Decisions - Require a little input

Hey all,

long time lurker on these boards but i don't post much but today i have a dilemma - i have been in my current job for 5+ years and i have just handed my notice, i am well respected there but the time has come to go and do other things.
Now the problem i have is they don't want me to leave them completely, they are suggesting that i can work for them (either as staff or as a contractor) but i need to come up with a plan to help the business i.e link building, blog posting social networking etc and it needs to be compelling and cost effective to pay a wage and to allow me to keep a wage (which would be awesome while i set up my own thing)

I fully intended to leave without a wage so this has come as a bit of a shock and isn't something i had thought of or prepared myself for.

They already have a team of SEO guys creating back links and writing articles so that's out of the window (to a certain extent)

If you could put yourself in my position what would you suggest i go back with to help the business benefit and increase its sales?

Any helps hints tips would be greatly appreciated

reggy

Either online reputation management (i.e. posting good reviews all over the place) or market research (i.e. making sure they're targeting the right customers and are getting the right clients).

If they hire people to do SEO, anything you offer them they will be able to hire, so unless you've experience and expertise with results and a portfolio to back it up, it may be game over i'm afraid.

Perhaps market research in the form of consultancy may be a way forward; providing diversity to their portfolio of products so that they mitigate risk and have a stronger sales package for their customers? If you can think of and provide something they don't do, they'll pay for it.

Good luck.

Go buy a copy of "Linchpin" by Seth Godin, and read it this weekend.

It addresses the core question you are asking. At the very least it will get your creative juices flowing and help you develop a filter for the various possibilities that you are going to come up with for acting as a consultant to your previous employer.

Thanks for the reply jammie it is much appreciated and you have some great suggestions i particularly like the idea of reviews and this is going on my list - i just need to find some review sites to help with the push here.

you mention market research, this isnt an area i am familiar with - any chance you could elaborate?

sorry stunna missed your reply, i will get the book and have a good read this weekend thanks for the tip

i have started reading the book suggested - but still looking for some ideas

thanks so far for the replies

bump for more expert opinions