Your Home Based
Computer Consultant Business

A Computer on Every Desk?

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 home based computer consultant. The demand for these services is growing by leaps and bounds.

The Home Based Computer Consultant Serves Two Basic Functions

Integrating the computer into day-to-day operations. A home based computer consultant may be used on an on-going basis as upgrades in software occur or the network needs to be expanded.

A computer should make a business so much more efficient and productive that it pays for itself. A home based computer consultant is not only productive that it pays for itself... a home based computer consultant not only helps businesses realize this potential, but a computer consultant's expertise should make the process less stressful and the transition processes more comfortable and easier to accept.

Overhead Is Minimal

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 you keep your home based computer consultant business costs to a minimum by working from your home, but 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.

When you begin the marketing efforts for your home based computer consultant business, do your homework and find out the type of customer who is truly in need of your services. The large companies probably have permanent on-site computer experts, so target the mid-sized corporations and the small businesses that can afford you. Make your marketing dollar as effective as possible by doing some research before you begin.

You 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 expert? Should your home based computer consultant business target a specific industry? Can you easily recommend the proper system to an accountant as you can for a trucking company?

Geography also plays a major part in identifying potential clientele. If your specialty market is scattered all over the country, you may want to advertise on a wide-scale. If you are the across-the-board expert, you can target a specific location. Keep in mind, the closer to home you're working, the less of your capital will be eaten up with travel expenses... unless your client agrees to pay for travel expenses.

It is very important for your home based computer consultant business to establish on-going relationships with your clientele. Many companies pay their computer consultant a retainer that is 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 need to let your clients know how you can help them in their day-to-day operations and set up a flexible enough schedule so that you will be able to work within their parameters. Working on this basis with a number of companies will guarantee you a regular income and will cut back on your marketing expenses.

Balance What You Know and Who You Know

You may also 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 payment 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 consultants may wish to return the favor when they have a need for your area of expertise.

To Market or Not to Market?

A certain percentage of your time should also be spent bringing in new business 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 the services of your home based computer consultant business 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 your billable hours fall off, you want to devote more time to marketing your home based computer consultant business, but remember, no matter how much money you have or how much work you already have, your's 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 and/or small businesses face.

Common courtesy will also help your computer consultant business 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.

Manage Your Growth

There are many trade-offs involved in being self-employed in a home based computer consultant business or any business. 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.

Start-up Investment:
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:
Revenue $50,000 - $250,000
Profit (Pre-tax - $40,000 - $200,000