Customer Reviews

The guide to IT contracting

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"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!

"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.

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!

The guide to IT Contracting is a thorough, easy to read, and informative manual, with over 500 pages and all the necessary steps you would need to know to pursue any IT profession. This guide was really helpful on deciding which profession would best fit me. It goes in to detail over the different professions and advantages and disadvantages of both. It includes the four main steps and even a bonus chapter which involves investing for financial freedom. This is a wonderful book for breaking into the world of IT contracting. I really enjoyed how it emphasized integrity, ethics, and the motivation of a contractor. In addition to just practical advice it provides insight on building relationships with others in the office, contracting ethics, office etiquette, internet use, maternity leave, and many, many more.

The Guide to IT Contracting has it all !!!! It covers every aspect of entering into the profession of IT contracting but goes so much further. Working from the ground upwards, this book covers entry level assistance and advise while building to specific subjects for advanced IT professionals. The author has left no stone unturned, delving into areas that you may not have considered yourself such as money management, interview techniques, selecting an accountant, and much more.
It is written in a comprehensive user friendly manner and is also motivating in its positive approach.
I also like that Samuel Blankson has the foresight to address topics such as professional ethics and interpersonal skills. How to conduct yourself, negotiate contracts and build your confidence are all equally important subjects when dealing with potential clients.
I highly recommend this book as must as a reference guide to IT contractors.

My partner and I were about to start our own business and a friend recommended that we get this book. And what a great advice that turned out to be. This book has a lot of practical advice written in a plain logical manner, for easy understanding and referencing. From the first page to the last, "The Guide to IT Contracting" is a winner. With meticulous insight into every area of the IT contracting business world, this book is the bible for both beginners and seasoned players. It is a definite must have for any aspiring or seasoned IT contractor. It is well worth every penny and I would highly recommend it.

I found The Guide to IT Consulting to be one of the most comprehensive and easily read books regarding the complicated world of contracting that I have come across. It is an insightful book, written in simple language that covers every aspect of preparing for and succeeding as a contractor. I found the information how to manage your finances particularly useful, not just the business side of the finances but also how to control your personal finances when you don't have the security of a salary. This book is a wonderful guide and would be useful not only to someone entering the IT industry but also anyone looking to work as a freelancer.

There are books that sometimes defy categorisation; this is such a book, a stand-alone volume that tells you all you need to know about IT contracting. The title of the book tells it all, this is not "A" guide to IT contracting, this is THE GUIDE TO IT CONTRACTING.

The book is a thorough, comprehensive volume of facts about taking the large step of leaving your job and becoming an independent IT professional. It offers advice and guidance at every step of the way and points out the pros and cons that you will inevitably encounter on the road to success.

That it is a comprehensive book is evidenced by the ten contents pages but what you will find by reading the book is that, although there is a lot of technical terminology about what is a technical subject, you will be able to follow the premise of Samuel Blankson's well presented text quite easily as it is offered to you in clear and concise terms.
There is nothing that this impressive book does not cover from finances, social or anti-social behaviour in the office, attitudes of the permanent staff, `permies' in Mr Blanksons' terminology, toward the contractor, presentation of your CV and self projection in interviews and many other essential tools that will help anyone intent on being a successful IT contractor. One of the things that most impressed me was the lengths the author was willing to go to help the reader, giving advice on economical lunches, consideration of the viability of different forms of transport used for travelling to the place of employ, tips on avoiding litigation being just a few of the many helpful hints that Mr Blankson offers.
To sum up, this book offers the IT contractor, whether just starting out or already established, a really useful ally in their daily enterprise.

This thorough practical guide has good advice and direction for independent contractors in any technical area particularly in the IT arena.

Well thought out and well organized -- you will enjoy and benefit from the first read through and then find this an indispensable reference.

A clear emphasis on ethics helps you focus on the relevant issues as you grow your business.

By contrasting consultants, contractors, temporary workers, and permanent staff Blankson helps you understand the financial and technical performance issues from both your perspective and the employers' perspective.

A clear understanding of business issues in many countries provides a context for you to structure your understanding of business and personal goals.

From getting the job,making yourself valuable, and getting new contracts at increasing pay rates; to improving your technical skills and certifications; to handling your cash flow and ultimately your investments this book is comprehensive and relevant.

If you are serious about IT consulting you need this book.

f you are in IT and thinking of becoming a contractor, read this book before you do anything else. It's a must. Every logical thought has been put into this by someone who's obviously "been there, done that". Samuel Blankson has given us a book that has been sorely missed over the last few decades, it is a Guide
for IT Contractors. It is full of advice and tips from opening a bank account to retiring at the end of your career. Want to know how to get the best jobs from head hunters instead of having to continually search for work? It's all in here.