This book helps you decide if you have what it takes to become a contractor, understand the steps to becoming self-employed, the risks involved and how to get and manage your first contract. The book is primarily focused on the very large number of people who would consider leaving their permanent place of work and strike out on their own, become self-employed and go contracting. The main purpose of the book is to clearly and comprehensively cover all the steps an individual needs to take to get into contracting. The journey starts with clear guidance on working out whether the reader has the necessary skills, attitudes, values and experience and personal risk profile to become a successful contractor. The book helps guide the reader through some practical steps about understanding their SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), their Brand, constructing a fabulous CV and identifying the power and leverage of their personal network. The reader is then introduced to all the specifics around setting up in self-employment and the options that are open to them (sole trader, limited company and partnership arrangements). The book covers how to manage a business and how to ensure control over the business (including practical tips on Tax and Accounting). It also covers other options such as umbrella companies and offshore companies. The book takes the reader through the process of successfully getting into their first contracting roles, primarily using the agency networks, followed by detailed guidance on how to manage their contracts when on site with a client. There is advice on seasonality in the marketplace and how best to manage this. Finally there are tips on how to manage increases in day rate including working as an associate for other companies. The book contains many checklists and is backed up by a website (www.breakfreegocontracting.com) with additional templates and formats that the budding contractor will find invaluable.
About the Author: Neil Goudge is a highly experienced independent management consultant who has worked for over 10 years as a contractor, delivering large scale projects and programmes. Neil has been a management consultant with some of the top UK consultancy firms and has spent 15 years in line management positions. Neil has worked internationally across many different industries including Financial Services, Retail, Media, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Engineering, Aerospace and Defence. Neil has recruited many contractors for clients and provides personal advice to people who want to move into the contract world.