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Starting a computer consulting business

Because there are so many different technology companies these days we've decided to split out the on-line or web based companies. This section is for the brick and mortar tech companies. The on-line and web based business portals can be accessed from the menu at the right or by clicking here.

You've got the skills or you wouldn't be here, so why not start a computer consulting business?
If you're like many in the information technology game you're probably growing increasingly frustrated with the current job market. Yes there are jobs out there but many companies are opting to outsource technical positions. Those that aren't trapped in the outsourcing cycle have more work piled on them at the same pay. The third factor is with the job market getting tighter, advancement within the company becomes more difficult. This dynamic is crossing all spectrums of information technology. Everyone from the desktop support technician to the CIO is facing the same challenges. It's enough to make you say, "I've had it, I'm starting my own consulting firm!"

Not so fast. There's a problem!
If you're anywhere near a major metropolitan area, how many others do you think have the same idea? Even in mid-market areas like Cincinnati Ohio, and Jacksonville Florida, the answer is thousands. When you get in to the even larger markets like Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York, it can, and often is, be in the tens of thousands. Now most of these places don't even register on the map. They're not computer consulting firms so much as lone wolfs. Independant contractors scrounging around for every one or two hour gig they can get. This supply of course puts downward pressure on the rates you can charge as a consultant. Before you answer, I'll just match the other consultants rates, you need to read setting hourly consultant fees. Price matching for a consultant of any kind is not on the path to success.

The business end of starting in computer consulting
Even if you absolutely love what you do, you're no longer a consultant, you're now a business person. This means you've got to do all of those things business owners do. You'll need to either do the back office work, or you'll have to hire someone to do it for you. These are the business functions like paying bills, invoicing, and paying your taxes. But you'll also need a marketing plan, some basic sales skills, and an operations plan. Most computer consulting firms start out with one person. But what happens when you get sick or want to take a vacation? You need to grow the business to have a business. This is the toughest part for most consultants to make. You need to transition in to a viable and growing entity. I know far too many people who've gotten trapped by one good gig, and then they lose the gig, or are pinched by the customer to become a full time employee. The more customers and employees your consulting business has, the more flexibility you have.

Is starting a computer consulting business a good idea? It depends on your skills and location.
For hundreds of people starting a computer consulting company isn't a dream, it's a necessity. The changing job market has pushed thousands of skilled IT people in to lower paid positions, or in to outsourcing roles with companies that don't even acknowledge them as employees. So we strike out on our own and start our business only to find the competition is fierce. So what's to be done?
Read starting a computer consulting business tips and advice.

Growing the computer consulting, network integration firm.
The easy growth days of the late 90's are long gone. The competition has grown, and it's being fed by very small (one man operations). businesses that are really just self employed techs. So how do we grab the market share back from them?
Read growing your computer consulting business

Setting fees for you consulting business.

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