Keys to 1099 success (bulleted list)

Key relationships to maintain

• Clients
• Program managers
• Friends
• Co-worker
• The prime Facility Security Officer (FSO)

Key ways to do a good job

• Do your normal job duties a little better than your peers
• Consistently communicate with your client
• Stay organized and deliver your work when you say you will
• Consistently communicate with your client
• Always provide options and recommendations to your clients; think like a consultant

Key operational actions

• Pay your taxes on time and close to the correct amount
• Invoice on time and follow up diligently
• Stay organized with receipts, time tracking, etc.
• Track your security clearance with the FSO

Key business development activities

• Maintain relationships with key actors (see top)
• Ask for referrals or leads from your network
• Come up with a resume narrative or positioning statement. Post resume online to relevant job boards
• Learn to negotiate
• Start looking for new contracts six months before your current contract ends

Key mindset and outlooks

• Deals fall through; it's not personal
• Consistency beats brilliance
• The ability to be uncomfortable is an advantage
• If you are doing a good job at your current job, you are good enough to go 1099
• Going 1099 is not the goal, a better lifestyle is the goal