Comments on: Flex Consulting Chronicles #1: You are NOT a Contractor

By: Darrell Ross

Darrell Ross — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:27:55 +0000

Consulting assignments are often referred to as “interventions.” As a consultant, you intervene to prevent/help/alleviate some ailing condition in your client’s situation.

So, when Jesse asks, “What would make you happy once I leave?” it forces the client to succinctly define the outcome criteria for a successful consulting “intervention.”

I actually recall Jesse asking me this very question at the start of a code review gig. I was started at the clarity of the question.

Good post Jesse!

By: JesterXL

JesterXL — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:53:10 +0000

Thanks Ariel. I define it as either or so I can present a clear definition to folks.

In our industry, there is a very broad line. I’ve worked with “consultants” who were really just contractors. I’ve also worked with veteran consultants who’d probably never do contracting ever again. And yes, people like you and I do both.

By: ariel sommeria

ariel sommeria — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:47:06 +0000

Hi,
you kind of present it as an either/or situation. From what I’ve seen, most gigs require a bit of both, and I also think it’s healthy to do a bit of both. I’m mostly contractor myself, but I often find myself stepping into “consultant” territory. great post, anyway

By: zedia.net

zedia.net — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:21:26 +0000

Thank you for the time you put into this article. Very insightful read.

By: Sean Hess

Sean Hess — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:03:12 +0000

Thanks for the info. I’m planning on consulting the bare minimum this year (about 12 weeks) so I can do more interesting solo stuff. I’m going to try giving the contract a time period, after which we renegotiate. I think it might solve a lot of problems.