Diving Headfirst: My Tech Consultancy Journey (So Far!)
Well, folks, I did it. On 20th January, I officially launched my own tech consultancy. It’s been a wild ride—a rollercoaster of exhilarating highs and, let’s be honest, some pretty daunting lows. I wanted to share a bit about my experience, because if you’re thinking of taking the leap yourself, you should know it’s possible, but it’s definitely not a walk in the park.
Why? The Spark of Independence
On 20th January, my employer and I mutually agreed that taking redundancy was the right move. After years of working within established organisations, honing my skills and gaining valuable experience, I felt a growing urge for something more. I wanted greater control, more flexibility, and the opportunity to build something of my own from the ground up. The idea of creating my own path—working directly with clients, tackling their unique challenges, and seeing the tangible results of my efforts—was simply too compelling to ignore. The entrepreneurial itch had well and truly taken hold.
The Reality Check: It’s Harder Than You Think
Let’s be real—starting a business is tough. And a tech consultancy? It’s a whole new level of challenge.
- Finding Clients: The initial scramble to secure clients was intense. Networking, cold outreach, building a website, crafting a compelling pitch – it was a full-time job in itself. You quickly learn the art of selling yourself and your expertise.
- The Juggling Act: Suddenly, I wasn’t just a tech expert; I was a salesperson, accountant, project manager, and marketing guru all rolled into one. Time management became crucial, and I had to learn to prioritise and delegate (even if it was just to myself!).
- The Fear of the Unknown: There’s a constant underlying anxiety about where the next project will come from. The stability of a regular pay is replaced with the thrill (and terror) of the unknown.
- The Long Hours: The 9-to-5 schedule? That’s a distant memory. Late nights and weekends became the norm, especially in the early stages.
The Rewards: Why It’s Worth It
Despite the challenges, I can honestly say that starting my own consultancy has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
- The Freedom: The flexibility to set my own schedule, choose my projects, and work with clients I genuinely enjoy is priceless.
- The Impact: Seeing the tangible results of my work, helping businesses solve complex problems and achieve their goals, is incredibly satisfying.
- The Growth: I’ve learned more in the past few months than I did in years of working for someone else. The sheer necessity of wearing multiple hats has forced me to expand my skillset and become a more well-rounded professional.
- The Passion: I’m genuinely passionate about the work I do, and that passion fuels me through the tough times.
- The Potential: The ability to scale the company as I see fit, and to define my own success.
Lessons Learned (So Far)
- Networking is Key: Building relationships is crucial for finding clients and building your reputation.
- Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Strong Online Presence: Your website and social media are your virtual shopfront.
- Be Patient and Persistent: It takes time to build a successful business. Don’t give up on your dreams.
- Value Your Time: Learn to charge what you are worth.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Lean on your network, mentors, and other resources.
Looking Ahead
The journey is far from over—and we’re calling this a success. We’ve had a fantastic start, and the future’s looking bright. We’re hoping to bring on our first employee around August, with plans to build a core team of around five by Christmas.
There’s more to come too—our sister company, DSB Service Management Consultancy, is also in the works, expanding our reach and capabilities even further.
If you’re considering taking the plunge, I encourage you to go for it. It’s tough, but the rewards are immeasurable.
If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, feel free to leave a comment below!