If you've ever wondered how to value your time, or justify your hours, there's a lot of input going on at Slashdot.
I've been lucky to escape this particular issue, but I know there are a lot of people who have to constantly fight for what little resources they're given. Maybe this discussion can help someone out there.
Friday, November 7, 2008
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4 comments:
I was the author of "transparency" comment - you can sub to the RSS feed of my blog at http://www.cazh1.com/blogger/thoughts/thoughts_blog.shtml - thanks for the feedback, I'm gonna check out your stuff as well!
- jpmacl
IT people who have to justify their existence are in a world of hurt...
I went through that... then left the company and started my own IT firm.
I never have to do that again thank goodness.
Some of the posts on slashdot are ridiculous about all outside IT vendors being idiots... Long term IT vendors take on the attitude that they work FOR the company they contract to (versus AT it) and keep their best interests at heart, as this is the true path to long term success as an outside contractor IT person... This attitude has served me very well, never had to spend a dime on advertising and I turn away business now b/c I cant find any more competent help to meet my service standards. Still making a killing tho.
@james
I saw your blog, and I like it a lot. I'm subscribed on Google reader now so I'll be able to follow your posts. Thanks for returning the visit!
@chuck
What IT functions did you provide when you were employed by the company, and are you doing the same thing now as a contractor?
I also agree that people are unjustly biased against bringing in contractors. Every time I've hired one to do a job, it's been a very positive experience. The trick is to just do your background research. You wouldn't hire an employee without an interview, and I don't see why you'd do that with a contractor, either.
Well, when I was with a company, I did everything the company needed, with two helpers I delegated to according to their abilities, and trained them along the way.
Now I do everything, and have expanded my capabilities beyond just regular systems admin stuff...
I keep a close eye on trade magazines and such for solutions I think my clients will find value in. Making money at it sure doesnt hurt.
Now what I do totally depends on the client. Some places I am their IT guy (all they have) and that was my original target market... small law firms, dentists, doctors, etc (places too small to have a full time person, but have many computers). But as my business has grown, I go from high end home users (rich folk) to lawyers, to plants (petro-chem) to a variety of small businesses. Some places I do true consulting for, they already have an IT dept in place but they want an outside opinion on organization and utilization of resources. That can be a hostile environment, but hey its a buck, and I actually enjoy it as I get to work with people within my field (unusual) and foster a mentoring relationship.
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