The Collective Advice Of EDI Veterans

Posted by Charley Hughes on May 6, 2014 2:27 PM

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Normally in this space I try to keep my blog brief when providing my insight on a given subject.  The self-limiting format of “Two Quick Thoughts” serves to help reign in my own verbose nature. 

This month I intended to write a quick article containing advice for EDI professionals considering a career change from permanent work to consulting.  Of course this would also offer insight to our client hiring managers about what makes EDI consultants tick.

But then I thought, why not give professionals who are considering this type of career move an opportunity to pick the brains of those who do EDI consulting best?   Current and former Remedi consultants.   Because think about it, wouldn’t you rather hear from those who have successfully walked the path you are considering?

What follows are 8 questions from “Two Quick Thoughts” (TQT) and an amalgam of the most common answers provided by dozens of top EDI professionals from around the country that I’ll simply refer to as “The Collective”.

TQT: What attracted you to specialize in EDI?

“The Collective”: For some in our group, EDI actually found us when our former bosses dropped a new project on our desks using something called “EDI”.  It was new, and looked cool, and we said “Sure, I’ll take that on”.  For others EDI matched our problem solving nature the enjoyment we get from working the puzzle that is a part of the data transformation process.   Still, for others it was an opportunity to learn more about the business side of our company and further our careers because of the trajectory we saw for this high demand skill set.

TQT: How did you get into consulting?

“The Collective”: Very few of us started our careers in consulting.  Quite frankly, many of us are former programmers who were working full time jobs in traditional roles and wanted more challenge as well as to expand our EDI knowledge.  We came to consulting because either we knew friends who were consultants and decided to start our own practices, or we were recruited by a consulting firm such as Remedi.  For some of us a life event such as a move to a new city, or doing some after-hours consulting on the side, was the springboard into the world of full time career consulting.

TQT: What do YOU find to be the benefits of consulting?   What is your favorite aspect?

“The Collective”: If we were to list them in order of average importance it might go something like: The ability to continually learn and grow our skill set, (which keeps us marketable).  After that is the flexibility to choose the type of projects we work on, and getting to work with a wide variety of industries, companies, and people.  Don’t get us wrong, pay is important. But, while it makes for a really nice living for those who manage their finances, if you ask most of us, it’s usually 3rd or lower on this list of benefits for consulting.  Quality of life and the ability to make a significant impact on our careers seem to outrank the benefit of being well paid for a lot of us.

TQT: Is there any downside to Consulting?

“The Collective”:  Sure.  What job doesn’t have a down side?  Getting higher pay means we cover our own benefits, and also that we become our own personal CFO for the independent consultant we’ve become.  So we save money for any unanticipated time between contracts, as there isn’t a guarantee of employment (even when we held so called “permanent” positions).  Also, because we walk into new client companies often, some of us had to put some real effort into learning to be adaptable on the fly without the benefit of existing relationships to lean on for collaboration.  That can be unsettling for some people until they learn to develop a plan to handle it.   Lastly, some of us enjoy traveling more than others, but that really seems to be a personal preference based on the individual, family circumstances, and other reasons.

TQT: What do you think is the biggest "myth" about EDI consulting (or consulting in general)?

“The Collective”: We love this question.   First let’s start with the myth that we have to know e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g!  Sure, when it comes to EDI there is no doubt we know our stuff, but c’mon, “everything”?  It might be more factual to say that we solve problems, produce solutions, and tackle challenges extremely well.  But we learn something new in every engagement.   Secondly, while the money is good, it’s not a 5 year path to a quick retirement.  And the myth we love the most is that EDI is dying.   A lot of us having been hearing that for the last 20 years and it’s no closer to reality today than it was then.  Changing and evolving?  Sure!    Going away or being replaced?  Eh, not so much.

TQT: What is the best piece of advice you have received as a consultant?

“The Collective”: Sometimes the best advice is the simplest, so here’s what we were taught.   As cliché as it sounds, remember that the customer is always right.   This works if you are open minded, flexible, and most importantly well practiced in the art of really listening to the customer.  We were also advised to always be honest, be ourselves, and keep the client informed to help manage expectations.

TQT: If you could only share one piece of advice with someone considering EDI consulting as a career path, what would it be?

“The Collective”: Just one?   We can’t limit ourselves to just one, but here are the common themes of advice among us.  First, never stop learning.  Be a continuous learner and always seek to grow your skills in some form or fashion.  This keeps you marketable, which is important.    Also, be prepared to be flexible, listen carefully when talking to clients about their requirements, and always be honest.   And, don’t become a consultant just for the money alone.  Have some savings and learn to budget everything, including money, family time, and your own personal and professional development.

TQT: How do you see the future of EDI and EDI Consulting going forward?

“The Collective”:   In a word, bright.  We see the future of EDI as being very bright, never boring, and evolving into more and more industries.  The EDI software of today is quite powerful providing customized solutions based on what a customer needs.   Taking into account today’s 24/7 business climate, EDI will continue to thrive because companies are relying more and more on EDI systems to help run their businesses profitably.   With all of this in mind, the need for a consultant who possesses excellent EDI skills will remain a vital and necessary asset that companies will continue to leverage in the future.

 TQT:  Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

“The Collective”:   No problem, we’re happy to “pay it forward”.   Hope it helps.

 

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