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computer consulting business and how to Make A good Living At It!

For those with technical aptitude, a computer consulting business may seem  like a very easy way to start making money right away.

The best thing about a computer consulting business is that the list of requisite equipment is pretty short:

  • A few basic tools, like a computer repair tool kit
  • Some books on computers
  • And the basics needed to run a small business
Read Up on the computer industry!

Even if you're already a computer whiz, at least a few of the people calling your computer consulting business are going to be running operating systems or computers that you are unfamiliar with.

Even if you already think you know everything there is to know, someone may call your computer consulting business asking questions about a Commodore 64 or some other antiquated piece of hardware or software.

Starting a computer consulting business, it's important to have a real passion for everything related to personal computers, Macintosh home computers, even things like iPods and cell phones.

Read up… for Free!

Luckily for your computer consulting business, you can read tutorials and technical manuals online for free, trade tips and info back and forth on forums and message boards, etcetera. Educate yourself on everything you think will come in handy, and you won't have to fumble around with manuals every time you get a call to your computer consulting business.

Explore all your Options

Of course, this is just for one computer consulting business plan: telephone consultancy. There are dozens of established ways of turning your computer knowledge into a full fledged computer consulting business.

A popular method is to offer the services of your computer consulting business to various companies in your area. Plenty of companies are looking for computer consulting businesses they can keep on call for when a problem arises, but you can also offer workshops and courses to teach employees how to operate the software and hardware.

When you first start out, most fledgling computer consulting business workers will charge a flat fee for their services, and when you start building up a name for yourself, you can charge by the hour or, if you're offering your services to certain companies, even draw a monthly salary (even from several companies at once).

Become a Local computer Celebrity

A good way to get your computer consulting business's name out there as an is to write articles for magazines and newsletters. If you're playing to local businesses, see if the local newspaper could use a weekly computer editorial or question and answer section.

This kind of thing is, to be blunt, pretty much just a great way to show off. If you can become a sort of local celebrity as your city's resident computer genius, you're on the right track.

Keeping Ahead of the Curve

It's a good idea for your computer consulting business if you subscribe to tech magazines and download plenty of trial versions of new software in order to stay on top of new developments. As we all know, there's a new model of everything coming out all the time, and you don't want your computer consulting business to be left behind.

The computer consulting business is a somewhat competitive market, with each expert wanting to upstage the next and snag the good contracts, but it's also a booming market with a lot of room for new people, and it's just getting bigger.

Welcome to the 21st Century

The need for computer consulting business people comes from, as you could probably guess, the proliferation of computer use. This is the twenty first century, and it's becoming harder and harder to find a job that doesn't require some degree of computer use.

There are literally thousands of companies throughout the US willing to employ computer consulting business owners to avoid having to let longtime employees go for a new kid who grew up with a PC in his home. There are people who are just now buying their first computer and need to call someone for some beginner's advice.

We're at a pivotal point in the history of technology and there's a lot of demand for people who know how to handle all this newfangled junk. A computer consulting business isn't for everyone, but if you have the requisite knowledge and the requisite passion, the market is growing more quickly every day.

Computer Consulting Business Resources

Minimum Start Up Cost

$500-3,000

Minimum Start up Equipment

Mobile phone, late-model computer with broadband connection, test monitors, common cables

Optional or Advanced Equipment

Company transportation, cable making supplies, electronic test equipment

Associations

National Association of Computer Consultant Businesses (NACCB)

Independent Computer Consultants Association

Courses

Both small businesses and computer courses are helpful, but not necessary.  Self-directed study is often best.

Reference Sites

How to Start a Consulting Business

How To Start A Computer Consulting Business

Sample Business Plans - SOHO Computer Consulting Business Plan

Important Point To Keep In Mind

PointMake sure this Business is for you

See: What Are Your Reasons For Getting Into Your Own Business?
And

The Pros and Cons of Owning and Operating Your Own Business
And
Five Ways to Find the Right Business for You


PointIs it Better To Build or Buy?

See : Build or Buy A Business?


PointLook into the legalization

See: Play By The Rules - It's the Only Safe Way To Do Business!


PointLook Into Start up Cost

See: Estimating Startup Costs


PointEnsure You Have Enough Money To Start:

See: How To get The Money You Need For Your Business (Start-up Capital)


Point Find The Right Location

See: Finding The Best Business Location


PointCreate The Right Name

See: Choose a Business Name


PointConsider A Tag Line

See: Creating A Tag Line


PointCreate A Logo And Business Cards

See: Make Your Business Card A Silent Salesman


See Also: How to Start A Business : Business Idea of The Day

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