http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/ Ideas for Job Search, Career and Life Wed, 23 May 2012 03:39:20 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-16697 Structure: Is It Missing In Your Job Search? | Tim's Strategy™ Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:37:35 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-16697 [...] it’s a big fat truth for anyone else out there trying to build a consulting practice, start a small business or succeed in a sales [...] [...] it’s a big fat truth for anyone else out there trying to build a consulting practice, start a small business or succeed in a sales [...]

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-16698 Structure: Is It Missing In Your Job Search? | Tim's Strategy™ Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:37:35 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-16698 [...] it’s a big fat truth for anyone else out there trying to build a consulting practice, start a small business or succeed in a sales [...] [...] it’s a big fat truth for anyone else out there trying to build a consulting practice, start a small business or succeed in a sales [...]

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-9238 Victor Sosa Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:09:14 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-9238 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">As usual, excellent advice from @TimsStrategy: The Pros And Cons Of Consulting During Job Search #career #jobsearch http://bit.ly/9qCCNK</span></span> As usual, excellent advice from @TimsStrategy: The Pros And Cons Of Consulting During Job Search #career #jobsearch http://bit.ly/9qCCNK

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-8837 Spring Search Group Tue, 05 Oct 2010 09:01:34 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-8837 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">RT @TimsStrategy: The Pros And Cons Of Consulting During Job Search #career #jobsearch http://bit.ly/9qCCNK</span></span> RT @TimsStrategy: The Pros And Cons Of Consulting During Job Search #career #jobsearch http://bit.ly/9qCCNK

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-8833 Kristina Moy Tue, 05 Oct 2010 07:59:11 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-8833 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">RT @TimsStrategy: The Pros And Cons Of Consulting During Job Search #career #jobsearch http://bit.ly/9qCCNK</span></span> RT @TimsStrategy: The Pros And Cons Of Consulting During Job Search #career #jobsearch http://bit.ly/9qCCNK

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-8824 Brad Remillard Tue, 05 Oct 2010 06:49:21 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-8824 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">RT @TimsStrategy: The Pros And Cons Of Consulting During Job Search #career #jobsearch http://bit.ly/9qCCNK</span></span> RT @TimsStrategy: The Pros And Cons Of Consulting During Job Search #career #jobsearch http://bit.ly/9qCCNK

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-8825 Tim Tyrell-Smith Tue, 05 Oct 2010 06:44:28 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-8825 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">The Pros And Cons Of Consulting During Job Search #career #jobsearch http://bit.ly/9qCCNK</span></span> The Pros And Cons Of Consulting During Job Search #career #jobsearch http://bit.ly/9qCCNK

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-5131 Tim Tyrell-Smith Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:53:26 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-5131 Thanks Daniel - Yes, employers are looking to reduce their risk. That's why "the past" stays so important to the hiring company. I agree that anything a candidate can do to get the focus on the future is a positive. Thanks Daniel – Yes, employers are looking to reduce their risk. That’s why “the past” stays so important to the hiring company. I agree that anything a candidate can do to get the focus on the future is a positive.

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-6251 Tim Tyrell-Smith Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:53:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-6251 Thanks Daniel - Yes, employers are looking to reduce their risk. That's why "the past" stays so important to the hiring company. I agree that anything a candidate can do to get the focus on the future is a positive. Thanks Daniel – Yes, employers are looking to reduce their risk. That’s why “the past” stays so important to the hiring company. I agree that anything a candidate can do to get the focus on the future is a positive.

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-5126 Daniel Rose Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:27:43 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-5126 Nice article! It's interesting to consider that employers worry so much about what people were or have done in the past. Often much less thought is placed on the future... Nice article!
It’s interesting to consider that employers worry so much about what people were or have done in the past. Often much less thought is placed on the future…

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-6250 Daniel Rose Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:27:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-6250 Nice article! It's interesting to consider that employers worry so much about what people were or have done in the past. Often much less thought is placed on the future... Nice article!
It’s interesting to consider that employers worry so much about what people were or have done in the past. Often much less thought is placed on the future…

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-3028 Where Do You Go After CEO? « ANDYWERGEDAL Fri, 21 May 2010 18:44:18 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-3028 [...] So what happens?  You get stuck in this cycle of waiting for the right job.  At the right level.  And doing a lot of consulting.  And there are pros and cons of consulting. [...] [...] So what happens?  You get stuck in this cycle of waiting for the right job.  At the right level.  And doing a lot of consulting.  And there are pros and cons of consulting. [...]

