[john_hudson]

If you want to get into making money out of open source, you need to follow the IBM model and offer services like custom installation and custom program development; you are most likely to be successful in that area if you focus on a particular area that you - and potential clients - are interested in.

All consultants have their own specialisms - I wouldn't hire IBM to help me with music software - and you need to decide what USP (unique selling proposition) you have that you can offer to potential clients, whether current or potential users of open source.