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'The guide to IT contracting'. Contains images of the cover and back cover, previews, reviews and news releases relating to the book.
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The guide to IT contracting (read the reviews) 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 minimisation, 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.
From: $49.99 (£24.99 or €36.50)*
From the Publisher
From the Author I have included all that you need to know to succeed as an IT contactor in this book. Many contractors would like the information within the this book censored, however I am a great believer in empowering others and free sharing of information and knowledge. The following is an extract from the beginning of 'The guide to IT contracting':
"The information in this book is in four main sections with an additional bonus chapter on investing for financial freedom. The chapters are as follows:
1. Installation and setup 2. Maintenance and fine-tuning 3. Patching and training 4. Philosophy and psychology 5. Investing for financial freedom
The “Installation and setup” section covers material relevant to those new to, or considering IT contracting. It covers all the options available to those setting out on the road to IT contracting. The “Maintenance and fine-tuning” section covers the details and foundation establishing activities of an IT contracting business. It discusses topics such as accountants, insurance, tax planning, money management, health and pension plans. This section is for newbie’s and those that seek to structure their IT contracting business more effectively. You can skip straight to this section if you only seek information on how to structure the legal, insurance, and financial aspects of your business for maximum profitability, efficiency, and to avoid legal and litigation issues later on. The “Patching and training” section covers how you can take your IT contracting business to more profitable pastures. Improving your turnover by changing contracts or negotiating an increase, changing fields within IT for higher profit and personal satisfaction, and leaving IT contracting entirely for a better life are some of the topics discussed here. This section is ideal for those frustrated or stuck in a particular field in IT If you are considering retraining to improve the rates, you command or “retiring” from IT contracting, then go read this section. The fourth section of this book is for everyone. It covers “Philosophy and psychology,” the most important consideration for a contractor. Your mindset and attitude as well as your philosophical view of IT contracting will largely determine the success you enjoy in the industry. This section covers information you will not find elsewhere; deep secrets – in many cases – that most successful contractors will never divulge. Most contractors may not even know some of the details that this section covers, however it is essential to gain that extra edge in the industry. The final section of the book covers what to do with your money in order to build wealth and financial freedom. Here you will learn about the secure investing and tax efficient investment vehicles. There is a notes section at the back of the book, use it whilst reading this book. Feel free also – to write on the edges of the pages, underline sentences, circle paragraphs, fold back important pages or rip out pages of particular interest. After all, this is your book. Keep this book as your manual to contracting and refer to it whenever you feel you have forgotten some of the subjects covered. 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 this ideal place, you can choose to work or not to work, to concentrate on raising your children and strengthening your family, to start up other businesses or simply – to more seriously pursue your main passion or hobby. That is the power of IT contracting and the potential of this book for you. Use it wisely."
