The Freelance Consultant – Your Comprehensive guide to Starting an Independent Business - Richard Newton

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ISBN:978-1-292360836

 

Disclaimer: I must highlight bias on my part, as the author is someone I know personally, and I am quoted (p64-65) as an independent voice. Hence I have awarded no thumbs But would  recommend reading.


I consider myself a seasoned freelance consultant, one who has worked independently for near three decades, after reading this book I am pleased to say I derived value and re-evaluated some of our practices regarding selling professional services.

 

Whilst the book is targeted at those considering freelancing or in the early stages of their journey it is equally of value to those, who like me, have worked independently for several years serving as a prompt to reinforce best practices.

 

The book is organised, in four parts, providing some great context from the basics, the design, the selling and the developing of your service offering and even goes into the management of payments and along the journey you are presented with the authors vast experiences over his career.

 

For me, If I read a book, which results in me changing my processes or practices then I consider that the book to have delivered me value. Richard’s book made me thing especially as after reading ‘Typical Topics for a Terms and Agreement Statement’ (table 9.4 page 128) which made me actually look at my standard engagement letter which I subsequently modified. 

 

Table 2.1 for had me highlighting several sections – ‘The types of freelance experts’ a list that provides context on the various types of freelancers from Guru, SME, Consultant…. etc  to jack of all trades – brilliant !

 

The tables presented in the book consolidate the context presented and stand on their own in terms of the value they deliver i.e., a wealth of information for those considering freelancing and an excellent reinforcement for those already freelancing 

 

Below is a snapshot of two tables as examples – but it really is worth looking at all the tables 

My favourite quote from the book is a reminder to all freelancers “You won’t be leading a team based on a role, position or authority, but instead you must influence through deeds, insights, experiences, and wisdom. You won’t be directly doing your clients work; you will be helping them do it” which applies to a lot of non-IT low level contract type roles.

 

This is not purely an academic book, but more of a practitioner’s guide , with some great nuggets of gold - so for that reason I would recommend this book.

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