Reviews (6)

Informative, hard to plod through in places
The book has a lot of useful information about setting up and running small corporations.

Never Judge a Book by its Cover
This book provides vital information not usually covered in most self-publishing books and is a solid resource guide. Another confirmation that you need to read many books on your subject to familiarize yourself with the business. Areas such as how to protect your inventory by filing a UCC in the state the distributor is based, understanding the ins and outs of how distributors work, how to establish discounts and payment schedules that protect your financial structure, how to properly set-up your Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable,taxes, LLC's, S Corporations,etc. Peter Hupalo's only weak area is his cover design.Anyone this intelligent should know their strengths and weakness's, and graphic design/layout is his. His book deserves better and would appeal to more buyers if it was redesigned.

Reviews (10)

Another weapon in the computer entrepreneur's arsenal
This book is mainly geared towards PC repair/networking people looking to start a business without the use of the contract brokers so prevalent in software/database/programming business.

As such, it presents a view that is very complimentary to that exposed by Ruhl and Myers in their books. Instead of approaching brokers for contracts, it advocates "guerrilla marketing" techniques: mass mailings, postings at laundromats and supermarkets, cold calling, etc. as a way of obtaining clients.

As other reviewers have mentioned, Rosenthal does not sugarcoat the potential pitfalls of this business. He also provides what is likely the best resource associated with the book, the Yahoo! Group "Computer Business" (http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/computerbusiness/).

Overall, a great resource.

Great Book and Intro to the Computer Repair Business!
IF you want a book heavy on accounting theory or how to repair some rare technical problem, this isn't it. If, however, you are looking for a book to help you tell if this is the correct business for you and perhaps how to start such an enterprise, it clearly is! Morris is grounded by his years of experience in the field and uses that experience toexplain what is different about the field. He does a great job explaining how to make the jump into the field a success! No one resource will prepare you to enter this business, but Morris' book made my start a roaring success!

Dave Hayden

Reviews (8)

Just like Wonderbread - Bland, stale, and full of sawdust.
As a soon to be full-time consultant, I was hoping that this book would provide me answers for the few remaining questions I have. Based on the other reviews, it appeared this book would fill in those gaps, though now that I have read it, I am sorely disappointed. The most annoying aspect of the book is that the author's primary aim seems to be to show off his grasp of the various fields within computer consulting and especially the terminology and jargon. Seriously, if I REALLY need to know what an ATM switch is, I can look it up in Newton's Telecomm Dictionary. Likewise, I do NOT need a primer on IBM mainframes and PC-DOS which haven't been relevant for over 20 years. I just want to know about "Getting Started" - like the title says. The sidebars are littered with these mostly useless definitions. In addition, the book seems to offer very detailed information in the table of contents, though once you read a specific section you realize the oasis is only a mirage. There's a heading called "Examining Your Strengths" which instructs one to do this without any suggestions on how to do this and how to interpret the results and choose a niche, yet choosing a niche is one of the main points of the book. Much of the information can be useful, yet an equal amount is either so simplistic or so vague I started yelling out loud at the book. Often the author will state things like "research indicates" without even citing the research. A lot of the marketing advice seems regurgitated from bad 1990's marketing books; clearly NOT the authors strong point. If you want to read a mind-blowing 1990's book on marketing a service business, read Harry Beckwith's Selling the Invisible. Finally, the book is very dated, being a computer-related book published in 2000. The annoying little sidebar definitions become more annoying with their staleness. I could hardly keep myself from smiling/groaning at the mention that Y2K consulting is still a growth niche.

Its good, but I bought it too soon.
I have to agree with another reviewer here. The book had more information than I new what to do with at this time, since I am just considering a career change into the computer field. I know I want to be a computer consultant, but I got a bit intimidated by all the info this book has. Which is good, in general, but I guess I should have purchased it a bit down the line when I am close to completing my training.

I took the advice of another reviewer here and bought "The Secret Path to Contract Programming Riches," because it is the only programming/consulting book I've found that was written for those in the absolute beginner, from a technical perspective.

