Computer Consulting: Handling the First Sales Meeting

In computer consulting, the initial sales process is really a pre-sales consultation, not a final sale. Because even a successful “sale” on a first phone call or meeting is not final, you need to communicate your professionalism and make an impact so you can distinguish yourself from other computer consulting firms.

Two ways to make an outstanding impression are to take a sincere interest in your potential customer’s business and problems, and get a definite handle on those problems so you can decide if your computer consulting business can provide the appropriate solutions.

FINDING “DIRT”

Sometimes you may look into a prospect and find out some unfavorable information about the person or their company that makes you not want to engage in a business relationship. The computer consulting sales call is a reciprocal interview. If you encounter some strange or generally peculiar information during the call, in background checks or in the news about the prospect, you may want to get out while you still can. It may seem strange to turn down business, but the time investment you give them before the sales call will be minimal, and you will escape a potentially horrible situation unscathed before it even has a chance to begin.

TIME EQUALS MONEY

Before the initial consultation, you will want to take half an hour or a bit more to compile some introductory information to give to your prospect. Even if you are efficient, with driving time, parking, tolls, research and the meeting itself, you will probably spend two or three hours on a client even before you’ve definitely provided them with any real services.

Use the hourly billing rate you are billing out for computer consulting service calls and calculate how much the consultation costs based on that, minus tolls, parking, gas and mileage. You will probably find that this amount really adds up, which is even more of a reason to make sure your prospect is really a good fit before the meeting. Qualifying the client by doing homework about them before-hand will help guarantee that your time and money is not wasted.

Created By: Joshua Feinberg

Network Support Contracts Can Provide Personal Help

Network support contracts are most commonly provided in the workplace to help maximize the efficiency of daily operations and also help professionals best keep their technology up and running. But students and others not using laptops for business purposes also need to be assured that their networking capabilities are insured. For these people, it may only take a few simple steps to get the peace of mind of a network support contract.

KEEP COMPUTERS RUNNING UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES

A well-plotted and stable network will keep you connected at all times. The purpose of network support contracts is to keep your network running all the time, uninterrupted. If you have a reliable network infrastructure, you will be able to get to files you left at work off-site, any day and at any time. Using professional consultants as part of network support contracts allows companies to give employees access from anywhere. Having these consultants accessible to not only implement but also monitor these networking capabilities will help promote business growth and peace of mind.

PERSONAL NETWORKS

People using their computers at home often want to set up personalized networking options, but find themselves feeling alone sometimes when it comes to the network support contracts they find to help them. No matter how skilled you are at navigating the process of not only setting up but maintaining these at-home networks, you have probably found yourself in need of the extra support provided by a high quality network support contract.

LOOKING FOR ONLINE SUPPORT

Those in academic and government arenas will typically get free network support contracts that help them connect to offices across the campus or between departments. Other people trying to set up networking capabilities can do speedy searches for network support contracts that will help them find Internet resources to trouble shoot when they need immediate or simple help. Online support contracts can provide a wonderful way to get personalized help particularly when balanced with in-person guidance.

Blogged By: Computer Consulting Kit

IT Marketing – Increasing Postcard Response

Take a look at the last postcard you sent out. When should prospects have contacted you? Was there a date by which they would lose the chance to get something for free? Did you only have a limited number of free analyses available? If your answer is "No," then your prospects had no reason to contact you now instead of ten months from now.

Urgency and scarcity are the keys to any great direct mail campaign. If there is only a limited opportunity for companies to contact you and get something for FREE, then they are much more likely to contact you quickly.

Finding Extra Help

If you want extra help writing the copy on your postcards, then you want to hire a direct response expert. Generally, this person will be a copywriter or a former employee at an advertising firm. An experienced writer will know what it takes to get people to respond, and they can take care of this area of business for you.

Postcards can be a vital part of your marketing plans but only if you do things the right way. Learn more about how to send postcards the right way for the best response in the complete article (link above).

Posted by Computer Consulting 101

Service Level Agreements – Improving From the Inside Out

Service level agreements are offered by many consultants so that you can use their expertise to make your business more productive and efficient. Consultants can offer advice on a variety of topics though their primary focus will be on your IT infrastructure.

Planning for the Future

An IT consultant can help you plan for your company's future. They can evaluate your existing setup and your expected growth to help you develop an infrastructure to support your future growth. They can also look at your business plan and develop strategies to cut costs and increase profits.

Introducing the Consultant

Now, the biggest problem you may face will be with your own employees. Some may not believe in bringing in consultants and they may be insulted by your move. There are two philosophies as to how you should bring a consultant into your company.

