I'm an Azure Cloud & DevOps engineer with around 6 years of experience, plus about 20 years in systems engineering before that. I'm considering launching my own consultancy focused on Azure, but I'm in a bit of a bind. I can't just quit my full-time job immediately. If I start advertising my consulting work on LinkedIn while still employed, what happens if my current employer finds out? How can I start up this side venture without jeopardizing my main job, especially if colleagues see my LinkedIn activity? Any advice or experiences you can share?
4 Answers
Starting as a consultant is a big step, especially with Azure's competitive landscape. Make sure to clarify your employment agreements, as they might restrict you from certain opportunities. While building your consultancy, focus on forming connections within your industry that can lead to clients down the line. And remember, don't stress about making it your full-time gig immediately.
It's all about building slowly. Keep your full-time gig while gradually working on your side business. Start with small projects or clients through word of mouth. And yes, definitely review your employment contract regarding non-compete clauses to avoid any conflicts.
Great point! I’ve been doing side jobs part-time, and it really is about starting small and growing your client base gradually.
I currently run an LLC on the side while keeping my full-time role. Most of my clients come from word of mouth, and I’ve kept my consulting work discreet. Find a balance and consider your long-term goals. You don’t have to go all in right away. Also, leverage platforms like Upwork to connect with potential clients without making it public on LinkedIn just yet.
That’s a clever approach! Using platforms to find clients without blasting it on social media might give you the privacy you need.
Starting a consultancy while still in another job can be tricky. You definitely need to be mindful of your current employer's policies, especially around conflicts of interest. It might be best to keep things on the down-low initially—maybe use a separate company page for your consultancy rather than your personal account. Building a network through user groups, conferences, or creating content online could help you get started without drawing too much attention too soon.
Totally agree, I think a company page could be a stealthy way to market yourself without exposing your side hustle to your current employer.
Absolutely! A client base can take time to build, and it’s okay to take it step-by-step. I handled it similarly, gradually taking on more clients.