The Computer Consultant's Guide

I bought this book in 1998 before I started consulting. Thanks to this book, I avoided the traps of bad contracts from middle agency without having to experience it myself. A few of my colleagues that were 'inspired' by the possibility of having good contract that I had, also managed to negotiate better subsequent contracts.

This book provides a thorough overview of the computer consulting industry and a good sense of the day-to-day business tasks associated with maintaining a consulting career. If you are an absolute rookie in the computer field and have little idea of the consulting options available to you, your perspective may widen a bit and you might find yourself having more questions than you did before you started reading this book, which is a good thing. So, you will probably want to supplement your research a bit more once you have narrowed down your consulting career choices. But, if you are already in the computer field, this book has about all the information you will need to base a career-changing decision on. There are plenty of resources listed to help further your knowledge on the consulting field. If you have the time, you might want to take a look at the author's subsequent book, "Janet Ruhl's Answers for Computer Contractors", which can be a very good supplement to this book.~ Michael Nigohosian, author - "The Secret Path to Contract Programming Riches"

This book reflects the input of hundreds of other consultants and contractors around the world. If you use just one of any of the recommendations in this book you will earn back many times it's cost.If you work through brokers or other agents, it's very likely that this book will save you thousands of dollars on your next contract.Ever wonder what all those contract clauses mean to your bottom line? Janet will show you. Ever wonder if you really need a formal contract? Ever question your broker's motives? Ever worry that you might be reclassified as an employee by the IRS? Janet will help you with just about every curveball they can throw.This work also includes a good sample contract that protects your interest. You still need a lawyer for each instance, but you can now go to the negotiating table much more informed, in a much more powerful position.It's worth it to pick up Janet's other works, too.

I found this book very helpful in dealing with such things as dealing with brokers, marketing efforts, written v. oral contracts -- as well as warning about typical problems. Having extensive quotes from real consultants was also very helpful. I recommend it highly.

If you have less than a year consulting then this book is a must. If you haven't taken the plunge yet, and want to, then buy this book now! If you have been around the block once or twice you can relate to most of the subject matter, but will not find much that is new.