Small Business Computer Consulting

If you are a small business owner, chances are you will at some point need a good computer consulting firm.  But how do you choose the right computer consulting firm for the job?

Most small business owners find the process of finding computer consulting professionals challenging.  They may know the questions to ask when hiring internal staff, but they don’t know how to get the right people on payroll to fulfill IT needs.  

A Checklist of Initial Computer Consulting Questions

1.    “Are you a part time or a full-time computer consulting professional?  Do you have a day job, or are you moonlighting?”

2.    “Are you a solo practitioner or a true computer consulting business?  Who are the other people in your firm?  What are their names and specialties and backgrounds?  How long have they been with the company, and will they be involved in my account?”

3.    “What is the size of your typical computer consulting client – number of PCs, employees, annual revenue?”

4.    “With which industries and vertical markets have you been involved?  With which software applications have you worked?”

5.    “Which products, services and platforms are off limits for your company?  Do you have specialty hardware, software or services vendors with which you regularly work?”

Computer Consulting Firm Selection:  The Bottom Line

The above questions can help small business owners better select the computer consulting firm that will work with their business.  Make sure to ask questions that are pointed and specific to get the best idea of the computer consulting firms you interview.

Added By: Joshua Feinberg

If your business is in need of computer consulting services, you may not have a clue where to begin when looking for the right computer consulting firm.  These interviewing tools from Computer Consulting 101 can help you find the right person for your company.

Computer Consulting 101:  Prevention

As a small business owner, you need to prevent yourself from hiring computer consulting professionals that will be difficult to work with.  If you discover problems at the beginning of the relationship, you can avoid having an issue later.

Computer Consulting 101:  The First Questions to Ask of Potential Candidates

Hiring a computer consulting firm to work with a small business can present legal issues (consult with your attorney, please!) and all the issues that come with hiring a contractor rather than an employee on the payroll.  Ask the following questions to help you weed out the viable candidates:

1.    Do you want part time or full-time computer consulting?

a.    “Do you have a day job?”

b.    “Are you moonlighting as a computer consultant?”

2.    Do you want a solo practitioner or a true computer consulting business?

a.    “Who are the ‘we’?  Are there other people working at your computer consulting company?”

b.    “Are the other people working at your company employees or contractors?  What are their names, specialties and their backgrounds, and how long have they worked with the computer consulting company?  Will they be working with this particular account?”

3.
    Do you want a small business or large company computer consulting firm?
a.    “What size is your normal consulting client?”

b.    “How many PCs and employees does your typical client have, and what is its annual revenue?”

4.    Do you want a generalist or a specialist computer consulting company?

a.    “What industries or vertical markets do you work with, and what types of software applications are typically your forte?”

b.    “What sorts of products, services and platforms do you not feel comfortable working with, and do you work with any specialty hardware, software or services vendors?”

Computer Consulting 101 Bottom Line Hiring Tips

This first set of tips from Computer Consulting 101 can get you through the first round of hiring a computer consulting firm to help your business.  As you go through the interviewing process, you will find more detailed questions to ask to get the right person to work with your small business.

Added By:  Joshua Feinberg

Computer business Dell recently gave the company back to founder Michael Dell.  Dell will replace Kevin Rollins in light of a year of problems for the computer business.  This announcement came Wednesday and included the resignation of Rollins as CEO and director.  Dell will take on all Rollins’ previous duties immediately.

Wall Street analysts predicted this change for the computer business a year ago.  Dell stated it was a board decision made earlier in the week and was based on Michael Dell’s past track record for sustaining Dell in the past.  At the same time as this change was announced, the computer business declared it was expecting a low fourth-quarter revenue and low earnings, despite strong finishes by rivals.

While Rollins will not receive any pension plan or severance, he is getting stock options worth $30 million, earned while he was acting as CEO for Dell.  According to a spokesperson for the computer business, Rollins and the Dell company have not come to a final agreement.  

Michael Dell and Rollins shared an office in Round Rock, Texas, even after Rollins took over Dell’s position in 2004.  Rollins joined the computer business 10 years ago and acted as Dell’s right-hand man after having been a consultant for three years prior.

