http://communityguy.disqus.com/enMon, 07 Jul 2008 14:55:43 -0000http://www.communityguy.com/1693/my-own-personal-independence-day/#comment-829198Hi Jake - Tim Courtney referred me to your post as I wrote something similar, though not as detailed, for Independence Day:<br><br><a href="http://www.thehotiron.com/index.php/site/comments/redeclaring_my_independence/" rel="nofollow">http://www.thehotiron.com/index.php/site/commen...</a><br><br>Congrats on your first year!<br><br>mp/mthehotironMon, 07 Jul 2008 14:55:43 -0000http://www.communityguy.com/1693/my-own-personal-independence-day/#comment-818292Yeah, it's tough to remember to do the new business stuff when you're swamped with work. But that's precisely how you get into trouble, right? If a client project ends sooner than expected, for instance, you want to be able to quickly insert something as a replacement project.<br><br>Of course, how you look at the 33/33/33 doesn't have to be by the day or the week. Could be by the month or even the quarter.jakemckeeSat, 05 Jul 2008 11:42:14 -0000http://www.communityguy.com/1693/my-own-personal-independence-day/#comment-817966Excellent advice. Where were you 20 years ago when I was starting out?! You make some excellent points, although I'm intrigued by the 33/33/33 suggestion. I seem to be spending about 75% of my time on client work. My new tactic is to devote a half-day each week to marketing efforts, in addition to my sporadic blogging and Twittering. Let's see how that works out. <br><br>Happy Independence Day!Donna PapacostaSat, 05 Jul 2008 10:19:39 -0000http://www.communityguy.com/1693/my-own-personal-independence-day/#comment-817797Agree with most of the above. Been out on my own for nearly four years now. I am still surprised at how much time I spend prospecting for new business, and how little time is spent doing billable work. But the advice to upgrade skills is absolutely right. You have to stay ahead of the clients -- and the other consultants. Great post!PodcastSteveSat, 05 Jul 2008 09:32:30 -0000http://www.communityguy.com/1693/my-own-personal-independence-day/#comment-817768First off, happy Birthday to your independence. Second, this is a great write-up and a must read of lessons learned by a pro in the space. I'm excited that you took the time to write it. Finally, I too see people charging way too little for their services, probably because they're thinking like a little fish and not like a professional. Doctors are a standalone practice and they don't charge lightly. <br><br>Thanks, Jake.Chris Brogan...Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:23:46 -0000http://www.communityguy.com/1693/my-own-personal-independence-day/#comment-817626Great insights and post, Jake. Congratulations on your first year!ToddSat, 05 Jul 2008 08:27:45 -0000http://www.communityguy.com/1693/my-own-personal-independence-day/#comment-817597Interesting post. Thanks for writing it.<br><br>PatrickiFroggySat, 05 Jul 2008 08:15:58 -0000