How To Become A Successful Computer Business Consultant

Start-up Investment
Low - $0 (consulting for existing clients), High - $5,000 (setting up an office and advertising)
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Break-even time - Immediate to one year
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Estimate of Annual Revenue and Profit

Revenue $50,000 - $250,000, Profit (Pre-tax - $40,000 - $200,000)
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A Computer on Every Desk?

With the advent of PCS, computer systems are now accessible to small and mid-sized companies. Very few businesses, no matter how small, can not 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 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 keeps growing by leaps and bounds.

Computer consultants serve two basic functions:
Selecting the appropriate computer system, including hardware, software, networks and peripherals. This is a one-time project and vital to the success of the automation process. 

Most business people are afraid of spending thousands of dollars for an inadequate or incomplete system. A consultant maps out the strategy for the appropriate system and the most effective and efficient software. 

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


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

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 services. 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, but you can 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 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. The big boys probably have permanent on-site computer experts and the little guys probably can't afford you. Make your marketing 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 expert? 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 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. It is very important to establish on-going relationships with your clientele. 

Many companies pay their 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 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 some regular income and cut back on marketing expenses.

Best wishes, Have a wonderful time and stay Productive.