Before starting the business you need to determine
startup costs. Other considerations include different income stream, legality
and training. Here are a few ideas on how to start a computer consultancy
company.
How
to Start a Computer Consultancy Business
Training
You need to be a qualified computer technician to offer consultancy
services. Learn through technical school, apprentice programs and books.
Attend workshops, seminars and read technical manuals and
e-books. You could learn through online courses or a private tutor.
- Qualified computer technician
- Attend technical school
- Apprentice programs
- Books
- Attend workshops
- Seminars
- Technical manuals
- Ebooks
- Online courses
- Private tutor.
- How to Start a Network Engineering Business
Write
a Business Plan
The first step is to write a computer consultancy
business plan. Then conduct a survey and carry out a feasibility study of your
locality.
Focus your business plan on target market, sales and
marketing. You also need a competitive analysis report and project profit/loss.
Choose
a Business Name
The business name is a reflection of your corporate
identity. The name should be descriptive of your services.
You might need a trademark, good domain name that matches
your business name and paid host plan. Establish your business by registering
it with the corporate affairs commission.
Make the business a limited liability company or
proprietorship. You need the services of a lawyer to file the documents.
Open
a Bank Account
Make sure you run a separate bank account for your
business. The account will be a vehicle for payment, remittance and deposits.
Apply for a merchant account to process credit/debit card payments.
Funding
the Computer Consultancy Business
Startup funding is relatively low and you can work within
a budget. Funding is required for marketing, professional services such as an attorney
and nominal expenses.
Nominal expenses include domain name registration, host
plan and web building. Others are incorporation, taxes, printing, stationeries
and trademark branding.
Ways
to Reduce Startup Costs
There are a few ways to reduce startup costs. You should
avoid coupon packs, use independent contractors or work from home.
Working from home eliminates rental costs or furniture.
You only need basic equipment to run a home-based enterprise.
To reduce costs choose carefully where you wish to
advertise your services. Use free classified websites and other free resources
to spread the word. Another way to reduce overhead costs is networking with
people in your industry.
How
to Reduce Costs
- Avoid coupon packs
- Use independent contractors
- Work from home
- Purchase basic equipment
- Advertise wisely
- Use free classified websites
- Networking
Computer
Consultancy Services
There is a huge range of services to offer as a computer
consultant. Some are installation, configuration, training, troubleshooting, and
resell products. Income steams include remediation project, ground projects and
annual service contracts.
Services
- Installation
- Configuration
- Training
- Troubleshooting
- Resell products
- Consultancy
Technology
Based Initiatives
There are a few technology based initiatives that could
drive your consultancy business. Use social media marketing, goggle calender,
content management system, webinars, mobile broadband technology. More include Smartphone’s,
internet connectivity, virtual phone provider system, CRM software.
- Social media marketing
- Goggle calender
- Content management system
- Webinars
- mobile broadband technology
- Smartphone’s
- Internet connectivity
- Virtual phone provider system
- CRM software.
How to
Attract Patronage
Without steady patronage the business will fail. To attract client’s use email marketing,
videos and social media sites.
Popular social media sites to consider are Facebook,
Instagram and Linkedin. Use lead sharing groups, local chambers of commerce and
associations. Attend seminars, do some public speaking, attend trade fairs and
interviews.
- Use email marketing
- Videos
- Social media sites
- Lead sharing groups
- Local chambers of commerce
- Associations
- Attend seminars
- Do some public speaking
- Attend trade fairs
- Attend interviews.
Build
a Website
Build a website for the business and offer your services
to your target demography. Make sure you use a premium template and list your
services.
Include 'about us page', contact information,
testimonials and email address. The site should have your business address and
a dedicated phone number.
Install an answering machine to receive calls when you
are not available. A business email shows more professionalism than a regular
email address.
Marketing
Your website is a powerful marketing tool. Drive traffic
to your site through social media engagements and advertisements. Use Adwords,
online directories, guest posting and email marketing to drive traffic and attract customers. Use traditional print
such as flyers, billboards, signboard and complementary cards.
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