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-3012 Where Do You Go After CEO? Thu, 20 May 2010 14:17:54 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-3012 [...] So what happens?  You get stuck in this cycle of waiting for the right job.  At the right level.  And doing a lot of consulting.  And there are pros and cons of consulting. [...] [...] So what happens?  You get stuck in this cycle of waiting for the right job.  At the right level.  And doing a lot of consulting.  And there are pros and cons of consulting. [...]

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-835 Tim Tyrell-Smith Sat, 09 Jan 2010 05:44:16 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-835 Hi Mirna - The reality is that starting your own company takes time. And unless you have funding that allows you not to work, it is best to work a day job while you develop your own idea. There is always risk of a layoff - in any company - that should not deter you from working full time while you plan your new venture. In fact, working for your former co-worker may actually be a great way to experience a start-up environment and learn lessons about how to do it successfully without putting up all the capital! So, I would work the dual path: work a full time job while you develop your passion. Good luck! Hi Mirna – The reality is that starting your own company takes time. And unless you have funding that allows you not to work, it is best to work a day job while you develop your own idea. There is always risk of a layoff – in any company – that should not deter you from working full time while you plan your new venture.
In fact, working for your former co-worker may actually be a great way to experience a start-up environment and learn lessons about how to do it successfully without putting up all the capital!
So, I would work the dual path: work a full time job while you develop your passion. Good luck!

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-6249 Tim Tyrell-Smith Sat, 09 Jan 2010 05:44:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-6249 Hi Mirna - The reality is that starting your own company takes time. And unless you have funding that allows you not to work, it is best to work a day job while you develop your own idea. There is always risk of a layoff - in any company - that should not deter you from working full time while you plan your new venture. In fact, working for your former co-worker may actually be a great way to experience a start-up environment and learn lessons about how to do it successfully without putting up all the capital! So, I would work the dual path: work a full time job while you develop your passion. Good luck! Hi Mirna – The reality is that starting your own company takes time. And unless you have funding that allows you not to work, it is best to work a day job while you develop your own idea. There is always risk of a layoff – in any company – that should not deter you from working full time while you plan your new venture.
In fact, working for your former co-worker may actually be a great way to experience a start-up environment and learn lessons about how to do it successfully without putting up all the capital!
So, I would work the dual path: work a full time job while you develop your passion. Good luck!

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-834 Mirna Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:13:52 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-834 These are very good tips, but I'm currently confused on what I should do. I was currently laid of and have considered starting up my own company providing the same service I did for my former employer but instead approaching several companies and offering them all this service for a fee. Here's the catch I was just recently offered a position with a former co-worker who has started up his own company and offered to be his right hand person, thing is I don't want to get caught up in the situation of being laid off in the future and my passion is to have my own company so I can expand my horizon. What do you reccomend? These are very good tips, but I’m currently confused on what I should do. I was currently laid of and have considered starting up my own company providing the same service I did for my former employer but instead approaching several companies and offering them all this service for a fee. Here’s the catch I was just recently offered a position with a former co-worker who has started up his own company and offered to be his right hand person, thing is I don’t want to get caught up in the situation of being laid off in the future and my passion is to have my own company so I can expand my horizon. What do you reccomend?

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-6248 Mirna Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:13:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-6248 These are very good tips, but I'm currently confused on what I should do. I was currently laid of and have considered starting up my own company providing the same service I did for my former employer but instead approaching several companies and offering them all this service for a fee. Here's the catch I was just recently offered a position with a former co-worker who has started up his own company and offered to be his right hand person, thing is I don't want to get caught up in the situation of being laid off in the future and my passion is to have my own company so I can expand my horizon. What do you reccomend? These are very good tips, but I’m currently confused on what I should do. I was currently laid of and have considered starting up my own company providing the same service I did for my former employer but instead approaching several companies and offering them all this service for a fee. Here’s the catch I was just recently offered a position with a former co-worker who has started up his own company and offered to be his right hand person, thing is I don’t want to get caught up in the situation of being laid off in the future and my passion is to have my own company so I can expand my horizon. What do you reccomend?

