Wanted to create this thread and plan on updating as often as something interesting happens.
After much sidelining, I finally took the advice of of multiple people on this thread, and started reaching out to my immediate network to get the word out about what I am trying to do.
Did not take a week to have an idea submitted and two consultation requests to come in. (The consultations were not family or friends, not that it matters, it just feel that much more special)
The two consultation requests I will hopefully be able to use as a side hustle to gain some income and pay down debts. Hopefully I can grow enough of a customer base to buy time away from a j.o.b. and can focus full time on these pursuits.
None of what was requested is outside of my technical wheelhouse, so I feel confident I can help the clients. First potential client needs about a month before they can start working.
I met with the second client today and the meeting went really well. I was relieved they were as open and understand as they were. They were excited to bring they vision to life and I would love to help get that done.
Then they asked me, "What is your hourly rate". Literally never even thought about it. In retrospective, that was dumb and I was caught off guard. Tonight I am writing up a statement of work as best as possible and will share to get approval asap. There will be a week or so of delay as previous hired work completes, but I'm still excited from my first two customer meetings.
On that note, I have made great effort to let customers know up front that I am just getting into this side hustle. This does not mean I downplay my technical abilities. Only that this is my first time at consulting and I am a solo operation. I realize that may not sound like a great idea to get business; but I figure I want to set expectations as clearly as possible so there is no way the perceived value could be mucked. I am very much open to thoughts around that.
I do have a AI idea in the Real Estate industry I am going to work on while waiting for these to finalize and start work. It's a POC and I will need to rely on a buddy who is in the Industry and lives it on a daily basis. This will be a real leap, but could be a huge payoff if it can work. It could be a tool that all Real Estate builders and planners use and save huge cost, so there is a lot of potential.
My current plans for more customers in consulting side.
1) Ensure any work I take, I ask the customer to provide referrals if they are happy with the work.
2) Continue to contact my local network to simply spread the word.
3) Continue to network on weekends and meet contacts. Explain what I do and offer.
Thanks for the read!
Matt
After much sidelining, I finally took the advice of of multiple people on this thread, and started reaching out to my immediate network to get the word out about what I am trying to do.
Did not take a week to have an idea submitted and two consultation requests to come in. (The consultations were not family or friends, not that it matters, it just feel that much more special)
The two consultation requests I will hopefully be able to use as a side hustle to gain some income and pay down debts. Hopefully I can grow enough of a customer base to buy time away from a j.o.b. and can focus full time on these pursuits.
None of what was requested is outside of my technical wheelhouse, so I feel confident I can help the clients. First potential client needs about a month before they can start working.
I met with the second client today and the meeting went really well. I was relieved they were as open and understand as they were. They were excited to bring they vision to life and I would love to help get that done.
Then they asked me, "What is your hourly rate". Literally never even thought about it. In retrospective, that was dumb and I was caught off guard. Tonight I am writing up a statement of work as best as possible and will share to get approval asap. There will be a week or so of delay as previous hired work completes, but I'm still excited from my first two customer meetings.
On that note, I have made great effort to let customers know up front that I am just getting into this side hustle. This does not mean I downplay my technical abilities. Only that this is my first time at consulting and I am a solo operation. I realize that may not sound like a great idea to get business; but I figure I want to set expectations as clearly as possible so there is no way the perceived value could be mucked. I am very much open to thoughts around that.
I do have a AI idea in the Real Estate industry I am going to work on while waiting for these to finalize and start work. It's a POC and I will need to rely on a buddy who is in the Industry and lives it on a daily basis. This will be a real leap, but could be a huge payoff if it can work. It could be a tool that all Real Estate builders and planners use and save huge cost, so there is a lot of potential.
My current plans for more customers in consulting side.
1) Ensure any work I take, I ask the customer to provide referrals if they are happy with the work.
2) Continue to contact my local network to simply spread the word.
3) Continue to network on weekends and meet contacts. Explain what I do and offer.
Thanks for the read!
Matt
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