This meeting will feature our annual panel discussion with five independent consultants who will share their experience and ideas on how start and build a consulting practice.  Topics covered will include:

• Should you be a consultant?  Pros & cons.  Skills, experience, technology, personal preferences
• Business prospecting:  sourcing leads;  the value of networking
• Proposals, pricing, payment schedule
• On site or off?
• Your tools vs. client’s tools
• Finalizing a contract
• Record keeping
• Subcontracting through job shops
• Business structure:  Incorporation, sole proprietorship, partnership
• Payment choices:  1099, Corp to Corp, or W2
• Business finances:  funding, salaries, operating expenses, benefits, health insurance, retirement
• Pitfalls to avoid.

Panel Members:

• Heinz Bachmann, CustomRF, Inc.
• Craig Goldman, CoAutomation, Inc.
• Larry Nelson, Nelson Research
• Saad Thabit, DRF Engineering Services, LLC

Moderator:  Frederick Beihold, Black Oak Shop, LLC

PLEASE NOTE: The meeting is open to the public. No charge for Consultants Network members or employees of Constant Contact; $5 entrance fee for all others. Casual dress.

The Consultants Network meeting starts at 6:30 PM.  The meeting will take place at Constant Contact, Reservoir Place - 1601 Trapelo Road, Waltham, MA 02451, in the Great Room on the third floor.

A no host, PRE-MEETING DINNER will take place at 5:15 PM (sharp) at Bertucci's, 475 Winter Street, Waltham, MA (exit 27B, Rte. 128)

Driving Directions to Constant Contact

Follow I-95/route 128 to Trapelo Rd in North Waltham, Waltham. Take exit 28 from I-95/route 128.(https://goo.gl/maps/tvn3I)

Consultants Network meetings generally take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month, but are not held during the summer months. 

For more information, e-mail or contact the chairman Frederick Beihold, at 508-405-0499. email@blackoakshop.com