I will keep this book and refer to it as I near completion of my training, so I can move into consulting as quickly as I can.

I would have given it 5 stars, but as I said, I am too new to this field and could not digest it all yet.

Good for an expereinced IT person, but not for me.
I've either skimmed or fully read many of the consulting books around. This one is like a mix between Janet Ruhl' two books: "Janet Ruhl's Answers for Computer Contractors: How to Get the Highest Rates and the Fairest Deals from Consulting Firms, Agencies, and Clients" and "The Computer Consultant's Guide."

It is useful for anyone considering consulting and how best to organize and handle their business, from many viewpoints.

Though for a beginner in the IT field, actually, I am still in school, it is good for an overview, but I won't be able use much of it yet. At least I canbetter prepare for my entry into the work force.

I read some other reviews here and they mentioned
"The Secret Path to Contract Programming Riches: An Expert Consultant's Step-by-Step Guide That Takes You from Having Little or No Computer Programming Experience, Virtually, Directly into High-Paid Contract Programming" being good for people just starting out in the IT field. Either way, I am going to read them all and I will review this book many times, because I want to be ready when I graduate and be a top notch consultant.

Reviews (3)

VERY Solid Advice that will pay for itself many times over..
Having dabbled in consulting I knew some of the basics, but this will help me polish out any rough spots.If you are thinkng of becoming an independant or just started out by all means get this book!Just started reading two other books by Janet and I'm sure I'll like those as well.Also, stop by the messsage board on her web site to share your experiences.... No- I do not know her nor am I compensated by her.Just a solid book and thought I'd share.

Outstanding book for would-be consultants
I wish this book had been available when I was getting started as a consultant; it would have saved me a lot of the time and trouble of learning the ropes. The book is well organized and full of great tips, useful advice, and excellent discussions of the issues involved in being asuccessful consultant. It was clearly written (and written clearly) bysomebody who has obviously "been there and done that." As I readthrough it, I kept saying to myself, "yeah, that's so true, and that'strue too, and I wish I'd known that before discovering it the hard way, and. . . ."

If you've ever entertained idle thoughts about consultingin the computer industry, I strongly encourage you to get this book. Itdoes a great job of presenting both the pros and cons of consulting andincludes the essential information you need to succeed if you decide tomake a go of it.

Reviews (6)

He knows a little about a lot
While I am only about 85% of the way through this book let me say that I have found some very informative material.I have also found some VERY VERY wrong information.As a financial advisor turned contractor I am currently in the "Planning for your future" chapter and have found some terrible advice.It leads me to believe that although he was a succesful builder and did well that he doesn't know when to shut-up about things he really has no idea about.
I have enjoyed the book so far but it really is outdated and needs to be revised or pulled off the shelf so that inexperienced builders do not use his "past there prime" ideas in todays market.
If you are in the market for industry books then you can do better.There are books out there that are much more current than this one.Buy a specialty book and stay away from the guys that think they know it all.

Beware
Book lacks detail, and content. Book is misleading and is simple over priced toilet paper

Watch Out!
If you are new to the building business - this is definitely NOT the book to buy or read. I found the book to be very general speaking on all 26 topics being discussed. E.g. topics on computers - why to use them or not - are completely outdated.

Reviews (8)

Save your Money!!!
This book is awful.I have read the entire thing, and it says nothing that is useful.I have been in public accounting for 10 years, and i am now ready to start my own firm.I wasted my money on buying this book.I know it is tempting to buy, since the title is exactly what i was looking for, but trust me, choose another book.The accounting Guild website that the author constantly refers to is no longer in existence.

Accounting Not!Save your money
This book is nothing more than a template or a compilation of numerous other books that deal with marketing, prospecting, and selling.In fact the title is disingenuous.The book should be renamed to "Building, Marketing and Selling Your Business."The fact that the word Accounting appears in the title is misleading as this book could and does discuss the things necessary to starting and building any business.

The book also includes a glossary of accounting terms which is insulting.If you are an accountant purchasing this book you should already know them hands down or seek a refund from the institution of higher learning that gave you your education in accounting or ask your state accountancy board to revoke your CPA certificate.

