koding.com advice on being a great consultant
By: Johnathon Wright on: November 29, 2012
http://blog.koding.com/2012/08/freelance-developers-you-are-the-future-dont-mess-it-up/
I thought this post was insightful, if repetitive. I recognized just about all of the issues discussed as things that have been problems for me at some point.
The need for professionalism ** If you're being paid, it isn't a hobby. Act professionally. ** Don't disappear. ** Communicate early and often. ** Coworkers and clients should rarely know you work from home... ie avoid "hold on, neighbor is at the door." or "my wife wants me to ______" ( still struggling to get the wife to accept this one. ) ** no one is watching you, so you have to be that much more vigilant about not skipping work, not being sloppy, etc.
Balance passion for work with a consultant's distance ** don't fall in love with your task list. ** Have great ideas, but don't be upset if the client goes a different direction. It's their money.
Consultants must balance home and work ** stick to an 8-ish hour day whenever possible ** Rest on weekends.
Get things done, but done well. Don't seek perfection, but don't commit junk. After reading "Good to Great", I am fascinated with the idea that tension is a critical part of all good decisions.