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Joshua Feinberg Profile and Articles
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51). Computer Consulting: Excellent Customer Service Inspires Growth
From a customer service perspective, what can you do to sell more monitoring and managed services? What would it be worth to a computer consulting client if you could predict and prevent a major problem before it occurred?
For example, if someone incurred $1,700 in billing last quarter due to some virus-related problems, is there something that you.
52). Computer Consulting: Prospective Client Red Flags
Is there a pattern to watch out for with computer consulting prospects that might act as a red flag or early warning detection system? Yes there is - and you’ll get better at spotting them as you go along.
It’s more of an art than a science, but if it looks like the Dilbert cartoon, it probably is going to work out that way.
Do Your Potential Computer.
53). Computer Consulting: Should You Work With Micro Businesses?
When it comes to computer consulting with micro businesses, look at the margins issue. You will always have a certain amount of hours that you’re forced to eat because you can’t bill for it. When you have a larger base of computer consulting clients to spread it over, a loss is a lot easier to swallow.
"Eating" a Loss is Easier with Big Clients Than Small Ones
For example, if you have a customer that’s billing $2,000 a year with you and you’re forced to eat a $500 job, you’ve sacrificed 25 percent of your billing for that customer.
54). Computer Consulting: Some General Tips
To run a successful computer consulting practice, you need to be able to deliver on that end-to-end solution. Have a good service agreement ready to go. Have an IT audit checklist. Have partnering agreements. Be prepared to take your clients from the beginning to the end of the process with you.
Computer Consulting Service Agreements
If you don’t propose the service agreements to your customers, your small business decision makers probably won't ask for them.
55). Computer Consulting: Spread the Word
Make sure your current computer consulting clients, friends, and family know what types of companies you work with, the types of things you do, and how much you would appreciate referrals from them.
A lot of times, by asking the right kind of open-ended questions, you can be very pleasantly surprised when your computer consulting contacts start discussing something that evolves into a $10,000 or $15,000 services opportunity because they all of a sudden had a lightening bolt moment.
56). Computer Consulting: Use Your Time Wisely
Time is money. If you're not careful in your computer consulting business, you'll waste both. With a little discipline and structure, you can maximize the return on your time.
Journal Your Time
One way to determine your computer consulting time is by journaling. Write down everything you do for a couple of weeks to determine what you do with your time, where the time wasters are, and what you could do to improve your time management.
57). Computer Data Backups: Test Now or Cry Later
If you’re like most small business owners, your computerdata backups are one of those things that you rarely payattention to. Computer data ba
58). Computer Franchises: Choosing the Right One for You
Computer franchises can be found everywhere in the country. Because risks are a part of investment in computer franchises, you want to make sure you consider all factors to make sure you are completely prepared for all the challenges.
Things To Consider When Purchasing A Franchise
A lot of people falsely think that buying computer franchises guarantees a winning business situation.
59). Computer Franchises: Preparing for a Franchise Expo
You can find computer franchises by going to franchise expositions, but you have to prepare for them in order to minimize being overwhelmed by the options and narrow down your search. Since exhibitors go to these expos in order to sell their franchise, you need to prepare to know exactly how to find a franchise that will fit your needs and abilities.
60). Computer Networking Business Start-up and Hiring Key Employees
Hiring employees in the computer networking business is an exact science. Many computer networking business owners don't have the knowledge required to hire the best and most experienced employees, even though hiring these people is one of the most beneficial factors of business growth. There is a formula to follow that can help you, as a business owner hire the right employees for your computer networking business.
61). Computer Networking Business: Creating Clients
The computer networking business is very competitive and is very dependent upon promotion. You need to implement promotional strategies that will distinguish you from the competition, including word of mouth, advertising, publicity and networking.
Word Of Mouth And Networking
Successful networking is all about creating relationships. If you find businesses in your network and figure out ways you can help them, these same businesses will probably want to help you in the future.
62). Computer Repair Franchises and Employee Training
Computer repair franchises cannot run properly without wel-trained employees. Computer repair franchises can choose to train employees in three different ways: through the franchisor; through the franchisee; or through the Internet. Franchises should be made aware of all the options and remember that their employees are representative of a client's first impression of the business.
