Those (SEOs) who can, do, and those (SEOs) who can’t?

I’ve dedicated myself to learning about search engine optimisation out of a desire to make my own websites successful. I’ve read about people who’ve been very successful with SEO, but not in this capacity. They make others’ websites successful. I personally do enjoy sharing things that I’ve learned, I often will post tips in forums, write a short article here and there, but I’ve never really been attracted to working SEO for other people. There is a curiousity factor there with me, though. I’ve wondered what goes on at these SEO consulting companies. What methods are they using? How rewarding do people who own, and work at, these companies find their jobs? Rhetorical questions yes.

I think this is a very important question for people who are seeking consulting services from an SEO. Ask before you buy. Ask the SEO why they would be offering their services for a price when they might find it far more lucrative to SEO for their own websites. I’d like to hear the answers.