[HumanDrivenDev]

The biggest impediment for me would be finding clients. IME most programmers dont meet a lot plant potential clients when they are maintaining internal software. Even if they work for a consulting company, you can't use them due to restraint of trade clauses.

So how would you get the first customers? I'm just some guy off the street, no one is going bet money on me performing a function for their business.

[kevinburke]

Go to meetups, talk to colleagues who have quit your current company, try to attend or speak at conferences, start a blog and post at the bottom that you’re available for consulting...

There’s no rule that says you can’t pitch projects to people, if you think you could help make a company better call them up and pitch them on it.

[jamestimmins]

If you don't mind sharing:

1. What kind of meetups? I'm guessing developers are inclined to go to developer meetups, but it seems unlikely that potential clients would be there.

2. How have you managed to get hired by technology companies as a consultant? My clients are mostly folks that are non-technical and need someone to build them custom software. I'd love to work with tech-focused companies but am not sure how to find/pitch those opportunities.

[lawik]

I have a free sales force. It is an army of LinkedIn recruiters.

[namanyayg]

Could you elaborate on how LinkedIn has helped you find contract work?