Problems for the computer business started during Rollins’ tenure, and questions were often asked about how long his position would last.  Slowing revenue and accounting issues that  brought on federal investigations were just two of the many problems faced by Dell while Rollins was in charge, and the change in leadership can be directly attributed to these problems.

Michael Dell founded the computer business in 1984 and has been integral to its operations during its entire life.  He is very excited to take on the leadership role again, but refused to comment on his relationship with Rollins.

Blogged By:  Joshua Feinberg

The executive vice president, Jim Lewandowski. of the computer business specializing in security products McAfee announced he would be leaving the position effective in February.  A McAfee spokesperson stated his full resignation will take place at the end of this month.  His departure from the computer business is apparently neither part of last week’s 125-person layoff, nor a firing.  McAfee will replace Lewandowski by the end of March.

Lewandowski was in charge of field sales in the Americas for the McAfee System Protection and McAfee Network Protection solution sets.  His name has already been removed from the computer business’ phone directory, and his responsibilities have been delegated to Roger King, the executive vice president of worldwide sales.  King was formerly president of Software Spectrum and started work for McAfee in October.

Lewandowski was a well-respected leader in direct and channel sales, and his resignation comes as a surprise to many solution providers that had worked with him over the years.

McAfee had apparently announced the computer business had been looking at decreasing the number of sales people, but no one suspected Lewandowski would choose to leave the company.

McAfee laid off 20 channel staff in August in order to shift focus to partners that cater to SMB’s and also lost four marketing team members last week.  Though many solution providers are surprised by the channel team’s plan to decrease in size, many feel that the move is not a bad thing.  The downsizing may help McAfee better support partners deciding to sell sophisticated solutions like security risk management products and others.

Computer business McAfee hopes to rebuild its channel around more high-end products.

Added By:  Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

A salesperson is not a good idea early on.  This is a question that many computer services businesses have.  The best advice I have is that it is generally a very, very bad idea to hire a salesperson when you are just getting established.  

Early on, your focus needs to be on establishing the identity of your business.  Bringing a salesperson into the mix will take your attention away from your core business.  When you have a salesperson you have to be concerned with human resource issues as well as business development.  

Instead of establishing account ownership and controlling those accounts, you’re monitoring someone else’s work, motivating them, training them, etc… You need to be training your prospects and clients as well as yourself - not a salesperson.  

In computer services you are your business.  An outside salesperson will not be able to get across your unique talents and abilities.  This is a people business, and your clients are buying you - not the router or the software license.  

An added complication when hiring a salesperson is the issue of account ownership.  Despite having non disclosure agreements, non competes, and others like them, a salesperson can claim legal entitlement to your accounts.  The nasty protracted battle that can ensue will absolutely kill your business. If an outside salesperson recruits 90% of your client base in the first year that is simply too much leverage to give another person.   

Bottom Line on Hiring A Salesperson
As your business expands you will have plenty of room to hire a salesperson.  During the first three to six month at least, a salesperson is more a liability than an asset.  Aside from the time and energy you will spend on the salesperson, you might encounter legal issues with an outside salesperson as well.  Hiring a salesperson is a pretty risky move.  You’re much better off getting your initial roster of sweet spot clients yourself.  You will have a much more stable, long term business because of it.   

In this article, you’ve been introduced to hiring a salesperson. To learn more about how you can improve your knowledge about hiring a salesperson, just click here now to get access to a free one-hour audio training program on 5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Computer Consulting Business. 

Systems integrator businesses are booming in our technological society.  A systems integrator can provide valuable services to a business that wants to remain technologically savvy.

A systems integrator should consider several reputation building and profit producing marketing strategies to let clients know of the services he can provide. 

How to Inform Clients of Your Services

A prospective client may hear of your services through written publications, references, or through positive past performance.  The successful systems integrator will focus on all three aspects.  Each of these measures will influence a prospective client’s perceptions of your business.

Use Written Publications and Marketing Communications

A systems integrator should use publications to inform prospective clients of his services. These can be in the form of brochures, flyers, or professional biographies and should include information about the services you provide and what differentiates you from the competition.  Peoples’ perceptions will be influenced by the content of these publications.