63). Computer Repair Franchises: Buying an Existing Business
Existing computer repair franchises are typically available immediately and are a good option for professionals looking to start a new business in the computer industry. Before deciding to buy a completely new franchise or an existing computer repair franchise, as a prospective business owner you must learn about all the issues involved in buying existing franchises so you don't risk being surprised by the unexpected down the line.
64). Computer Repair Franchises: Evaluating a Site
Computer repair franchises need a good location to enjoy success. Finding the best site involves several factors, and many franchisors are happy to help prospective owners weigh different criteria and use all available resources before choosing a site.
The following factors are critical to location choice for computer repair franchises: population density; traffic; competition; appearance; and visibility.
65). Computer Repair Prices: A Complete Price
Computer repair prices are fixed before you ever start a consulting job. Be sure to think about every aspect of the work you will complete before setting computer repair prices, and that these prices include every expectation of your customer.
The Main Factor Of A Complete Price
There is nothing more irritating than finding a computer or other technology item at the right price only to find out there is something you need that is not included.
66). Computer Repair Prices: Control for the Customer
Computer repair prices are ruled by both the competition and the owner's specific needs. But in reality, consumers should not have very much control over prices. If you present the customer with choices about computer repair prices, he will feel like his needs are being better met. And a satisfied customer will bring more future business.
Choosing The Service
Most customers will enjoy being able to choose whether or not to have repair services done.
67). Computer Repair Prices: How to Set Fees
You can set computer repair prices in many different ways. The following four methods give you an idea of how to set your fees, but ultimately you have to choose the one that works best with your personality and style.
Pricing by the Market
This type of pricing involves setting computer repair prices at whatever the customer is willing and able to pay.
68). Computer Repair Services and Market Segments
Computer repair services are critical to the industry. As a computer repair services provider, knowing your market segments can help you find customers that need your make this job even easier.
Determining Market Segments
When you are determining market segments, you should think about three factors. Answering three “w” questions - “Who?” “What?” and “Why?” - will allow you to concentrate on clients that are in most need of computer repair services.
69). Computer Repair Services: Benefits of a Home Business
Society is completely reliant on technology, and computer repair services are in high demand. If you are looking to start your own computer repair services business, you should think about running it out of your home, as it can provide you with many benefits.
Many successful businesses have started from home, and it is definitely become a popular choice for those in the U.
70). Computer Repair Services: Four Steps to Customer Decisions
When deciding to go with your computer repair services, a customer cycles through four steps: awareness; interest; evaluation; adoption. The strategies you use at each phase will encourage the prospect to take the steps to the end.
Step One: Awareness
Prospects you encounter might know about your computer repair services, but might not know much information about them beyond that.
71). Computer Reseller Business Marketing: Gauging Your Store’s Physical Appearance
Maintaining a good physical appearance is very important for computer reseller business owners. Customers will base many of their important decisions on how your store looks, and you have to step into their shoes when gauging your store's appearance. The following three factors impact how a customer will view your computer reseller business: cleanliness; smell; and clutter.
72). Computer Reseller Business: Effective Recourse Policies
As a professional in the computer reseller business, you need to create strong recourse policies to handle any customer complaints. If these policies are clear and in place, you can have satisfied customers and a good reputation even if you run into snags along the way.
Elements of Computer Reseller Business Recourse Policies
The most effective recourse policies give the customer a sense of total control.
73). Computer Reseller Business: Let Customers Find You
A computer reseller business is very dependent upon marketing and advertising, and there are quite a few tools that customers can use in order to find yours. You can't just offer the best products in your area; you have to bring the customer to you so he can buy what you are selling.
So how do customers find your computer reseller business?
Convenience And Location
Having your computer reseller business in a location that is convenient and easy-to-find will be critical in marketing it to the public.
74). Computer Reseller Business: The Components of Online Pricing
Many professionals today are enlisting the support of those in the computer reseller business, and the Internet has become an excellent tool for any computer reseller business looking to market products and services. Websites and online auctions help make products visible to people outside the computer reseller business' immediate community.
Components of Internet Pricing
Internet pricing involves several different factors: price; packaging; and delivery.
75). Computer Service Agreements: Looking Beyond the First Find
It seems that everyone is offering computer service agreements. Most IT consulting firms are capable of telling you what you need for your company, but not so many can actually combine expertise and hands-on training with invaluable diagnostic tools and speedy service all at prices your company can afford. These important attributes are what you should look for in your computer service agreements.
