4 out of 4 people found the following review helpful:
Another weapon in the computer entrepreneur's arsenalSunday, April 17, 2005
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.
5 out of 5 people found the following review helpful:
Great Book and Intro to the Computer Repair Business!Thursday, February 10, 2005
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 to explain 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
4 out of 4 people found the following review helpful:
An Excellent Resource!Friday, January 21, 2005
In this book, Mr.Rosenthal, like a trusted friend, gives the individual who is thinking about starting their own computer business much food for thought.
The very first story, of how the budding computer consultant can loose money with the best of intentions,is an eye opener, and awakens the reader to the often harsh realties associated with the business of providing tech help or selling computers.
If one pays attention, the benefit of Mr.Rosenthal's experience will guide the reader to make critical decisions,define the parameters of a successful business,(versus a hobby) and invaluable ways to avoid common pitfalls.
You may be surprised to learn that well guarded industry "secrets" are laid bare (certifications,OME vendors) and that the most important aspect of surviving the trade is honesty and reliability.
Highly reccomended.
9 out of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Someone that has been there and done that, shares his wisdomFriday, May 28, 2004
An Excellent book, I already had been in the computer business for 8 months before I bought this book, but I wish I had done it before I stared out, because I made some of the mistakes described in the book, and I could have saved myself a lot of sleepless nights and money.
If like myself you live outside the U.S., then about one fifth of the book will not apply directly to you, because that information is related to taxes, legal advice and procedures, particular to the U.S.
The author gives useful tips based on first hand experience, that could help anyone thinking of starting in the computer business by themselves, or like myself, if you are already in the business and are in need of some ideas.
I definitely plan to make some changes based on the recommendations given by the author in the book.
10 out of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Down to earth advice from the trenches ! A Must Read !Saturday, October 04, 2003
A concise, very entertaining read. The author does an excellent job of providing a down to earth practical advice guide without pulling any punches. It opened my eyes to some of the pitfalls of the computer business and made me re-examine my assumptions.
If you are even thinking of entering the computer business you owe it too yourself (and your wallet) to read this book!