Book details
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A very comprehensive guide by Greg Browne - The Lotus Connection At over 500 pages, this book claims to be a complete guide to IT contracting. It is very thorough, wide ranging, easy to read, and informative. Having worked as both a contractor and an employer of contractors, I was surprised at how much I learned from reading this, including the first section that is aimed mainly at those starting down the IT contractor path. Blankson has worked in over 35 organizations and has interviewed over a thousand contractors to produce this guide. It is divided into 4 main sections. The first covers initial set up, dealing with the different roles of consultants, contractors, and permies, as he refers to permanent staff, and the very different ways that they are used and fit into organizations. CV writing, bank selection, limited company versus sole trader considerations and initial tax advice is also included. The second section looks beyond the setting up phase, to “Maintenance and Fine Tuning,” dealing with litigation, taxes, accountancy, your short- and long-term financial planning, and forces you to consider why you are, or are about to become, a contractor. Section three, “Patching and Training,” makes you examine yourself again, at the way you project yourself through your CV and through interviews. It includes in-depth advice that Blankson has obtained through his considerable personal experience and keen eye for observation. How to avoid the ‘dead end’ job and how to achieve continuous self-improvement is also covered. The section ends with the advice “From here, the only choice left to you is to grow your own company into an international institution,” and why not? Section 4, called “Philosophy and Psychology,” goes deep into personal and organizational ethics. It does not avoid that occasionally difficult subject of contract termination. All forms of office behaviour are discussed. The seasoned worker might find this irritating to read, but it is an essential topic for newbie's and also to prevent some people making the dreadful mistakes that most of us have witnessed in our careers. I particularly enjoyed the paragraph on PPS (Pervasive Permie Syndrome) and wonder how many sufferers of this actually realize that they are sufferers! There is what is described as a bonus chapter, about investing for financial freedom. That might not interest some in the early part of their careers, but as Blankson says, few of us expect to be contracting right into the grave so early planning will pay dividends. Like much of this book, this chapter doesn't just contain Blankson's ideas but gives wide ranging, in depth, information on the subject. Underlying the whole tone of the book is an emphasis on the integrity, ethics, and motivations of a contractor. Failing to understand their importance is failing to understand how to succeed. Your interpersonal skills and your personal motivation are going to affect everything that you do, whether just starting out in the world of contracting or learning how to improve yourself as you move up the contracting ladder. If your preference is to hide behind the computer terminal all day, then this book might not be for you. The book concludes with some useful additional appendices, including one, at almost 50 pages, that contains an IT certification list covering all the main awarding companies. I just wish I’d had all this information, in one book, when I gave up my ‘permie’ job, many years ago.
The Complete Guide to IT Contracting by Angela Baker - Immaculate Conception
To begin with, it’s important to state that this manual is not for the weak-minded individual. Chock full of information intent on guiding the IT contractor on ideal methodology for venturing into a business in Information Technology, Blankson thoroughly explains both the advantages and the pitfalls of such a business enterprise. That being said, if what you desire is a practical handbook to get you from point A to point Z, Samuel Blankson outlines each of these, as well as all points in between, ensuring you enter into the undertaking with all you need to know to get started.
It may be that you have been working as a “permanent” contractor for some time and you wish to benefit from the more liberal scheduling and ability to pick and choose projects more diversified to your personal style. Why limit yourself to a role within a company that doesn’t allow you the ability to expand your current knowledge and expertise? But the question is begged, do you have what it takes to break out of the “permie” role and into self-employment? Are your entrepreneurial skills up to par? The information provided in Blankson’s Guide to IT Contracting will leave you knowing if you are truly ready, or if you should more realistically hone your proficiency a bit more prior to the life altering decision that this entails.
So, after reading the descriptions on what IT contracting even is, and you have decided you possess all or most of the traits of a successful contractor, you have said to yourself, “Yes, this is me. I want to do this,” Blankson begins to illustrate the necessary subsequent steps. If you’ve effectively established your aptitude in your role at your permanent job, you may be able to secure some “word-of-mouth” recommendations and begin filtering and accepting some initial projects. As Blankson states, “Because the percentage of direct roles is so high, it is worth building into your contracting business the habits required to make the right friends and contacts to later enable you to use this route to get your next contract.” Blankson emphasizes the importance of instituting this foundation, as this is what most of your business will revolve around.
After reading this book, I am almost certain that there is nothing Blankson has omitted from this guide. He thoughtfully touches upon anything from the private insurance you will surely desire to look into, to the cost of lunches that many contractors inherently omit from their budget. The research and attention that so obviously went into providing information to his readers is nothing short of amazing. His consideration of the reader shines through as even he speaks of the relationship between stress and one’s breathing. I’m fairly confident you will be hard pressed to find another manual in this genre that will offer up the amount of advice for contracting that I have found this particular book to have.
