Written by an expert who has helped thousands of people nationwide find success as computer consultants, this is your complete guide to starting and managing a thriving computer and network consulting practice. From start-up costs to contract negotiation, from taxes to pricing and marketing, you get concise, straightforward advice and guidance on all the critical issues involved. And throughout the text you'll find candid accounts from seasoned computer consultants who share invaluable insights into all aspects of the business. You'll learn how to: * Assess your strengths and zero in on your market niche * Use proven, affordable marketing and sales techniques * Decide when you need a broker and find one you can work with * Set fees and negotiate contracts to your best advantage * Bid on government contracts--and win * Manage your time and workload for optimum satisfaction * Choose and win the clients you want to work with * Use the Internet to build your success

In the Tips For Independent Computer Consultants I will share with you what I have learned in over 10 years while I was doing consulting work for Fortune 500 companies and major Wall Street firms. -How to write 'consultant' resume -How to avoid mistakes made by new consultants -How to make thousands of dollars more by deciding whether it is best to be a W2, 1099 or C2C consultant

THE COMPUTER CONSULTANT'S GUIDE If you're serious about striking out on your own as a computer consultant, you don't need a pep talk. You need reliable, authoritative information that will prepare you for the realities of independent consulting. You need to meet experienced consultants who have learned from their own successes and failures and who can teach you what it takes to develop a consultant mentality, attract and hold clients, set realistic prices, collect your money, run a business on your own, avoid tax problems, and much more. In this Second Edition of The Computer Consultant's Guide, Janet Ruhl introduces you to more than 150 practicing computer consultants. In their own words, these professionals tell you how they feel about their work, what problems they commonly encounter, which real-world solutions worked for them, and which didn't. You'll even get to listen in on disagreements over touchy subjects such as when to discount rates and whether to insist on a written contract. You'll hear both sides of every question and decide for yourself which approach is right for you. The Computer Consultant's Guide doesn't stop there. In excerpts from in-depth interviews with leading consultants, Ruhl addresses a host of important issues that will affect your day-to-day life as a consultant and could make or break your future: insurance requirements, effective image building, marketing techniques that work, and managing the client relationship. New information in this Second Edition includes tax requirements and standard business practices for Canadian, U.K., and European consultants; and new tips and tricks from working consultants as well as ideas on how to use the Internet and World Wide Web to support and enhance your business. This practical, down-to-earth handbook also includes updated resource lists, extensive up-to-date information based on Janet Ruhl's popular Web-based Real Rate Survey, IRS rules for establishing independent contractor status, and the ICCA's model consulting contract. If you're serious about becoming a computer consultant, or even if you're just thinking about it, this book gives you a clear picture of what you're up against, prepares you to meet the challenges of launching your business, and helps you avoid the common errors that most fledgling consultants make. No, you don't need a pep talk. You need The Computer Consultant's Guide, Second Edition. "Read it twice and heed every word." — CompuServe Magazine "Belongs on the reading list of all prospective and current computer consultants." — Library Journal "250 pages of solid advice for anyone considering the consulting life." — Software Development "I took the leap [into consulting] 11 years ago, and I wish I had had The Computer Consultant's Guide for advice. . . . Janet Ruhl's recommendations fit my experience right down the line." — Harry Green, President Pacific Netcom Inc. "An excellent reference for the newcomer. . . 'old pros' will want a copy as well." —Deborah Sampson, President Independent Computer Consultants Association The Computer Consultant's Guide, Second Edition, offers valuable guidance on every aspect of starting and managing a successful computer consulting business. It points out potential problems, solid solutions, and valuable resources, and covers everything you need to know to: Set up your business and establish your image Master essential business and marketing skills Find and manage the highest paying clients Set fees and bid on the big jobs Handle important tax and accounting issues Work through brokers with confidence

How can you take your skills and expertise and package and present it to become a successful consultant? There are proven time-tested principles, strategies, tactics and best-practices the most successful consultants use to start, run and grow their consulting business. Consulting Success teaches you what they are. In this book you'll learn: - How to position yourself as a leading expert and authority in your marketplace - Effective marketing and branding materials that get the attention of your ideal clients - Strategies to increase your fees and earn more with every project - The proposal template that has generated millions of dollars in consulting engagements - How to develop a pipeline of business and attract ideal clients - Productivity secrets for consultants including how to get more done in one week than most people do in a month - And much, much more

If you are in information technology and you have the ambition and inborn drive to be among the very best--or if you need to engage an IT consultant and want to know how to recognize the best--this book is for you. In most fields, a consultant is an expert who provides advice and guidance. Implementing the advice is up to the client. In information technology, the term "computer consultant" covers a wider range. Business expertise is frequently an even more critical element of the delivery than technical expertise. Because implementation of the consultant's advice may require highly specialized skills, the consultant may offer to manage a team to perform some or all of the IT work that needs to be done, or may even offer supplemental staff for a client. But at the other end of the spectrum, some people call themselves computer consultants when their work is exclusively technical, such as programming or network design. Exactly what is a consultant in the field of information technology? What's the different between an ordinary computer consultant and one who stands out above the crowd? If you want to be an exemplary, top of the line consultant in the IT field, what do you need to do? This book addresses these questions. Contributors include Jerry Weinberg, who is practically legendary for his keen insight, and Steve Epner, founder of the Independent Computer Consultants Association. Each chapter explores a different aspect of what it takes to be a truly excellent computer consultant and provide the highest levels of value and service for clients.

Freelance consulting, coaching, IT contracting and other self-employed professional roles are fast becoming the preferred way to find fulfilling work, generate a great income, and futureproof careers, whilst giving all the benefits and freedoms of being your own boss – but few know how to make it really work. The Freelance Consultant is the comprehensive guide into turning your expertise into a viable, and valuable, business. With independent consultant Richard Newton, you will discover a wealth of insider knowledge as well as a network of other successful advisors willing to share their stories. The Freelance Consultant will explain how to: • Setup, run and thrive in your freelance, consultant or coaching business. • Acquire those vital first paying clients. • Know what it takes to become a successful, differentiated and valuable advisor. • Build your business, define your services and set your prices. • Understand your customers and identify, manage, and retain key clients. • Keep developing and continually improving your skills an growing your business. Turn from amateur to pro with the help of The Freelance Consultant.