RE: Engineers as Consultants Pt 2: How Do Engineers Find Consulting Gigs?

fuffkin — Fri, 23 May 2014 12:13:41 GMT

Hi James,

I think the easiest way to entree into this is the half-way house of being a contractor for a while (often through an agency). It allows you to test whether you've got what it takes and get you used to starting your own company and all that entails. If you can survive in this environment - in my experience you get about a week to prove you can do the job or you're fired - you gain confidence, track record, clients and cash flow.

Most companies are pretty flexible with hours these days and it gives you the opportunity to add in true consulting gigs in parallel. As you grow the consulting you can cut down the contracting and vice versa during quiet periods. You can also build up "zero hour" contracts as you scale down / leave contracts for support and maintenance as and when. These can also help the overall cash flow and client base.

Jon

RE: Engineers as Consultants Pt 2: How Do Engineers Find Consulting Gigs?

DAB — Sat, 03 May 2014 19:38:44 GMT

Hi James,

Good post.

I think most consultants initially get boost from word of mouth recommendations by friends at companies that "need" you skills for short periods of time.

You also need to do a bit of advertising with the local business community to get your "Name" out as an available resource.

After that it depends on your persistence and luck.

DAB