Consulting in Japan
Was cleaning up and found another huge poster of Mayu and Reika from Ninomiya-kun - T'was a SAP from comrades at Columbia Japan. Was consulting with them for a while on a web related project.
When I first started up Mirai Inc, we were a two wo/man band - my wife and I. Much of the first year was spent consulting for companies like iKnow and Columbia and some others that I cant (but would like to) mention because I'm under NDA - a document that you sign saying "I promise not to tell anybody your deepest secrets" type thing.
Consulting was great as I also got to meet a load of folks at each of the offices and build more relationships. Consultation for each of these companies then lead to more opportunities as my clients would recommend my services to others.
This has been one of the keys to being able to run a successful startup in Japan without any venture capital or angel investment. While many companies need to spend money on marketing or go round to get new business - business knocks on my door though word of mouth or people I know. Could not be happier ^o^
I've mentioned it many times in the past but do try to get to know as many people as you can in life. New friendships will not only enrich your life with happiness but also open a huge amount of doors for you which lead to new opportunities.
Another thing I wanted to mention about consulting - companies hire consultants to do something that they are not good at. They may be great at making figures (for example) but need a consultant to help them in areas that they don't excel at.
Consulting is a good business. My initial rates were 35,000 yen per hour and required a minimum of 3 hours per consulting session. My rates were cheap compared to other comrades but making a load of money at the beginning was not the focus - experience and gaining new friendship was more important. Having said that I wasn't going to charge 100 yen per hour ^^;
If you are interested in consulting for others, identify what your specialties are and pursue beefing up those skills - which should come naturally if you are passionate about your specialties. As for how much you should charge per hour - speak to others who are consulting in the same area or google it up.
If you are interested in reading about life in Japan, seeing photos taken daily around Tokyo, like Japanese subculture (anime, manga, figures, Dollfies) then you may want to start delving into the Japan or Figure categories for a start or have a gander at all photo articles.
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BioResearch Assistant
Nice. My uncle and his wife have started up a consultation business. They're currently working on trying to get a government contract.
(NDA- Non-disclosure Agreement, for anyone curious about it)
unemployed machinist.. yeah
I couldn't agree more with getting to know as many people as you possibly can. I wouldn't have the job I have right now if it wasn't for Horses believe it or not.
Its a definate plus.. its why I go out of my way to try and meet people, never know when that contact could come in handy.
thousand master II, Internet Learner, Auto didacta
http://pipopaz.wordpress.com/
wow that's really cool! ^^ I do wish to start a business soon, although i haven't study for it ^^; I guess the first thing i'll do is invest in some companies and get to know their structures and use them as reference later on when I do open one ^o^
Student
never too early to start the getting to know people process =)
you might not know the background to all the friends u met in the past and its just an investment to first offer your services and help others and then perhaps they will find ways they can assist you
in a perfect world maybe? :P
studying comp studies, planning to look for part time job
http://bruneian-otaku.blogspot.com
My family runs ice business and the founder is my late grandfather, before the started this business he was a fisherman. What I like about him is never give up on what you're doing. I'm also planning to open a restaurant like the one where Konata and the Hiiragi twins eat the desserts. Maybe I will started it after my graduation in Instrument and Electrical engineering ^^
Student
http://miri.textcube.com/
Thanks for the tip, Danny~
Student / Sneakerhead & Otaku
True indeed, getting to know more people does opens more opportunities to you.
This is also a very important key to success, if you're planning to open your own company!
NEET part-time - Technical Support Officer - Network security engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
when i think about it... i do a ton of consulting
Among my friends and family im regarded as 'that computer guy'
Too many of my friends always ask for help buying cheap hardware, networking tips/repair, database assist, tips and tricks, and the list goes on. I feel like im helpdesk.
Maybe i should start charging them!!!
Student, Performer
http://kesenaitsumi89.wordpress.com/
seconded ^^
Student, Motivated Future Hikikomori
Berry Berry interesting. I agree with the getting to know as much people as possible part, but am not in a position to apply it.
All the people I know (would like to know) in the area that I want to develop myself in are friends/comrades/colleagues of my father, and I feel awkward talking to them, as I feel a strong sense of inferiority.
That I am getting in the way of their work - etc. etc.
Would love to learn by watching them do their job as they do it marvelously.
For now, self teaching should suffice, until I reach a level when I won`t be ashamed of my lack of knowledge in the area.
Also - what did you consult those companies on? An overall, perhaps even lacking any details, sort of answer will do ^^;
pervert
with hector your company is now a 3 wo/men team right?
