Why I decided to become an Independent Tech Advisor

For nearly 25 years, I built my career in traditional sales and sales leadership roles at a large technology reseller. It was an incredible experience —I learned the business inside and out, forged lifelong friendships, saw the world, and earned a great living. But while I value those experiences deeply, they belong to a different time. The reality is, the landscape of “traditional” employment has fundamentally changed—and it’s not going back..

Covid, technological advancements, WFH and plummeting employer loyalty have changed our approach to working.  A recent Forbes article highlights that a staggering 8.9 million Americans are working multiple jobs, underscoring a growing trend: the desire for autonomy, flexibility, and diversified income streams.

This different approach isn't just about starting a small side hustle for extra cash; it's about reclaiming control of your career and taking it in a new and exciting direction.

And so, I began to explore other options for my “second act.” It became obvious to me and several of my former colleagues that the opportunity with the most flexibility and appeal was the role of an independent technology advisor.

The ability to use my technical knowledge, years of experience, business relationships and industry insights to redefine myself from an employee to my own boss was compelling!

Here’s why the Independent Advisor model resonated with me:

Autonomy and Flexibility: As an independent advisor, I dictate my schedule, choose my clients, and define my scope of work. This level of autonomy is invaluable, allowing me to balance my professional and personal life effectively.

• Financial Diversification: In an increasingly unpredictable economic climate, relying on a single income stream can feel precarious. Becoming an independent advisor allows me to build a secondary revenue stream, providing financial security and peace of mind.
• Building My Personal Brand: Establishing oneself as an independent advisor strengthens my personal brand and expands your professional network. This can lead to new opportunities, both within my current organization and beyond.
• Flexing my experience and knowledge: As a career IT professional, I have years of deep experience and insight in the technology space.  Why not leverage that vast array of knowledge, bringing immediate, impactful value to potential clients and partners.
• Meaningful Impact: Helping businesses make strategic technology decisions can have a profound impact on their success. As a trusted partner, I enjoy guiding them through complex challenges and empowering them to achieve their goals.

Selecting the Right Partner Firm

You’ll ultimately want to partner with an advisory firm.  Do your research…there are hundreds of firms that offer the opportunity to be an independent technology advisor.  Picking the right one can be challenging.  Look for firms that check the following boxes:

• Experienced Leadership team: Look for a firm with a proven, experienced leadership team.  You want to partner with the best, so look for firms that have leaders with deep experience from Top Tier firms in Sales, Advisory and Tech Consulting.
• Higher Commission Structures: As an independent, you are not beholden to traditional commission structures which typically favor Corporate. Most independent advisory firms offer significantly more attractive payouts, giving a higher percentage of commissions to you instead of the “house”.
• Expansive Portfolio Solutions: As an independent advisor, you want to be able to present the most effective and efficient solutions possible.  It is critical that you Partner with a firm that offers the largest and most advanced solutions possible, giving you the ability to be an agnostic, trusted advisor.
• Marketing and Sales Support: Sales support will be critical for your success.  Selecting a firm that puts a premium on marketing and sales support will make you a more successful advisor.  Ensure that they have sales programs, partners and campaigns in place to help you uncover, pitch and close more business.
• Culture and Community: Often dismissed as mere "fluff," culture and community are, in fact, essential for those pursuing the path of independent advising. Advisors thrive in environments that nurture their growth, amplify their strengths, and support their success. A strong culture fosters shared goals, mutual respect, and a collective commitment to helping each other excel.

The rise of the independent IT advisor signifies a fundamental shift in the way we work. I know I’m still in the early innings, but I can honestly say there’s no looking back. I love my “new” career—it provides me with autonomy, flexibility, strong income potential, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Becoming an independent tech advisor is certainly a shift and may not be for everyone.  But when the benefits outweigh the negatives, as they did for me, it might just be the best career/life decision you could make.

At TenrecX, our mission is to help our clients bridge the gap between complex technology options and real business needs - simplifying their choices.  We are here to ensure you achieve efficiency, scalability and to ultimately succeed.

Connect with TenrecX to explore the possibilities.

Simplify.

Scale.

Succeed.

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