Web based Consulting for Engineers

[MikeVV]

Does anyone have a thriving business centered around the idea of providing consulting services through the web? I am a professional engineer and beleive that many clients exist for my services. Contacting clients and marketing my talents is very difficult in a traditional world because trust has to be built "face-to-face." The internet changes this paradigm however - it seems to me that engineers (especially those with very specific skills) can apply their talents to many clients using the web. Is this true?

 

[Zee]

MikeVV. Seems like the most promising would be international, via the web. US engineers are able to access huge resources of information and can convey that in English.<br>
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In the late 80's and early 90's, after the opening of Middle and Eastern Europe, I found many intellegent technical minds but lacking key information. <br>
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I think an "agent" or partner engineer located in the area would better serve to open up a market.

 

[MikeVV]

Zee,<br>
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I believe that you are correct - I have a site, <br>
ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/mjvanvoorhis/techdata.htm , that provides material property, structural analysis and engineering links to people looking for such informaiton (typically structural engineers or machine designers.) I have found that most queries come from students and engineers from Europe, North America and India. <br>
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I see this topic with numerour facets. One relates to text books that provide engineering/design knowledge - they are expensive and hard to obtain unless one lives near a university. Amazon.com has made mail-order possible but costs or still high. The ability of engineers in Eastern Europe to browse sites like Stanford University's Virtual Engineering site would seem to be very valuable to them.<br>
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Another facet relates to people who want to "look into" the "fraternity" of engineer/designers. Numerous contractors, fabricators, architects and business managers would like to understand what we do so that they can apply it to their needs and efficiently use us in projects. The internet allows them to watch and join discussion groups like eng-tips.com if so inclined.<br>
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Numerous "brokers" of talent exist for design / engineering skills, they are known as headhunters. Often our profession is driven by the need for engineers to be co-located at the same site as their "employer." A new facet to our profession exists with the ability to "telecommute" and make connections between clients and specialists over large distances.<br>
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The three facets (and there are others) are only now being identified by people. I wonder if acedemics and leaders in industry are looking at these capabilities to improve their efficiencies and skills. I also wonder if anyone is finding the same kind of response to their activities on the web relative to seeking connections for work and continued education.<br>
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I believe that several skills are becoming valuable in this new environment. the first is that of being able to take ideas and communicate them via email. The second is that of being able to find and work with people through the internet. The third is in being able to conduct commerce through the web.<br>
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Most of my contacts have been honest and intelligent. Now I would like to see more people learn how to take advantage of this new resource.

 

[nbucska]

Hi Mike:
Are you EE or ME?
<nbucska@pcperipherals.com>