Chris, I have another perspective that I might share in addition to those already offered.
Part of your original question was is there still a need for "road warrior" consultants, and that need does still exist. As mentioned in some other responses, the market has changed over the years. At one time Corporate America was quite willing to engage with an independent consultant directly. Over time these organizations have come to formalize procurement processes requiring proposals, extensive insurance coverage, corporate IT consulting contracts, lengthening terms, the involvement of the IT procurement department, and preferred vendor lists, to name a few. While some organizations are still engaging independent consultants directly, most are utilizing IT contracting firms in some form or another. This is partly due to the process changes listed above, and to have a relationship with a company(s) that has a host of consultants that can assist when the need arises. Some of the consulting "risks" that have been mentioned such as cold calling, marketing/selling one's services, skill set currency/training, bench time, irregular income, benefits, etc. are still there as they have been in the past. However, the "rewards" still exist as well, such as higher income potential, choice of which customer/project engagement to accept, what location (onsite vs. remote), business expense deductions, etc. Given all the above, the major difference that I see is that with time, and the change in corporate procurement patterns, your market to target isn't as much Corporate America as it is IT contracting firms. Many IT consulting firms are using independent contractors to supplement their W2 folks these days. Some firms do this out of preference, and others do it because that's the way consultants want to engage with them. In REMEDI's 14 years of EDI consulting we certainly have more career consultants interested in an independent contractor status today than we have had in the past. Just another perspective, and one I hope that helps. Brad Loetz - Managing Director REMEDI Electronic Commerce Group 96 Northwoods Boulevard Columbus, Ohio 43235 614.436.4040 Phone Ext. 108 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.remedi.com --- In [email protected], "Hodges, Chris" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > All, > > I am wondering if I can get some opinions from this list on the benefits > and downfalls of consulting/permanent EDI work. In the current > marketplace is there a need for 'road warriors' or is the market > saturated? How does one break into this world? Is it worth the > risks/rewards? Or, should one be happy that one has a decent permanent > job and stick it out for the next 30 years? > > All responses are welcomed and appreciated. > > Thanks, > Chris > ... Please use the following Message Identifiers as your subject prefix: <SALES>, <JOBS>, <LIST>, <TECH>, <MISC>, <EVENT>, <OFF-TOPIC> Job postings are welcome, but for job postings or requests for work: <JOBS> IS REQUIRED in the subject line as a prefix. Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EDI-L/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EDI-L/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