First, some people say that you should remain secretive about the consultant's existence. If your company is large this won't be a problem, but in smaller companies, your employees will find out quickly and will probably feel betrayed.

On the other hand, you can honestly and openly bring in the consultant. Introduce him or her to your employees and give your employees access to the consultant so that they can ask questions and give suggestions. You will keep your employees' trust and they may be able to make valuable contributions to the process.

Learn more about hiring a consultant and bringing him or her into your company in the article, Service Level Agreements – Improving Your Business From The Inside Out (link above).

Blogged by Joshua Feinberg

Computer Business News: Samsung Makes Driver Source Code Public

Samsung Electronics stated Wednesday that it intends to make the driver source code for its own OneNAND available to Linux/Open Source designers. Samsung spokesperson Jon Kang, senior vice president of technical marketing at Samsung Semiconductor, anticipates that this decision will be very exciting for this community of designers.

Open source code has become a driving force in the technology boom that has caused so many customers to welcome the benefits of mobility into their lives. Therefore, Samsung’s announcement is expected to be well-received in the open design arena, and its effects will be felt by even those outside the industry.

Samsung also claims that revealing the driver source code for OneNAND could very well permit consumer electronic goods designers to easily add OneNAND’s operational instructions to many products.
The design of OneNAND is complex, but incredibly efficient. The fusion architecture sports a single-level-cell (SLC) NAND core with SRAM and logic elements that successfully duplicate NOR Flash interface. OneNAND also offers a sustained data “read” speed of 108 MB/s. This speed is four times faster than regular NAND Flash memory. Samsung also asserts that OneNAND has a “write” speed of 10 MB/s, a speed that is more than 60 times faster than the typical multi-level-cell (MLC) NOR Flash memory.

Blogged By: Computer Consulting 101

U.S. IT Consulting Firm Bought by Fujitsu

Fujitsu, Ltd. Announced the purchase of a U.S. IT firm recently. The acquisition is an opportunity for the Japanese company to increase its clientele in North America.

A United States branch of Fujitsu, Fujitsu Consulting, will buy Rapidigm, a Pittsburgh-centered IT consulting firm that also holds offices in 22 additional major municipal markets in both the United States and India.

The Japanese company will be able to leverage its national IT consulting presence with the addition of Rapidigm as well as increase the company’s ability to deliver products and services offshore, according to Fujitsu Consulting representatives.

As soon as the process of buying Rapidigm is complete, Fujitsu Consulting will add approximately 1,200 U.S.-based consultants, which will make the total number at the North American IT consulting firm over 4,900. As part of the acquisition, Fujitsu will also add an additional 800 India-based consultants spread out between two development centers.

Even though the financial details of the purchase were not revealed, earlier it was reported that the price would be about 20-30 bin yen.

Added By: Computer Consulting Kit

Computer Franchises: What's Your Chance for Success?

One option to consider when starting a new business is a computer franchise. But do you have what it takes?

Buying computer franchises can reduce your risk for failure. Training, basic operating procedures, financial support and advice and many other perks are included in the initial fees associated with computer franchises. However, starting out and maintaining business is not necessarily easy, and you need to carefully consider before even embarking on this venture whether you have the qualities you need to succeed.

DETERMINING YOUR ABILITY TO RUN COMPUTER FRANCHISES

Before you consider running computer franchises you need to make yourself aware of your talents and abilities. Are your computer skills up to par? What is the nature of your experience? What will you need aside from technical skills in order to make this business work?

DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT PERSONALITY?

In order to be successful in the franchise business, you have to be naturally out-going and completely driven. You have to be capable of strong leadership, but also be able to work within the rules of the company. Therefore, you have to achieve a delicate balance between the flexible spirit of the entrepreneur and a more rigid corporate structure.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

Computer franchises are one of the biggest commitments a business owner can make. This being said, you have to be very qualified in order to meet the many challenges associated with this type of commitment and guarantee your own success. Your expertise in the computer field is certainly something to think about because it will help you meet the expectations of the company. If you have more knowledge you will spend less time on technical issues and be able to devote more resources to learn about and retain new procedures and protocol.

THINK ABOUT YOUR FAMILY

When you consider buying computer franchises, you have to think about your family. You will need to sacrifice a lot of time and energy to make the business work, and your family should be willing and able to accept the changes and all the risks associated with this endeavor. If your family is behind you 100 percent, you will be able to ease some of the stress. While owning computer franchises may not produce immediate success, if you make an educated decision you can have a rewarding and exciting experience.