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-833 Tim Tyrell-Smith Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:17:56 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-833 Hey Kirk - I think the fear for a hiring manager includes a few key aspects. One, of course, is that you will get bored and leave after 6 months. Two is that other employees will perceive you as special, different and not one of them. Third is that you will struggle taking direction from others and living successfully within a corporate culture (the need to influence and be influenced by others, working within what can feel like a stifling process of red tape to get the OK to move ahead). If you are truly ready for this shift back to a corporate role, here are a few suggestions: 1. Ask former clients (ones you are close with) to evaluate you as if they were considering hiring you. Perhaps there are some objections or concerns that you have not thought of yet. They might be able to provide you with certain aspects of your background or skill set to emphasize. Ask them to be brutally honest with you. I would try to talk with 3 former clients to get a balanced perspective. 2. I'm assuming you already have gone back to the executives you worked for and inquired about roles there. If you have not, this is important. Not only this, but asking for referrals to other companies. Networking will be key for you as some who don't know you will carry perceptions that may prevent an interview from happening. 3. Emphasize your accomplishments. Especially any that involved implementation and working closely with multiple departments. This emphasizes that you have skill and experience in getting things done and doing so by tapping the strengths of others. If you have largely been a "lone wolf" operator, emphasize your successes. Highlight the insights and new strategies you've identified to help companies grow, increase EBITDA or improve operational efficiencies (whatever it is that you do). Especially if you get in front of a division head or CEO, prove to them that any risk (see "fear" aspects above) is well mitigated by the significant impact you can have on the company. Who isn't looking for some fresh ideas right now? 4. Consider contract work. And once you have been in there for a few months, begin a conversation about carving out a permanent role. This way they have seen your work, see how you work with others and can begin to envision a longer term role for you. 5. My sense is that you will either land a role in someone's strategy department, find a company that needs new direction for a division (hire you as division head) or you will need to start back at a lower level (less likely, but possible - especially if the company is in a different industry). I hope a few of these thoughts can be of help. This is the best I can do without knowing your situation more completely! Good luck to you . . . Tim Hey Kirk -
I think the fear for a hiring manager includes a few key aspects. One, of course, is that you will get bored and leave after 6 months. Two is that other employees will perceive you as special, different and not one of them. Third is that you will struggle taking direction from others and living successfully within a corporate culture (the need to influence and be influenced by others, working within what can feel like a stifling process of red tape to get the OK to move ahead).
If you are truly ready for this shift back to a corporate role, here are a few suggestions:
1. Ask former clients (ones you are close with) to evaluate you as if they were considering hiring you. Perhaps there are some objections or concerns that you have not thought of yet. They might be able to provide you with certain aspects of your background or skill set to emphasize. Ask them to be brutally honest with you. I would try to talk with 3 former clients to get a balanced perspective.
2. I’m assuming you already have gone back to the executives you worked for and inquired about roles there. If you have not, this is important. Not only this, but asking for referrals to other companies. Networking will be key for you as some who don’t know you will carry perceptions that may prevent an interview from happening.
3. Emphasize your accomplishments. Especially any that involved implementation and working closely with multiple departments. This emphasizes that you have skill and experience in getting things done and doing so by tapping the strengths of others.
If you have largely been a “lone wolf” operator, emphasize your successes. Highlight the insights and new strategies you’ve identified to help companies grow, increase EBITDA or improve operational efficiencies (whatever it is that you do). Especially if you get in front of a division head or CEO, prove to them that any risk (see “fear” aspects above) is well mitigated by the significant impact you can have on the company. Who isn’t looking for some fresh ideas right now?
4. Consider contract work. And once you have been in there for a few months, begin a conversation about carving out a permanent role. This way they have seen your work, see how you work with others and can begin to envision a longer term role for you.
5. My sense is that you will either land a role in someone’s strategy department, find a company that needs new direction for a division (hire you as division head) or you will need to start back at a lower level (less likely, but possible – especially if the company is in a different industry).
I hope a few of these thoughts can be of help. This is the best I can do without knowing your situation more completely!
Good luck to you . . .
Tim

