Here is a blunt but polite way to handle this common objection to moving ahead with a consulting project, from my friends at the Rain Group. It is called “Get a Reality Check.” “Most of the time I when hear, ‘Let me think about it,’ what people really mean is ‘No thanks.’ Can you tell […]
This post was inspired by a recent post from fellow AZ blogger (and person I have long admired) Pamela Slim. She started off with this quote, which I borrowed: “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.” ― Shunryu Suzuki It got me thinking about our roles as […]
This post was inspired by Bob Bly, a favorite marketing guru, who just happens to be an engineer — and who shares his common sense advice through a regular newsletter. Here was his post: Subscriber MF writes: “Right now I am having a very slow month — slowest in the history of my firm. “Bob, […]
Here is a reply to a post by Cubert at Abandoned Cubicle regarding layoffs… which somehow seems appropriate for Labor Day… Best damn thing that happened to me – twice. The first time got me thinking about starting my own business — the second time (a dozen years are) cinched it. Thirty+ years of running my […]
As an Arizona resident, John McCain has been my Senator for 22 years. I did not always agree with him, but I always had great respect for him. I was greatly annoyed by the smear by “W” against him in South Carolina in 2000, when the story was spread that he had fathered a black […]
This post was inspired by Michael Katz, Chief Penguin of Blue Penguin Development. I subscribe to his free bi-monthly newsletter, and suggest you do so too. Great marketing ideas (and even classes) for solo entrepreneurs. In a recent newsletter, Michael opened with this great story, where he recommended using stories to illustrate ideas. Since I […]
So asked fellow blogger Cubert at Abandoned Cubicle in a recent post. Cubert is a 40 something engineer who is (by design) a year from Financial Independence and retirement. In this post, he expresses concerns about being bored and more in retirement. Perfectly normal to get the jitters as one approaches the cliff. Remember the same […]
Time for another success story. This one is about Bill Gnan (PE) who started his engineering consulting firm 16 years ago. Obviously, he has been a success, and proof that it can be done. Engineers, take note! Met Bill at an engineering seminar I taught last week. Even in semi-retirement, I remain involved through teaching. […]
Long time friend and recent returnee to the consulting ranks wrote: Just got an unusual series of email inquiries from a prospect: I’d like to talk to you. Sorry, I’m going on a trip. Let’s connect in a week. I’d like to talk to you tomorrow. Sorry, I’m busy so I’d like to talk to […]
Once again, it is time to reflect on Independence., and the price others have paid to secure it for all of us. It is why we celebrate the Fourth of July. Consulting can also lead to Personal Independence (PI.) It has for me in three ways: —Occupational Independence (OI) – This was the big attraction for me. […]
Here is a link to a recent consulting fee study from Consulting Success. Over 33,000 consultants were polled, including Yours Truly. Not sure how many responses, but with that size database the results are statistically significant. Here are some a key findings: 44% of the consultants with less than 4 years experience earn over six […]
Wonder how many times I’ve said that? Enough that I told Mary (my wife) that she can add that to my headstone 🙂 Yes, not everything I’ve tried worked out as hoped. But enough worked more than well enough. Had I never tried, however, I would not be where I am today. Support helps. More […]
In a recent discussion with a young consultant, he expressed concerns about handling his ever growing list of clients. (He is obviously doing a good job…) Having been at this game a bit longer, I suggested the ABC method for prioritizing clients. We used if for years, and it goes like this: All new clients start […]
What does it meant to be a professional? Here is an anecdote from my past: – Many years ago, I had a question on a contract and asked my attorney “What should I do?” — He replied, “The decision is yours. My job – as a professional – is to lay out options as clearly as […]
Making mistakes are part of starting and growing any business (including consulting firms.) In fact, if you’re not making some mistakes, you’re probably not trying hard enough — nor are you learning. Here are five mistakes I’ve made: (1) Not sticking to the knitting – Back in the late 1990s, we got caught up in the […]
Is sales a dirty word to you? Does it strike fear to pick up the phone and talk to a stranger? And do you need to sell in the first place? After all, as a consultant, the world should simply recognize your expertise, right? The answer to the last question — WRONG! And if you are […]
According to a recent survey of clients seeking technical consultants, these were the top four areas of need: Robotics Block Chain Cyber Security Artificial Intelligence This information courtesy of Michael Bryant in a webinar last week, Building the Consultant Practice of Tomorrow Using Today’s Online Tools. Fellow engineer Michael founded Software Synergistics, a successful software […]
To those of you who follow this blog, my apologies for the recent lack of activity. Been busy here, and hope to pick up the pace again. My personal goal has been one blog post per week, but may drop back to twice a month. Want to spend more time developing the on-line class on […]
Putting together a pilot for a multi-module class on consulting. I have some ideas, but dear reader, I need YOUR help. What would YOU like to know most about starting or running a small consulting practice? Please take a minute and send me a short email to daryl@jumptoconsulting. Big Thank You! Uncle Daryl P.S. Just curious […]
Here is a comment I made over at Abandoned Cubicle regarding making more money from your cubicle job. I mentioned Cubert once before, as he quietly (and anonomously) plots his course towards Financial Independence. In this post, Cubert recommends negotiating your salary. Many people (particularly engineers like Cubert and me) can be reluctant to do so. […]