Blogged By: Joshua Feinberg

Computer Maintenance Contracts Are the Ultimate Investment

If you have managed to decipher the fine print on the extremely complicated service contracts delivered by small companies, you will probably discover you don’t get much in terms of a warrantee. That’s because not many of these businesses have the type of credentials you need to ensure technical work that will help your company succeed. There are many different types of computer maintenance contracts, and some are better than others.

A FUTURE INVESTMENT

If you get your computer repaired the right way by a high quality computer maintenance contract, you are making one of the best investments you can in the longevity of your company. If you rely on someone without all the necessary credentials or training, you might permanently compromise the integrity and life of your delicate computer. You don’t need to take this risk, particularly when there are competent professionals out there who will proudly guarantee their work through professionally designed contracts and warrantees.

COMPANIES WITH REPEAT CLIENTS

You should always look for computer maintenance contract companies with work that lasts for months or more. A good company will have a strong base of repeat clients, businesses and consumer watchdog groups who keep supporting the work the professionals do and re-signing contracts again and again. If you go with computer maintenance contracts provided by unknown, small hobbyist-type companies with no base of loyal customers, you are gambling with important data and the future of your business.

THE RIGHT CONTRACT FOR YOU

If you learn as much as possible about the companies you look at to give you the right type of computer maintenance contracts you are protecting yourself for the present and the future. You want itemized lists and clear explanations within the contracts that will give you insurance you are getting what you are paying for. A credible and reputable firm will always have your computer ready to go again in a week or less.

Blogged By: Computer Consulting Kit

IT Marketing: Using Your Elevator Pitch

To practice your IT marketing everyday, you need to develop an effective elevator pitch. Let's say you get on the elevator on the 20^th floor with a woman who is well-dressed and looks like an executive. The two of you begin talking, and she asks what you do. Your reply is your elevator speech. Here are a few good examples:

"I’m xxx with xxx and we make it our business to help small and mid-sized businesses learn how to get the best benefits out of their computers, the Internet and networking productivity."

"Our service team specializes in on-site business service and networking solutions. We also provide consulting in the areas of network development and ongoing maintenance."

Then, you hand out your business card. If this person or her company is having computer problems, she is likely to ask you some questions and will probably be giving you a call. By the time the elevator doors open, you've made a contact and, potentially, a sale.

Learn more about the all-important elevator pitch and how and when to deliver it in the complete article.

Submitted by Computer Consulting Kit

Maintenance Contracts: Finding the Cause

Have you switched to a Mac to avoid many of the problems found when using Windows machines? If so, you need to realize that you still may face challenges when using your Mac. When trouble happens, you need to have a professional technician to call one through your maintenance contract.

What Kinds of Problems?

Well, you may face many different types of problems with any new machine. For instance, you may need help with your TCP/ICP settings or your AppleTalk- Mac settings. You may also find that integrating your Mac with a Windows machine may prove difficult. If this is the case, you want to know that your maintenance contract covers this type of assistance, and if you choose the right company it will.

Securing the Right Technician

There's one other obstacle you may face when finding a maintenance contract for your Mac – Many companies do not offer maintenance contracts for non-Windows machines. Thus, you want to have a maintenance contract with a consulting firm before you face any problems.

For more on securing the right technician for problems with your Mac, read the article, Maintenance Contracts Help Find the Cause of the Problem (link above).

Blogged by Computer Consulting 101

Are Employees Really Overworked or Are They Slacking?

Unproductive computer use by employees is one of the biggest problems in employee motivation and employer loss of time and money. According to some estimates, American businesses will lose up to 750 billion dollars this year, with many employees wasting 2-4 hours online daily.

With employment costs rising, employers are more interested in monitoring computer use by employees. Thus, many employers are interested in installing programs like Statlook that tracks usage by user and by amount of time and type of activity.

Statlook provides a variety of reports to help employers determine who is wasting time and what they are wasting their time on. Statlook offers a reasonable price that also appeals to many medium-sized businesses.

To learn more about Statlook and how it can help your clients, read the full article (link above).

Blogged by Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

Server Market Slows, But It’s Still Growing

IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Server Tracker reported today that worldwide server factory revenue has slowed by 0.2% this quarter. This is the first of this type of decline since 2003’s first quarter. Additionally, server unit shipments have slowed by 10.6%.

