It is time to go Solo!!! [modified]
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You've worked for many employers, you've done many private jobs, to the extent those jobs paid u more than ur employer's pay. You've gain tons of skill and accumulated lots of knowledge. Then u start thinking, Isn't it time to go solo and start up your own I.T Consulting, Software whatever firm. What do you guys think? It time to form a company and go solo. -- modified at 4:48 Friday 20th April, 2007
Ace Ventura - No Jesus! No Life!
Albert Dadze wrote:
Then u start thinking, Isn't it time to go solo and start up your own I.T Consulting, Software whatever firm. What do you guys think? It time to form a company and go solo.
First, don't believe the hype. You need to be much better than the average and you need very good communication and sales skills. It will be harder than you think.
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You've worked for many employers, you've done many private jobs, to the extent those jobs paid u more than ur employer's pay. You've gain tons of skill and accumulated lots of knowledge. Then u start thinking, Isn't it time to go solo and start up your own I.T Consulting, Software whatever firm. What do you guys think? It time to form a company and go solo. -- modified at 4:48 Friday 20th April, 2007
Ace Ventura - No Jesus! No Life!
I think that if you've done tons of outside work, and you have those contacts, then you should consider it. But, I'd tend towards making sure you're making more on the side than you do in the office, and make sure you've got some put aside for if things slow down, before you leave the security of a paid job.
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ Metal Musings - Rex and my new metal blog "I am working on a project that will convert a FORTRAN code to corresponding C++ code.I am not aware of FORTRAN syntax" ( spotted in the C++/CLI forum )
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Albert Dadze wrote:
Then u start thinking, Isn't it time to go solo and start up your own I.T Consulting, Software whatever firm. What do you guys think? It time to form a company and go solo.
First, don't believe the hype. You need to be much better than the average and you need very good communication and sales skills. It will be harder than you think.
Virtual Coder wrote:
You need to be much better than the average
Not true. Most consultants I've encountered are dumber than a one-eared rabbit.
Virtual Coder wrote:
and you need very good communication
Virtual Coder wrote:
and you need very good communication and sales skills
True to the extent that the BS flows.
Virtual Coder wrote:
It will be harder than you think.
Aye. That is very true! :-D Marc
People are just notoriously impossible. --DavidCrow
There's NO excuse for not commenting your code. -- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
People who say that they will refactor their code later to make it "good" don't understand refactoring, nor the art and craft of programming. -- Josh Smith -
You've worked for many employers, you've done many private jobs, to the extent those jobs paid u more than ur employer's pay. You've gain tons of skill and accumulated lots of knowledge. Then u start thinking, Isn't it time to go solo and start up your own I.T Consulting, Software whatever firm. What do you guys think? It time to form a company and go solo. -- modified at 4:48 Friday 20th April, 2007
Ace Ventura - No Jesus! No Life!
Albert Dadze wrote:
It time to form a company and go solo.
Good luck! You'll need it. Marc
People are just notoriously impossible. --DavidCrow
There's NO excuse for not commenting your code. -- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
People who say that they will refactor their code later to make it "good" don't understand refactoring, nor the art and craft of programming. -- Josh Smith -
Virtual Coder wrote:
You need to be much better than the average
Not true. Most consultants I've encountered are dumber than a one-eared rabbit.
Virtual Coder wrote:
and you need very good communication
Virtual Coder wrote:
and you need very good communication and sales skills
True to the extent that the BS flows.
Virtual Coder wrote:
It will be harder than you think.
Aye. That is very true! :-D Marc
People are just notoriously impossible. --DavidCrow
There's NO excuse for not commenting your code. -- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
People who say that they will refactor their code later to make it "good" don't understand refactoring, nor the art and craft of programming. -- Josh SmithThere might be consultants out there that are dumber then a one-eared rabbit. But that's probably one of the reasons why you need to be better then average. Otherwise you the show stops after one project. ;P
WM. What about weapons of mass-construction? "What? Its an Apple MacBook Pro. They are sexy!" - Paul Watson
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There might be consultants out there that are dumber then a one-eared rabbit. But that's probably one of the reasons why you need to be better then average. Otherwise you the show stops after one project. ;P
WM. What about weapons of mass-construction? "What? Its an Apple MacBook Pro. They are sexy!" - Paul Watson
WillemM wrote:
But that's probably one of the reasons why you need to be better then average.
