A more accurate title for the Computer Consultant's Workbook could have been "Consulting for Dummies." That's not to say that this book is targeted at the half-bright — rather, author Janet Ruhl has succeeded in presenting her information with the same simplicity and accessibility found in the well known "dummies" series of computer-oriented titles published by IDG Books (a sister company of Computerworld).

That means that almost every page can be quickly translated into a to-do list or an outline for a plan of action. And it's easy to find the information you need, when you need it. Checklists and clear structure are supplemented by information boxes, scripts, and "gotchas" — to-the-point notes on pitfalls to avoid.

Indeed, Ruhl, who has been on the staff of Compuserve's Consultant's Forum since 1990, clearly has heard every gripe and war story consultants tell each other. What she has heard is distilled in the book. As a result, Ruhl is credible when offering advice to would-be consultants trying to determine if they have the skills needed to make a living in the field.

Ruhl is equally credible when she outlines structures for setting up and managing a consulting practice, setting prices and collecting fees and suggestions on partnering with other consulting organizations.

Although the volume of information provided by Ruhl is enormous, it is easy to absorb and has the potential to be immediately useful. Even experienced consultants will find new ideas to savor. But those who will benefit most from The Computer Consultant's Workbook are individuals with good technical skills who need a short course in entrepreneurship and self-management. In fact, it's hard to see how someone following Ruhl's savvy suggestions can go far wrong.

It doesn't get more realistic than her suggestion that consultants develop a streak of paranoia: "A consultant should never assume that their clearest explanations have been understood or their direst warnings heeded. In short, they should never assume anything!" Words to live by.
— Alan R. Earls

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