Getting Started As An Independent Computer Consultant

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

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.

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.

'How to Become a Successful IT Consultant' is a practical book for anyone considering setting themselves up as an IT consultant. It is essential reading for those contemplating such a career change. Today IT consulting has become a major opportunity for many IT professionals who want to work for themselves. It is no longer only the domain of the high-flying international organization. In fact tens of thousands of IT professionals are leaving their regular jobs to set up as IT consultants on their own. Although there are many consulting opportunities available it is quite a challenge to make a success of your own IT consulting business. There are a lot of things to think about and many decisions to be made. For those who get it right there is a very exciting and highly lucrative business career ahead. This book takes the IT professional through all the key issues which have to be understood and explains how to optimize your chances of developing a long-term IT consulting business of your own. This practical book explains what is involved in setting up your own business as an IT Consultant. It explains the opportunities involved and gives practical advice as to how to take advantage of them. The book looks at the full range of issues concerned with getting started and maintaining your business and gives practical guidelines about how to face the many challenges which you will encounter if you leave your job and set up on your own. Amongst the many issues involved this book specifically addresses:how to find clients; how to get more business and the opportunities areas available; how to price your services; the funding you will require; how to plan your consulting assignments And much more... This book is an essential reading for anyone who is seriously thinking about taking this big career step.

Now in eBook format - the bestselling contract programming book, by veteran computer consultant, Michael Nigohosian! Written for the computer student, computer hobbyist and career-changer, this bestseller shows that you don't have to be a seasoned computer professional before you can consider creating a career as an expert programmer-consultant. - Mastery - Master the important, real-world fundamentals of quickly creating a rewarding, independent, computer programming career starting with learning how to learn computer science using Rapid Mastery Technology(tm). Discover how to concurrently get high-powered, real-world experience with your training and use it to increase your salary and position on your first job. Add to this, insider secrets on career control and longevity-and you can't do without this computer career success guide. - Uniqueness - What sets this bestseller apart from any other book on programming or consulting is that it is the only book that shows the computer hobbyist not only WHAT TO DO to become a high-paid contract programmer, but HOW TO DO IT! Some books explain what being a computer consultant is like from a day-to-day point of view and others teach you how to program in a specific language. But, no book provides a step-by-step system on how to become an absolute expert computer programmer and then take that knowledge to go virtually, directly into high-paid contract programming. - Timeliness - This powerful book comes at the right time and with the right information. Using the same technology developed and used by the author, the reader will be able to accelerate and concentrate the acquisition of specific industry experience. There's little corner-cutting here. Nigohosian stresses excellence, focus and determination throughout the book. By the time the reader is through with the program he or she will be ready to accept a high-paid contract programming position, by-passing many of the typical steps and years of experience needed.

Outlines the career survival skills and technological know-how you need to be a consultant/expert sought after by corporations.