Objective: Build Consulting Practice

Status: Planning

Priority

P1
Category

Core
Target

Q4 2026

Why This Matters

Building a consulting practice provides:

  • Income diversification - Not dependent on single employer

  • Market resilience - Skills that transfer regardless of job market

  • Remote work - Location independence by design

  • Expertise monetization - Convert knowledge into direct value

  • Growth opportunity - Unlimited ceiling vs salary caps

Unique positioning: Your combination of:

  • Networking + Security engineering depth

  • Documentation excellence (Antora, AsciiDoc)

  • Automation skills (Python, netapi)

  • Teaching/collaboration orientation

Creates a differentiated offering in the market.

Success Criteria

Criterion Description Met?

Service defined

Clear consulting offerings documented

[ ]

First client

Paid engagement completed

[ ]

Pipeline

3+ prospects in discussion

[ ]

Recurring revenue

At least one retainer arrangement

[ ]

Brand presence

Portfolio site showcasing work

[ ]

Current State

  • Assets: Extensive documentation portfolio, netapi tool, domus infrastructure

  • Skills: ISE, networking, security, documentation, automation

  • Gap: No formal business structure, no client pipeline, no marketing

Potential Service Offerings

Service Description

Documentation as a Service

Create Antora/AsciiDoc documentation systems for enterprises

ISE/NAC Consulting

802.1X deployment, troubleshooting, optimization

Network Automation

netapi-style tooling, Python automation, API integration

Security Architecture

Design reviews, compliance documentation, gap analysis

Training/Workshops

CLI mastery, documentation systems, security fundamentals

Action Plan

Phase Actions Target Status

0 - Foundation

CISSP certification (credibility)

June 2026

[ ]

1 - Define

Document service offerings, pricing

Q2 2026

[ ]

2 - Portfolio

Create showcase site using domus system

Q2 2026

[ ]

3 - Network

Reach out to contacts, LinkedIn presence

Q3 2026

[ ]

4 - First client

Land first paid engagement

Q3 2026

[ ]

5 - Scale

Build pipeline, systems for delivery

Q4 2026

[ ]

Resources Required

  • Credentialing: CISSP (in progress), potentially others

  • Legal: Business entity setup (LLC?)

  • Financial: Separate business account, invoicing system

  • Marketing: Portfolio site, LinkedIn optimization

  • Time: Initial investment while employed, then transition

Dependencies

  • CISSP - Credibility for security consulting

  • Housing - Stability enables focus

  • Current employment stability during transition

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