Portrait of Stéphane, ERP Project Manager

Stéphane helps companies set up, manage and transform their back office tools. Currently ERP Project Manager, his mission is to transform and customize the company's ERP to respond to structural changes. Discover the portrait of a multi-talented consultant.

Summary

1. Can you present your background in a few words?

2. Why did you choose to become self-employed?

3. Did you encounter difficulties as a freelancer?

4. What is your recipe for staying motivated?

5. What advice would you give to people who want to start freelancing?

6. Any last words to share?

Can you present your background in a few words?

Originally, I followed accounting studies but I quickly understood that the digitalization of the sector would become a major challenge. I therefore turned to ERPs, which can be defined as software that records financial flows (fiscal, accounting, etc.) that come in and out of the company.

To consolidate my knowledge on this type of software, I also took a course in web development. As ERPs rely on accounting entries, it was important to fully understand how they worked in order to more easily communicate with developers.

My current mission started in May 2022 and I had the opportunity to see my position evolve with the transformations of the company. My client faced structuring problems following its separation from the parent group. So I first worked as an “ERP Consultant” and then as a “Product Owner Back Office”. Today, I am an “ERP Project Manager”.

Why did you choose to become self-employed?

In the accounting firms where I worked at the beginning of my career, our missions were organized either by project or by client. Then I went for an audit, which required me to go to the customers. So I was already familiar with a pace of work in mission mode.

Then I wanted to start my own business and create a consulting firm. Of course, this project could not be completed overnight so I had to adapt my strategy. I preferred to start my own business as a sole proprietorship and gradually learn to delegate my needs if my turnover increases. I now know what is behind running a business for find customers, Retain them, invoicing, meeting the State's contractual obligations, increasing my turnover, maintaining my break-even point... All this knowledge may allow me, tomorrow, to take the next step.

Did you encounter difficulties as a freelancer?

At the beginning, it was difficult to choose between short and long missions. At first I completed several short missions but I quickly realized that this was not what I liked. You have to know how to organize the various missions in your calendar, there is a lot of prospecting to do in parallel and then, you have to remember to document everything for the freelancers who will take over.

Overall, I could not go into the projects as much as I wanted. Whereas with long missions, we can deepen the framework, better understand and define the roles of each. During a long mission, I remain attentive but I will not actively respond to the needs of my prospects, unlike short missions because I must quickly anticipate the next one.

I could also have had to increase my expenses to be accompanied on certain tasks. But thanks to my volunteer activities in parallel with my missions, I had the opportunity to broaden my knowledge, for example by learning how to manage social networks or carry out marketing campaigns, which are very useful in prospecting. Besides, I already know everything about accounting and how to manage these software for my own account.

Being independent is not always easy on a daily basis. What is your recipe for staying motivated?

I have the advantage of being easily self-motivated. I set goals for myself and I keep in mind that you should not stop while changing, even if there are difficulties. For example, as a volunteer, you find satisfaction in what brings meaning. We do not commit ourselves for money and it also happens that we do not always share affinities with other volunteers. It's the same in business: when you start a mission, you may not be in sync with your philosophy, values or the atmosphere. You have to adapt. There is a deliverable at the end, which will benefit other people. In this way, I put difficulties into perspective and I am always looking for solutions.

What advice would you give to people who want to start freelancing?

First of all, you don't have to start to get started. Being a freelancer is like choosing between a large international group or an association of 3 or 4 people. It is important to properly categorize the type of life you want to have. For example: do I accept a high-stress activity or, on the contrary, do I prefer a job with a low stress level?

I would also say that you have to be aware of the pace that this involves. Being independent is a situation that can be demanding and it is not the same implications when you want to invest in a family life for example.

And if I had to give one last piece of advice, it's that there's no good time to get started. For example, we are in the middle of a recession. This does not prevent some activities from having a turnover that has never been higher. It is the logic of supply and demand.

Any last words to share?

I would like to say a few words about Beager. A structure like yours makes it possible to simplify prospecting and reach certain types of customers with whom it would normally have been difficult to obtain contracts. Sometimes, you have to be referenced with service buyers from these companies. This requires providing financial guarantees, setting up a file... The administrative steps are numerous and require spending a lot of time. It was therefore very convenient to relieve myself of this part in order to be able to focus on my missions.

This article was produced in partnership with Stéphane Zé-Ogier, Product Owner Back Office.