New Business Advice

[Engineer]

I just graduated with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Eventually I would like to have my own engineering consulting firm that can accommodate many if not all engineering disciplines. I currently have a job with a very large company and am gaining experience in the oil industry.

I have tried to start my consulting business on the side on top of my current work but have had little luck. I have emailed and snail mailed close to 150 different engineering firms. I was surprised with the small amount of takers. I did receive a handful of full time offers but I am not looking to quit my current job.

I understand that most engineering firms have there bases covered and do not need a part time engineer working for them.

I think that going after engineering firms may be the wrong direction. They are engineers, they don’t need engineers. I need to approach more business oriented people with a product that they are trying to move but need some engineering work on it.

Do you have any suggestions where I can find a group like this? Thanks for the help.

[GriZzly]

I can't help you, but I would recommend you give further details like what country you are from, if you are willing to travel etc so that other members of this forum may be able to help you. Good luck

[akula]

I don't understand what you are asking, or what problem you are trying to solve.

[Engineer]

I guess I could have been more clear. My first attempt at finding people to work for was to look for other engineering firms. If you have an engineering firm, chances are good you have all your bases covered and have enough engineers, draftsmen, and other people to keep your company going. You dont need an engineer.

My question was for advice on other people who aren't engineers but could use one. For instance, I have done a little consulting before for a company run buy two guys who were more on the business side. They had an idea, they had the funding, and they worked with the customers. My job was to provide the engineering to make their product more than just an idea. I designed it and built it. We tested it at a local facility and the customers came to watch.

I am looking for this type of group. Entrepreneurs who have an idea but dont have the engineering background to design it correctly. I have done some searching on the internet but the group is kind of vague and tough to pin down certian companies or groups. Do you know where I could look to find someone in this area?

Thanks.