Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

["Steve Steele" <Steve AT mindbenderstudios.com>]

Best place to list? Hmm?
You can try the Triangle Business Journal. They have business
card sized ads. It's a low cost option. You can also try the
Triangle Tech Journal. Email me if you need their contact poop.

It's been my experience that people buy from people they know.
So as icky as it may seem, networking, i.e. The Chamber are
places to get known. Tough times teach people how to work.

But I also have to say that when I go to networking functions,
the functions used to be awash with staffing companies and financial
service folks. Now we can add laid off tech folks now turned
consultants. The ones who appear to be doing ok are the ones who
1, make themselves known, and 2, have something compelling to offer.
Those who kind of offer themselves up as "I can do what ever you have"
approach appear to be getting more and more desperate. It's also
important to mention that the tech/software firms that seem to be
riding out the storm are the ones who have a healthy mix of 1 up
servicing; (i.e. once my contract is over, that's it) and ongoing
monthly fees, usually in for form of licensing. The licensing fees
keep the lights on while they seek the next new contract.

Also, you might consider partnering with another firm that offers
services that have synergy with yours. So for example if you have
a software solution that enables companies to track their hard assets
you might try to partner with an accounting firm.

If you are interested in the networking approach, I have an bevy of
potential orgs for you to consider. Most of these orgs have a means
to communicate your services to their membership. So if interested,
contact me offline at Steve AT MindbenderStudios.com

I was wondering if there would be enough interest in a seminar to
teach laid off tech folks how to smoog. Most that I come across
aren't very good at it. If this type of instruction is already being
done, I'm sure it would help somebody out to post the info.

Steve S.

Hey all,

As many of you know, I was let go from Worldcom in August.  After some
soul-searching, Craig and I are going to try to make a go of our consulting
business.  In between working on our software product (which is the real
goal), we're looking for short-term contract positions we can do via 1099,
preferably direct to our own company rather than through any of the
leech-like staffing companies.

Does anyone know of the "best" (i.e. most leads actually completed) place
for
us to list our services?  I know that the major job hunting sites have areas
for consultants to post their credentials, but which of these do the
companies looking for talent actually use?  Although I have years in the
consulting biz, I still don't know how the sales people actually got their
leads...it always seemed to be personal contacts. :)

Any other bright marketing ideas floating about?

Diana Duncan
End of InterNetWorkers Digest