It's been a couple of weeks since I wrote this post. I've had plenty of time to think about things, but an unexpected event has occurred today that has forced this topic to move up on the priority list.
My goals for the next 90 days:
1. Decide whether to continue my consulting business.
2. If I decide to continue, fully define a marketing plan
3. If I decide to continue, bring in at least 1 1-3-month project.
4. Take 1 MCSD.NET exam (I've been an MCSD since 1996, but have really slacked off on exam taking)
5. Finish reading “Who's Looking Out For You” and “First Among Equals”
I realize that #1 is a biggie. Since I left my last W2 position in 2001, I've been lucky enough to land projects through word-of-mouth. I've done no other marketing. What normally ends up happening is that I dedicate myself to a single project over the course of a few months and when that project ends, I land something new, normally by luck. In other words, all my eggs are in one basket, but I manage to keep the basket full.
<quick_story>When I left my last W2 position, I didn't have anything waiting for me. Within a day, I got a phone call from a former co-worker and within a few more days, I was working for his brother-in-law doing ASP work. When that work started to dry up (after 18 months), another friend called and asked if I'd like to work on a project for his company. that project ended last year (see the story here). During that project, a former supervisor called and asked if I'd like to work on a project for them. I've since worked on 3 projects for this last client.</quick_story>
My current contract is coming to an end (at the end of March) and I missed the opportunity to join the client as a full-time employee. I don't see anything coming up that will keep the basket full, so I'm deciding whether or not to try and continue being an indy or try and find a good W2 position.
The fact is, if I decide to remain an indy, I need to change the way I do things. I need to market myself and be proactive. I can't wait for projects to come my way, I need to find them. That's where #2 comes into play. How do I market my 1-man consulting firm? I mean, I don't really have a niche -- I solve problems using the best technology for the job. I don't do hardware and even if I did, there's more competition doing that then there is in software development.
Pros for staying an indy:
1. Flexible schedule
2. Choice of projects, technologies, etc.
3. Decent $$$
Cons:
1. Having to find the work
2. Quarterly tax payments
3. Not a lot of time for vacations or general time off
So, the question remains: how do I market my self? I guess I'll start here. :-)
If you have any comments or suggestions, please let me know: mjeaton at gmail dot com.
Print | posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 1:05 PM