Actually, that's the reason I encounter a lot, and I would go so far as to say, growing, resistance to the idea of hiring consultants. I get a lot of "we've gone through three previous consultants..." or "we've learned our lesson with consultants--we only hire inhouse people". Marc
People are just notoriously impossible. --DavidCrow
There's NO excuse for not commenting your code. -- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
People who say that they will refactor their code later to make it "good" don't understand refactoring, nor the art and craft of programming. -- Josh Smith -
Albert Dadze wrote:
It time to form a company and go solo.
Good luck! You'll need it. Marc
People are just notoriously impossible. --DavidCrow
There's NO excuse for not commenting your code. -- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
People who say that they will refactor their code later to make it "good" don't understand refactoring, nor the art and craft of programming. -- Josh SmithThe mystery is that his sig says he's the CEO of a company....
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ Metal Musings - Rex and my new metal blog "I am working on a project that will convert a FORTRAN code to corresponding C++ code.I am not aware of FORTRAN syntax" ( spotted in the C++/CLI forum )
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You've worked for many employers, you've done many private jobs, to the extent those jobs paid u more than ur employer's pay. You've gain tons of skill and accumulated lots of knowledge. Then u start thinking, Isn't it time to go solo and start up your own I.T Consulting, Software whatever firm. What do you guys think? It time to form a company and go solo. -- modified at 4:48 Friday 20th April, 2007
Ace Ventura - No Jesus! No Life!
Understand cashflow forcasting, profit and loss forcasting, marketing techniques, budgeting and so on. In other words, investigate what running a business means. When you understand enough and have conducted feasibility studies, then you are in a position to decide to jump or not. If you decide to jump, you will need a very competant Business Plan which should be submitted to your bank manager for their evaluation and subsequent support. As without the support of your bank manager, your venture could be doomed. And don't forget to create a personal survival budget. However, best of luck to you as nearly all new ventures will most definately need some.
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You've worked for many employers, you've done many private jobs, to the extent those jobs paid u more than ur employer's pay. You've gain tons of skill and accumulated lots of knowledge. Then u start thinking, Isn't it time to go solo and start up your own I.T Consulting, Software whatever firm. What do you guys think? It time to form a company and go solo. -- modified at 4:48 Friday 20th April, 2007
Ace Ventura - No Jesus! No Life!
I had my own 'solo' consulting company for about 8 years. I only did 'side' work (still kept a 9-5 job). I got to the point where I could have quit my normal job and made more money with my consulting company, but I didn't. Why? Because I got sick and tired of being the 'Buck Stops Here' guy for everything that anyone could possibly whine or complain about. In my opinion, running your own consulting business just isn't worth it. Too many people problems to deal with, not enough time to actually get work done. This is just my experience, obviously others won't agree. However it is something you may want to consider.
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I had my own 'solo' consulting company for about 8 years. I only did 'side' work (still kept a 9-5 job). I got to the point where I could have quit my normal job and made more money with my consulting company, but I didn't. Why? Because I got sick and tired of being the 'Buck Stops Here' guy for everything that anyone could possibly whine or complain about. In my opinion, running your own consulting business just isn't worth it. Too many people problems to deal with, not enough time to actually get work done. This is just my experience, obviously others won't agree. However it is something you may want to consider.
Actually, I would tend to agree with you Paul. One may be a good developer, but this does not equate to a good business person. And, your point about "the buck stops here" is very real, very valid, and mr. solo should listen. You have to handle HR, IT support, purchasing, contract negotiations, etc. Having said that, I went back to employee land once, and it was a very hard transition. I'm used to making my own decisions that make sense. For example, if I need a book, I go buy a book. I don't ask for approval of a manager who has a problem making a $50 decision....
Charlie Gilley Will program for food... Whoever said children were cheaper by the dozen... lied. Overheard in a cubicle: "A project is just a bug under development."
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The mystery is that his sig says he's the CEO of a company....
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ Metal Musings - Rex and my new metal blog "I am working on a project that will convert a FORTRAN code to corresponding C++ code.I am not aware of FORTRAN syntax" ( spotted in the C++/CLI forum )
Christian Graus wrote:
The mystery is that his sig says he's the CEO of a company....