The Power of References

References can be a powerful tool when marketing your systems integrator services.  Don’t be afraid to ask previous clients for a referral letter.

A positive referral can be very persuasive because someone who has nothing to gain from the letter wrote it.  It will be perceived as an objective resource.

Positive Performance

The most important way to influence a client’s perception of your service is through a well-performed job.  A client has certain expectations based on the written materials and references you have supplied.  If your work does not meet these expectations, you have lost this client’s future business as well as his referrals. 

The systems integrator who uses written materials, references, and positive performance will expose his quality services to prospective clients.  Positive exposure generates business.  By meeting your client’s objectives and exceeding their expectations you will gain a favorable reputation in the industry.

The Bottom Line about Systems Integrators

In this article, you’ve been introduced to systems integrator services communication.  To learn more about promoting systems integrator services, click here now to get access to a free one-hour audio training program on 5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Computer Consulting Business.

Labor costs and excessive paperwork are some of the hiring drawbacks when starting a computer business.  However, there are also many advantages – the ability to take on more work and having a fresh perspective. 

Hiring Employees

When starting a computer business, it is necessary to first determine whether the company is able to support an employee.  If the answer is yes, continue with the hiring process.

Before hiring employees, determine what you are seeking, what you can pay, and where to look.  Considering these factors will translate to a smooth hiring process.

Determine What You Are Seeking

The first step is to make a list of all the tasks the employee will be responsible for completing.  Determine necessary skills, special equipment, and the hours they will work.

After this has been decided, move forward with want ads.  Don’t be afraid to ask business associates for referrals.

What Are You Able to Pay

Check help wanted ads to determine what the competition is offering employees who hold similar jobs.  Those starting a computer business will not be able to offer the salaries or benefits comparable to larger companies.  Compensate for this monetary difference by offering better hours or some other unique benefit. 

Know Where to Look

A variety of employee sources are available to people starting a computer business.  The newspaper, employment agencies, the Internet, and local colleges are all excellent resources.  By far, the best source is through referrals from friends, colleagues, or co-workers. 

The Bottom Line about Starting a Computer Business

Starting a computer business is a big step.  Hiring qualified employees will provide the business owner with new perspectives and extra help. 

Make the hiring process a little easier – determine the kind of employee needed, know the salary budget, and use a variety of personnel resources. 

In this article, you’ve learned about starting a computer business.  To learn more about starting a computer business click here now to get access to a free one-hour audio training program on 5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Computer Consulting Business.

On-site computer repair businesses typically begin with one individual.  However, after a short time, the owner may feel that the business is ready to grow larger.  Hiring employees is a big step for the on-site computer repair owner.  Many factors should be considered to determine if you are ready to take the big step.

Important Factors to Consider for Business Growth

Every owner should consider growing his on-site computer repair venue if the manpower to operate is no longer manageable.  The ability to delegate, financial stability, and reliable employees are all factors to consider.  Review each one before making this important decision.

Ability to Delegate

It is sometimes harder than one imagines to delegate a job to an employee.  This is especially true for the on-site computer repair owner who has been doing the work on his own for so long.  In order to grow, this individual must be able to offer a task to an employee and leave him alone to complete it.  Objectively assess your personality and capabilities to determine if delegation will be a possibility.

Financial Stability

Hiring on-site computer repair technicians and staff will mean an extra financial responsibility.  The owner should determine if enough income is being generated to cover the added paychecks.  Health insurance and benefits will also need to be considered, as most employees will be expecting them.

Reliable Employees

Locating reliable and trustworthy employees will make delegation a much easier task.  An on-site computer repair business may want to consider offering a trial period for new employees.  This will allow you to monitor his work and make a final decision at the end of the trial period.

The on-site computer repair owner may want to offer training or support in order to encourage a successful trial.  The time invested in the new hire may pay off in a long-term employee.

Before making the decision to grow your business, consider all factors.  Are you able to delegate?  Are you financially stable?  Will you be able to hire reliable employees?  If the answer is yes to these important questions, you are on your way to a bigger and hopefully better business venture.
  
