I work as a consultant who is hired to build and deliver IT based solutions for a specific Microsoft technology. My initial contract on hiring could be anywhere between 2 months to 1 year. This could be any industry. So I go onboard, learn the industry, work with the people, design and deliver what they need. If the Client is happy, and they need more solutions to be implemented and also they have the approved budget to proceed then they extend my contract. And when it ends, it’s a new client, maybe a new industry, a new solution to be built so on and so forth….
While working as a consultant you are not entitled to any lucrative incentives or promotions or paid holidays or even benefits. Yes, I understand, I am a consultant by choice. But I have made my clients content, I have delivered powerful systems, I have strived for professional excellence, I have exhibited leadership skills, now don’t you think I deserve some recognition, a word of praise, a stimulation…?
This is where LinkedIn plays a very powerful role. It helps me to have my profile profile online. It helps me to establish connections. It guarantees that I can document my career journey as I move from one client to another, one industry to another. Moreover its an excellent and and only way to gather recommendations from my clients.
Thanks to LinkedIn, now my next potential employer can assess my credibility by going through my profile. It enables me to provide references without having to bother a manager who was my boss in 2010.
Now when I work for a client I know that there are ways I will be appreciated, recognized and valued and also referenced for the years to come.
