Very nice post, John, and very true.

This is, generally, my approach now to a multi-disciplinary project. I know it's heretical to say this, but, hell, there are things I just don't want to learn and, besides, I know that there will always be people better at it. Network support is a great example: Small clients generally want a total package from you. I won't do networks: Don't like em and never will. So I farm it.


>True John, there's a lot of money to be made for things that have nothing to do with code or technology. When I started consulting I had the illusion that I would "just" do database work, but that has rarely been the case. I started out trying to do many other things besides database development because the client needed those other things done and only wanted to deal with one person. Then I started to feel like I was sinking because I was neck deep in network cable, ISP problems, web pages, "My mouse thingy don't work!", yada, yada... and less time neck deep in database development. So I started forming partnerships with other consultants and people to cover areas I don't have experience with and/or don't have interest in. I've lost count of the number of times I've been sitting in a potential client's office where I was supposedly there to discuss a database and they throw in a pile of other things they need done. "Hey, while you're here...". Having these other people
>available now, I have much more confidence saying "Yes, we can do that, all of that".
>
>We've got a guy is the type most of "us" get irritated with, you know the type you have to explain how to turn on the computer almost every day. But he has great organizational skills and years of business experience. We've had several cases where a client wants us to make suggestions about personnel and their organzation because we are studying their business for a database application. We put this guy to work looking at those issues so we can focus on what we do best, build their database. At the same time he is helping these people get a handle on wasted effort, weak processes, redundancy, etc. within their company.
>
>I've heard some consultants say they only do this, or that... gee, even some who say "Give me VFP or give me death!". Well I love working with VFP, but I think it is very limiting to have such a view. I've also seen those who "do it all". I've tried to build relationships with many areas of consulting and business so we can tackle nearly anything. I tried that "do it all" thing for a while and it nearly killed me. I'd much rather find someone else who can do those things and bring them into the project. As a fellow consultant and friend of mine said recently "Would you rather make two dollars or no dollars?" Hmmm, I'll take two thanks.
>

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John Koziol, ex-MVP, ex-MS, ex-FoxTeam. Just call me "X"
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro" - Hunter Thompson (Gonzo) RIP 2/19/05