As I may have said before, I’m self employed. I wanted to say a few things about making that decision.

The usual response I get from people when I tell them what I do is “You lucky b*****d, I’d love to be self employed". I then spend the next hour telling them that they can - as long as they get off their backsides and do it.

I’m one of those people who believes that nothing comes to those who wait (although I am rather partial to a pint of Guinness), and if you want things you need to ask for them. No-one’s going to give you a call and ask if you want to be self-employed - you need to take the initiative.

I’d been thinking for a couple of years that I wanted to start my own company. I know that the method of thinking I bring to the table is rather unique - and that most people liked it. So I knew that I could sell it. We all have skills that are sellable (after all, your employers are buying you now) - it just takes a bit of work to get it packaged for the PSF economy - and I’m going to talk about PSF another day.

Anyway, I worked at it and started Darryl Beckford Limited - and that’s where I am today. Working hard, but happy.

So am I trying to say that gaining independence is easy? Probably. But maintaining independence is the problem.

You see I’ve discovered that when you’re a consultant everybody wants to be your friend. I get phone calls night and day from people who are interested in a “partner” agreement. This means I go along and pretend to be a consultant, and when I’ve got the trust of the customer I sell them the product. The bonus for me is that I get paid by both sides. But I see it as a lose-lose situation.

I’m an independent consultant, and I don’t want to be tied to a particular product. Even if I believed that the product was the best on the market I still wouldn’t do it. What’s best for Peter is not usually best for Paul - every call centre is different with it’s own complex business plan.

90% of consultants I speak to are not independent - and the situation makes me think of financial advisors. Perhaps one day we’ll have consultants who work on “Fees” or “Commission” basis, but until then ensure you know who you’re paying to help you.

Regards,
DB