On a more positive note, volume systems server growth has increased by 7.3% year over year. According to Matthew Eastwood, program vice president of IDC's Worldwide Server Group said, "The volume server market continues to evolve as richer server configurations driven by both scale-out cluster implementations and scale-up server virtualization initiatives continue to drive increased customer spending.”

For more specifics on the growth ratings of the server market, read the complete article, Worldwide Server Market Slows in Fourth Quarter But Grows to $51.3 Billion in 2005, Highest Revenues in 5 Years, According to IDC (link above).

Added by Computer Consulting Kit

IT Marketing: Know the Decision Maker

Knowing the decision maker within a company is the key to making your IT marketing work. The same concept is apparent when you're trying to market at conventions or other events - you have to know where to go and who to talk to.

Inside a company, there is generally going to be one person who will make the decision about the IT consultant. Now, you might have to talk to someone else, but there's one person who has the final say. You want to find out who this person is before you contact the company. The more you know about them and how the company works, the better your chances of making a sale.

Most companies have one or two people in the decision making role: the person who signs the checks and pays the bills (often the owner in very small businesses) or the office guru, the person everyone turns to when there is a computer problem. The guru generally has another job, often as the office manager, but as the go-to person, they are often allowed to make the decision of who to consult.

After you know the decision maker and the basis of their decision, you will be better equipped to make your sale. With all the information you need, you can make the calls and enter the meetings with confidence. Learn more about this important topic in the complete article (link above).

Blogged by Computer Consulting 101

Computer Optimization and Service Contracts

Computer optimization includes a variety of services that experienced, certified computer service technicians can perform to keep your computer up and running. These services include everything from virus removal to diagnosis and repair of hardware problems.

But, all computer service contracts are not equal. Companies offer different services as parto f their contracts and they may or may not offer free estimates (if a company doesn't offer this service free, however, you should run!).

Transparency is key when you are choosing a computer consulting company and computer service contract. The company should be very specific about what their contract includes and what it doesn't. Also, they should be more than willing to explain anything listed in their contracts.

The best way to find out about great computer consulting companies is asking other companies and individuals you know for referrals. If that doesn't work, you can research companies on the web or call companies in your area with your specific set of relevant questions.

To learn more about finding a great computer consulting company and a service contract that's right for you and your business read the article, Securing Computer Optimization Through Computer Service Contracts (link above).

Added by Computer Consulting Kit

Network Maintenance Contracts for Hewlett Packard

Hewlett Packard has enjoyed great success in recent years, and as a result the company has had to add comprehensive tech support offered through network maintenance contracts to their repertoire. The steadily-growing company has become famous for its quality products and affordable prices, a combination that has brought both their desktop and laptop computers into offices around the globe. This boom means a need for reliable support so businesses around the world can keep running efficiently.

EQUIPMENT CRITICAL TO A MISSION

For most people, computers have become an absolute necessity. Just about everyone, both at home and at the office, needs reliable technology such as word processing and Internet access to function. Hewlett Packard has sapped into this need for computers and has made them accessible to nearly everyone that needs them. They are part of only a few companies that have been able to lower their prices and still keep product quality intact.

IN COMMAND OF A GLOBAL MARKET

Since Hewlett Packard computers are so prevalent throughout the world, the need for reliable tech support services obtained through network support contracts geared specifically towards the product line is real. Not all computers are created equal, and each brand has a different set of features and idiosyncrasies that need to be addressed by those with a lot of experience with that particular brand and its products.

Finding a tech support consultant that can offer assistance specifically for Hewlett Packard products is critical to keeping business and life efficient if you own that type of computer. A specialized consultant will save time, money, energy, and even teach you something about the investment you use every day. If you intend to own a Hewlett Packard machine, you need to make sure you secure support from network maintenance contracts that specialize in these products to guarantee you easily accessible tech support from the beginning of ownership and throughout the computer’s life.

Added By: Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

IT Sales: No More Free Consultations

Although a large part of IT sales is providing incentives to gain clients and keep your best customers, you have to be sure your business does not become too heavy on free consultations. Eventually you have to move from the spirit of the sales call to the actual sales.

Your initial sales call is not about proving to your client that you are smart and have a great deal of technical expertise or many certifications; the sales call is your opportunity to test client compatibility so you can move to the next phase of the IT sales process.

Your first order of business is to determine if the prospect is someone you can see you and your company working with long-term. Your prospect should read like other clients with which you’ve had success. Because you’ve done all the leg-work and asked questions about the size of the client’s company and his platform, your next stop in the IT sales plan is to make sure his personality fits your style and that the chemistry is right.

