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
Consulting Clients - Two (Good!) Surprises
Two surprising (and good!) facts - as an independent consultant, you don't need a lot of clients because:
1) Some clients will stay clients for a very long time. Sometimes the term "mothership" clients has been used. I have several clients that have been clients for 8 to 20+ years including The SANS Institute, The Open Software Foundation, and Digital Equipement Corporation (DEC).
Other multiyear clients have included Cisco, IBM, The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, The Singapore Ministry of Education, and many others.
2) Some clients will give you a lot of work.
It may be 50 to 80% of your work at times.
Right now I have a great client who is giving me 50-60% of my work.And no surprise, some clients will be long term clients who also give you a lot of work!
So, you can be an extremely successful independent consultant without needing lots of clients.Some of my other videos (as well as my book) go into how to get clients.
Consulting: Your Most Likely Clients
Let’s talk about who is most likely to hire you as a consultant. The answer isn’t a surprise, it’s simply people you have worked with before.
Here is the great news: You have already worked with people before. And no doubt successfully, at least the majority of them.
Who are they? Where are they now?
This includes people at your current organization, people at previous organizations where you worked, and absolutely people who have moved to new organizations.
These people don’t need to think you are a Rock Star, they don’t even need to like you. They simply need to respect you. If you are professional and get the job done, the vast majority of people will respect you whether you have become friends with them or not.Think about who these people are.
You may even want to start jotting down a list. They are the most likely people to come to you with work, the easiest to approach for work, and the most likely to provide referrals and more.
Consulting Case Study: He Never wanted to leave his job!
Doc Blackburn had a job he loved and never planned on leaving. He worked for the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, in cybersecurity. When he spoke about his job, and he often did, I was jealous even though I had abandoned the idea of traditional employment, the “job” idea, happily many decades ago. ...
Idea or Team
What's more important, a great idea or a great team when undertaking a new venture - it could be a startup or a significant project or similar?