Friday, February 29, 2008

Web Development Learning Curve

- identify what skills are most sought after. At first guess I think:
- PHP
- MySQL
- Media sites
- travel sites (kayak.com)
- facebook apps
- google widgets/ google API
- paypal/financial security
- graphic design

- figure out how much time per week I could devote to this

- create a few portfolio sites to demo

Consulting Learning Curve

- find out how others have developed consulting relationships (JW may be a good source)
- find out how much time per week you can spend (typically 1 day per week, I believe)
- look into starting a consulting firm....hiring MBAs and BBAs to be analysts?
- what is your area of expertise? (collaboration, pharma/bio IT)
- look perhaps at Jeff Mackie Mason's consulting firm as an example

Blogging Learning Curve

In order to set up a successful blogging business, I need to develop a business plan. To inform that I should:
- re-read Pavlina's stuff
- decide what the content/target market will be
- consider various monetization options (adsense, donations)
- will I do the work alone? partner/hire people?
- will I use a blogging platform (wordpress, blogger, typepad) or host my own?
- what domain name should i choose (draftone.net?)
- how often will I write? when will I write?

Potential Income Streams

1. Job (Teaching/Research)
2. Consulting
3. Real Estate Investment Properties (Rental Income, Appreciation, Tax Shelters)
4. Blog
5. Web Development