I'm glad companies like yours are doing well, Gary, but I have found (so far anyway) that being an independent isn't all that different than what I was doing anyway working for a consulting firm. Maybe my experience with doing pre-sales, account administration, etc. in addition to consulting gives me an edge on some, but the business insurance was only about $325/yr and took a few hours to get set up. I have a friend in the insurance business who's got me set up on a health ins. plan that isn't costing much more than my COBRA was. I already do my own taxes, but I'll probably pay someone to do mine this year, to be sure it gets done right the first time. Other than that and scheduling my jobs around training and planned time off, there doesn't seem to be much to this being independent right now, except that there are some governmental agencies with approved vendor lists that are hard to get around or through, which cuts into the margin to varying degrees.
Rick On 11/14/06, Gary Lambert <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
** I know Bob is not interested, but it is a valid question: how much "mark up" is worth it? Many people would prefer to work directly if it simply meant earning 100% of the billing rate. Even in that case, many consultants and employers would prefer to have some "buffer" between them. 10 out of 10 developers prefer to focus on their craft rather than dealing with insurance/billing/contract issues. Perhaps Bob feels that it is worth the hassle to deal with everything than live with notion that anyone is earning any percentage from your work. The grass is always greener… Granted there are lots of contracting companies that take way more than is fair for what they provide. I would have trouble sleeping if I knew I was giving away too much every day I worked hard. We have done well and grown quickly (over 50 people now) by giving back as much as 90% of billing rates to consultants on our team. The people earning most, do most of the work in terms of finding their own assignments and paying for their own health insurance --- but using our group rates for health and other insurance. This method allows our consultants to maximize earnings while minimizing hassles. Now that we are over 50 people, we are finding greater access to larger organizations. I believe that large organizations know that a large consulting group is more likely to have all of their insurance in order ($2M+ Errors&Ommisions, General Liability, Auto, Worker's Comp, Fidelity Bonds, etc.) which is just too cost prohibitive for an individual to buy. We do earn a profit, but I believe it is fair for what we offer. If anyone would like to know more, feel free to contact me off-list. Thanks, Gary Lambert [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------ *From:* Action Request System discussion list(ARSList) [mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *On Behalf Of *McKenzie, James J C-E LCMC HQISEC/L3 *Sent:* Tuesday, November 14, 2006 10:14 AM *To:* [email protected] *Subject:* Re: Direct Contract Bob: Since you work for a government agency, your hands may be tied by laws and regulations. Now, if this applies to you, you may be able to join a small company to get your name known. Once this happens you should be able to get small jobs then increase in size. James McKenzie L-3 GSI -----Original Message----- From: Action Request System discussion list(ARSList) [ mailto:[email protected] <[email protected]>] On Behalf Of Bob Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 9:02 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Direct Contract Does anyone have any suggestions for procuring Direct Contracts (especially in Washington DC) for an independent Remedy Consultant? It seems like the bill rates to the customers are quite high, and I would rather not go through a vendor. Customers are demanding Remedy Consultants. Remedy Consultants would like to avoid vendors. How do the two get together? Do sites like Hot Gigs work? How do you advertise? Word of mouth is great, contacts are great, but it seems like there is always a vendor attached. Please don't reply back about how Vendors are really worth the markup, I am much more interested in how to bill customers directly through my LLC than have the discussion go towards the relative value of vendors.
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