Geek will only get you so far ...
Have you noticed that some people in infosec simply have more success than others, however they may define success? Get the newly released book and learn valuable skills, ones most people never develop nor even understand.
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About Ted Demopoulos
Ted Demopoulos’ professional background includes well over 3 decades of experience in Information Security and Business, including over 30 years as an independent consultant. Ted helped start a successful information security company, was the CTO at a “textbook failure” of a software startup, and has advised several other startups. he is a frequent speaker at conferences and other event, author of the forthcoming Infosec Consulting 101, author of Infosec Rock Star: How to Accelerate Your Career Because Geek Will Only Get You So Far and two other books. Ted conducts leadership and information security Bootcamps for The SANS Institute, and is the principal of Demopoulos Associates, a consulting organization specializing in information security
Testimonials
"Ted, I have known you for nearly 30 years – yes, that long – and I am not sure I have ever shared with you how much of a mentor you have been to me. I would probably not be where I am right not if I had not known you, and I want everyone to know what formidable knowledge, wisdom and FUN you bring around you. "
“Ted, to those about to rock, I salute you … and always enjoy listening and learning from you. I always pickup new tips and tricks.”
Getting Started in Infosec Consulting proves that with proper tools and planning, transitioning into consultancy is possible. I have found the tips and ideas inspiring and motivated me to plan my journey and step into independent work. Ted shares his wealth of experience not only in terms of knowledge in the domain but from the shoes of someone who has ventured himself as an independent consultant and made it! Worth the read, and the application.
Latest Articles
100% is Easy, 99% is Hard
Success is far more likely when you are fully committed!
It doesn’t matter if it is about passing a certification, running, writing a book, or anything else.
Here is quick video of me after a have just completed running 20+ miles a week for 140 weeks in a row. Why? Because my health matters.
When something matters, whether it is professional, personal, or something else, 100%, being committed, makes a difference!
If you are doing 99% percent it is easy to slip to 98%, 97%, 80%, and much much lower!
Constant effect, even though progress may not always seem 100% upwards, is easy with some commitment.
Not trivial, but much easier than 99%!
The Hardest Part of Starting Consulting
What is the hardest part of starting consulting?
Getting Clients? Nope although that is obviously important.
(more here on getting clients: https://successfulinfosecconsulting.com/).
What is the second hardest thing? And what can do you do about these things?
The hardest part – is YOU.
I know I flip flopped back and forth when I decided, between “I’m going to start consulting” and “Who am I to do this?” Feelings of “I’m too young” or “I’m too old” and more are common. Some of this is imposter syndrome which is normal. What do you do about this?
Are Entrepreneurs Risk Takers?
Are Entrepreneurs risk takers? The answer may surprise you!The answer, no surprise, is “It Depends.”
A great many entrepreneurs are rick adverse, and know exactly how much risk their ventures entail – and everything has risk, including having corporate job and going to the supermarket.
Some entrepreneurs are willing to accept a large amount of risk, and although there are exceptions, generally know that they are.
Is Consulting More Risky than having a “Job” ?
Is consulting risky – specifically is it more risky than having a full time job?
The conventional wisdom says “yes” – and is absolutely wrong! Maybe it was “once upon a time but it isn’t now.”
If you have a job and lose it, you are unemployed – it’s binary: “job” or “no job.” And unfortunately people lose their jobs, especially during difficult times.
Consultants typically have multiple clients. If you lose a client, you still have others. Typical consultants have 3-6 clients per year. If one client doesn’t have any work for you, perhaps they “fire” you, go out of business, or are having a difficult time, you still have work from other clients.