No one likes someone who is trying to build a relationship just to benefit themselves. Unfortunately, this is what many people do when they start "networking." The worst way to build a new relationship is to meet someone and then ask for something right away. It will turn them off and make them NOT want to help you. However, if you can build the relationship before you need something, and ideally, are able to help them first, they will want to help you if/when the time comes. So start early, give first, and then only when you have established a good rapport, ask for their help. If you're interested in learning how to get your first solo 1099 federal sub-contract, check out my book: |
Going 1099 is a book that teaches you how to become a solo federal sub-contractor and gain control of your working life, earn more money and unlock more free time. I wrote it because quite a few people have asked me how they can become a 1099. I figured it was best to write a single book that I can send them and that I can share with others who are interested. This newsletter goes out Monday - Friday and covers topics that will help you succeed in starting and maintaining successful 1099 career.
You have more time for this as a 1099Source I've worked for myself as a 1099 both before I had kids and after I had kids, so I feel qualified to describe some of the tradeoffs of having kids as a 1099. Advantages: You have more autonomy and control of your schedule. This comes in really handy when you need to come home because your kid is sick or when random stuff pops up. You generally earn more so you can spend some of that money outsourcing things that take time away from your kids...
Move faster than this to impress your clientSource The government is slow. Like real slow. Its employees are slow, and so are a lot of contractors. If you can just be a little faster, you'll look impressive. For example, I just started onboarding onto a new project and the account set up process has many steps requiring annoying phone calls to the help desk and submitting various forms. A normal pace for a contractor is to stretch this out over a week. I did most of this in a day. The client...
I maybe wouldn't gift a sweater at your next meetingSource One of the unintended benefits of writing my book is that it gives me a fun talking point when I'm networking for my business. For example, I met with a couple yesterday who run a small contracting business and I gave them a copy of my book as a small gift, which led to an interesting discussion about why and how they started their own business. I'm opposed to spending too much time on formal marketing activities when you're trying to...