The guide to IT contracting [Paperback]

Samuel Blankson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1905789041 | ISBN-13: 978-1905789047 | Publication Date: December 1, 2007

'The Guide to IT Contracting' is a complete guide to contracting for all IT contractors and anyone planning on entering this exciting and lucrative market. The book covers how to form a Limited Company, using an umbrella company, job hunting, interviewing, improving the chances of contract renewal, rate negotiation and rate setting, training and certification, tax minimization, tax efficient investing, contracting abroad, contractor's etiquette, selecting a bank, selecting an accountant, buying insurance cover, buying a home as a contractor and much more. 'The Guide to IT Contracting' is specifically written for ambitious IT contractors, offers many insider 'secrets' and is full of useful and practical information.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I just wish I had had all this information, in one book, when I gave up my 'permie' job, many years ago. -- Greg Browne - Lotus Connections

I would challenge any reader to find something that was left out of this book... -- Alison Baker - Immaculate Conception

Samuel Blankson's Guide to IT Contracting is a must-read for any IT professional... -- Leslie Dvorak - NCS Pearson

From the Publisher

'The guide to I.T. contracting' is an insightful exposé into the world of I.T. contracting. It gives a rare behind the scenes insight into the mindset required to succeed in the industry. The author speaks from over a decade of experience as an I.T. contractor in one of the worlds most largest contracting markets. His practical style of writing helps the reader to quickly understand and relate to the subject. The book covers the full range of topics and is over 480 pages in length. Ideal for the beginner as well as the veteran, 'The guide to I.T. contracting' is set to become the unofficial contractors manual.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 504 pages
• Publisher: Blankson Enterprises Limited (December 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1905789041
• ISBN-13: 978-1905789047
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,041,708 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In a competitive business you need to have an edge. This book is sharp as tacks., March 27, 2008

By 

Jennifer D. Melcher "Book Woman" (San Marcos,TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The guide to IT contracting (Kindle Edition)

"The Guide to IT Contracting" is everything you need to get started in the IT business, or simply make yourself better at it. Laid out in an easy-to-read manner, this guide is what every professional should have.

Not only does this book cover everything you could think of, but it covers imperative elements you wouldn't necessarily deem important- until the situation arises. Sections on how to present yourself, not just physically but emotionally as well, in a way that will help you succeed at whatever your goals are. I especially enjoyed the section on "avoiding the debate and strong values discussion trap". Everyone should be armed with this material to know how to avoid serious conversations with clients or business partners, which can permanently damage a relationship faster than greased lightening.

Sections include office politics, "spies", female managers, ethics, offshore policies, travel and everything in between, including a notes section in the back and extra margin space for thoughts; this book has it all. If you are in the business, or considering making the leap to this industry, or just need to brush up on your skills- this book is for you. Highly insightful!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A how-to for serious entrepreneurs in a competitive field, March 24, 2008

By 

Nita Pirkle (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The guide to IT contracting (Paperback)

"The Guide to IT Contracting " by Samuel Blankson is a must read for anyone considering independent work in the world of technology.

Mr. Blankson states, "Anyone can enter the IT contracting field; however, not everyone can build it to a level that secures their future and sets them free from ever working."

In his step-by-step guide, the author will walk you through structuring various aspects of your business, gaining higher profit margins, and building personal wealth. Additionally, he provides invaluable information on mindset, philosophy and attitude and offers relevant industry secrets for success in relation to the aforementioned. As a bonus, Mr. Blankson discusses investing your profits in an understandable and useful format.

The book is broken down into easily referenced sections for those wanting or needing only partial information. It is designed for reference and the author encourages use by providing a notes section as well as wide margins for additional thoughts.

It is a must read for the beginning entrepreneur as well as an excellent source of information for the seasoned IT professional.

Thanks to the author for such invaluable information and thorough research.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Consummate Guide for IT Pros & Contractors, March 22, 2008

By 

Shannon D. Melcher "AuthorRight.com" (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The guide to IT contracting (Paperback)

From skill demands to ethics to profits, "The Guide to IT Contracting" is much more than just a manual for IT professionals and contractors. This comprehensive work covers every subject imaginable for those seeking an exact "how to" on every aspect of business professionalism to time and money management, to how to avoid monetary hemorrhaging- right down to dealing with spies and jealous permies. Mr. Blankson even covers the special needs of females in the business. You will not be able to put this book down until you have studied it from cover to cover. And his advanced contract renewal techniques among many others, will ensure your business and financial success, and make your company zing past your competitors.

Whether your industry is in the IT sector or not, any business professional will gain a wealth of knowledge and business practice specialties and solutions; not found in any other source I've ever seen or heard of. Samuel Blankson's astonishing work of art in this "Bible of all Bibles" for IT contracting is simply second to none!

"The Guide to IT Contracting" is not a book for the weak at heart or non-serious "average Joe." It is a sharp, clear, hard-hitting informant on every important aspect of successful and ethical business practice for its industry, and in many cases, good business ideals and advice in general: Including how to conduct your business with a hassle-free life. You will learn how to maximize profits, reduce risks, manage sticky situations (and people) with flair and ease.

Perfectly organized and seamlessly written, this all-inclusive, instructional guide should be mandatory reading at Universities around the world, and for anyone in the IT business or considering this career (or any other professional business career).

My personal life experiences of growing up in several family owned and operated businesses gave me an edge over others in the world's ever-increasingly competitive business market, but Mr. Blankson's book enlightened me on subjects that I thought I had known for years. It would be impossible for anyone to give this obvious labor-of-love works anything less than five gold stars- in fact, it honestly deserves ten!