As I stated in the beginning, this manual is not for the weak-minded. It is long, and there were areas where one can become lost in the technicality of the information provided. But then again, the field of IT contracting is one that is encompassed with “technicality.” The thoroughness that Samuel Blankson gives you cannot be undermined. There is a good chance you will not need a library of books in order to get started in the business of IT contracting. It was almost like Blankson compiled every book currently available on the subject and condensed into one readable manuscript. I can’t help but wonder if there is any other author out there with the ability to do this in the way this author successfully managed to do. To sum up the gist of The Guide to IT Contracting, you only have to read the back cover: “The Guide to IT Contracting is a complete (italics added) guide to contracting for all IT contractors and anyone planning on entering this exciting and lucrative market.” Complete is an understatement. I would challenge any reader to find something that was left out of this book that would be necessary for the entrepreneur to know in order to embark on their endeavour in the world of IT contracting.
Samuel Blankson’s Guide to IT Contracting is an excellent resource for IT professionals looking to break into the world of IT contracting. The book provides a straightforward account of IT contracting, offering insight into all aspects of contracting, including what it is, how to get started, how to write an effective contracting CV, and how to improve one’s market value. The book opens with an introduction to IT contracting, exploring the different types of IT professionals, and the benefits and disadvantages of each. The guide provides the history of IT contracting, allowing readers to understand how contracting got started, and the factors that has influenced its development throughout the years. The guide also discusses “permies,” or permanent workers, and the differences and tensions between contractors and permies. The book accurately addresses the tensions and relationships between permies and contractors, as well as the benefits and disadvantages of being a permy, and how each individual can decide whether being a contractor rather than a permy is right for him or her. The book’s practical advice will help any IT professional who is looking to break into contracting. The book provides easy-to-follow information on securing that first contract, financial planning, interview techniques, and tax issues and concerns. The guide explains the different ways contractors can get contracts, whether through direct contact with a company, through an agency, or through outsourcing. Many practical guides concentrate only on how to get started, but Blankson also offers tips for maintenance and fine tuning for established contractors. The guide offers advice on selecting an accountant, protecting oneself from litigation, paying taxes, saving for the future and managing finances. The book also discusses continuing patching and training, and its importance in improving and maintaining one’s value in the IT contracting industry. In addition to practical advice, the book also provides insight on building relationships with others in the office, office etiquette, contracting ethics, Internet use, maternity leave, ending contracts, and many other issues which are unique to IT contracting. The guide offers a chapter dedicated to managing money and investing for the future. One of the few drawbacks of working as an IT contractor is the lack of benefits such as 401k’s and retirement accounts. However, the guide provides practical advice on saving and investing money, so that IT contractors can still have the benefit of a retirement savings. The guide discusses the different types of investments and savings accounts that are beneficial to contractors and how they work. Samuel Blankson’s Guide to IT Contracting is a must-read for any IT professional, whether looking to break into the world of contracting or not. It provides a practical, straightforward approach to the world of contracting, and explains how IT professionals can get the most from their contracting experience. It also provides a glimpse into the life of the IT contractor, allowing those outside the realm of IT contracting to understand where their contractor colleagues are coming from.
A guide for all business professionals by Stacey Glebes - Molchan & Associates, Inc. Samuel Blankson’s Guide to IT. Contracting is a comprehensive guide designed to help information technology contractors navigate this competitive and exciting market. The book explores information technology from its conception and birth, and follows the field through its progression into the worldwide obsession we see today while offering tips that would take years of working in the field to discover. Being new to the world of IT contracting, I found the subject matter intimidating to say the least, but was comforted by the user-friendly nature of the manual from the very first page. By the end of the book I felt like an expert and was excited that Blankson made the process of learning the information both interesting and fun. The Guide to IT Contracting spans all possible aspects of the contracting universe, from the personal issues that affect contractors such as pregnancy, childcare and issues surrounding holidays, to the very heartbeat of the financial aspects of the business. No area of the work is neglected or overlooked, and as a female, I was thrilled to find areas of the guide dedicated to a woman’s special challenges in the field. This guide offers insight into subjects as complex as the philosophy and psychology of the market to the more mundane aspects of day-to-day business, including gossip, getting to the root of any problem that is presented, and workplace jealousy. The guide also offers tips on improving confidence, stress management, and countless other pieces of the contractor puzzle which seem to fall through the cracks of other guides. A common thread throughout the guide is Blankson’s focus on the importance of integrity, professionalism and a passion for the work at hand. These values are emphasized throughout the book and the author’s love of the subject matter is infectious. The guide is an absolute must-have on the bookshelf of every IT contractor. Many of its concepts, such as the importance of presenting a pleasant personality and having enthusiasm for one’s own work are useful regardless of the business in which an individual finds himself. It will quickly become the best friend of both “newbies” to the business world and contractor veterans who are interested in learning a few new tricks of the trade. I highly recommend this guide to professionals in all areas of business and will surely reference my own copy often.
