possibility of consultancy project - what's in it for me?

[dodi1978]

Hi,

I may have the possibility of a small consultancy project with a local SME. I have my first meeting with them on Friday and actually don't know yet at this stage whether my skills match what they need or what might be required.
But, just in case they do, what exactly could be in it for me? I am not sure whether the outcomes would be publishable, and I don't want this just to be a drain on my time without having any gain from it. And whilst my work is earmarked for an impact case study, I don't think this project would really fit into the planned scope of my impact case. I'd be grateful for any insights and experiences!

Money?

I don't do consultancy work as I find I have so much to do anyway, it stresses me out, plus in my field often companies or organizations are wanting academics to parachute in and do evaluation work which isn't that fruitful for the academic. I'd do it if it was great to gain access to otherwise inaccessible data, or for impact, or for money if it's just a few days and your work would be contained within them. Otherwise I wouldn't do it.

Agree money is my main motivator. My employment contract allows me 20 days consultancy which I charge at 2x my day job rate. Usually slightly interesting but often confidential.