For many years, I've thought about taking what I am currently doing (consulting for one client at a time), and going to the next level with it - multiple clients and even some employees. One opportunity which I don't think is being fully exploited is marketing to companies who don't have the resources for a full-time I.T. person on staff, but who ocassionally need to get someone in to fix their printer, install some new software, develop a small custom application, etc.

So when I heard about Nerds on Site, it sounded like a nice approach to me. Their marketing tagline to get consultants on board has been "You're in business for yourself, but not by yourself". I've been in business for myself for 10 years, and thought exploring this other way of doing things would be interesting. It had potential.

Well, it turned out to be unfulfilled potential.

Trying to get to talk to them has been a bit of a let down. After filling out an online application - "What is your strengths? Why do you want to join with us? etc." - they invited me to sign up for a First Step session.

And that's where they fell down, big time.

As soon as I got the invitation, I went to the URL to sign up for the next step in the "process". I was expecting to meet people in person, and learn more about what they expect, and what they can provide. The only in person session was in Windsor (4 hour drive from me), so I was basically forced to sign up for an online session.

That's not too bad, except a lot of the sessions were "middle of the day" sessions. I can't come home from work in the middle of the day to talk to them, so I could only do weeknight sessions. That wouldn't even be a problem, except all the evening sessions were fully booked.

I went back again a few days later, and it was still fully booked. No in person sessions available again. Back again a 3rd time a week later, and found 1 single session available so I signed up. Nope, that session was for Filipino's only (don't ask). Went back again (4th or 5th time by this point) and found a 6pm online session for a few weeks hence, and booked it.

I did everything I normally do. I set an appointment up in Outlook, had it remind me. I came home from work well before the time, downloaded and installed all the software they require for the meeting (yes, I had to install stuff for an online meeting). Logged in at a quarter to 6 to get things set up and then...

"I'm sorry Scott. The time is now 5:47pm. We asked you to be here at 5:45pm. You'll have to book another time in the future."

What? What the hell? The online meeting was at 6pm, I show up at 5:47pm, and I'm told "sorry"?

You know what? If this is how Nerds on Site operates their business, then it's better that I'm not part of that. I am an experienced businessman, and have a lot of client contacts. I don't need to be treated like some high-school kid trying to compete for his first job. If Nerds on Site wants to partner with me, they can contact me and we can talk one-on-one like real businesses do. But in 6 weeks or so of trying to get this "First Step" meeting set up, I'm back at the beggining? That's that.