Moe Hunter
http://moehunter.wordpress.com/
My only consulting would be music teaching, but I have no idea where to start with that in Japan. Finding gigs would be easier as I would imagine it being like the networking you do also Danny. Still wouldn't be sure where to find the starting point for that either in the Toyko.
I certainly wouldn't mind trying to live as an entertainer in Japan some day.
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
http://meimi132.wordpress.com/
Oooo pretty poster!!
And yar, 100 yen would be too cheap lol. You wanna make at least some money out of it lol.
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
You know what we need? A voluntary listing/classifieds of occupations and specialities for DC. ^^; Big, gigantic international network, here we come!
Charging 100 yen an hour would probably have been a bad idea in more ways than one. Money aside, no one would take you seriously. xP
University Student
Consulting, consulting, mmmmhhh... whats me specialty.
College Freshmen
LOL, subject wasn't really about anime posters, but it was a more interesting subject though.
Email & Network Support/Administration
http://badger11.animeblogger.net/
Unfortunately I don't have the experience in the career that I want to do, so I'm planning on doing it as a hobby. I'll probably launch a website later this year just to put myself out there. I figure playing and making it a hobby is one way to get experience
former Emperor of Britannia
http://reflectiarx.wordpress.com/
Short but a very very interesting article.
Thumbs Up!
???Confused???
I only wish I had skills to speak of...I only know basics of the basics in every area...
流浪人
Networking is key to getting ahead in almost any field. Whether your consulting, military, labor, business, etc., getting to know folks can get you ahead in the future in ways you never dreamed.
Most of my military career has advanced thanks to a combination of hardwork and word of mouth (i.e., who would you recommend for this Director position...Capt XXX fits the bill, and I've worked with him before. Give him a try...)
Great article, Danny. ^_^
security/3d graphic artist
http://www.kennethleishman.com/
thats true, if your known for geting the job done without much fuss, you'll be remembered... like for parade duty..>_>
Theme Park Otaku
http://servoism.blogspot.com/
Heh. I enjoy consulting others on what they should or shouldn't watch/read/buy!
Nice poster. I love posters of all sizes, but the images are important so many I've just printed out myself. Small but free and enjoyable. (^ ^)
University Student
http://twitter.com/shikinami
Great post, Danny.
Believe or not, but you have really made me think a lot about this "knowing new people and making new friendships" stuff. I mean, I'm terrible on face recognition. Not to mention the fact that I'm an extremely introverted person. I know that this is just the way I am, and that I cannot change it from one time to another, but I guess if I do not change gradually I'll end up by having a considerable amount of obstacles that could have been avoidable in my life (specially considering that International Relations professionals are supposed to have a good contact network and should not be uneasy when meeting new people).
Your post have made me think that much and, well, I will take it as an act of encouraging. ^^
security/3d graphic artist
http://www.kennethleishman.com/
even if being social isn't your strong suit, just be good at what you do and you will get noticed. I got my job because of a teacher noticing what i do, wasn't nesisaraly frends with him, but he recomended me becasue of my work i did in class. and vice versa I recomened a freind of mine for an opening that i thought he was qualified for. So if you know job X, then make sure as many people know that you are good at job X as posible, so if someone has an opening, they think of you.
Com. Sci. Student
i have 11 anime posters too and i treasure them hmm time to clean them off
I have around 10 never use them !!!
Nekophilia
I haz none.. ^^;
Consultant eh? I think for now.. I shud go for tuition instead of consultants T.T
Student
http://shockerz.wordpress.com/
Consulting sound like fun. Danny are you going to open up consulting firm in the future?
Connection is power!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aseps/
thanks for the advice Danny! maybe i have to make more chat whit others people. i am the type of dont like to talk...
Geotechnical Engineer
Working for a consulting company can be quite tiring as one has to write reports (not too sure of other fields of consulting but in transportation consulting, its report writing mania). Its interesting to be in a position to consult as one learns a lot of things on the way.
With regard to posters, I've got 3 large "fabric" posters. Love those "fabric" ones.
http://www.sankakucomplex.com/
Nice poster Danny. ^^
SNSD Lover
http://realtaku.wordpress.com/
Danny has surpass mere existence. He can see past future and present.
Engineering and Sales
Reika Hojo is probably one of the cutest anime girls. I love her giant red eyes and blue hair; and her "I am Queen lick my shoe" attitude :) I Need to find some real cute figures of her to buy!!
security/3d graphic artist
http://www.kennethleishman.com/
35000 an hr 3 hr min?... and thats lowballing it... increadable plus your income from the site.. and all the SAFS.. and you love what you do.. blessed life there... :)
Dirty Gentleman
http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/
I pay consulting fees all the time. Just this past week I hired 3 female consultants standing on the street corner. They charge extra for group consultation.
bum,hachi roku driver
whoa, fap,fap,fap
Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
http://dannychoo.com.my
I used to provide consultation service for an online adult toys store by revamping their sales portal & implementing online distribution channels.
