In this episode, I interview my good friend Robert Hurlbut to discuss some topics relevant to being a self employed consultant.

• Background story
• Developer
• Moved Security focus last 9 - 10 years
• Now not developing for work
• Helping developers with secure code and threat modeling
• Have been independent and consultant (FTE)
• Independent for 15 + 6 years or so

• Working Consultant agencies on and off

• Me talking about his background presenting Security topics

• Finding work as an independent
• Lifecycle of  his focus
• Development to threat modeling
• How do I find work?
• Developer or Architect

• Sometimes used contract agencies

• Can I do 1 full time project plus 2 or 3 not full time

• Code reviews as an example

• When moved to security, took a different approach

• Speaking to build brand
• Blogging
• Establishing expertise

• Creates inbound messaging for being an expert

• Charging for work

• For a long time hourly (I lead the witness on this one)

• Staff augmentation work (like me)

• Security and training, hourly didn't work out well

• Value pricing for the service is what worked best here
• Budgeting is easier for companies

• Mentions travel (something I don't know about)

• Client expectation handling advice

• Making sure expectations are clear
• Deliverables
• Schedule

• Meet or exceed

• Commination of expectations

• Things are not always 100% ok

• Have to be ready to manage for these

• Pretty much same as being an independent

• Things don't always work out

• Example

• Pros and cons of self employed/freelancing vs full time work

• Pros
• Self directed person that enjoys the freedom

• Still need to manage the time

• Cons

• Paperwork
• Marketing
• Website
• Submitting talks

• Branding

• Can become too busy

• How other issue
• Support staff
• Finding solutions
• Accountant
• Payroll

• Etc

• Finding work

• Advice for people looking to try out freelancing or self employment

• Put money aside
• 6 month salary

• 2 months min

• Try out some small freelance work to do on your own time first

• Treat it as a business
• Set up accounts for it