How would I start as a database consultant for a niche software?
How would I start as a database consultant for a niche software?
So long story short I've worked with proprietary software X for a long time, and specifically I do a lot of work investigating the SQL database for software X. Writing custom reports, making queries to find problems, the like.
Small to VERY large companies use this software. I'm afraid I'm on the small side so I'm unknown to the community of users and my name wouldn't carry weight.
I feel confident that any report someone asked me to write, I could write and I can write scripts to help businesses find issues they aren't aware are costing them money.
Like there is an issue that if you find it you need to call support asap to get fixed or statements go out with incorrect amounts on it, but the software doesn't warn you, you have to just notice that the balance on the statement you are sending out doesn't "look right" then call support and have them confirm or not. But a query I have will tell you right away, so running it right before running statements makes a world of difference.
But like... how do I even start? Do I just need to start cold calling companies that based on their name "might" have this software as well, and explain my case?
Do I make a website pretending I've been doing this for years, then send out an email being like "Y consulting is now accepting new clients who use software X, check out some of our most popular custom reports, then fill out this form to get a quote for one of your own!" to just every person in the industry and hope someone actually reads the email?
Should I make a blog with free reports, email that out to people, then have a mention that for custom reports I'm for hire?
Like the more I think about it the more this feels like it's probably more of a reputation thing then anything else, so I have no idea where to start. Are these awful ideas? Does anyone have advice for it?
Blogging and knowledge sharing, plus a little bit of marketing of posts will get you noticed. If possible, also give talks at Meetups or conferences.
Articles that require arcane knowledge, but shows demonstrable value (saves customers time, money, improves /dev experience) will set you up as the authority. You can also do tutorials, walkthroughs comparison posts (x vs y).
Next step is to contact company X and share your posts, and see if they need professional service help. If the product is early stage, they can probably handle the work in-house. If the product is medium mature and has traction with enterprise, there's a good chance they can't handle all the customer demand and will send them your way just to keep the customer happy. If you get to that stage, may want to keep an eye out for other devs you can bring in on larger projects.
Find a conference that specializes in your tech. Network like crazy, hand out cards, and give a talk if you can. You want to build a personal brand with your most interested potential customers. Be prepared to state how much you would charge and to do some back of envelope scope assessments. Follow up with the people you met after the conference is over. Organize a tech meetup in your town too.
I'm not a big important decision maker but if I always came across your website when searching for answers about software X and your GitHub when looking for code for software X I would go to my manager and say "why don't we just pay this person to sort it out, they seem to know their stuff" and there's a fair chance we'd do it.
Do I make a website pretending I’ve been doing this for years, then send out an email being like “Y consulting is now accepting new clients who use software X, check out some of our most popular custom reports, then fill out this form to get a quote for one of your own!” to just every person in the industry and hope someone actually reads the email?
As a site manager for a smallish international, pleas don't email me with "I am X, and can help you with Y". You will be thoroughly ignored.
I good website or blog with good info and a services available would be of more value to build a reputation, as @fubarx@lemmy.ml mentioned
Honestly writing it out made the answer pretty obvious. It is the middle of the night when I had this thought.
I ignore all emails I don't recognize.
But if I find a blog with something super helpful, I'm likely to click around and see what's up.
As others have mentioned - I would second. A good website. Let them come to you. Give your solutions to common problems. Create a github. Provide repeatable examples on your GitHub and encourage contact for custom solutions.
This won’t be a multi million dollar business. At best you’ll give yourself some work to get your name out. Companies don’t talk to each other - but maybe your niche is different. This is really the only path I can see without attaching yourself to a larger entity.
You could contact a larger contractor. Going as a subcontractor to a larger contractor means that you get access to their sales department and you can utilize them to build a name for yourself. The downside is, of course, that they take some of the earnings.
Find a conference that specializes in your tech. Network like crazy, hand out cards, and give a talk if you can. You want to build a personal brand with your most interested potential customers. Be prepared to state how much you would charge and to do some back of envelope scope assessments. Follow up with the people you met after the conference is over. Organize a tech meetup in your town too.