In this episode of the How I Started Career Stories podcast, Alec Sharp shares his extensive journey as an independent consultant over the past 4+ Decades. He discusses his early career experiences, the transition to independent consulting, and the innovative approaches he developed in data modeling.

Alec emphasizes the importance of focusing on the people who do the work and how his business model revolves around consulting, developing intellectual property, and delivering value through teaching. He reflects on the evolution of data modeling needs and concludes with insights on maintaining a successful independent consulting practice.

Takeaways

- Alec Sharp has 4+ Decades of experience as an independent consultant.

- Early career lessons include the importance of taking initiative and not being constrained by job titles.

- Transitioning to independent consulting doubled Alec's income overnight.

- Building a unique value proposition is crucial for success in consulting.

- Alec emphasizes the importance of focusing on the people who do the work.

- His business model includes consulting, developing IP, and teaching.

- Alec decided against building a larger firm after realizing he enjoys hands-on work.

- Data modeling needs have evolved, but the fundamentals remain important.

- Alec's approach is to give away knowledge, leading to more opportunities.

- Contacting Alec directly is encouraged for those interested in his work.

Chapters

01:07 - Early Career and Lessons Learned

07:53 - Transition to Independent Consulting

10:45 - Innovating in Data Modeling

12:42 - Client Acquisition and Engagement

14:34 - Focus on the People Who Do the Work

16:40 - The Business Model of Consulting

18:27 - Deciding Against Building a Larger Firm

24:25 - The Evolution of Data Modeling Needs

27:56 - Conclusion and Resources

Learn more about Clariteq Systems Consulting: https://www.clariteq.com/

Read Alec’s book Workflow Modeling:Workflow Modeling: Tools for Process Improvement and Application Development, 2nd Edition

Connect with Alec Sharp:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alecsharp/

LucidChart Webisodes series on process mapping methodology:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUr2vo1BNYKWYrzCjCXmYXimCOFTWDTaB&si=tauHVuIhC4VSXNSs

Questions or Guest Ideas? Contact the Host Andrew Kappel on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkappel/