Online consulting gigs - various websites like Maven, Clarity, GLG group etc.

[RealJimmyJames]

Does anyone have real-world experience with the various online "micro-consulting" companies? Recently signed up with Maven, and since they haven't asked me for any money, I don't think it's a scam, but I'm having a hard time believing that they have sufficient number of people paying for this kind of service to generate much cashflow for the individuals like me.

Best online review I found is this one:
http://www.ivetriedthat.com/2013/05/13/how-to-make-money-online-as-a-consultant/

Don't think I have much to loose, so I'll try it out, but always interested in hearing real world opinions.

[RealJimmyJames]

Maybe this will get a better response at the start of the week? :dunno:

[carson blocks]

I'm curious too. I'm a skeptic so my first reaction is that it's probably not worthwhile, and that you'd be hard pressed to make a fair wage, but I'm interested in the concept as this could be the future of consulting as remote work becomes more viable, and more normal.

[nzwasp]

I've never heard of any of those companies.

I have only heard of freelancer.com or guru.com or hired.com

those ones are basically all marketing or IT programming/IT related.

To the OP what is your skillset?

[flipstah]

Check out upwork.com

[Sugarphreak]

...

[blownz]

Not referring to the specific companies you are looking at but something for everyone to keep in mind:

http://globalnews.ca/news/2576349/more-job-seekers-targeted-by-employment-scams-amid-economic-downturn-calgary-police/

http://calgaryherald.com/news/crime/calgarians-seeking-jobs-online-falling-victim-to-scams-that-cost-them-thousands

http://www.calgarysun.com/2016/03/14/calgary-police-warn-job-seekers-to-be-wary-of-new-employment-scams

[89coupe]

Post YouTube videos of Kinder Toys or Marvel Action figures.

Kids love them and if you get a big enough following it can really generate decent cash flow, so I have heard haha

[suntan]

Just make some videos of you doing shit in Minecraft.

[msommers]

The last two responses are completely legit. Insane money to be had.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/youtube-s-highest-paid-star-is-a-woman-who-unboxes-disney-toys-062606350.html

[flipstah]

People will always watch someone eat weird stuff.

[RealJimmyJames]

Have my first "gig" with GLG tomorrow. Had a couple emails and a five minute phone call to qualify for it.
Will let everyone know how it goes. Seems interesting at the very least.

[RealJimmyJames]

I have completed my first consultation, and it went quite smoothly. I responded to an email, did a two minute survey, and then set up a phone call. the call itself was 45 minutes in length (exactly as scheduled) and was not a hassle at all. I actually kind of enjoyed it, and it was a topic that I had some opinions and insight into.

I am having some problems getting the payment issued. The support folks think there is a problem with currency conversion. Looking forward to getting paid.

[ExtraSlow]

Members of GLG also receive a referral bonus for people who sign up and complete a consulting gig within a certain timeframe. I'm a member, so if anyone is looking to try it out, PM me your contact info, including Linkedin, and I'll get you set up. I will buy lunch for anyone who joins gets me that bonus.

I can also help anyone who wants assistance choosing a consulting rate or who has questions.

[revelations]

If looking for online work, take a look at affiliate marketing on FB or Bing as well.

Like Sugarphreak I havent seen work come in for a few weeks which has allowed me to (finally after a few years of looking) get this off the ground.

[ExtraSlow]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
Members of GLG also receive a referral bonus for people who sign up and complete a consulting gig within a certain timeframe. I'm a member, so if anyone is looking to try it out, PM me your contact info, including Linkedin, and I'll get you set up. I will buy lunch for anyone who joins gets me that bonus.

I can also help anyone who wants assistance choosing a consulting rate or who has questions.
Just got contacted by Alphasights, which seems to be another similar organization. will update when I know more.

[ExtraSlow]

Had a chat with a pal of mine who is a top Oil and Gas JV specialist. I guess the GLG folks have a lot of clients look at JV agreements and gas plant operating agreements, and he's been getting five or six hours a month at $500/hr!

Fuck me, I get a lot fewer hour than that, and my rate is a lot lower. But then again, I can't speak to the specialized topics that he can. I'm rethinking my hourly rate though. Might jack it up and see if that brings in bigger fish. It's all about perception.

[KappaSigma]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
Had a chat with a pal of mine who is a top Oil and Gas JV specialist. I guess the GLG folks have a lot of clients look at JV agreements and gas plant operating agreements, and he's been getting five or six hours a month at $500/hr!

Fuck me, I get a lot fewer hour than that, and my rate is a lot lower. But then again, I can't speak to the specialized topics that he can. I'm rethinking my hourly rate though. Might jack it up and see if that brings in bigger fish. It's all about perception.

And that is what is wrong with o&g. Jv reps are not worth that kind of money. A gas handling agreement or operating agreements are fairly simple.

[ExtraSlow]

You know, I'll never begrudge someone who works hard and is well compensated for it. Could more people perform the work that most JV reps handle? Absolutely. Would they spend thirty years specializing in it? I doubt it.

I've worked right alongside this particular guy previously, and his work ethic and knowledge are very impressive to me.

[KappaSigma]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
You know, I'll never begrudge someone who works hard and is well compensated for it. Could more people perform the work that most JV reps handle? Absolutely. Would they spend thirty years specializing in it? I doubt it.

I've worked right alongside this particular guy previously, and his work ethic and knowledge are very impressive to me.

He can be a very good worker. All i am saying is no jv rep is worth 500 hour. Even 100 hour is pushing it.

[ExtraSlow]

Well, you can't compare the per hour rate of these gigs with the rate for "real" work. It's all in 45 minute chunks. Nobody gets even a full days work at that rate.

[ExtraSlow]

Just an update, there has been very little from GLG in the last few months, but I'm signed up for a two day session in a couple of weeks. Should provide some pocket money for stampede anyway.

If anyone is thinking of signing up, PM me and I'll talk you through it and refer you. Can split referral bonuses if you want.

[ExtraSlow]

Well that's disappointing, GLG cancelled the two day session with only one days notice. So not only am I not earning that money, I actually cleared my schedule for them and it's too late to start setting up business meetings now. Quite disrespectful.

No double-meat subs for me this week. :cry:

[ExtraSlow]

It's been really quiet on this front for a while, but did a 55 minute phone call yesterday with GLG. Two bankers from a very well known firm in New York. Not sure if they are looking to make more investments in Canadian O&G, or to exert more influence on the many companies they already own big chunks of. Fun phone call, they obviously had some experience with these topics in a US context, and were looking for local knowledge on the way with do things here in Canuck-land. Seemed to really appreciate my answers

I'd love it if I could do more of these, they always seem low-hassle and high-reward.

Anyone who wants to try it out, I get bonuses for referring people. I'll split that bonus with you.

[ExtraSlow]

Hilarious, I doubt it's coincidence that I just got accepted for anther phone consultation next week.

[schurchill39]

So how does this work? If you consider yourself an "expert" in a certain field you sign up and when someone needs to bounce ideas off someone with knowledge on that topic they call you? Say your fee is $150/hr and you have a 45 minute phone call out of it, do you get an e-transfer, or physical cheque or something for $112.50? Can you charge GST or is it an "under the table" thing?

[ExtraSlow]

Here's how it's work for me with GLG. You fill out your resume, previous work, highlighting your skills, pretty much like a job application. You also write a paragraph highlighting your skills and experience, a little like a cover letter. You can search for gigs on thier website, but generally they'll email you opportunities as well. All of the gigs I've completed have been phone calls, although I've heard of in-person workshops. The phone calls are pretty relaxed. They don't require you to do any up-front work or research. They make an appointment with you for a time to call, and they are very punctual. Generally the people on the phone are people with a broad understanding of the topic, but not the specifics. Seems to me it's usually been bankers or finance people from new york, either fact-checking an investment idea, or running something their clients have said to them past you as a bullshit detector. The phone call lasts 30-60 minutes (generally) and you get paid for whatever portion of your hourly rate (in USD) that adds up to. When I first started they mailed you a paper cheque, but now they seem to have more payment options including amazon gift cards. The gift cards are fastest because you can get them by email. You can't charge them GST on top of your hourly rate, but I suppose if you wanted to you could take it out of your end and remit that to the federales. I don't.

My rate has varied quite a bit. It was as high as $145 and as low as $75/hr. They say you might get more work at a lower rate, but I haven't found that to be true. It's true the clients can see your info and rate before they decide to choose you.

Basically, the biggest pain in the ass is responding quickly to the emails, which takes a couple of minutes each time, and needs to be done fast if you want to get the gigs, and you don't get paid for that time.

For me, the few hundred bucks a year I make on it buys me a few trinkets from Amazon, but it's not really much of an income supplement. Maybe there's a way to get more work through these guys, I'm not sure.