Images that changed the world

I've been asked twice on this so I'll post it here for easy reference. It seems that the subject is a favorite among teachers. I got this originally from Benjie. The link is here.

Remote Consulting

I do management consulting for almost a decade now; SAP consulting for the most part. From time to time, I also get requirements for remote consulting work. It means that even if the client is in Spain, New York, or Toronto, I get paid for joining remote conferences, by the hour or minute as per contract. After the online meeting, I get paid for spending time on my own analyzing the business issues, outlining options to resolve the issues, and documenting the entire resolution or proposal - as stipulated in the contract as well.

Apart from knowing the business requirements, I have to be adept at certain technologies to do the entire remote consulting process. This is what I want to share with the readers. To those who want remote consulting work, you should know at least the following technology services. They are not that complicated.

1. Document processor like Google Docs or Zoho Writer. While MS word is a de facto service for most users, an online processing service will do better in publishing and sharing docs with other users. Its practice allows you to adapt quicker to doing remote work from wherever you are, at home, in a cafe, or at the beach. Cost: Free.
   
2. Spreadsheet application such as Google Spreadsheet or Zoho Sheet. If you're familiar with MS Excel, then shifting practice to online services will be easy, and for similar reasons as item 1. Cost: Free.
   
3. Voice over internet telephony (VoIP) service such as Skype. Most business users, including your customer, will understand the use of Skype. It's free and easy to use. You can also use SkypeOut, for reduced fees, if the other party doesn't have Skype installed. Cost: Free (Skype-to-Skype); ~0.02/min. (SkypeOut.)
   
4. Online meeting services such as GotoMeeting. This application allows you to share your desktop with your customers, and vice versa; allowing both of you to see presentations, documents, even fixing the other's system. Normally, your customer will have this facility and will provide you with user access. You'll just have to be familiar on how to use it. The sharing function behaves similarly with services such as Google Docs or Zoho Sheet. But this one allows access to the other person's computer. Cost: $49/mo (if necessary.)

Perhaps there are free alternatives to item 4. We'll check this out.

The hardware side of this includes a computer (of course) with mike and speaker, or a headset combo. And an internet connection that is not a dial-up. Set this up in a quiet room.

The contract side of this includes your tax ID number (or company tax ID, if applicable) and bank account. Some customers prefer to pay by check.

Therefore, what you need to do is identify your area of expertise and offer that as a service. That expertise, together with standard writing and speaking skills, should put you in the consulting map.

For questions, leave a comment, or you may email me at carlo@maglinao.com.