Latest Posts - Page 127 of 198

March 1, 2019February 23, 2019 Lessons Learned From Consulting

Fixed or Hourly Project Pricing

One of the critical choices in accepting a project is whether you will bill based on a fixed or hourly basis. The bottom line is that one approach places more risk on you as a provider. The other puts it on the customer. At least, that is the typical thought. However, you can adjust a fixed bid or how the hourly rate is paid to shift risk around. Fixed or Hourly as a Project Approach I think that this is a decision that should be considered far more from the basis of how the project will go as opposed to finances. A fixed bid will make it far more likely that a customer will want to squeeze all they can... Read more

February 27, 2019 Tools We Use

DBVisualizer How To – Easy Database Administration and Usage

One of the tools in this series that I have used the most is DBVisualizer. It is a database tool for developers and those that need to browse their data. Although the uses are plentiful, we will keep this DBVisuualizer how-to focused on the standard features and usage. A tool like this is too much to cover in an introduction so your best approach will be to use it. A Free Version There are two versions available, free and paid. The rough differences are that the free version is a data browser while the paid version adds a lot of administration and manipulation tools. However, you can see for yourself on their comparison page. Note that the free version does allow... Read more

February 27, 2019February 17, 2019 Lessons Learned From Consulting

Consulting Invoices and Getting Paid

Whether you are running a side hustle or a full-blown business, at some point you will need to create consulting invoices. Well, unless you do not care about being paid for your work. This is a process that is often overlooked. However, the way you invoice can help you get paid on time, impress a client, and even market your services to expand the business. Consulting Invoices Are Not Redundant I have come across some consultants that feel like an invoice is redundant. Whether they sent a status with time worked or had a consulting agreement, they seem to think nothing else is required. They may send a bill, but decide that the extra work of an invoice is not needed... Read more

February 25, 2019February 17, 2019 Lessons Learned From Consulting

Setting the Price for Software Consulting

The most common discussion I have had around consulting is setting the price on my services. Yes, customers care about my rates. However, the conversations tend to be focused on what the pricing should be for the person with whom I am speaking. There is no silver bullet for this challenge. On the other hand, it is not as difficult as many of us think. Setting The Price Based on the Market The easiest way to figure out a good rate for your services is to look at the market. If you are already employed, then you have a salary to use for a metric. If not, then take a look at the typical salary ranges for your skill set... Read more

February 22, 2019February 9, 2019 Lessons Learned From Consulting

Honest Communication Is Critical For Consultants

There is a book on having difficult conversations. The challenge is that we do not like having them. They tend to be difficult. Unfortunately, this can complicate honest communication. It is a challenge when we are trying to be positive and be seen as one that brings good news. It is even worse when we worry whether someone will shoot the messenger. Real News Over Good News The most common reason for hiring a consultant is to get another honest view of a situation. There is always a hope of getting good news. However, the desire is to hear the truth warts and all. It is not uncommon for the expectation to be that a consultant is not going to be... Read more

February 20, 2019February 9, 2019 Lessons Learned From Consulting

When To Vent (never) as part of Consulting Communication

As we continue to discuss consulting communication, we turn towards venting. This topic includes negative communication as well. To be clear, negative is not the same as disagreeing. You can stay positive while communicating a disagreement. We are held to a higher standard when in a consulting role and we should always remember that fact. Consulting Communication Stays Positive It may seem difficult or even impossible, but any professional communication you make as a consultant should be positive. Think of some classic wording approaches like problems are just challenges or even opportunities. Rather than highlight a negative you want to remain focused on providing solutions. It will not help your perception as an impartial skilled observer when you dip into frustration... Read more