How do I become a computer consultant? Do you want to learn how to start a computer consulting business from scratch with no money? Do you need a sample computer consulting business plan template or feasibility study report? Then i advice you read on. With the advent of PCs, computer systems are now accessible to small and mid-sized companies.
Only very few businesses can afford to ignore the growing demand for instant information and finger-tip response to their clientele. Computerization is a standard tool of competition and if used correctly; should rapidly pay for itself in a reduction of man-power hours and an increase in efficiency.
Most companies have to computerize in order to “keep up with the Jones” but many small and mid-sized businesses haven’t the slightest idea which of the myriad of available hardware and software makes the most sense in terms of their own business. And this creates a natural marketplace for the computer consultant. The demand for these services is growing by leaps and bounds.
How to Become a Computer Consultant and Make Money
Before becoming a computer consultant and starting your own computer consultancy business, you must first understand the function and need of computer consultants to small businesses. Computer consultants serve two basic functions:
- The first basic function of a computer consultant is to select the appropriate computer system including hardware, software, networks and peripherals on behalf of the clients. This is a one-time project and vital to the success of the automation process of any business. Most business people are afraid of spending thousands of dollars for an inadequate or incomplete system. A computer consultant maps out strategy for the appropriate system; and the most effective and efficient software.
- The second basic function of a computer consultant is to integrate the computer into the day-to-day operations of a small business. A computer consultant may be used on an on-going basis as upgrades in software or can be called upon when a network needs to be expanded.
A computer should make a business so much more efficient and productive that is pays for itself. Computer consultants not only help businesses realize its potential; a computer consultant’s expertise should also make the process much less stressful and the transition processes more comfortable and easier to accept.
Starting a Computer Consulting Business – Sample Business Plan Template
Before I proceed, I want to state categorically that it’s very important you conduct a feasibility study and write a business plan for your business idea before starting a business. It will save you a lot of stress in the long run. One advantage or potential of starting a computer consultancy business is that the overhead is minimal. The only inventory you need is what’s stored away in your brain: education and on-hands experience are your greatest assets.
Like most computer experts, you probably already own your own PC and that’s the only equipment necessary for start-up. The more involved systems work will come on-site as you design and install your client’s more sophisticated hardware and software. The lion’s share of your start-up expenses will be advertising and marketing your business services.
Now because your work will be exclusively on-site at your corporate customer’s locations, it will not be necessary, especially in the beginning, to have an outside office. Not only will your costs be kept at a minimum by working from your home, you can also deduct office-at-home expenses off your taxes for the percentage of your home you convert into office space but be sure to use that area of your home exclusively for your work.
How to Market your Computer Consultancy Business and get new clients
When you begin your marketing efforts, do your homework and find out the type of customer who is truly in need of your services. Most undoubtedly, you will want to target mid-sized corporations and small businesses. The big boys probably have permanent on-site computer experts and the little guys probably can’t afford you. Make your marketing dollar as effective as possible by doing some legwork before you begin.
You will also want to look long and hard at your areas of expertise. Do you have a specialty or are you an across-the-board type of computer consultant? Should you target a specific industry? Can you easily recommend the proper system to an accountant as you can for a trucking company?
Geography plays a major part in identifying potential clientele. If your specialty market is scattered all over the country, you’ll want to advertise on a wide-scale. If you are the across-the-board computer expert, you can target a specific location. Keep in mind that the closer to home you’re working, the less of your capital will be eaten up with travel expenses.
How to Run your Computer Consultancy Business
It is very important to establish on-going relationships with your clientele. Many companies pay their computer consultant a retainer good for a few hours per month in order to have a standing opportunity to ask questions or upgrade programming. This is often a less expensive option for your clients than hiring a full-time staff person.
You will need to let your clients know how you can help them in their day-to-day business operations and set up a flexible time schedule so that you will be able to work within their parameters. Working on this basis with a number of companies will guarantee you some regular income and cut back on marketing expenses.
The Pros and Cons of Starting a Computer Consulting Business
Since you can’t possibly know all there is to know about computers, you’ll need to make contacts in the industry with those who can assist you when you come up against a situation you’re not qualified to handle. You will want to compile a network of professionals you can call on to fill any voids you find as you go along. You have the option to subcontract to other computer consultants (many university professors, for example, free-lance as consultants).
You may want to put your subcontractors on the payroll or you may simply wish to put your client in touch with your source and then step quietly out of the picture. You may not receive immediate remuneration for the recommendation but the long-term benefits can be well worth your efforts.
Not only will this build good-will with your client but the other computer consultants may wish to return the favor when they have a need for your area of expertise.
More Tips for Marketing a Computer Consulting Business
When starting any new business, the main focus must be on effective marketing. The first contacts will be the most difficult and will probably require references. However, after you reach your capacity; you will have a tendency to slack off on your marketing.
You’ll be so busy with one or two clients that you’ll forget that there is an end to the work and to the income. Suddenly, the work will be as starting all over gain. It is absolutely essential to keep marketing even when things are at most hectic.
A certain percentage of your time should be spent bringing in new businesses no matter how busy you are. You will have to decide what percentage of time allows you to keep an even flow of business coming in and out. You will find yourself only spending a portion of your time in “billable hours.“
A certain amount of time must be spent doing administrative functions like billing and taxes. Another portion of your work must be spent in staying up-to-date with current developments in the industry and with software and hardware innovations.
You may also want to round out your services by writing articles for magazines or publications or giving seminars or workshops. These types of endeavors can help provide additional revenues and expand your network for both clients and subcontractors.
If you billable hours fall off, you will want to devote more time to marketing but remember; no matter how much money you already have, yours is a finite service and sooner or later, you’re going to need new business. So never forget to continue to market, network and expand your client base. This will help to curtail the roller-coaster ride many new or small businesses face.
How to Keep your Clients Happy and Loyal
A key to retaining clients in a computer consultancy business is to handle clients with care and understanding. Common courtesy will also help your gain referrals and keep your clients happy. Send a thank you note to clients to let them know that you appreciate their business.
Make follow up calls to let them know that you are concerned that the services you provided them are effective and producing the results you were anticipating. A little personal touch here and there can keep your name in the minds of the most hardcore business person.
How to Manage the Growth of your Computer Consulting Business
Many computer consultants opt to stay one person operation. One of the attractions of being your own boss is that you can leave behind the hassles and politics of corporate life. The flip side of that coin is that the only funds coming into the business are your own billable hours in any given day.
Owners of large computer consulting firms reap a percentage of every dollar earned by each associate. There are many trade-offs involved in being self-employed. Neither option is going to be a walk in the park. But the most important thing to keep in mind is to manage your company’s growth. Don’t get in over your head, just take one step at a time and keep an eye on the road ahead. You will surely hit success.
Start-up Investment for Starting a Computer Consulting Business
- Low -$0 (consulting for existing clients)
- High -$5,000 (setting up an office and advertising)
- Break-even time:Immediate to one year
Estimate of Annual Revenue and Profit for a Computer Consulting Business
- Revenue: $50,000 – $250,000
- Profit (Pre-tax): $40,000 – $200,000
Please seek the advice of a competent expert for additional helpful information in starting a computer consultancy business, information about licenses, permits, legal structure of your business, taxes, insurance.