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I would add don't take fixed price work. I've done it a few times and its consistently worked out badly. >>
>>I also work for time and materials only. But I do give my clients a reasonale idea for how long things will take so they can make an informed decision about the features that they want.
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>With government contracts, everything has to be laid out in features, time, documentation, etc. It is always 'fixed price' work. Probably why the govt has so many problems with their contracted work. I've witnessed numerous 'low bid' wins which didn't produce or the product was unacceptable when 'completed.'
It is also representative of the reasons independent consultants should be very selective about the type of client they are looking for. As a single consultant shop you don't need Government or Fortune 500 contracts - nor do you really want them. The money, on-going relationships, future referrals and pleasant working environment are to be found in the smaller companies where you can deal directly with principals and develop personal relationships that give you stability and build trust. My .02 but I've been doing this for 25 years now, have never had a 'job' and do not live in a van down by the river on government cheese. ;-)
Charles Hankey
Though a good deal is too strange to be believed, nothing is too strange to have happened.
- Thomas Hardy
Half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm-- but the harm does not interest them. Or they do not see it, or they justify it because they are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves.
-- T. S. Eliot
Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed sheep contesting the vote.
- Ben Franklin
Pardon him, Theodotus. He is a barbarian, and thinks that the customs of his tribe and island are the laws of nature.
