Ex-java developer and CoffeeSprout founder Barry van Someren joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about the surprising alignment between “Ditcherville ethos” and the government of the Netherlands.

LINKS MENTIONED

• Barry’s website
• Barry’s LinkedIn
• California Law AB 5

AI SUMMARY

In this episode of Ditching Hourly, Jonathan Stark speaks with Barry Van Someren about his transition from hourly work to value-based services, the implications of new tax laws in the Netherlands for independent contractors, and the importance of having multiple clients. They discuss how these changes affect client relationships and the necessity of shifting to results-based contracts. Barry shares insights on navigating the complexities of government regulations and the benefits of diversifying client portfolios to ensure business resilience.

SOUND BITES

• “I wanted to transition into something that was more predictable.”
• “It’s just refreshing to see that kind of advice from the IRS.”
• “I kind of wanted to make myself less vulnerable to this law.”
• “The IRS and various countries are giving you that encouragement.”
• “If you stay at one place too long, you become stagnant.”
• “Hourly billing is bad.”

TAKEAWAYS

• Transitioning from hourly work to value-based services can lead to more predictable income.
• New tax laws classify independent contractors more strictly, impacting their work.
• It’s essential to define clear results in contracts rather than relying on hourly billing.
• Having multiple clients reduces vulnerability to market changes and legal issues.
• Government regulations can align with good business practices, encouraging consultants to diversify their client base.
• Freelancers should be aware of the risks associated with being classified as employees under new laws.
• Building a strong network is crucial for finding clients and maintaining a steady workflow.
• Consultants should focus on delivering results rather than just completing tasks.
• The importance of compliance with tax laws cannot be overstated for independent contractors.
• Hourly billing is often seen as a less favorable model for sustainable business growth.

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Do you have questions about how to improve your business?

Things like:

• Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?
• Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?
• Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?

Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.

Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.

To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to:

https://jonathanstark.com/call

I hope to see you there!

The handsome and talented Louis Grenier joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about the strategy behind writing, publishing, and launching his new book, Stand The F*ck Out.

Links:

• Stand The F*ck Out
• Bonuses for Ditching Hourly Listeners

AI Summary:

In this conversation, Jonathan Stark interviews Louis Grenier about his journey in marketing, the insights from his new book, and the strategies behind its launch. Louis discusses the importance of standing out in a crowded market, the principles of effective marketing, and the challenges he faced while writing and publishing his book. He shares his unique approach to launching the book, including innovative marketing strategies and the significance of personal branding. In this conversation, Louis Grenier discusses his unique approach to branding and product design, particularly in the context of his book launch. He shares insights on working with Lulu, the importance of prioritizing tasks during the launch, and the lessons learned from mistakes made along the way. The value of beta readers and the iterative feedback process in writing are emphasized, along with strategies for promoting and selling his book effectively.

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Do you have questions about how to improve your business?

Things like:

• Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?
• Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?
• Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?

Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.

Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.

To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to:

https://jonathanstark.com/call

I hope to see you there!

The author of “Going 1099: How To Become Solo Federal Sub-Contractor”, Dale Davidson, joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss the journey of becoming a solo federal subcontractor.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome
• (00:17) - Dale Davidson's Background
• (00:49) - Navigating Hourly Billing in Government Contracts
• (01:39) - Transitioning to 1099 Subcontracting
• (04:01) - Importance of Security Clearance
• (05:51) - Client Relationships and Consulting
• (07:06) - Understanding Government Contracting
• (16:01) - Becoming a Prime Contractor
• (33:52) - Hiring Employees and Scaling Up
• (35:41) - Recruiting and Retaining Talent
• (36:24) - Scaling Up: Employees and Income
• (37:17) - The Soloist's Dilemma
• (38:53) - Challenges of Growing a Business
• (41:17) - The Admin Burden
• (48:02) - The Hourly Trap
• (49:39) - Government Contracting Insights
• (53:12) - Personal Stories and Advice
• (58:32) - Finding Your Niche and Passion
• (01:09:15) - Promoting the Book and Final Thoughts

• Dale’s Book
• Dale’s LinkedIn

AI SUMMARY

In this conversation, Jonathan Stark and Dale Davidson discuss the journey of becoming a solo federal subcontractor, focusing on the challenges and opportunities within government contracting. They explore the nuances of hourly billing, the importance of security clearance, and the significance of client relationships. Dale shares insights on transitioning from employee to 1099 contractor, the role of subcontracting, and the complexities of government contracts. The discussion also touches on the mental shift required when moving from a corporate environment to self-employment, the importance of setting boundaries, and the value of understanding market demand.

TAKEAWAYS

• Hourly billing is the norm in government subcontracting.
• Security clearance can significantly increase your value in government contracting.
• Building strong client relationships is crucial for success as a contractor.
• Transitioning from employee to 1099 contractor offers more freedom and control.
• Subcontracting is a common practice in government work and can provide opportunities.
• Understanding the different types of government contracts is essential for contractors.
• Fixed price contracts are rare but can be negotiated successfully.
• Finding opportunities in government contracts requires diligence and networking.

----

Do you have questions about how to improve your business?

Things like:

• Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?
• Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?
• Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?

Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.

Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.

To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to:

https://jonathanstark.com/call

I hope to see you there!