Here is a recent question from blog reader regarding client reports: I’m looking at moonlighting, and have been enjoying digging through your blog. So far I have one quick question – did you have to deal with securing your data or reports? Was it was ever a concern for you? Did you just send any documents […]
This question arrived today from a friend and engineering consulting colleague. Once in a while a company will request a “General Liability” insurance certificate. Hi Daryl, I’ve run into this requirement (client insurance) a handful of times. Most companies don’t ask for it, but some are asking to be named on my insurance policy. Do […]
Received an email a while back from a fellow engineer whose consulting firm is struggling. The question was what to do now? First, a little background. To protect privacy, I’ll be purposefully vague. He started a consulting firm some years ago, but it recently began to slide. Rather than give up, he kept putting money […]
Just received this query from India. Wow — we have an international following! But as I’ve noted here before, consulting is both international and location independent. Assuming others might find this useful, I’m sharing it here. Hi, Your website is highly informative. I ask you a question because you have real time experience as an […]
From the mailbag: Just last week an engineering colleague (and reader of this blog) announced he was making his own JumpToConsulting. Way to go, Glen! His announcement e-mail also had several specific questions. After addressing them, I decided to share my comments here. (1) Quotations & Proposals We use a two page format. The first […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 response to Jim, who commented on “Are Engineers Really in Demand.” Thought this deserved a blog post, rather than just a response from me. Of all the things that offer consulting opportunities Engineering, with the exception of Civil, is way down on the list. With all the non disclosure agreements and req […]
Here is a recent email exchange that I though some of you might find of interest. I’ve hidden the name for confidentiality, but I’m sure S will recognize himself. Hi Daryl, My name is S. I’m also a follower of your blog. How are you doing with that these days? I’ve noticed you’re an engineer […]
Here is my reply to a recent IEEE article “Are Engineers Really in Demand?” The authors posed this question in response to a recent Washington Post story that discussed unemployment among engineers. Being a geek myself, I was intrigued. What disturbed me, however, were the comments that followed. Way too much griping about how the government, […]
Adding a new category to this blog — Encouragement. The original intent of this blog was to provide “nuts and bolts” information for those considering making the JumpToConsulting. You know — if you just knew how to do it (or how others had done it), the rest would be a piece of cake. But recently […]
