Customer Reviews

Inside the Technical Consulting Business: Launching and Building Your Independent Practice

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As an e-commerce consultant I was pleasantly surprised to see that someone had written about exactly the kinds of experiences I've had with clients over the years. This is the first consulting book I've come across that covers all the issues in a straightforward way. It's full of great tips based on real life experience. Other consulting books tend to have a lot of fluff and padding, but this one gets right to the juicy issues in a concise manner. I makes for enjoyable reading, at times it is hard to put down. This is an essential book for anyone doing consulting or contract-based work.

If you are looking for one book on how to successfully consult as an engineer, this is not it. Readable in a weekend, the text is too superficial.

It breezes over the nuts and bolts of consulting. Important tax law, such as IRS 'right-of-control' criteria for independency and methods of calculating/paying estimated taxes, are barely covered. Contract writing/review - a vital aspect of the consultation process, is hardly mentioned (although proposals, non-legally binding documents, are well covered). In general, the coverage of the legal and liability aspects of consulting is cursory.

Kaye makes good points, but many would be obvious to any professional experienced enough to consult. What professional doesn't know how to dress for an interview or that bringing physical samples of work to the sales meeting is a good idea?

When detail is provided, Kaye often favors an approach without substantiation. For example, on the all important topic of billing rates, calculation of rates based upon desired annual income is covered in detail, while methods of researching the rate which the market will bear are scarcely covered. Yet in real markets, the billable rate will be influenced (if not based entirely) upon the market rate. In fact, comparison of the market rate and the desired rate may lead the individual to choose *not* to consult. Analysis appropriate in a text about launching a practice.

In conclusion, although Kaye's book has an affirming message and a fine bibliography, it holds few revelations or useful tools and will rarely be use for later reference.

For those trying to decide whether to consult or interested in the "nuts & bolts" of consulting, I recommend Nolo's excellent, "Working for Yourself, Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors . . ." by Fishman. I am unable to recommend any books on marketing for consultants.

ANYONE considering technical consulting as a full or part-time profession MUST READ THIS BOOK! It cover all aspects of consulting (including a personal reality checklist) in an easy-to-read manner and will be a permanent reference in my library.

This book is NOT a book on contract law or tax strategies for the self employed; but books on those things are easily found (NOLO press for contract law, for example.) This book really shines in providing encouragement and basic strategy for those considering the jump to self employment. Some of the info reads as a little dated (most consultants need websites and NOT paper brochures, for example), but still very solid.

This book is easy to read. It covers all the bases and gives you a good idea as to how much you are really worth as a consultant. It's a "must have" as a reference book for anyone going out on their own.

All engineers should read chapter 1 of this book for a excellent comprehensive analysis of the current state of the engineering profession. After reading the chapter every engineer will understand a technical degree is not a guaranteed path to success despite what your professors or the employees resources manager may have told you. This is an excellent book detailing the technical consulting field, however before you take the leap you should read Working For Yourself by Stephen Fishman.