Everyone is a CEO in their own mind. ;P Marc
People are just notoriously impossible. --DavidCrow
There's NO excuse for not commenting your code. -- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
People who say that they will refactor their code later to make it "good" don't understand refactoring, nor the art and craft of programming. -- Josh Smith -
You've worked for many employers, you've done many private jobs, to the extent those jobs paid u more than ur employer's pay. You've gain tons of skill and accumulated lots of knowledge. Then u start thinking, Isn't it time to go solo and start up your own I.T Consulting, Software whatever firm. What do you guys think? It time to form a company and go solo. -- modified at 4:48 Friday 20th April, 2007
Ace Ventura - No Jesus! No Life!
in 2000 when i only had about 2 years of exp i got layed off. I had a very hard time finding a job so i did just what your stating..Go solo. My thoughts behind it are if you can make 90+k a year why bother. It is so much work for a starter company is it really worth it? your talking 80+ hours a week. You need to make the choice on what to do.. I would say no if you have a job paying well
Chris Calzaretta
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WillemM wrote:
But that's probably one of the reasons why you need to be better then average.
Actually, that's the reason I encounter a lot, and I would go so far as to say, growing, resistance to the idea of hiring consultants. I get a lot of "we've gone through three previous consultants..." or "we've learned our lesson with consultants--we only hire inhouse people". Marc
People are just notoriously impossible. --DavidCrow
There's NO excuse for not commenting your code. -- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
People who say that they will refactor their code later to make it "good" don't understand refactoring, nor the art and craft of programming. -- Josh SmithMarc Clifton wrote:
or "we've learned our lesson with consultants--we only hire inhouse people".
Well it is either consultants, people from the general public, or current hires which usually opens another position. I do agree with you though, many consultants are just good liars.
CleaKO
"I think you'll be okay here, they have a thin candy shell. 'Surprised you didn't know that.'" - Tommy (Tommy Boy)
"Fill it up again! Fill it up again! Once it hits your lips, it's so good!" - Frank the Tank (Old School) -
You've worked for many employers, you've done many private jobs, to the extent those jobs paid u more than ur employer's pay. You've gain tons of skill and accumulated lots of knowledge. Then u start thinking, Isn't it time to go solo and start up your own I.T Consulting, Software whatever firm. What do you guys think? It time to form a company and go solo. -- modified at 4:48 Friday 20th April, 2007
Ace Ventura - No Jesus! No Life!
I think you should go solo. You need to put your knowledge and initiative to work for you. Having said that, I also want to pass along something I learned from a solo adventure of mine: When you start a business to do something that you like, coding, photography, etc., you have to understand that that activity is not what the business is about. Running a business involves accounting, tax forms, managing (more tax forms, social security witholding, health care, leave, etc.) and paying employees (first), insurance, advertising, renting space and so on. And, when you run a business, all of the problems that arise are by default, your problem. If something doesn't get done, you will be the one doing it. The activity you started a business to do can become the minor activity in your day. Note: Some people think, "Hey, I'll start the business from home and be the only employee so I won't have these problems." which is the same as saying, my business will not be successful. If your business is successful, you will have most of these things to deal with, if not all and more. Note 2: Some of the dumb one eared rabbits are there, not because they are the best at what they do, they are better at the business activities. Just remember the dumb one eared rabbits are there for a reason. I am not trying to discourage you, starting your own business is worthwhile even if all you wind up with is experience, I just think you should do it with your eyes open. On the other hand, if people knew what they were getting into starting a business, getting married or, having children ...
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Virtual Coder wrote:
You need to be much better than the average
Not true. Most consultants I've encountered are dumber than a one-eared rabbit.
Virtual Coder wrote:
and you need very good communication
Virtual Coder wrote:
and you need very good communication and sales skills
True to the extent that the BS flows.
Virtual Coder wrote:
It will be harder than you think.
Aye. That is very true! :-D Marc
People are just notoriously impossible. --DavidCrow
There's NO excuse for not commenting your code. -- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
People who say that they will refactor their code later to make it "good" don't understand refactoring, nor the art and craft of programming. -- Josh SmithMarc Clifton wrote:
Most consultants I've encountered are dumber than a one-eared rabbit.
LMAO!!! :) That's an awesome quote, as well as being reasonably true in my experience as well!
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You've worked for many employers, you've done many private jobs, to the extent those jobs paid u more than ur employer's pay. You've gain tons of skill and accumulated lots of knowledge. Then u start thinking, Isn't it time to go solo and start up your own I.T Consulting, Software whatever firm. What do you guys think? It time to form a company and go solo. -- modified at 4:48 Friday 20th April, 2007
Ace Ventura - No Jesus! No Life!
I've been "solo" since 1996 and whether it's sucessful or not really depends on how much extra work you're willing to do because there is a *lot* more work than you would have in a 9-5 job. If you can afford at this point in your life to take the gamble then by all means do it, then you will know for certain.
"110%" - it's the new 70%