Appendix C: Working as an Independent Contractor

Over the last few years , IT professionals have left their cubicles and sought the Great American Dream. They ve traded the corporate life for the life of an entrepreneur. Is that you? If it is, congratulations!

It is possible to earn a respectable income as an independent IT project manager. You will, however, encounter some issues that a project manager inside the ranks of the corporate world won t.

Getting (and Keeping) the Deal

First and foremost is getting the deal. This isn t a lesson in marketing, sales, and negotiations ”there are hundreds of books on those topics. The point to learn here is to deliver on what you promise. As a contractor, it s tempting to grind into the PND and sell yourself short on time to get the gig your calendar so badly needs. Don t heed that temptation . The company you are selling yourself to will hold you to the completion date, the skills, and the price you promise.

If you overpromise but underdeliver, you may find yourself with one less client. Clients will expect you to provide cumulative reports to them just as a staff project manager would do. If your cumulative reports show your project is lacking because of your abilities , your clients may exercise their right to escort you from the building.

One great thing in favor of independent project managers, however, is they aren t part of the company. Imagine a project manager tied to meetings all day long, bogged down in office politics, and stressed over the upcoming holiday party. You don t have to worry about any of that nonsense . You re free to focus on one thing: the success of the project. Take advantage of your ability to work ” and get some serious work done before someone around there notices you and tries to suck you into a few extra meetings and their world of corporate politics.