Advice, what would you do?

[Vette Guy]

Hello all. Been away for awhile, hired in as a fixed ops manager at a small GM store last May with the goal to right a "sinking" ship. Long story short, I resigned last week amid constant conflict with ownership, many of the issues being ethical in nature. I have 30+ years in the business, mainly GM, mainly as a PM but also 8 years as a SM and I have a solid reputation.

Former employer called today, asking if I would come back as a sort of "consultant" to the PM that took my place. Controller would like me to provide some guidance and training over the next 2-3 months, or until I locate a new position. Honestly, I find it an interesting proposition and stated I was willing as long as the PM is willing and the staff recognizes that I am NOT the supervisor.

I can set my own schedule per se, as long as I am on site part of the week and available by phone at other times, and dealer is willing to cover my travel expenses the days I am on site (2.5 hours per day drive time).

The big question is, they want to know what I feel my time is worth? I earned just over $70K annually when I was in the position the last few years.

Thanks, any input is greatly appreciated!

[MovingForward]

Outside looking in it isn't your time I would be putting a dollar value on, it would be your knowledge.

Seeing how they contacted you they must feel your knowledge is pretty valuable to them so don't be afraid to charge for that.

I would put together a flat fee like a consultant would do. With that flat fee it would be listed how many hours per week I would be onsite. The fee would be all inclusive meaning I don't charge above and beyond for travel time or expenses.

I would think $5,000 / month would not be asking for to much depending upon how many hours you actually plan to spend in store.

[JustBob]

If your salary was in the $70K range mathematically you were making $280 a day based upon a 5 day week. Of course as and employee you had some benefits which you will not have as a consultant. I would recommend a $400 a day rate with a specified number of days per month if you are going to seek regular employment. If you were becoming a full time consultant I would look at a higher daily rate.

After 22 years as a DMS distributor I have became a "consultant" a year ago due to termination of my distribution agreement. My preference has always been to under promise and over deliver. I stipulate a minimum number of days I will be there (open to close) for X dollars plus actual expenses. These number of days is based upon the time needed to accomplish a specific task. If it takes longer I do not charge for more days but to charge for expenses. Of course it something beyond my control causes extension of the time required (change of personnel, discovery of a mess) it approach the client and explain the situation and propose a solution. Has worked for me thus far but I am not seeking employment otherwise and have turned down a job offer following a major embezzlement discovery.

In your case I would be certain your former employer understands that if you determine you replacement is incompetent that you are stating the facts not trying to get you old job back.

[Vette Guy]

Thanks for the feedback, all points are well taken. I am looking forward to doing this and have a genuine desire to see the organization progress. I would hate to see the changes and growth I implemented fall away. Waiting for a call back to discuss how we move forward.

[PartsPlant81]

You have to determine what the time you are going to spend as a consultant is worth to you. You control the envelope so to speak. I read an interesting story about a well known TV personality that said when contract time came they would have a dinner meeting with the network executive and give the executive an envelope; inside the envelope was a piece of paper with the amount of $ it was going to take them to sign another contract.
They looked at it from the perspective "if the executive did not accept my offer the network would make $0 from my show...if they accepted my offer they still make millions off of my show."
Keep in mind this is your show and you can determine what you get paid for your knowledge and talent.

[coachrodney81]

Sounds like a "Too Good to be True" type gig.... Don't be too hurried on that decision my friend . What will probably happen will be the PM hired as your replacement will become aggravated with your "Advice" and resign himself. So here you are back in the position you did not desire to stay in.... or maybe you do. I was promoted to Service and Parts Director over two sister dealerships... Things went well until the service manager at one store became tired of me showing her Policy and Procedures, and productive advice. The parts manager at the other store was thrilled with the idea of having a S&P director to oversee operations as he was the person who trained me many years earlier... ... Truly, if you left for the "Money" at the other store, then why didn't your original employer make it worth your wild to stay. Then again they probably thought the grass was greener on the other side.... Must feel good knowing they were wrong !!!