Eh.... We used to have a consulting DL. This is OT for this DL. So I tagged it in the subject. :)
I started out working as a consultant - then spent over 18 years in the corporate world - and then have been back consulting for the last 15 years. I have about 150 customers. Usually I can schedule things between them all pretty easily. But I have explained to everyone that "emergencies win". It's been fine in the last 15 years (except when, 2 years ago, I had to check out for about 3 months when my Dad was very very sick - I lost 3 customers during that timeframe - but family always wins with me). The best thing I can suggest to you is to have at least one large customer lined up. And don't kid yourself - if you are not customer-service oriented, don't do it. From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of ccollins9 Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 10:38 PM To: exchange Subject: Re: [Exchange] RE: Labor rate for 2003-2010 migration I currently work for "the man" but often ruminate on going independent. Do any of you have some good resources I could check out for prepping for a transition like this? I'm the "i don't know where to start" guy. In all of the places I have worked, I quickly rise to the top of the heap and become the primary tech on all major assignments, designs and projects. I've only worked in small places (less than 1,000 users) and sometimes wonder if I would be stretched too thin if doing independent work. Thanks! On Tue, May 13, 2014 at 7:44 PM, Adam Farage <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Depends.. I never dealt with reselling hardware, so most orgs are only paying me for exchange services, not hardware / software (as you need a COS for that in NY, and I'm not touching that with a million mile pole). Adam F ________________________________ From: J- P<mailto:[email protected]> Sent: 5/13/2014 7:39 PM To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Subject: RE: [Exchange] RE: Labor rate for 2003-2010 migration " If you have no paperwork, getting your $$$ is not an easy task" :) Not really, don't give them the product key - once activation expires you'll get paid LOL Jean-Paul Natola ________________________________ To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> From: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Subject: RE: [Exchange] RE: Labor rate for 2003-2010 migration Date: Tue, 13 May 2014 18:36:47 -0400 I agree with Mike.. I have worked at a few large companies as an exchange guy, and the first thing prior to any work is done would be a statement of work, and a scope RFS to outline the amount of time / hourly or flat rate you are going to charge.. I took this same practice when I did independent consulting.. If you have no paperwork, getting your $$$ is not an easy task My rate was about 150-200 /hr + travel expenses. Adam F ________________________________ From: Michael B. Smith<mailto:[email protected]> Sent: 5/13/2014 5:48 PM To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Subject: [Exchange] RE: Labor rate for 2003-2010 migration You did a migration without having a contract FIRST? Ay yi yi... I charge more if I go onsite vs. being able to work from my office. I charge even more if T&E aren't included. For my local area, I'm VERY expensive. But companies pay it, because I generally get it right the first time. :) As an international consultant, I'm pretty inexpensive. The methodology I learned when I first started consulting (in the 1980's) was "butt-leaves-chair - clock starts". Then "butt-returns-to-chair - clock ends". For the most part, I still follow that philosophy. It's all about the value you provide. From: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> [mailto:[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>] On Behalf Of Kelsey, John Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 3:17 PM To: '[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>' Subject: [Exchange] Labor rate for 2003-2010 migration Recently did an email migration for a fairly small shop (about 200 users) from Exchange 2003 up to 2010. Not really sure what/how to charge them. I was thinking of doing a flat rate charge since I didn't think it was fair to charge them an hourly rate while I figured some of the stuff out. They've basically said to send them the bill but I'm not sure what a fair price is. How much should the local market play in determining the price? There isn't anyone in our area that they could find to do the upgrade. I Thanks all! -John This email and any attached files are confidential and intended solely for the intended recipient(s). If you are not the named recipient you should not read, distribute, copy or alter this email. Any views or opinions expressed in this email are those of the author and do not represent those of Penn Highlands Healthcare or its affiliates.. Warning: Although precautions have been taken to make sure no viruses are present in this email, the company cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage that arise from the use of this email or attachments.
