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July 06, 2003

Checking in...
Posted by Jess in Tech Talk

So it’s been a month now that I’ve been on my own, Solace Consulting Services. I can’t remember when I’ve been as stress-free, and yet I have enough work to keep most of my days busy. These are good things. And we haven’t had to forclose on our house, which is also a good thing. :-)

So, after that first month here’s a few things I’ve learned:

Sometimes being a good consultant is not giving the customer what they want. Sometimes, what they want is not what’s best for them, and it’s my job to tell them WHY, and what IS best for them.

It’s OK to speak up when I don’t agree with the customer. After all, they brought me in because supposedly I know a little something, and they expect me to speak up when I don’t agree.

Just because there is no documented procedure to do a task does not mean I’m necessarily doing it wrong; in fact, whose to say I haven’t found a new, amazing way to accomplish it?

I never knew how much it irked me when servers weren’t organized, clean and tidy.

It’s incredibly scary when 15 eyes are on you in a meeting expecting you to expound brilliance once your mouth is opened…

…but there’s also no greater thrill than watching 15 heads nod their heads in agreement when you are done…

…but if no brilliance is scheduled to make an appearance that day, it’s ok to say, “I’m not sure of the answer to that. I’ll check up on it and have an answer to you tomorrow.”

It’s a wonderful support system to have technical friends that can help you in a pinch. And it’s an even better feeling when it’s reciprocated and you can help them out in a pinch.

Quickbooks is your best friend. If you don’t see it now, you WILL see it on tax day.

You should always try to get out of the house at least once per day.

Finally, have confidence, even if you are afraid. It will reflect in your eyes, and it will reflect in your performance, and it will make the client remember why they chose you in the first place.

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Comments

Interesting observations, and I'm happy to hear things are working out for you.

Posted by: Tom Duff at July 7, 2003 09:15 AM

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Ohhhh, now I know why she has been in that lack of communication mode with me the past month. She is WORKING now that she is on her own, LOL.

I know the feeling about the meetings doing this for some time. I will tell you some of the funny stories sometimes about my meetings.

Posted by: Chris Miller at July 7, 2003 10:11 PM

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LOL, well, that and the fact that I've had nothing interesting to say lately.
You'll get no wisdom from me and like it! ;-)

Posted by: Jess at July 8, 2003 09:00 PM

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