The only difference is that instead of trying to get the city garbage hauling contract you are trying to get your next project. Despite the challenging picture I have painted of project-oriented companies over the last month there is one island of stability even in these types of companies. In fact, it tends to be one of the most neglected areas in almost every company. Long after the projects are completed someone has to support and maintain the services and products developed. The project people will have moved onto new projects and in the worst case the project may fail to achieve its goals because no attention was paid to the issue of maintenance.
Someone has to support the customers.
Someone has to design and implement upgrades. Someone has to deliver new services based around the original project. Maintenance may be unglamorous but it can be fulfilling and, more importantly, more stable over the long term. Someone has to keep the web site operating, the dial-up service working and the support line answered. It might as well be you.