76). Computer Service Business Management: Delegating Responsibility
Effective management of a computer service business is incredibly important, and the ability to delegate responsibility is a critical skill for any manager. Good delegation allows a computer service business to run more smoothly. Delegation is more than the simple process of giving an employee a task to complete. It involves putting trust and confidence in an employee and giving him the power to complete a job.
77). Computer Service Business: Resources for Recruiting Personnel
You will need to recruit computer service business personnel not only at the start of a business but continuously after that. There are many resources available to those in the computer service business looking to hire employees, and a computer service business manager able to think creatively will attract better candidates. Advertising, referrals, promotions and the Internet are excellent sources for computer service business managers looking for new personnel.
78). Computer Service Company Management Requires a Leadership Style
As a computer service company manager, you need to know about different styles of leadership and learn to use one that will motivate your employees best. The four different types of styles that can be used by computer service company management are dictatorial, analytical, opinion seeking and democratic. While most managers will want to use the democratic style, there are other times when computer service company management has to use one of the others to get a job done correctly.
79). Computer Service Company Motivational Tips
Praise is very important to master for computer service company managers. When it is not used in the right way, it can be detrimental to a computer service company. There are five tips to help managers effectively deliver praise: use praise sparingly; be sincere; specify; ask for advice; praise in public. As a computer service company manager, you want to deliver praise in a way that will be perceived by employees as honest and inspiring.
80). Computer Service Company Perks: Employee Extras
Computer service company perks are much different from company benefits. Perks are extras for employees that help remind them the computer service company cares about their job satisfaction and is giving them something for free. Perks can include items like company cars, childcare, coffee and snacks and flextime.
Cars
Company cars are common perks given to employees of a computer service company because the profession, particularly for those involved in sales and service involves so much travel time.
81). Computer Service Repair and Expenses
In the computer service repair business, there are many expenses. If you can control the expenses of your computer service repair business, your profits will be increased. Increasing prices or decreasing expenses can show instant results for your clients and for your entire business. If you learn to control your expenses, you will better be able to predict and manage your cash flow.
82). Computer Service Repair Business and Providing Customer Service During All Aspects of a Sale
Customer service is a crucial part of the computer service repair business, because computer service repair is about working with customers to solve problems. All aspects of computer repair should be focused on the customer and his problem. There are three phases of customer service, and very often the first and last are ignored. The most important phases are customer service before the repair, during the computer service repair and after the service.
83). Consulting Rates - Can I Charge Premium Rates?
Consulting rates vary from business to business. Some people start up their own computer consulting business right out of school. Others have worked in the industry for many years before deciding to head out on their own. The reality is, not all computer consulting businesses are alike and not all consulting rates are alike either - their owners have different skills sets and experience levels.
84). Consulting Rates - What Are My Competitors Charging?
Consulting rates of your competitors provide an excellent starting point for your own billing rate analysis. If you know you competitor's consulting rates you can analyze various rate scenarios within a tighter range. You don't want to under or over price your own services and this information gives you valuable insight into what your target clients are currently willing to pay.
85). Consulting Salary - Are Your Rates Salary Equivalent?
Consulting salaries are very closely related to the hourly billing rates that you charge and the salaried equivalents that you can afford to pay both yourself and others down the road. The consulting salary you expect must be affordable given your hourly billing rates. This consulting salary must also be enough to attract sales and technical staff as your business scales up.
86). Consulting Salary - What Can Your Business Afford?
Consulting salaries are an important factor in your ability to hire the type of talent you will need as your business expands. You will probably do much of the work yourself, but as your business scales up you will need to employ others to help you. The consulting salary and payment scheme you offer will be key to attracting and retaining top talent.
87). Contingency Plans - Can You Handle Curve Balls?
Contingency plans are absolutely critical for first year business success. A contingency plan is what will help you deal with the curve balls that get thrown at you. Despite your best research and planning, you will encounter surprises: good and bad.
When you start your contingency plan you need to list out anything you can think of that will either positively or negatively impact your business.
88). Credibility Boosters For IT Consultants
Credibility is an important factor that will be weighed by your prospects. As an IT Consultant you should be actively thinking about ways to build your credibility. Whether it is through building your credibility at the local level or going for a more national reputation - the credibility factor is an important one to develop.
Your marketing activities need to center on building your credibility and making sure people hear your name.