It pays off in the long run to spend about an hour discussing needs with a fairly good-sized small business opportunity and giving away some degree of free advice. But you should be prepared to stop that advice short and get to the meat of the IT sales drive – shifting the focus of the discussion towards hiring your consulting firm to perform an audit or a technology assessment.

FREE IS GUARANTEED TO BREAK YOU

If you keep your services free for too long, you will eventually run out of resources. Many small businesses will continue to take advantage of you if you continue to offer them free services and will move farther and farther away from a sale.

LEARN WHAT SERVICE FITS EACH PROSPECT

The best way to stop yourself from giving away free services is to learn as much about your client and what support you can offer him. Find out your client’s hot buttons well before the initial sales call and know how you will solve his problems. Be prepared to offer discounted and abbreviated services in order to captivate your client, but by no means guarantee him a completely free service.

If you think there may be long-term potential, and not just an immediate need, you can certainly afford to offer an hour of your expertise for free. But don’t decide to give away your time for free until you learn everything you can about each client’s specific needs.

Blogged By: Computer Consulting 101

IT Consulting Firm Offers Free Services in San Francisco Area

The web hosting firm ServerPlex Networks stated that its IT consulting division, ServerPlex Online will give free installation and configuration of 500 wireless networks in San Francisco. This campaign will hopefully encourage use of wireless networking by companies that normally would not have thought it was an option for them.

ServerPlex will also include a wireless router, security configuration and set up on up to two personal computers for individuals that take advantage of this offer. While businesses do not qualify for this promotion, they will receive a discounted rate on these items.

This campaign will hopefully bring wireless networks to both homes and businesses in the area. A company spokesperson explained that setting up a wireless network can be particularly confusing for those using it in their home. Since most people don’t know how to set up necessary security features for their networks to prevent online theft, this promotion will hopefully bring awareness and safety to users as the world enters the wireless Internet Age at full speed.

Added By: Computer Consulting Kit

Toy Pen - Rewriting the Internet

Perhaps you heard about LeapFrog's most popular toy this Christmas - the Fly Pen. Children using the Fly Pen have the ability to write words on digital paper and the pen understands them. Additionally the pen can name a state and the child can point to the state on a map, printed on digital paper; the pen will tell the child whether he or she is correct.

At first, Fly Pen simply sounds like a fun toy, but Anoto, a Swedish high-tech company who developed the underlying technology for the pen, hopes to bring the pen to the business and consumer worlds.

Fly Pen believes that the Fly Pen can be used to order flowers with the user telling the pen what it wants and the pen referring the buyer to a flower shop. The pen can also tell the buyer what types of flowers are available and the specials the store is offering.

Although an earlier version of the pen was developed and licensed by Logitech International, a Swiss company, theirs only offered one-way communication options. Anoto has bright hopes for the future, though, with their CEO of the U.S. subsidary, Jim Marggraff saying, "This is ultimately a billion-dollar industry, built on a platform that is already a success. We turn every page in your notebook into a Web page and any service you can do online."

Learn more about the possibilities that the pen will offer for the future in the article, Toy pen is poised to rewrite Internet access: New technology behind LeapFrog's innovative tool (link above).

Posted by Joshua Feinberg

Solution Providers: Microsoft Office Live May Take Over Web Hosting Market

Solution providers providing web hosting services for small businesses may have to look for other tasks to do if Microsoft’s latest product, Office Live, takes off as expected. Microsoft’s latest attempt at entering the managed services industry is a varied combination of interesting features that will appeal to most small businesses.

Microsoft will launch the Office Live product line in three forms: Office Live Basic, Office Live Collaboration and Office Live Essentials. The completely free Office Live Basic gives clients a domain name, simple design tools, five email accounts and reports on website traffic. Solutions providers that typically charge for these services will be most threatened by this package. It also will affect the sales of those that resell website hosting packages from major companies such as 1&1 Internet and others.

Test center engineers used the Basic package of Office Live to create a website and were amazed with the user friendliness of the product. It gave them the ability to create a very basic website and set up email accounts in a matter of minutes.

Office Live Basic is not totally perfect, however; the design tools provided only run through Explorer 5.5 and are limited. Those looking to create complex websites with any sort of finer detail will not be satisfied by this package. Luckily, a majority of small business owners will find that Office Live serves them well, particularly if they are just looking to create a calling card for themselves or create a static website.

Office Live Essentials, on the other hand, takes the program a step further and offers expanded features and tools along with Microsoft FrontPage support. Businesses that typically would hire a website designer to complete these tasks will find they no longer need one. Solution providers can use this to their advantage by offering affordable support. Similarly, they can use free hosting as a way to sell setup and training services for Office Live Basic.

