[Colug-jobs] Looking for a Freelancer/Consultant

[Aaron P Howard]

Hey list,

I am in need of (for lack of a better phrase) another me.  I don't mean that in an egotistical way.  I just mean that I have several clients (only six, actually), each with differing needs and I need a freelancer/consultant (or three) who can assist when I am busy elsewhere and potentially transfer them completely.  (My largest client and I have reached an agreement that will soon lock up most of my time with them for the next 3+ years.)  I am not looking to hire someone into a full-time position.  I'm looking for a freelancer/consultant type who'd like to pick up some new business.  We can talk money in person.

Now, some of this is not Linux-related, so please forgive my indiscretion there.  But much of it is Linux related, which is why I'm coming here first looking for help.

Here's what I actually need help with:

1. Python. Python, Python, Python.  Specifically curses based linux console python apps that connect to PostgreSQL database backends as well as CROSS-PLATFORM wxPython/PythonCard GUI apps connecting to those same PostgreSQL database backends *AND* Windows only Python apps that do text processing and COM Object scripting (filling in XLS spreadsheets from data in PostgreSQL databases, for instance) *AND* web site python scripting (both client side using mechanize and server side scripting against PostgreSQL and MySQL databases).

2. Relational database support.  I'm sure from #1 you can tell most database backed applications I've written (excepting web server side stuff) utilize PostgreSQL.  So understanding of PostgreSQL including PL/pgSQL stored procedures and triggers, as well as table and view definitions, db maintenance, etc. is important.  Also important is understanding psql scripting, data export and import, and specifically extracting data from PostgreSQL to pump it into MySQL.  Installation, setup, configuration, and maintenance of PostgreSQL and MySQL on both Linux and Windows platforms is needed.  I also do some Microsoft SQL Server 2000 and 2005 DBA work but I'll be listing that separately.

3. Linux server administration, shell scripting, rsync, ssh, samba, webmin, remote X-Windows, cron, vsftpd, etc.  A little perl might come in handy but it's minimal.  Also important is understanding integration of Linux, Mac, and Windows clients with Samba & CIFS.  My clients are small businesses so we're not talking large scale LDAP to Active Directory integration or anything that complicated.  It's pretty vanilla stuff.

4. General network administration.  VPN setup (IPSec and PPTP/L2TP), firewall configuration (both linux based and firewall-in-a-box retail offerings from the likes of Linksys, D-Link, NetGear, Cisco, etc.), WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n WEP/WPA/WPA2 setup, IDS setup and monitoring, port-forwarding, NAT, etc.

5. Windows Administration.  Basic stuff.  Small clients.  Some use SBS2003, others just Windows Server 2003.  Active Directory understanding.  Exchange 2003.  Network configuration, user setup, profile setup, etc.  PC desktop support, mostly XP.  Again, nothing too exotic here because we're talking small companies with 10 < N < 100 employees.

6. Microsoft SQL Server 2000/2005.  Mostly stored procedure work w/ T-SQL.  Some DTS package work (w/ 2000), SQL Reporting Services.  Again, nothing terribly exotic.  This need is probably the lowest priority on the list.

7. Okay, maybe this is the lowest need.  Don't hate me for it: VBA, VB.NET, VBScript, ASP stuff.  Again, this is very limited and may not be needed at all...but if you have some familiarity with it, especially if it's more than a "Oh, please not that crap!" familiarity...would be nice.

Okay, that's the majority of the specific technologies I need assistance with.  But in truth, there are a few things I need from this person that supersede all of the above:

1. Problem solving ability.  The secret to my success thus far is as some put it: knowing what to do when I don't know what to do.  My clients expect from me -- more than any specific technical skill -- a solution to any problem they throw at me.  It may be something I'VE NEVER DONE BEFORE...but they *KNOW* with CERTAINTY that I can make it happen...or it can't be done (with their budget ;^).  This has been the number one sticking point with almost every other technical person I've ever worked with.  I've worked with some smart people.  Some very technically talented people.  But many are just unable to do the basic "FIGURE IT OUT" leg-work.  YOU MUST HAVE THIS ABILITY.  I need someone who I can throw projects at that may have little to do with your background and know you can get it done.  If you don't know the answer, you need to know how to arrive at it.

2. Availability.  My biggest reason for seeking assistance is I'm too busy and unavailable for most clients except for odd hours.  I need to find someone who can arrive to bring up a downed server on short notice in an emergency.  If it could wait until Sunday, I could do it myself.  If it has to be fixed by noon today, and I'm already contractually obliged to stay put where I am, I can't do it myself.  I need to be able to contact somebody else and "dispatch" them to the problem site.

3. Business sense.  Another thing a lot of technical people seem to be lacking is a real understanding of basic business principals and how technology supports a business.  It would be very helpful if you understand Accounting, Inventory processes, sales order processing, production, purchasing, billing/invoicing, and how technology assists in each of those.

4. Communication and demeanor.  You may be a 190 IQ technical wizard but if you can't discuss business needs and how that translates into a technological system (and vice versa) with a CEO, a dock worker, and everybody in between that's an issue.  And I mention demeanor because you may be able to put it into words they understand but if you come off as a condescending jerk, that's also a problem.

5. A personality that clicks with my own.  If we can't get along, it'll be difficult to work together.  Lucky for you I'm pretty easy to get along with.

OKAY, that's enough for now.  I think I've given any interested parties more than enough info.  If there's any of you out there actually interested in talking to me about this opportunity, please contact me soon.

Thanks for your time...

-Aaron

P.S. I'm really not full of myself.  Only half-full.