This book is full of checklists and numerous discussions of what to do but rarely gets to "How" as the outside of the back cover states.While the information is useful it is again generic to any business and not specific to accounting.

The author bets to death the value of using Microsoft products (to the exclusion of others) and goes though a litany of the things that Microsoft uses/provides.I am certified by Microsoft in almost all the things that the author mentions in the beginning of his book and I found the authors marketing plug for Microsoft quite humorous but also very wrong.The author almost gave the impression that he is "in bed" with Microsoft and may even be a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider himself but never really states his relationship to Microsoft.This diatribe should have been in an appendix and not part of the main body of the book.

Another grating plug is the constant mention of the Accounting Guild that the author is involved with.It would have been far more professional to discuss this at length in an appendix rather than constantly marketing it to his readers by repetitive mention of it in the text.One more grate was his constant mention of the Goldmine software for tracking clients without explaining why he thinks it is the best and what is his involvement with it and more importantly why he mentions no other PIM software when he goes though a many page discussion of the various software packages available.It makes me very suspicious.

Also unless you are a firm with at least two or more accountants, two or more marketing people, two or more sales people and the accompanying support staff you are reading the wrong book. You will also have no life.

The author implicating states that unless you are dealing with businesses that are $500,000 to $10,000,000 you are not dealing with a small to medium sized business nor are you one yourself.What a grave insult to small business in general.

I am not attempting to slam the author at a personal level in my review but having read the third edition I am left with the begging question as to what was so wrong with the first two that there is in fact a third edition.After all I was the one that paid for it and I feel that I was stung and strongly so.

This book is basically a written seminar on how to build, market and sell your (any) business accompanied with numerous plugs for the authors products (at least it smells like it).The author did not follow his own advice....be honest with your clients.

I also found his web site for the Accounting Guild inactive and email is not there.

If you are looking for a book to help you build your accounting business this is not it unless you have $$$$$$ capital and staff to do so.The book is definitely not intended for the true small business person.

Save your money.

Buyer Beware!
This book is an excellent source for starting an accounting practice. It is very heavy on the aspects of technology and working that into your business to grow clients and business partners.

The caveat here is this. Mr. Fox discusses Arthur Anderson a great deal in this book when referring to ways consulting is performed and how to sell clients. In addition, he refers to his own "Accounting Guild." Unfortunately, the web site for this guild no longer exists, his Yahoo message board is inactive and he does not answer email requesting information on solvency of his own business. Although I am reading this book 3 years after it was published I find it disturbing that the book is still in print yet very out of date and no longer factually correct. i.e Offering services in the Accounting Guild.

Editorial Review

Reviews (21)

Incomplete Geography
This book contains a "World Business Almanac" with significant information on all countries of the world - all countries, that is, except Madagascar!Imagine my surprise having bought this book as a general resource and being able to find out economic and other information on all countries, including North Korea and Cuba, but to find Madagascar missing!

Great Detail...A bit Dry...
I enjoyed this book, and I think it will have great value for anyone who wants to learn more about Business. On the other hand, for those of us who are entrepreneurs, or have the spirit of creating, the book is a little dry. But still recomended.

Jabu Studio
www.jabustudio.com

Editorial Review

Our band is about to get beyond the local scene and start wrestling with the industry for record deals and national tours, so I practically jumped out of my skin when I finally found this book. It completely demystifies the workings of the entire music industry--in a musician-friendly way. A tiny, selfish neuron in me hesitated for a moment about telling the world of this book--but hey, we musicians are all in this together. If everyone negotiating with record companies read and used this book, we'd collectively be better able to get the sort of financial rewards our art deserves.

Just so you know this isn't a load of hype, here are the section andchapter titles.

