Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
(OP)
I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for some books they recommend reading for starting your own civil engineering business?(just me) I am researching this idea but want to read up and get some ideas that would be helpful. Thanks!





RE: Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
RE: Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
Attached is a booklet that will help you through some of the details....
RE: Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
RE: Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
I just speed read the Ron article. If you spent a week at an Engineering Extension course for which you paid, I doubt that you'd see as much valuable information in one place, and FREE!!! wow!!!
RE: Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
RE: Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
"There are two things that are worse than not having enough work:
1. Too much work.
2. Any work at too low a price."
This applies to many businesses, including engineering consulting. Don't get overly anxious if your business gets off to a slow start.
On another subject. More recently, I organized and operated a one-person engineering consulting business as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for nine years, before retiring. Assuming your business will be in the USA, you will have tax issues to deal with. Here is a good place to start your readings on that aspect:
http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&am...
This is very important since business decisions should always consider (but not be dictated by) tax consequences.
Finally, you have mentioned getting an attorney involved. Excellent idea, but pick and choose the occasions carefully. Controlling business expenses is essential. Hiring other professionals (attorneys, accountants, etc.) will rapidly send expenses through the roof.
Good Luck
www.SlideRuleEra.net
www.VacuumTubeEra.net
RE: Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
RE: Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
Even if you're practicing as a corporation/LLC, whatever, if you're not insured, the plaintiff can "pierce the corporate veil" and come after you.
Obviously, the odds of a lawsuit diminish as time goes on, and if you decide to close up shop, you can cover yourself with a cheaper policy-tail, but count on the insurance commitment as a long-term investment.
I like the old-dude's idea of joining forces with wifey to protect assets. However, I've only heard about that joint entity thing applying to protecting your home - I'm not sure if it would make you bullet-proof. I'd make a terribly lawyer though, and I can't wait to hear what others think about all of this.
Good luck in your decision!
RE: Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East - http://www.campbellcivil.com
RE: Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
Ryan Janoch
Mapistry
www.mapistry.com
RE: Suggested reading for starting my own consulting business.
Book: Think and Grow Rich. Or any other book that motivates someone to do and not just say. Richard Branson's book, Losing My Virginity, was a very good read too.
B+W Engineering and Design
Los Angeles Civil Engineer and Structural Engineer
http://bwengr.com