Someone recently told a client that hiring me — a freelance ERP consultant — is “risky.”
It was hard to sink in but not surprising, having heard it from others who have been "warned off" using independent experts.
I’ve been in IT for over 20 years.
- 5 years running my own business
- 6 successful full ERP implementations
- 5 products built
- Many recurring clients who trust me enough to come back
- Multiple glowing reviews and testimonials
…And yet. Still “risky.”
Here’s what’s actually interesting about that perception:
Most businesses I work with already rely on freelancers for core operations — accountants, marketers, IT specialists. They don’t just survive — they thrive. They get deep expertise, flexibility, and a unique approach no single firm can replicate.
Meanwhile, many “safer” large partners:
- Rotate staff on your account constantly, often in wildly different time zones
- Prioritize billable hours over actual outcomes
- Chase new clients while existing customers wait
- Keep you dependent on them — if your system genuinely can’t function without their constant involvement, that’s not a service. That’s a poor implementation.
- …While quietly using freelancers themselves, calling them “employees”
See the irony?
What a Freelance Specialist Brings
I’m a functional consultant, developer, analyst, server admin, technical trainer, and engineer-to-order specialist — all in one.
You get continuity, context, and someone who actually has skin in the game.
No account managers buffering feedback. No junior staff learning at your expense. No bloated project teams justifying their existence.
The AI Advantage
And here’s where it gets exciting:
With AI tools amplifying what experienced independents can deliver, the gap between “a team” and “one expert” has never been smaller. I’ve embraced Claude Code, which means I can deliver exponentially more, responsibly, with context and purpose.
Rethinking Risk
So when someone calls this “risky,” I’d ask them to look at the bigger picture:
Risk isn’t about headcount. It’s about accountability, expertise, and proven outcomes.
The old arguments no longer hold water. It’s time to rethink this unfair stereotype.
Sometimes the bravest thing a business can do is work with someone who genuinely cares and cannot afford to let you down.
If you want fast food, sure — go to McDonald’s.
But if you want something special, something you won’t get everywhere else — give the independent place a try. Freelancers are your superheroes ready and waiting. 😊
If you’re evaluating ERP or CRM options, are in bespoke manufacturing, or need to refresh your software and want a straight, honest chat — not a sales pitch — reach out.