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-6247 Tim Tyrell-Smith Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:17:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-6247 Hey Kirk - I think the fear for a hiring manager includes a few key aspects. One, of course, is that you will get bored and leave after 6 months. Two is that other employees will perceive you as special, different and not one of them. Third is that you will struggle taking direction from others and living successfully within a corporate culture (the need to influence and be influenced by others, working within what can feel like a stifling process of red tape to get the OK to move ahead). If you are truly ready for this shift back to a corporate role, here are a few suggestions: 1. Ask former clients (ones you are close with) to evaluate you as if they were considering hiring you. Perhaps there are some objections or concerns that you have not thought of yet. They might be able to provide you with certain aspects of your background or skill set to emphasize. Ask them to be brutally honest with you. I would try to talk with 3 former clients to get a balanced perspective. 2. I'm assuming you already have gone back to the executives you worked for and inquired about roles there. If you have not, this is important. Not only this, but asking for referrals to other companies. Networking will be key for you as some who don't know you will carry perceptions that may prevent an interview from happening. 3. Emphasize your accomplishments. Especially any that involved implementation and working closely with multiple departments. This emphasizes that you have skill and experience in getting things done and doing so by tapping the strengths of others. If you have largely been a "lone wolf" operator, emphasize your successes. Highlight the insights and new strategies you've identified to help companies grow, increase EBITDA or improve operational efficiencies (whatever it is that you do). Especially if you get in front of a division head or CEO, prove to them that any risk (see "fear" aspects above) is well mitigated by the significant impact you can have on the company. Who isn't looking for some fresh ideas right now? 4. Consider contract work. And once you have been in there for a few months, begin a conversation about carving out a permanent role. This way they have seen your work, see how you work with others and can begin to envision a longer term role for you. 5. My sense is that you will either land a role in someone's strategy department, find a company that needs new direction for a division (hire you as division head) or you will need to start back at a lower level (less likely, but possible - especially if the company is in a different industry). I hope a few of these thoughts can be of help. This is the best I can do without knowing your situation more completely! Good luck to you . . . Tim Hey Kirk -
I think the fear for a hiring manager includes a few key aspects. One, of course, is that you will get bored and leave after 6 months. Two is that other employees will perceive you as special, different and not one of them. Third is that you will struggle taking direction from others and living successfully within a corporate culture (the need to influence and be influenced by others, working within what can feel like a stifling process of red tape to get the OK to move ahead).
If you are truly ready for this shift back to a corporate role, here are a few suggestions:
1. Ask former clients (ones you are close with) to evaluate you as if they were considering hiring you. Perhaps there are some objections or concerns that you have not thought of yet. They might be able to provide you with certain aspects of your background or skill set to emphasize. Ask them to be brutally honest with you. I would try to talk with 3 former clients to get a balanced perspective.
2. I’m assuming you already have gone back to the executives you worked for and inquired about roles there. If you have not, this is important. Not only this, but asking for referrals to other companies. Networking will be key for you as some who don’t know you will carry perceptions that may prevent an interview from happening.
3. Emphasize your accomplishments. Especially any that involved implementation and working closely with multiple departments. This emphasizes that you have skill and experience in getting things done and doing so by tapping the strengths of others.
If you have largely been a “lone wolf” operator, emphasize your successes. Highlight the insights and new strategies you’ve identified to help companies grow, increase EBITDA or improve operational efficiencies (whatever it is that you do). Especially if you get in front of a division head or CEO, prove to them that any risk (see “fear” aspects above) is well mitigated by the significant impact you can have on the company. Who isn’t looking for some fresh ideas right now?
4. Consider contract work. And once you have been in there for a few months, begin a conversation about carving out a permanent role. This way they have seen your work, see how you work with others and can begin to envision a longer term role for you.
5. My sense is that you will either land a role in someone’s strategy department, find a company that needs new direction for a division (hire you as division head) or you will need to start back at a lower level (less likely, but possible – especially if the company is in a different industry).
I hope a few of these thoughts can be of help. This is the best I can do without knowing your situation more completely!
Good luck to you . . .
Tim

]]> http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/comment-page-1/#comment-832 Kirk Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:13:33 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-consulting-during-job-search/#comment-832 Tim, I was on the fast track early in my career, rising to the VP level of a major company in my 20's. But I found my lack of diverse knowledge impeding my effectiveness. So I went out into management consulting (not contracting; doing projects, but advisory services to top executives at major companies). After more than a decade of this, I now feel I have the rounded knowledge to be highly effective in returning to a full time corporate role. However, I am running into major obstacles in this. No matter how persuasive my argument, companies still have trouble conceptualizing my leaving the "glamour" of consulting. How could someone leave the 8-10 hours a week in airports/airplanes, sleeping in unfamiliar hotels, and eating out alone, to return to a "boring" corporate position with stability, responsibility, ownership, camaraderie, and the chance to go home at night? Suggestions? A couple years of attempting to get back out of consulting is getting old fast. Tim, I was on the fast track early in my career, rising to the VP level of a major company in my 20′s. But I found my lack of diverse knowledge impeding my effectiveness. So I went out into management consulting (not contracting; doing projects, but advisory services to top executives at major companies). After more than a decade of this, I now feel I have the rounded knowledge to be highly effective in returning to a full time corporate role.
However, I am running into major obstacles in this. No matter how persuasive my argument, companies still have trouble conceptualizing my leaving the “glamour” of consulting. How could someone leave the 8-10 hours a week in airports/airplanes, sleeping in unfamiliar hotels, and eating out alone, to return to a “boring” corporate position with stability, responsibility, ownership, camaraderie, and the chance to go home at night?
Suggestions? A couple years of attempting to get back out of consulting is getting old fast.

]]>