Alfred Korzybski, the scholar and inventor of the field of general semantics, brilliantly made this observation: "A map is not the territory it represents, but, if correct, it has a similar structure to the territory, which accounts for its usefulness." -Alfred Korzybski, Science and Sanity The idea he is trying to express is that we often confuse our representation of a thing with the thing itself. Representations are imperfect. For example, a Google map may say there is a new location of my favorite ice cream shop nearby, but when I drive there, I find out that it isn't open yet. Sadness ensues. Okay, that was a trivial example. But, it's easy to do this with serious pursuits as well. My Going 1099 book gives you a process for getting your first 1099 gig. The process is the map. But the map is not the territory. Networking is a lot messier than I make it seem in the book. It may seem like you just talk to 10-20 people and then somehow get a 1099 gig. The reality is that people blow you off, you have awkward conversations that go nowhere, and for 60% of your meetings you feel uncomfortable because it seems so artificial. Then, a random 1099 gig that you didn't anticipate pops up from one of those awkward meetings that you thought went nowhere. The map gives us unrealistic expectations of how things should be and then the reality of the territory destroys our motivation. The map is still useful, but you need to remind yourself that it's just a map, and that reality is more complicated and filled with obstacles than you anticipated. 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.
Halt and Catch Fire @HaltAMC The realization. #HaltAndCatchFire 1:0 PM • Oct 19, 2017 79 Retweets 360 Likes Read 17 replies When I first went 1099, I applied to grad school thinking I'd use the extra money I would save to fund my living expenses if I got in. Well, I never got into grad school, and then I ended up doing the 1099 thing for a long time. The thing is, my goal was to never become a 1099 for its own sake. It was to buy myself more time and resources to go to grad school and do what...
Most days for me My company was recently awarded a contract on the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). Now, this doesn't mean I actually won any work. It just means that if the government wants to do business with me, they can use the MAS as the administrative vehicle. There are two ways I can get work now using MAS: I can bid on stuff on GSA eBUY, where government agencies put out RFPs specifically for GSA MAS contract holders I can persuade government agencies directly to do business with me...
At least this guy is honest!Source When you're a solo 1099, you don't have to do any recruiting. You just have to find projects for yourself. When you try to grow a government contracting business, you will have to recruit people. It's tough! It's particularly tough in the early stages. Here's why: You don't have recruiting processes in place. You are probably reliant on your personal network, which will run out eventually It takes a lot of time. Reading resumes, meeting people, interviewing...