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It's difficult as a solo consultant to build a sustainable business: you have only your hours to sell, it's difficult to stockpile them, and jobs arrive unpredi
by skmurphy 17y ago
It's difficult as a solo consultant to build a sustainable business: you have only your hours to sell, it's difficult to stockpile them, and jobs arrive unpredictably. When you are busy it's hard to look for additional work, so that porpoising (alternating periods of work and idleness) is hard to avoid. I would look to join up with another two to four like minded consultants. This gives you an opportunity to spread out your marketing and sales efforts across the group, take on larger assignments, and have backup in case of illness or other temporary inability to complete the job. Partners also give you time to renew and enhance your skillset--obsolescence of expertise is another business level risk--and others to compare notes with in new or challenging situations.
- mdmd 17y agoMy first post on HN and replies that are actually helping me clear out my doubts/concerns! I think on the long term i am going to find few reliable local 'associates/friends' with whom i can share projects/profits and discuss code etc, as you mentioned.
- skmurphy 17y agoFew is not none, and it only takes a few. Shared values and work ethic are the more important selection criteria in my experience. Also, having tried it several different ways, I would develop a business partnership based on shared business successes (vs. friendship, desperation, or other non-business experiences) by dividing the income stream--and managing expense--from a series of projects. This is a reliable way to judge what it will be like to manage a business jointly.
- noodle 17y agoyou can get by with very few. you're clearly getting by with 0. try 1 and see how that goes.
- mdmd 17y agoAgreed.