A business plan for computer consultants could
be focused on services from high school students, or from Ph.D. pros
establishing international communications networks. Or both. Or
somewhere in between.
KEY CONSIDERATION
Choose your target clientele very
carefully. Then document the dickens out of it. There are tens
of thousands of "computer consultants" out there.
Distinguish and define your business to set yourself apart from the
others.
STRONGEST ADVANTAGE
This is one of the very major growth areas
in business over the next few decades. Position yourself right here,
and you are destined for a very lucrative career. The key is to really
define that market. Are you going after the home market? the
small business market? large company projects? government
projects? projects based on a specific technology? Because there
is so much that you could go after, finding your niche shouldn't be
difficult.
STRONGEST DISADVANTAGE
Few finance people understand the
implications of the business that you are entering. Don't assume that,
because your business has the word "computer" in it, you are
guaranteed funding. You've got a better crack at it than most.
But you still need a strong, clear presentation to get someone to write that
check.
OVERCOMING THE DISADVANTAGES
WITH YOUR BUSINESS PLAN FOR COMPUTER CONSULTANTS
Prove that you have been successful in
your business.
Proving your qualifications is more
important here than in many business areas. Detail your educations,
your training, your job assignments that pertain to this business.
List awards you have won, articles you have authored, commendations you have
received.
In short, picture yourself as the
outstanding success that you are. This is not a time to be
modest. You've earned the respect of the industry, so show it off.
And, as a guru already, there are probably
already consulting projects that you have taken on, perhaps even
completed. The more real accomplishment you can demonstrate before
ever talking with a finance person, the better off you are. Make your
business plan for computer consultants work to show off your talent.
Being The Pro for the Job is what Makes
It Work
Don't go after the international jobs
unless you are truly qualified. And conversely, don't limit yourself
to local "home computer" jobs if you are qualified for better
assignments.
Fit your qualifications to the type of
business you are looking to fund.
There is one exception: If you are on
the far end of your career, take your skills and use them to create a small
business computer consulting business. Lots and lots of small
businesses will appreciate your years of experience.
HOW MUCH FUNDING WILL
YOUR BUSINESS PLAN FOR COMPUTER CONSULTANTS NEED?
Look back up at the top of the
page. What kind of business do you really want? A one person
business? A hundred person business? The hundred person
business won't necessarily make you richer than the one person
business. It is all a matter of choice.
Then, as with any business, sit down and
run the numbers.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FOR YOUR BUSINESS PLAN FOR COMPUTER CONSULTANTS AND YOUR MARKETING PLAN FOR
COMPUTER CONSULTANTS
There are two types of statistical
information on your computer consulting marketing plan that you will need. One is for the computer consultant
industry itself, and
one is for the type of industry or area that you are focusing on.
For statistical information go to
BizMiner.
At the home page, look for the Search Box for "Industry Search".
Key in "computer consultant".
You will be taken to a page where you
order both a Financial Analysis and Marketing Research Report on the
Computer Consultant Industry. It is important to know what this data
says because it is compiled from over 1500
firms, and it is exactly what your banker/lender will be reading.
If your business plan for computer
consultants is to focus on a
particular industry group, such as the food industry or petroleum
industry, it is important to evaluate stats on that industry as
well. In the "Industry Search" box, key in the name of
the industry you will be working in.
Or, for information on a particular
geographical area, look in the left hand column for "Area
Demographics". If your geographical area is listed here, you
are home free. If it isn't, then a trip to your local Country
Planning Department is your best bet.
YOUR LIKELY
LENDER/INVESTOR
The SBA
is your best bet for smaller businesses. Larger businesses might
look to venture
lending.
If yours is a unique approach with new
technology, look to angel
investors to get started.
ONE STEP
FURTHER IN YOUR BUSINESS PLAN FOR COMPUTER CONSULTANTS
For under $50, get
a 100-plus-page outline of a business plan with all financials and sections you
need:
 |
A template that is
ready to go, in a format that is easy to use. The template is
in MS Word and MS Excel -- it doesn't get any easier! Click
on book cover for more information.
|
THE LAST
WORD ON YOUR BUSINESS PLAN FOR COMPUTER CONSULTING
With the skills that you
have, the world is your oyster. Go after it. Target your
market. Back it up with stats, and your financing will be there.
.
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Business Plan for Computer Consultants