• Your Team of Advisors
  • How to Pick a Team; Personal Managers; Business Managers; Attorneys; Agents
• Record Deals
  • Broad-Strokes Overview of the Record Business; Advances and Recoupments; Real-Life Numbers; Other Major Deal Points; Producer Deals; Advanced Record Deal Points; Advanced Royalty Computations; Loan-out, Independent Production, Label, and Distribution Deals
• Songwriting and Music Publishing
  • Copyright Basics; Publishing Companies and Major Income Sources; Secondary Publishing Income; Songwriter Deals; Copublishing and Administration Deals; Advanced Copyright Concepts; Even More Advanced Copyright Concepts
• Group Issues
• Touring
• Merchandising
  • Tour Merchandising; Retail Merchandising
• Motion Picture Music
  • Overview of Motion Picture Music; Performer Deals; Film Songwriting Deals; Composer Agreements; Licensing Existing Recordings and Existing Songs for Motion Pictures; Music Supervisors; Soundtrack Album Deals

Reviews (32)

Small Time Operator
"Small Time Operator" by Bernard B. Kamoroff makes you wonder if he ever made it big or just remained small. I agree this is not the bible of business practices. However, the info isn't all that bad. It just lacks real meat.

Not particularly helpful
There are better books on how to start and run a business. This one is long on words and short on useful, practical information. Reads more like an accountant trolling for business by harping on complications than a genuine self-help book.
I bought based on the recommendation of a (well-written) book on self-publishing. Wish I'd read Amazon's comments first and spent my money elsewhere.

Not a BIBLE but a decent start.
First of all, let me say that I do not agree with the five star reviews nor do I agree with the 1 star reviews. That said, I feel this book is smack in between and does offer some useful information, especially for the newbie to business.

Five stars reviewers are too generous and 1 star reviewers are way too critical.

Reviews (6)

A Great handbook for Information Professionals
Four words of this title (viz., building, running, independent, business) excite those mesmerized by opportunities in the direct marketing revolution. Thanks to the catchy terminology, `independent business owner,' that charisma tempts everyone. To give such an audience a peace of mind let's clarify: the book in hand is neither about a home-based business's quick money making tips, nor it will show short cuts to an earlier retirement in life.

Bates & Basch's Building & running a successful research business (henceforth, A Guide) is a detailed tool for information-research industry demonstrating `what works' as a case in best businesses practices. As against the charismatic movement, a goal of the information industry is avoiding magic, hype, and illegalities (see: Ethics & Legalities, chapter 15). With this conceptual framework, Bates skilfully presents a compendium so much essential in today's volatile economy. A Guide has added value, because it comes neither from a theoretician, nor from an idealistic visionary-the book is a true story of what happens while "launching, managing and growing an independent research firm" (A Day in the Life of an Independent Info Pro, Chapter 2). This book, on the whole, reflects the ever-growing convergence of infostructure--print, digital content, media, medium and message. A description, `about the book,' may summarize A Guide's depth, extent and intent:

"This is the handbook every aspiring independent information professional needs to launch, manage, and build a research business. Organized into four sections, "Getting Started," "Running the Business," "Marketing," and "Researching," the book walks you through every step of the process. Author Mary Ellen Bates covers everything from "is this right for you?" to closing the sale, managing clients, promoting your business on the Web, and tapping into powerful information sources beyond the Web. Bates, a popular author and speaker and a long-time successful independent info pro, reveals all the tips, tricks, and techniques for setting up, running, and growing your own information business".

I would strongly recommend A Guide because it explicitly serves as a standalone resource, especially for the potential prospects. Readers who were unable to get a total solution in Florence Mason's Information Brokering (New York, Neal-Schuman, 1998), will definitely benefit from Bates's work--comprising far more creative content and innovative techniques of information visualization. In addition, A Guide has also lessons of history for info pro practitioners, knowledge workers, publishers and vendors.

An outstanding book.
These days, newspapers and magazines are full of "work-from-home" business opportunities. Most of these advertisements claim to provide the gullible consumer with a way to make thousands of dollars each month in their pajamas. The truth is there are no easy ways to make a living as a small business owner. Owning your own small business means constant hard work in promotion, administration, client meetings and endless planning for the future. It also means doing due diligence in an effort to discover exactly what transitioning into a new line of business fully entails. For those interested in developing their own business dedicated to the discovery, packaging and sale of information, Mary Ellen Bates, with the assistance of Reva Basch (Editor), has put together a comprehensive how-to manual devoted to the burgeoning profession of the Independent Information Professional. Any effort at discovering what this field is about should include a study of this book.

