Home Based Business Computer Consultant

Independent computer consultants are in demand and provide a number of services to corporations and small businesses. As a home based business, you should focus on a specific area: networks, programming in specific languages, project management, and so forth.

You can work as a member of a larger organization accepting contracts or soliciting your own business.

The focus of this home based business description is the computer consultant who assists small businesses in selecting the appropriate computer system and integrating the system into the daily work flow of the business. This may include training.

Many home based businesses need assistance in evaluating various computer hardware configurations and the software needed to run their businesses.

You may also carve a niche for your home based business by supporting older versions of software. Small businesses may not be able to upgrade to new versions of software as soon as they are released. When they do upgrade, they may need assistance in the installation and conversion of their data.

Determine what services you will provide in this home based business opportunity and market them to small businesses in your community.

What does it take for this business?

As a home based Small Business Computer Consultant:

• You need to have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• You need to have problem solving skills, the ability to understand the client's needs and be able to address their problems in a way they can understand.
• You must be detail-oriented.
• You should have experience in programming, project management, and systems analysis.

You will need to market your home based business extensively in your community to become known.

What do I need to operate this business?

You should set up a separate space for your home based business office.

If you are going to provide software support, you will need to have a copy of the software your client is using.

The start-up cost for this home based business can be low if you already own a computer system, printer, and software.

Basic Equipment and Supplies:

• Computer
• Printer
• Fax
• Business phone line
• Cellular phone/pager
• Software (copies you plan to support)

You can review resources for this home based business here.

What services do I provide?

The following are some of the services you can provide:

• Evaluation of a client's needs
• Recommendation of hardware/software to meet these needs
• Liaison with vendors
• Assist in installation
• Install software upgrades
• Provide software support
• Provide programming needed to integrate or extend software to meet client's needs

 What are my potential earnings?

$40,000 to $100,000 annually

How much do I charge for my services?

Average hourly rates are $75 to $150, depending on geographic locale and area of specialization.

How do I bill for my services?

You should contract with your client for the services you provide. If you provide evaluation and liaison with vendors for installation and provide software support, you should create a project plan with milestones for payment.

You should submit a detailed invoice of the service provided and hours worked.

How do I market my business?

Offline

• List your home based business services in the Yellow Pages.
• Issue a press release to your local/community newspapers.
• Participate in professional groups.
• Network with local business organizations.
• Write articles on the use of computers in small businesses for your local/community newspaper.
• Give talks, seminars for local businesses.
• Make cold calls on local businesses.
• Send direct mail pieces to local businesses.

Online

• Create an informative Web site, offering suggestions for hardware/software selection and list your services.
• List your home based business Web site in online directories.
• Issue an online press release.
• Link your Web site to related businesses.
• Link your Web site to local Web sites in your community.
• List your Web site in online trade publications and e-zines.
• Write articles for e-zines.
• Participate in newsgroups and discussion forums related to your specialty.

This is a good home based business opportunity if you have the technical skills. You can review resources for this home based business here.