Meeting the right people will surely open up many new gateways. As for me, given some time to explore into new acquaintance, I only mingle with people who are like-minded, as I follow my principle of "What environment you choose to be in, determine who you will become".
When I was young, hooked up my interest by reading books on business & investment, I'd learnt that if I wanna become one of the successful businessman, I need to follow their learning path, as soon as I realize that, I'd been mingle around in places meeting new people from many business seminars & networking events.
Student & Artist
http://kanochu.wordpress.com
Hmm. Dunno much about counsulting, but that poster's pretty cute ^^;
Student, part-time Haruhi wannabe (that bit about godhood etc)
http://www.aprilius20.com
lol 100 yen per hour? Leave that to Zange^^
Engineer by weekdays, Hikki by weekends
http://ejump.wordpress.com/
I guess this is why my dad always paster me to go study in management. I may have some technical skills, but if i dont know how to market it, i will stay forever working under someone..
Consultation looks promising, but one must really know the specialized field at fingertips. For now, I'll stick and study on Danny's tips and advices.
IT-Architect, SysAdmin, WebDesign and Coding, Virtualization (VMware + NetApp)
http://www.milkdrop.de/
Hmmm, 35000Y per hour doesn't even sound that bad, my Boss doesn't charge much more these days in euros. But that might be due the difference in economy between Düsseldorf (Germany) and Tokyo (Japan) - in Munich (Germany) for example you would have to pay least 1/3 more for the same service since the living costs and everything is just at higher standarts.
Personaly i specialised in nothing - yet, i do everything from Storage (preferably NetApp), Virtualizing (with VMware) up to Webdev (php, sql, etc. pp.) and whatsonot to an "okay" level.
I would love to go deeper into the details of Virtualizing Webservers, sort of combining the one of my fields with the other. (which i do at home when i have a free weekend ... which is rare)
But my current company has only 3-4 projects which do that so far, considering the whoule lot it's not much so... yea. :/
*confidential*
sorry for the stupid question: what does consulting mean???
Engineer by weekdays, Hikki by weekends
http://ejump.wordpress.com/
its from consult; consultation/consultant... a person who consult/give advice to person/organization that seeks advice/idea/opinion in certain matter.
anime/cosplay events organizer
http://www.cosplay.ph
I think my line of work right now is also in the fields of consultation. we offer consultation to companies who wants to tap the youth market through events especially the anime-cosplay niche =3
三年せいとオタク
Wow 35,00 yen an hour and 3 hour min. not bad ;o Also have to agree getting to know a lot of people in life will come in handy later on.
Web Developer, Designer, ALT
http://8bitplus.blogspot.com/
I have done some consulting, but I never thought of charging, not a bad idea, as it makes the client know you mean business. I need to make more contacts.
Student
Thanks for the advice:)
大学生
http://okashi.cloudy-skies.net/
WOW, you were a consultant for iKnow? Cooool :D:D
Musician, Sound Engineer, Student - Currently Military (2yrs)
http://abanzai.animeblogger.net
I think the hardest part about consulting is knowing where to start, especially for the young folks who have just started working / finished studying.
Any tips on that, Danny?
http://twitter.com/phossil
http://www.animoe.net
haha, I've worked once with a consultant, http://www.animoe.net/2007/03/saturday-morning.html and it required to work on saturdays and to help him a lot.
Software Engineer
http://www.neilduckett.com
Consulting is a great earner ... if you can get the regular gigs, might be a little tough in the current economic situation with many companies reducing their spend on external consultants .... i'm seeing this first hand with my employer and the current onsite contract we have.
Student
I can't agree with you more... The company I work for rely on external consultant for their flexibility. External consultants are already being cut back or asked to lower the rates or work part time. With this crisis, I wouldn't mind giving a discount or go part time.
Magi 2nd network assistant
You don't need a coffee secretary, don't you?
For 3 Yukichis an hour I'll teach all the secrets of coffe beans grinding! LOL
Software Developer / Space Marine
35000 yen an hour?
Damn, I wanna be a consultant. You gotta be good at what you do I guess. Which is my goal, be a GREAT programmer. Maybe I can be a programmer consultant or something :P
Now, its time to study study study study study study study study study study study study as Golden Boy would say.