Readers will note from the very first sentence that this is not a get-rich quick business scheme, nor is this a business for the faint of heart. Through the work's thirty-five chapters and four appendices (443 pages total), Mary Ellen Bates deftly guides her readers through the myriad intricacies of starting and growing an information brokerage.This book contains many of the things that one would expect from a book that directs the reader in the business of running a business: Finances, accounting, rates and fees are all addressed. What sets this work aside from others though is the depth of the information Bates gives her readers. For instance, most people starting a one or two person business might think about the most obvious things like desks, bank accounts and the like. However, what about errors and omissions insurance, confidentiality, networking and professional development? These are but a few of the critical issues that the small business owner would be remiss to overlook. All are covered in depth in Building & Running a Successful Research Business.

In the first three chapters, Bates provides her readers with a detailed job description, if you will, of the "Independent Info Pro", a glimpse into what might be a typical day in her business life and some insight into the joys and frustrations of the profession. This is exceptionally useful information that covers finding clients, real-life experiences and a section of frequently asked questions. This is exactly the type of information that potential info pros need to help them make decisions about the viability of joining this profession.

This book truly begins to soar when Bates launches into details about the research process and the resources available for use in the field. I have to admit an almost guilty pleasure in reading this section of the book. Like many who have taken advanced degrees in Library and Information Science, I learned long ago that it's all about the information and our ability to communicate that information to our clients and patrons. While many of us lean toward the joys of interacting with clients, there are others who enjoy interacting with the information resources maybe a bit more than interacting with humans. I count myself in that latter group. For this reason, I felt a palpable chill in my spine as I went through Bates' description of online resources, public records, special collections and the like. For the information junkie, this is simply outstanding material.

As a detailed reference tool and guide to the profession, Mary Ellen Bates has constructed an impressive work that will leave readers well informed about the career. Those contemplating a career change into the field of Independent Information Professionals, as well as those who are just starting out, will be well served by this outstanding work. I highly recommend Building & Running a Successful Research Business: A Guide for the Independent Information Professional.

--- Reviewed by
Timothy E. McMahon, M.S.
Executive Editor
Northeast Book Reviews
tim_mcmahon@northeastbookreviews.com

An Invaluable Resource for All Information Professionals
Building and Running a Successful Research Business by Mary Ellen Bates is an invaluable resource for any information professional working on his or her own or even just considering it. It provides insights into all aspects of starting and operating a research business and is organized so that you can refer to it quickly for specific references or spend in-depth time with various sections to immerse yourself in a topic.

Having mentors, guides and industry leaders like Mary Ellen who share their knowledge and wisdom so freely makes it less intimidating for someone, like myself, who is relatively new to this dynamic but challenging field. It also reassures me that the industry will continue to provide viable careers and produce future generations of information professionals of the highest quality.

Editorial Review

Author Geoffrey Moore makes the case that high-tech products require marketing strategies that differ from those in other industries. His chasm theory describes how high-tech products initially sell well, mainly to a technically literate customer base, but then hit a lull as marketing professionals try to cross the chasm to mainstream buyers. This pattern, says Moore, is unique to the high-tech industry.

Moore suggests remedies for the problem that can help businesses meet their long-term goals. He coaches marketing professionals on how to move slowly through the gulf, teaching them to create profiles and target specific segments of the population rather than trying to plow right into the mainstream. He cites examples of successful chasm crossings by such companies as Apple, Tandem, Oracle, and Sun, showing what they all had in common and exposing the different weaknesses in their strategies. Moore also assigns responsibility for success to programmers and developers by suggesting they design a "whole product model." Here, because integration tasks are daunting to the mainstream market, all the components of a technological product must be in one package. Moore also describes strategies for competing with rival companies and assessing the best distribution channels for penetrating the target market.

