From Serf to Surfer: Becoming a Network Consultant

Overall this book was excellent. The only side of it that I didn't like is that a lot of the TAX/BUSINESS STARTUP information was directed to people living in the US (I figuered that before I purchased it anyhow). The book gets into detail and gives you some confidence in going in alone on this type of business. It's a good idea to read this book before you read others regarding this issue. The other books are 3 times the size and would probably turn the reader off before you get to the next chapter. I really enjoyed reading the book but I decided to start this business more on a part time level rather than quitting my job and going fulltime.

This book is very specific to consulting in the computer networking arena. I am in this field and this book is right on the money. It addresses 90% of the questions I had as an aspiring independent contractor.After having moonlighted a little as a network consultant, I've always wondered how best to bid projects, set rates, and other questions of this nature. Strebe openly presents to the reader what to many would be considered "trade secrets." Excellent material and very relevant. Great samples and examples. Some of the subjects like personal grooming seem a little obvious, but the irreverent style and humorous anecdotes prevent one from feeling "preached to." (Also, I can't fault Strebe for including these subjects, as apparently such things are not obvious to everybody!)My one nit-picky criticism would be that the cover art portrays an amateurish look, which doesn't do the book justice. Nonetheless, the five stars are well deserved.

I am halfway through this book and laughed out loud in the company of my friends who asked what I found so funny. I tried to explain, but it was definitely an insiders joke. The scenarios are a great insight to what it must be like as a consultant and the book gives a crystal clear path on how to set yourself up. I wish that I had read this book earlier and I may not have made some of the mistakes which he warns about, though he has saved me from making some that I had plannned eg newspaper adverts A great and entertaining book.

This book provides for all MIS guys like myself a better understanding of the life of a consultant. The author gives a solid view of "a day in the life of a consultant." This insight was invaluable to me in helping me make a decision to become a consultant and easing my fears about being able to break the 9-5 job chain. I assume that this is what many people are looking for, which is, to overcome fears and feelings of insecurity that are natural when striking out on your own. Although maintaining a steady job is quite reassuring, your own success is continually being redefined and no longer lies with how effective you are at climbing the corporate ladder but instead with your own "personal success". Breaking your fears of uncertainty is probably the toughest thing about becoming a consultant.

If your not currently an independent Network Consultant and you have ever dreamed of breaking those 9-5 chains, this book is for you. If you have already broken those chains and are looking for additional good advice, this too is a great book for you! Matthew Strebe obviously speaks from experience. His open honesty is not only on the money, he made me laugh out loud as it seems we have shared many of the same joy's and agony of going it alone. I highly suggest this book to anyone in the field as it offers excellent and accurate advice in the crazy field we are in. This is a must read. GREAT JOB Mr Strebe!