Takes the guess work out of contracting by Carrie L. Wells - Kaplan University and Saint Leo University While The Guide to IT Contracting won’t teach you the job-specific skills needed to become an IT professional, it will give you everything you need to know to break into the competitive and lucrative world of contract and consulting in the IT field. Blankson gives readers a plethora of key elements to focus on, but rather than overwhelming them, works through each slowly and with purpose. Anticipating the questions and positions of his readers, Blankson also offers explanation of issues from the most common to those only considered after years in the profession. With information ranging from what IT contracting is, to the issues contractors face when working with permanent employees, readers are introduced to the real world of contracting. Blankson’s keen insights and experience couple to offer readers a list of must do’s in order to succeed in contracting. He begins with a discussion of the benefits and short list of negatives that want-to-be contractors should consider before pursuing these positions. His list approach effectively delivers his ideas and allows readers the benefit of a checklist of things to consider. From here he deftly moves on to point out the ins and outs of job searching, interviewing, and setting up comprehensive contracts. These skills are invaluable to any job seeker, but geared toward the IT professional, the explanations work to help protect newcomers by giving them techniques for dealing with the uniqueness of contracting. Beyond the basics of obtaining a contract position, Blankson includes information that goes beyond job-specific knowledge. With chapters focused on interpersonal relationships, dealing with potential jealousy in the office, and benefit coverage, he ensures that “his” contractors are well-prepared and knowledgeable of the workforce they are entering. Acknowledging that contract work creates a unique set of variables for workers, he discusses the potential issues contractors can face when dealing with employers as well. Discussion of everything from withholding pay to discussion of ownership and international contracting work to give contractors the know-how to land and effectively work through the contracting of each job. Samuel Blankson’s real-world experience takes the guess
work out of contracting, making these jobs that much more enjoyable and
contractors even more enviable. Regardless of experience-level, Blankson has
addressed your concerns and offered his unfaltering guidance.
What an awesome “Power Tool” for the IT professional! by Nichole Keel - Above and Beyond“Procrastination and over analysis enforce fear, whilst action cures fear." ~ Samuel Blankson This is my favourite quote from the book. I think this statement embodies the message of tenacity and dedication this book seeks to instil and convey to the serious IT professional. As I read this book, I was amazed at the very practical yet prolific content presented by Mr. Blankson. This book is a very well thought out, concise, yet careful documentation of what one needs to become a great professional as it inspires you to take control of your IT career path. I found many “power tools” to help take my career to greater heights than I even imagined. Anyone who is really serious about becoming an IT contractor needs to purchase this book. You will find that the financial direction in this book is geared for those living in the UK, but the advice and direction given fit anyone anywhere. Mr. Blankson makes sure that you understand going in what to expect so you are not naive to potential problems and situations that will arise. From the history of IT, writing contracts, dealing with “permies” (permanent employees of companies you work for), accounting, taxes, to the ethics involved, he lays out quite well the real work involved in being your own boss. More importantly he points you in the right direction so that you are able to make contracting work for you. Get out your pad, pen, and highlighter and get ready to take notes, because there is so much information you will want to reference as you begin your journey to becoming a professional IT contractor. |
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