Isbn: 0070526214
Sales Rank: 112544
Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Career/Job    3. Construction - Contracting    4. Electric contracting    5. Engineering - Electrical & Electronic    6. Management    7. Small Business - General    8. Technology / Engineering / Electrical   

Reviews (83)

Best book there is on real estate
Alot of those get rich quick gurus do not tell you about the technical analysis that is covered in this book.They just paint pictures of them buying and flipping and making 40,50,60 thousand dollars and its easy.If it was so easy, then we'd all be millionaires.There is risk involved and this book lets the reader know that, along with the rewards.

look elsewhere
The book doesn't help you learn real estate at all.The book just gives you pros and cons against investing in stocks.

Reviews (96)

Very Good Book for Small Investors
I've read this book 3 times.It is written very clearly with specifics about the author's experiences in purchasing and managing rental homes, very little "fluff".Geared more towards beginning investors, but intermediate investors will also pick up some good tips.

If you're starting out in this business, get this book.

good read for the first-timer
This book is not for the experienced investor,but for someone who is thinking about getting their "feet wet" at renting their first house. I liked the book because one does not get bogged down in the finer details. It is a good "basics" book and helpful for me.

Editorial Review

Reviews (2)

Another Book Not by an Author
Why isn't there an author attached to this book?Just editors from this quick buck series.Do they have experience starting a import/export business?You can probably find everything in this book from google.Save your money.

Reviews (6)

A must read for existing and future biz owners
Finally a book written on entrepreneurship that has so much to offer! A guide for fledgling IT entrepreneurs as well as a resource for those faced with the myriad problems of the modern business environment. It is also an introduction to computer consulting and building a multimedia company. Readable, concise, precise, and pragmatic. The in-depth coverage and sound counsel make this a book that should be in every business person's library. I've read my copy twice. It's twenty-seven chapters of very good, easy-to-read inspirational reading. A must read for anyone thinking about starting or expanding their existing business. Highly recommended!

Entrepreneur Highly Informative
This book's got a lot of good stuff in it--those critical factors that help contribute to making good business decisions.I've already seen some improvement in business growth.In fact, the usefulness of Entrepreneur's information is a lot like Guerilla PR: Wired:both have tons of really useful info to entrepreneurs on how to build their business.

Great for [inexperienced] and veteran entrepreneurs
Peter Hupalo has written a unique book for Entrepreneurs.I've read a lot of books about business and entrepreneurship, but this one is different.It speaks to people just thinking about starting a business and yet it has a lot to offer to the veteran entrepreneur.

If you're thinking about starting a business, the first few chapters will do a great job of helping you think about the risks in quitting a "safe" job and starting your own company.It's not as risky as you might think. This isn't the book to read about business licenses or accounting systems - it is much more important than that!It really is as the title suggests a book about thinking like an entrepreneur.

I've been in business for more than 10 years, but I'm still making mistakes and trying to learn new things.A mark of a good book for me is the number of pages that I dog-ear to mark interesting ideas.My copy of Thinking Like an Entrepreneur has at least 20 pages marked, and I've referred back to it many times since I finished reading it.It will definitely go on my favorites shelf of business books.I've already recommended it to my entrepreneur friends.

The author's style is to mix stories about experiences from actual entrepreneurs with good step-by-step walkthroughs of "thinking like an entrepreneur".It is 272 pages with 27 chapters.Each chapter can stand alone, making it easy to focus on the areas you're really interested in while skimming the ones that don't apply so much to your business.Peter seems to have a technology background, but I think any businessperson will find a lot to learn in this book.

My favorite chapters include:

* Don't Get Bournouillied - an interesting discussion of risk

* Men are cheaper than guns

* The importance of margins - Most books don't cover this VERY important topic

* Expectation Values and Decision Making

* Personality and Business Choice

* You Know Enough, But Keep Learning Anyway

* The Role of Luck in Business

* An introduction to the Nature of Compounding and the Time Value of Money

* Relationship Marketing - The cost of losing clients

* The Value of Time