How do you create added value?

[bored]

For me it's:

the ability to solve all kinds of problems, usually faster and more effectively than most people,
the ability to schmooze and charm,
the ability to evalute not only technical but business consequences of decisions/solutions.

[thunderlizard]

For me it's being the first to spot stuff. That may be potential problems ("if you're going to rerelease X you should probably integration test Y too") or opportunities ("for very little extra cost, we could get this software to check your Windows regional settings and loudly play the appropriate national anthem every time it starts up!")

[Troll]

For me it's being the first to spot stuff. That may be potential problems ("if you're going to rerelease X you should probably integration test Y too")

That's all procedural.. you can easily define a procedure and get the low cost people to execute... some value in being the one who defines a procedure.. but thats the high cost management using low cost resource currently being rolled out to a place near you sometime soon

[wendigo100]

Another thing I do is keep my head down so as not to upset the client's customers.

[oraclesmith]

I add value by taking on crap projects that the permies won't touch for fear of being sacked.

[Gonzo]

I add value by taking on crap projects that the permies won't touch for fear of being sacked.

Don't we all?

[Gibbon]

I add value by making sure their internet links are always up and running, could say soak testing.

[Troll]

I add value by making sure their internet links are always up and running, could say soak testing.

... and QA the coffee machines

[Sysman]

Being flexible.

There's always the odd sitation where something that wasn't planned for is suddenly needed tomorrow. ... That gets you noticed by senior people as somebody who can be counted on...

On my second contract I got the client out of a jam and ended up being the only contractor allowed to do overtime.

But:

You could stick to procedure and say it has to be authorised, blah blah, but I'd just do it.

Not always. In a blue chip environment you escalate the problem through the authorisation procedure, and get it signed off first.

HTH