Ask HN: Get started with software consulting business on side?

by a_lifters_life on 7/14/2015, 8:32 PM with 5 comments

I'm wondering if people can give me some information on how they started out doing software consulting for companies on the side while having a f/t job?

Thanks

  • by icedchai on 7/14/2015, 9:40 PM

    Referrals... I had a friend at another company who needed help with databases and web servers, back in the late '90s. That got me started. I them got introduced to some other smaller web / advertising agencies that refer me backend work. I also cold emailed some people, got some work that way.

  • by gamechangr on 7/14/2015, 9:00 PM

    I would seriously talk with a lawyer and make sure you know your legal exposure completely. I know friends who really regretted consulting part time while working full time.

    I'm sure there are many who have done it with no problems, but be assured that the legal complications COULD BE real.

  • by brudgers on 7/14/2015, 11:58 PM

    There is no magic formula. Find clients who will write you checks. That is often more work than the work because consultants are a last resort for most businesses [and for those that seem eager, it is sometimes because they don't plan on paying]. That said, existing consultants are often a good place to start because subcontracting out work balances fluctuations in workloads without a hire/fire cycle.

    God luck.