today reported the sale of his blog for $9 million. At 500 posts, he netted $18,000 […]
So began a recent post at Satisfying Retirement, a favorite blog I follow. The idea resonated — perhaps it is time to take a break here too. Not quitting — I’ll be back. In the meantime, there will be occasional posts. I still have a list of over 100 potential topics, with more ideas bubbling up […]
Time for a mini-rant. In recent months, I’ve received numerous unsolicited e-mails that follow this format: The first e-mail offers some unwanted service, like updating my website, increasing my leads, or even handling my HR hiring or payroll needs. (The latter is amusing as I am a one person firm, which simple research would have […]
Another year gone… and once again time to reflect… and to look forward. Got this idea years ago from The Art of Nonconformity, and have done it each year since. So as always, I’ll review three categories: JumpToConsulting (www.jumptoconsulting.com) EMI-GURU aka Kimmel Gerke Associates, Ltd. (www.emiguru.com) Personal (www.linkedin.com/in/darylgerke) But first, a quick overview… The JumpToConsulting project […]
Sami says “Please have a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2019…” 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 2019! From our house to yours — Uncle Daryl, Mary, and Sami the Shih Tzu. © 2018, […]
As consultants, we are often called on to diagnose and troubleshoot problems. This is particularly true of my technical colleagues. Here is a technique learned many years ago the has served me well. Is it called the “Five Whys” and the goal is to find the “root cause” of a problem, rather than just applying […]
Five Keys to a More Positive Outlook… This just seemed appropriate for the Thanksgiving season. Be thankful. Research shows you can’t be stressed and thankful at the same time Focus on what you get to do each day — instead of what you have to do. Smile. It produces more serotonin in your brain. Exercise […]
Vendors and suppliers are part of your business team. Take care of them, and they will take care of you. Too often businesses go for the lowest cost, delay payments, and generally abuse their vendors. And then they complain when they get in a pickle, and nobody wants to help them out. I’ve seen it, […]
When considering WHAT to consult about, you should also consider WHO you will serve. There are three general niches to consider: B2B – Business to business B2C – Business to consumer B2G – Business to government Each niche calls for different business approaches. When starting out, it is best to focus on one of the three. You […]
