Going 1099: Three actions you can take if you are busy and don't have time

I recently surveyed people that were interested in the Going 1099 book but didn’t buy it and several of them indicated the main reason they didn’t buy the book was because they didn’t have time.

I totally understand. Life gets busy and Going 1099 seems like a big time and energy commitment. 

When I first went 1099 I had zero important commitments. I had a job and a girlfriend and that’s it. So I had time to think about it, plan it, and execute it.

If I had to try to go 1099 again today with a toddler in the house? Oy….

That being said, even if you don’t buy the book and have limited time and energy, there are three things you can do that will be helpful that require little of either.

I advocate three different methods for getting your first 1099 gig in my book: job conversion, networking, and “applying” for a 1099 job.

Here is one thing you can do for each:

Increase your value and visibility to your government client

Develop and improve your relationship with the government client on your current project. Make sure you are performing valuable work for them and that they know its you.

You can do this while you’re at work because this IS your work! It’s just a matter of shifting more of your activities to what the client finds valuable.

This will come in handy if you pursue the job conversion method in the book.

Start a list of friendly contacts that you can reach out for useful introductions

The networking method in my book teaches that you should reach out to old co-workers, government clients, former bosses, etc. who may be able to provide useful information or contacts that can help you get your first 1099 gig.

At this stage, since you’re pressed for time, just use a notebook or spreadsheet to log people as you think of them. When the time comes you can send a friendly note or e-mail asking to meet up for coffee or to set up a quick phone call.

Start brainstorming a professional narrative for your resume

Many resumes don’t contain any sort of narrative. It’s just a list of jobs and activities and the recruiter has to determine whether or not any of that experience applies to the job opening.

If your resume falls into that category, you will need to structure it so there is a clear narrative about what you do and what you’re able to offer. ‘

For example, at the top of my resume I have a brief narrative saying something like “I’m an analytics specialist who works with clients to figure out the question behind the question.” There I emphasize that I a) do analytics work and b) can work directly with clients. 

You should think of something similar for your self. But just brainstorm. Don’t put pressure to put words on paper yet since you are pressed for time.

If you feel pressed for time, make progress by performing any of the above activities.

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If you have questions feel free to reach out to me directly at dale@1099fedhub.com. I can also add you to my informal mailing list in case I have updates or news or whatever.

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I wrote a book about becoming a 1099 solo federal sub-contractor. I cover three different methods you can use to get your first 1099 solo federal sub-contracting gig.

You can read more about it here:

Going 1099: How to become a solo federal sub-contractor and gain control of your working life, earn more money and unlock more free time

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