A broadband connection along with a local copy of Microsoft Office is necessary to run all the packages, and makes syncing Outlook with the contact manager and project manager provided simple.

Office Live Collaboration gives users basic CRM and shared workspace capabilities to the mix and is free during the beta testing phase. The online workspace helps users share information and expertise with clients and others in the field.

Although many of the features of Office Live are easy to use and quite threatening for many solution providers, most small business owners will either need to have great technical skills or help to use the products. Microsoft is hoping the beta testing phase will end by the fourth quarter of this year.

Blogged By: Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

Tapping on-Demand Market With AppExchange

Salesforce.com has created a revolutionary platform for local solution providers. The on-demand customer relationship management (CRM) services provider is excited to be offering an effective marketing channel.

The Asia-Pacific branch of the company believes that Malaysian software developers and consultants in that area will be able to profit. "Local solution providers [can] go to market immediately and secure free market exposure to Salesforce.com customer and user bases."

AppExchange is also offering many other options in the areas of finance, document management, and credit and collections. Other new offerings also include electronic signatures, project management, mobile workforce management.

"With AppExchange, we are talking about using software as a service. Just log on, pay a subscription fee and all software maintenance and the upgrades will be taken care of by us. That frees the company to be able to focus on their core competencies."

Learn more about AppExchange and all the opportunities in the complete article (link above).

Submitted by Computer Consulting 101

Onsite Computer Service Contracts - A Growing Trend

There are two types of computer service contracts: off-site and on-site. Let's talk about why on-site services are generally the best way to go.

Why Lose Valuable Time?

When your computer goes down, you don't have time to spend without it. You need it fixed immediately. Many companies offer onsite computer service contracts where the technicians actually come to your office and, if at all possible, they fix your computer on-site. This revolutionary service replaces instructions over the phone with an experienced technician arriving right at your doorstep.

Sorting the Wheat from the Chaff

Not all companies or service agreements are created equal. Some are always better than others. Finding a reliable company is easy if you do your research. Talk to people you know for recommendations, research companies on the Internet, and always read the fine print on every contract. For the few extra dollars you'll spend on a service contract with a great company, you'll save hundreds of hours of frustration. Learn more about this important part of your business in the full article (link above).

Submitted by Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

IT Marketing - Postcard Case Study

Sending out postcards is a common way of promoting your business, but there a few common pitfalls that you need to know - and avoid. Take this case study as an example:

“I’ve sent out over 300 postcards that offered general computer troubleshooting services, automated online data backup and wireless home networks. From a marketing standpoint, I purchased lists of area businesses broken down by revenue, credit rating, years in business and number of PCs. The wireless home networks postcards were sent to homeowners whose homes were purchased for over $500,000, and I sent the automated online data backup postcards to people that had a recent new business license. Meanwhile, the general services list went out to accountants, lawyers, and small clinics.

“So far, I have found the results to be very disappointing. I haven't received a single phone call or response. Are these the wrong lists? Are postcards the wrong media? Do you have any suggestions in this area that may enhance response?

Don't Be Too Hopeful

Think about your marketing strategy realistically. 300 postcards simply isn't a lot. At .60 per postcard, you spent a total of $180. Now, it was probably a good investment, but you can't expect thousands of dollars of business from it. Don't get discouraged, but realize that with such a small sample (1,000 is ideal) you may or may not receive responses.

What Should Your Postcard Include?

What type of copy is on your postcard? Is the headline compelling? Do you present your expertise? Did you provide a deadline by which they should call in or use a coupon? Remember this: they never have to open an envelope so they're sure to see your copy, but it's your job (or your copywriter's job) to make sure that it's compelling.

Learn more on sending postcards and the common pitfalls in the complete article (link above).

Blogged by Joshua Feinberg

Support Contracts Facilitate Information

Network support contracts are a key component in ensuring a business runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Because the best network specialists offering support contracts are so used to handling many problems at once on a daily basis, they are the ultimate multi-taskers, and thus invaluable as support systems for busy companies.

Network specialists are daily asked to meet a multitude of demands. A problem that needs attention under a network support contract can be an easy one like installing a laptop network card, or it can be incredibly difficult and mean completely revamping a network with thousands of users.

A network specialist has a difficult job; he has to know how a network operates and how the computers within that network interact with each other and the network as a whole. On top of that, a good network specialist must know all about many different types of software programs and hardware implements if they are to offer comprehensive support contracts.