89). Credibility Is Key For Successful IT Integrators
Credibility is an overused buzz word but it is so critical to business success that it can't be overlooked. As an IT Integrator you need to be seen as having high credibility. This is what will set you apart from your competitors.
Building credibility however, doesn't come overnight. To build up your credibility stock you need to get involved in the community.
90). Credit Policy - Rules For Successful Computer Consultants
Credit policies need to be set to protect yourself from non-payment. If you make sure you have clear credit policies from the start you will reduce your risk of nonpayment. To do this there are a few simple rules you should follow:
Rules For Credit Policies
With every written credit policy, include two or three sentences that explain credit is granted subject to credit approval.
91). Credit Terms - Tips For Controlling Your Receivables
Credit terms and policies for extending credit to customers requires a tight balancing act. You need to watch out for your money and protect your cash flow. You also want your services to be attractive to clients. By following a few simple rules about providing credit and setting credit terms, you will keep yourself in perfect balance.
Credit Terms Rule #1
With new clients, get paid as you do the work.
92). Customer Relationships And Your Financial Health
Customer relationships are what will determine the health and prosperity of your computer consulting business. It is critical to understand the different dynamics of customer relationships. By doing this you can identify places of risk in terms of non-payment.
Customer Relationships - Two Distinctions
There are two main customer relationship types:
Long-Term, Steady Clients
Your long term clients are your bread and butter clients.
93). Defining Terms of IT Service Agreements
In order to gain the trust of your customers, you need to plan in advance for IT service agreements. Important items such as clear benefits and prices will help you sell IT service agreements to future clients.
Rate Cards
A rate card is simply a short, one-page sheet that displays your typical prices in contrast to prices you offer under IT service agreements.
94). Direct Mail Advertising - 3 Essential Ingredients
Direct mail advertising has three critical components. This type of marketing can be hit and miss so knowing the essentials is very useful. If you use these direct mail advertising components when marketing your computer consulting business you will achieve great results.
Your headline is the absolute most important factor in direct mail advertising.
95). Direct Mail Campaigns Versus Relationship Marketing
Direct mail campaigns are the first marketing strategy most new Network Consultants think of. Unfortunately, direct mail campaigns are not always the most efficient or cost effective means of advertising; especially when you are first starting out.
Direct Mail Campaign Comparison
To launch a direct mail campaign you typically use postcards. Think about how many postcards you would have to mail out to get 100 people’s attention for a few minutes.
96). Direct Mail Campaigns: Tips For First Time Solution Providers
Direct mail campaigns are a great way to reach many prospective clients in one shot. There are many tips and tricks that will help you get the most out of your direct mail campaign. Rather than having to learn the hard way, we've assembled some of the most effective techniques for maximizing the return on your direct mail campaign efforts.
Direct Mail Campaign Secrets
If you are going to mail more than 1000 pieces, consider testing two headlines to see which one draws more inquiries.
97). Direct Mail Post Cards Compared To Networking
Direct mail post cards are one of the most popular ways to market a computer consulting business. Networking is one of the most effective ways to market. Let's look at how the two marketing techniques compare to one another. You can use this information to decide whether direct mail post cards are right for you.
For the most part, the leads that you get through direct mail post cards are not as high quality as the ones you get through networking.
98). Direct Mail Post Cards For Network Integrators
Direct mail post cards are a popular form of marketing for network integrators. They can be expensive though, so you need to set up your direct mail post cards correctly. Good direct mail post cards have good conversion rates, poor ones don't.
You should definitely be thinking about doing some direct mail in the first few months of operation. You don't want to do a huge blitz.
99). Do You Have the Personality for IT Consultation?
The industry of IT consultation is very competitive and requires very specific personality traits of its professionals. Before you begin a new IT consultation career, you need to make sure your personality fits the trade. A good consultant is a risk-taker with strong people skills. He can handle insecurity and has a good and steady support system along with the most important personal quality of integrity.
100). Establishing Criteria for Clients in the Computer Consulting Business
In the computer consulting business there are several ways you can best qualify clients to ensure you get the best accounts to help grow your business.
Proximity
The first thing to make sure of when looking for clients for your computer consulting business is that they are close to you, at least within a 30 to 60 minute drive from your location. Having a pool of potential clients nearby will help you make the most impact at networking events or any other marketing-related functions.
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