The Bottom Line about On-site Computer Repair

In this article, you’ve been introduced to on-site computer repair. To learn more about on-site computer repair, click here now to get access to a free one-hour audio training program on 5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Computer Consulting Business.

I.T. consulting firms begin small.  Typically, one or two computer savvy individuals decide to join the crowd of I.T. consulting firms.  Several years later, these same individuals find themselves tired and worn out from running their I.T. consulting firms.  It is time to grow the business! 

Growing Your Business

The manpower required to drive a small business can be overwhelming.  One or two people usually operate small I.T. consulting firms.  These individuals do all of the work.  In order to grow your business, you will need to be sure you are able to delegate some of this work allowing yourself more free time.

Are You Financially Stable?

Some small I.T. consulting firms will have a funding source available.  This will cover the added expense of hiring new employees.  Others will need to wait until they are making sufficient income to cover the extra paychecks.  Carefully review your financial records to determine how many employees you will be able to support. 

Can You Offer Insurance and Benefits?

Most employees will expect benefits.  Review basic health insurance plans to see what is available for small businesses.  This is a very costly benefit.  Many small I.T. consulting firms will expect the employee to cover all premiums.  They also may want to offer insurance after the new hire has completed three months on the job.

Other benefits can be offered to entice employees to join your team.  Laptops, car allowances, cellular phone plans, and uniforms are a few of the options available to I.T. consulting firms.

Are Your New Employees Reliable?

It may be much harder than you think to delegate responsibilities to someone else.  Most owners have been doing the work on their own for several years, and it is hard to imagine someone else doing a comparable job.

That is why it is of utmost importance to find reliable and trustworthy employees.  A three-month trial period is a good way for you to monitor the new hire.  Ask customers for feedback. If the employee is not up to your standards, you are not obligated to continue the relationship.   

The Bottom Line about I.T. Consulting Firms

I.T. consulting firms are in great demand.  By carefully considering the above factors you can determine whether your business is ready to grow!

In this article, you’ve learned about I.T. consulting firms. To learn more about I.T. consulting firms, click here now to get access to a free one-hour audio training program on 5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Computer Consulting Business.

Computer service company managers are responsible for motivating employees.  A manager should become familiar with a variety of motivational strategies in order to run his computer service company effectively.  A computer service company will be more successful if its employees love their jobs and want to do the best they can.

Motivation Techniques

Motivational programs should recognize an employee’s work, give him control over his job, and allow him to feel satisfaction.  This can be accomplished with several techniques.  First, the job should be worker friendly.  Second, evaluate jobs that may lack challenge or diversity.  Finally, involve workers in all aspects of the job – including planning objectives.

Job Friendly

A computer service company will eventually hire employees who are not excited about their jobs.  Perhaps the employee is in the office all day.  Or maybe he is in charge of repairing one computer aspect.  This can often lead to a dull job.  A computer service company can evaluate the work and make it friendly to the worker.

For instance, the technician who is repairing only one computer part may be reassigned to complete all work on the system.  This will bring about a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.  The employee will no longer be bored with the same routine everyday.

Job Enrichment

Enriching a job means redesigning it to provide a challenge or diversity.  A computer service company employee who is required to answer phones and stay in the office all day may be struck with the doldrums.  This employee can be trained to perform other aspects of the business, such as outside sales where there is more direct contact with people.  Training his staff in many aspects of the business gives a computer service company manager flexibility when assigning jobs.

Involving Everyone

A manager who permits his staff to participate in setting weekly goals, quotas, or standards is motivating his team.  These team members know what they are capable of achieving.  Most will set realistic goals, rather than finding an easy way out.

When necessary, the computer service company manager can step in to guide the team.  Employees will take ownership and work hard to achieve the expected outcome.

The Bottom Line about the Computer Service Company

Following these motivational strategies will permit workers to feel enthusiastic about their jobs.  Their satisfaction will translate to a well-run computer service company.
               
In this article, you’ve been introduced to the computer service company. To learn more about the computer service company, click here now to get access to a free one-hour audio training program on 5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Computer Consulting Business.