outsourcing News and Other Resources

Blog Post

Outsourcing wobbles: Blip or something more telling?

April 26, 2013 1:55am PDT

The latest stats might suggest all is not well with outsourcing, but the expert view tells a different story.

Blog Post

Customizable IT consultant sample contract

November 3, 2008 6:31am PST

Chip Camden presents his standard consulting contract, along with explanations about each section. See if you can modify his contract to fit your needs.

35 Latest comment by amilkh

Blog Post

How to determine your consulting fees

January 4, 2008 1:55pm PST

In my previous post I mentioned that I'm raising rates for most of my clients this year -- whichÂ brings upÂ the question of how we consultants shouldÂ determineÂ our rates to begin with. Most...

47 Latest comment by DonnaMitchell

Blog Post

Five resume tips for IT consultants

March 31, 2009 1:40pm PDT

Writing a resume that grabs a prospective client's attention and gets you an interview requires quite a bit of thought. See what five elements of good writing that IT consultants should remember...

24 Latest comment by Sterling "chip" Camden

Blog Post

10 problems with outsourcing IT

January 26, 2012 12:15pm PST

Outsourcing your IT functions may appear to make good sense, but beware of certain side effects that could negate the benefits.

18 Latest comment by Broint

Blog Post

The difference between contracting and consulting, and why it matters

March 4, 2009 11:55am PST

Meredith Little offers basic definitions for a contractor and a consultant and explains why it matters what you call yourself. She also provides tips on how not to get burned when dealing with...

6 Latest comment by Gabby22

Blog Post

Review: LivePlan business planning service

October 5, 2012 10:29am PDT

LivePlan is an online service for entrepreneurs who need to develop a business plan. Consultant Chip Camden gives his opinion about whether LivePlan is worth the $20 monthly subscription.

4 Latest comment by Sterling "chip" Camden

Articles

A step-by-step plan to starting a consulting business

July 17, 2003 7:00am PDT

It takes more than a business card and some organizational skills to start your own consulting business. As one former IT leader explains, it requires skills, from accounting to time management,...

54 Latest comment by kiawah1@...

Blog Post

10 personality traits of a highly effective independent consultant

June 24, 2008 1:31pm PDT

Many IT consultants daydream about branching out on their own without giving much thought to what skills are necessary to succeed as a freelancer. Before you commit to being an independent...

59 Latest comment by pwoodctfl@...

Blog Post

10 things I wish I'd known before becoming an IT consultant

July 1, 2012 10:00am PDT

Careful research, thoughtful planning, and honest self-assessment can help you make a successful leap into the IT consultant role. But the realities of the job will still surprise you.

35 Latest comment by lbranjord

Blog Post

10 things to consider when you outsource IT

January 4, 2013 4:58am PST

Some IT organizations are reverting to an 'in-sourcing' model because outsourcing hasn't met their needs. Here's a look at both sides of the equation.

10 Latest comment by Deadly Ernest

Blog Post

10 things you should know about working with an offshore team

August 12, 2008 8:13am PDT

Every project has challenges -- and having part of your team on the other side of the world only amplifies them. But knowing what to expect when working with an offshore group will help you avoid...

58 Latest comment by Jerry L

Blog Post

Set (and get) a reasonable hourly consulting fee

April 7, 2011 12:00pm PDT

One of the trickier aspects of the consulting business is trying to determine a fee that will attract clients but still keep the wolves from your door. Susan Harkins offers some practical advice.

8 Latest comment by genebray@...

Blog Post

Billing IT consulting clients for travel time

April 30, 2008 9:17am PDT

Chip Camden says that, if you bill for travel time, you need to spell that out in your client agreement. Find out how he navigates this arrangement with his IT consulting clients.

56 Latest comment by canadiancontractor

Blog Post

Two questions about getting started in IT consulting

April 8, 2013 5:50am PDT

Read advice on where to find the best troubleshooting tools and how-to guides, and how to determine what to charge for IT consulting services.

10 Latest comment by mike-022

Blog Post

Leaving consulting for full-time employment

April 1, 2013 9:20am PDT

Chip Camden identifies the potential advantages and pain points of getting out of IT consulting for a full-time job.

15 Latest comment by lisa_work_aws@...

Blog Post

The mistake that nearly killed my consulting career (and how to star in a Vegas show)

March 9, 2012 5:53pm PST

A TechRepublic member recounts how shifting his skill set when he transitioned to becoming a consultant allows him to earn more and work less.

12 Latest comment by PaulCFry

Blog Post

'Onshoring' IT services and bringing jobs back home

February 28, 2012 10:30am PST

Challenges to offshoring have arisen, many not expected, and are now causing people to rethink the offshoring trend that has dominated the IT landscape for the past decade.

180 Latest comment by Nicholas Friedman

Blog Post

Ten IT challenges for the 21st century

January 24, 2008 5:16am PST

I recently attended a meeting of the Rocky Mountain chapter of the AITP (Association of Information Technology Professionals), and the speaker for the evening was Mr. Thomas C. Staab, President of...

5 Latest comment by Joe_R