This is my friend, Geo. One of the several terms Geo uses for himself is that he’s an “insultant.” That means he’s paid (or not) to tell it like it is, to show the Emperor his wardrobe. Geo and I have shared a lot of space with consultants, some good, some otherwise.
Quotes from Geo:
“a consultant gets paid and tells you what you want to hear an insultant doesn’t get paid and tells you the truth” because they have no vested interested other then in seeing that the project works and not in changing the facts to fit somebodies needs – nor in creating propaganda that you start out knowing is pure bull and then because so many people start quoting and believing it you start believing in your own propaganda – advertisers, governments, the media have perfected this form”
And this, coupled with something I read about PodCamp, gave me a need:
First, the Wrong Kind
I’ve run into two distinct types of consultants: one kind are those who are always out there looking for work, looking for the angle, looking to add to their own personal Rolodex. Man, I can’t really get along with those types. I understand the need to get work, but there’s something in HOW YOU DO IT that gets to me. I wish I could tell you what it is in your delivery that bugs me, but I get the feeling you’re friends with my wallet and not me. That might be it. A good friend of mine calls it “buying friends.” I just can’t imagine a “relationship” with someone that way. Compensation is one thing. Thinking you like me for my connections or a salary is another.
Ronin? Would That Work?
A friend of mine, John Wall calls himself the Ronin Marketeer. For those of you not familiar with the term, a Ronin was a masterless Samurai in historical Japanese culture. (I’m waiting for Penn to correct me on this point). There were some negatives associated with this term, as being a Samurai with no Master often meant that you’d somehow either disgraced yourself, your Master, or let your Master come to a bad end. Whichever way you got there, a Ronin wasn’t really looked upon as a good guy.
But it kind of works. Because a Ronin is like a person with all these skills and smarts who’s looking for a gig.
Privateer
In nautical history, a privateer vessel was a ship that had some basic rules and permissions granted it by Royalty, usually for the open-faced purpose of messing with the enemy. Privateers weren’t necessarily required to be part of the Royal Navy. They could chip in on certain efforts, but weren’t required to do all the bits. Maybe it’s a privateer captain?
The Point Is – Relationships First
Sorry, I got stuck in the words (like golfers might get stuck in the weeds, were I to do that pursuit).
My point is simply this: There’s two ways to get business. One way is to go out there and squeeze golden eggs out of geese. The other is to feed the goose, pet the goose, and they’ll share the eggs.
Play nice, consultants. I’m watching you! And for now, I’m hanging with Geo the Insultant. : )