INFORMATION SHARING MADE MORE EFFICIENT

The need for constant information sharing in today’s many industries has appeared as individuals have become more reliant upon computers to complete most elements of their jobs and their many daily responsibilities. Companies need far more than face-to-face, word-of-mouth communication in the modern workplace, and must share information from virtually every area of business in order to succeed.

Providing employees with a dependable local network through which they can interface and have access to the information and resources they need to exchange ideas is critical to company success and growth. Many companies cannot feasibly afford a full-time network specialist. This is the situation that will lead a conscientious business to specialists obtained through reliable network support contracts.

Added By: Computer Consulting Professional Kit

IT Audits: What's Next?

With most clients, the minute you establish a relationship after the IT audits are finished, you should start immediately executing a project plan. This plan should be very detailed and regimented, with spreadsheets that will help systematize elements of the project. Through IT audits you will get an idea of the order of priority for certain tasks and know what has to be accomplished immediately vs. what can wait until a bit later or be placed on a wish list.

WHAT IS A WISH LIST?

The items on a wish list are tasks that have to be completed because they are controlled by a vendor or regulatory agency, or because a product is going to become useless and will no longer have support. Wish list projects will typically have fairly inflexible completion dates. As a person conducting the IT audits, you should treat wish list items as a full-time IT manager. Keep track of them and put them on the wish list according to the month during which they must be completed; they could very well represent your long-term revenue.

STAY ORGANIZED

Once you complete an IT audit, you need to start by organizing the tasks you identify. Organizing is no more difficult than working with a standard Excel document. Set up some columns, including perhaps Month, Estimated Labor Cost, Hardware Cost, and perhaps a column that represent outside contractors the company will need to finish the project or other important extra items you think they will need to track. You may determine that some tasks fall outside your area of expertise, and as a responsible IT professional, you will provide them with the best solutions to fulfill their needs, which often will involve you calling in for extra help where you need it.

Creating a wish list and staying organized will help you plan for the future while keeping the best interests of the company in mind.

Added By: Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

Computer Business Lenovo Builds Strength Through Olympics

As the official computing partner of the 2006 Olympic Games, the computer business Lenovo is helping athletes keep up with training programs, friends and family, and manage their careers. The athletes are not the only ones benefiting from Lenovo computers; journalists, judges and all those supporting the Torino games are giving the computer company the chance to be globally recognized, and only a year after the Chinese company bought out IBM’s personal computer business.

Thanks to the Olympic Partnering Plan, Lenovo is enjoying a rare worldwide marketing opportunity by providing athletes and other game-goers with hardware, and infrastructure that is helping to provide information and support for all involved in the event. Approximately 5,000 Lenovo desktop PCs, 350 servers and almost 1,000 notebook computers are running the four main programs of the Games -- Games Management Systems, Games INFO 2006 System, Venue and Central Results System, and Commentator Information System. Together, these programs are helping run everything from judge’s scoring to personal emailing capabilities.

The Olympic Village in Torino, Italy is host to seven high tech Internet lounges, accessible to athletes, trainers, coaches, judges and journalists. Lenovo is also maintaining a Champions Blog maintained by 11 Olympic athletes from the United States, Slovenia, Norway, Germany, and China that have agreed to participate in a special drive to build worldwide unity by reporting on their experiences. The side benefits for Lenovo have been increased brand awareness and a new push for their business.

The Olympic Games are not just one big marketing campaign for the company. Lenovo gave the opportunity for 100 Lenovo employees to travel to Torino to take part in the excitement of the game and hopes the experience will boost company morale.

Added By: Computer Consulting 101

Network Consulting: Onsite Chicago Acquires Newtek Computers

IT outsourcing company Onsite Chicago announced February 17 that it would be in charge of maintenance for computers at Newtek Services. The network consulting firm Onsite Chicago will be managing computers at the Newtek Chicago satellite office.

Newtek Business Services, Inc., in business since 1999, is one of the largest providers of financial products and business services and serves small-to-medium-sized companies all over the U.S. The company has been looking for a network consulting firm to manage their computers for quite some time with little success until they came across Onsite Chicago. A spokesperson for the network consulting firm stated that Newtek was at a point where it needed immediate support and reliable services for its computer systems, and had a difficult time finding the right fit to fulfill those needs. Onsite Chicago came into the picture at the perfect time. Since the Newtek Chicago site has been offline for quite some time, exterior sites are starting to feel the effects. Onsite Chicago hopes to immediately rectify this problem and help increase Newtek’s efficiency as a company.

