Rank Beginner

[imelrose]

Chaps

I'm a rank beginner at this contracting game. I've worked in IT sales/presales support for years putting together electronic document management, variable data printing and print accounting systems for industry, the NHS and Government. Is there a particular market sector I would do well to chase and are there any agents out there who deal in my particular area or accountants in Hampshire worth looking up. Any advice on the pitfalls etc of contracting all gratefully received.

[Jabberwocky]

When you say you are a "rank beginner" does that mean you whiff a bit ? It is always best when contracting to smell good, unless you want a gig in local government.

[Xena]

Start with the first timers' guide here and also the one located at http://www.prc.org.uk. They cover virtually all of the basics. Once you've read and digested those, feel free to come back with specific questions.

[Alf W]

Agents are necessary but sh*ts
Don't talk to S4
Parasol
Only give references when an offer's on the table
No they haven't got a special deal with the IR that says you can claim £75 per night regardless.
Fox hunting is class-war
<pick name from member list> is fat/gay/bald/got tits/earns nothing/ a religious nutter
Most people on here are bitter towards permiedom after turning to contracting after being made redundant (and haven't looked back)
Blair's a tw@t
Grammers important.
Outsourcing / offshoring is bad. Oh dream about the period leading up to Y2K. Things will never be the same.

Have I missed anything?

Oh yeah. House prices are about to crash.

[mcquiggd]

P.S... We're doomed...

[Lucifer Box]

Agents are necessary but sh*ts
Don't talk to S4
Parasol
Only give references when an offer's on the table
No they haven't got a special deal with the IR that says you can claim £75 per night regardless.
Fox hunting is class-war
<pick name from member list> is fat/gay/bald/got tits/earns nothing/ a religious nutter
Most people on here are bitter towards permiedom after turning to contracting after being made redundant (and haven't looked back)
Blair's a tw@t
Grammers important.
Outsourcing / offshoring is bad. Oh dream about the period leading up to Y2K. Things will never be the same.

Have I missed anything?

Oh yeah. House prices are about to crash.

Grammar's

[AlfredJPruffock]

And dont mention Finland.

You cant be too careful these days.

[DaveB]

Don't talk to S4

Or S3

[imelrose]

Thanks

All your comments are greatly appreciated. It does my heart good to see I've landed amongst a group as enlightened as me. I think I'm going to enjoy this !

[DaveB]

No offence to the OP but is there anyway we can get a bloody big banner on the main page along the lines of :

"!IF YOU WANT TO BE A CONTRACTOR READ THIS FIRST!"

and a link to the first timers section?