A lot of new computer consultants often e-mail or call me to ask whether I think their skills and background are well-suited for small business computer consulting.
So let me give you my insight.
Unfortunately a lot of beginners sell themselves short ...very short ...and don't realize just how valuable and marketable their technical skills ARE!
I've found there are all different levels.
Just as there are all different levels of IT professionals (from level 1 help desk all the way through to senior systems architects, IT directors, etc.), there are all different levels of small business IT consultants.
For the most part though, small businesses are often YEARS behind the curve technology-wise and can often benefit greatly even from rather basic desktop support IT skill-sets (i.e. help with Microsoft Office, notebooks, PDAs, QuickBooks, ACT!, etc.).
If you pursue this route, you should definitely partner up with some other computer consultants for more technical tasks (LANs, WANs, software development, etc.).
Do your friends, family members, co-workers, etc. come to you for informal computer help?
In other words, do others see you as an expert?
If so, there's more than likely a good, strong viable marketplace for your background.
If you enjoy working with technology and helping other people solve their computer problems, and you're good at showing other people how to use PCs and software to solve their business problems, small business computer consulting can be a great way to go.
Best,
- Joshua
Joshua Feinberg, co-founder ComputerConsulting101.com http://www.computerconsultingkit.com/