Onsite Chicago brings business technology consulting services to network consulting firms in the Chicago area. The company has over 1700 Gold subscribed clients in Chicago that represent a wide range of sizes and industries.

Blogged By: Computer Consulting Professional Kit

IT Audits: What Do Clients Seek?

Performing IT audits for clients means identifying their issues and providing solutions. The key to uncovering problems is anticipating questions they will ask during the audit.

QUESTIONS HELP WITH THE NEEDS ANALYSIS

Your main question, as the one conducting the IT audit is, “What are prospective clients seeking?” The truth is, their needs have not really changed in quite some time. The main thing they want during the audit is guidance on what they should buy. They want to know what platform and product will best work with their specific set-up and what will give them the best value. Your job is to spend several hours assessing their situation to determine what they have and what they will need. Your main job is to map a plan to coordinate different products and platforms that will specifically address their business issues.

WHAT ELSE DO CLIENTS WANT?

Your potential customers might also want to gain other information and services from you when you conduct IT audits, including the following:

1. Informal and formal training that includes end user training and administrator training.
2. Coordination of routine and scheduled upgrades to their systems.
3. Contact with outside vendors for installation of a package specifically designed for their industry.
4. Network installation and maintenance.

Regardless of what a client needs or wants, the main thing they seek is one place that can take care of all their issues easily and efficiently. As their technology advisor, they want to be able to rely on you and put their faith in you in the same way they would depend upon a legal advisor or a marketing consultant. IT audits can give your potential clients faith in you and determine what they will need from you in the future.

Posted By: Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

Network Maintenance Contracts are Critical for Business

Because so many more businesses have found themselves in need of reliable tech support in the past several years, the number of available network maintenance contracts has increased significantly. Our world has been forever changed by computers, and we find ourselves reliant on them for almost every aspect of business. While computers have certainly affected our lives positively, their existence has presented us with a new set of technical challenges for our companies. Because very few of us are able to solve all the problems we may run into, network maintenance contracts that provide the best support for our businesses are essential.

COMPUTERS … EVERYWHERE

Computers have transformed both our professional and personal worlds more than any other invention of the 20th Century. The Internet and PC’s have transformed communication and provided virtually unlimited access to a huge amount of information. Because we rely so much on the Internet and PC’s as a society, network maintenance contracts are absolutely essential to keeping life moving smoothly and uninterrupted.

Most people will agree that phenomena such as email and word processing are key elements of both their personal and business lives. But many people also take for granted the speed and efficiency that computers have brought to their daily lives until disaster strikes. This is when tech support available through a good network maintenance contract is absolutely most critical.

ONLINE COMPUTER HELP

Computers are not very useful unless they are kept running smoothly and on track. When they break down, they can be a hassle that saps time and energy. When computers stop working, online tech support and network maintenance contracts can save the day. The can eliminate the frustration typically associated with a broken computer and provide hope and tangible solutions to busy professionals.

Network maintenance contracts give you more control over your IT network and can help you gain knowledge about your PC and how it fits into a larger system. You will be able to use tech support contractors not only to maintain and repair your computers on a daily basis, but also to teach you more about your IT network or PC so that you can make your business as efficient as it can possibly be.

Blogged By: Joshua Feinberg

IT Marketing: Multitasking is Key

A successful marketing campaign requires that you use two or more tactics to reach your prospective clients. Multitasking lets you approach prospective clients through several avenues so that you reach a variety of clients in the ways that appeal to them most.

Targeting

The key to marketing, however, is targeting. Each campaign should have a specific audience in mind. Generic campaigns rarely reach prospective clients, especially not your sweet spot clients. Instead, you should choose an area where you have expertise and let prospects know that you can successfully help them in that area.

Try Numerous Tactics

From postcards to telemarketing to Internet ads, make sure that you try several different avenues to reach prospective clients. Not everyone will read a postcard, but they may respond to a personal call about your services.

Evaluate Your Success

Every quarter you should evaluate the success of your marketing methods. Keep up with how much you spend on each and make sure that you talk to clients about how they found out about your company. Keep the methods that work and dismiss those that didn't.

For more on multitasking when running your marketing campaigns, read the entire article (link above).

Added by Joshua Feinberg

IT Service Contracts: Focus on Your Business

What should be your primary focus in your business? The answer: Your business. One of the first keys to success is learning to delegate. Delegating everything from your accounting to your IT consulting needs will keep you focused on running your business.

What is a Service Agreement?

An IT service agreement can cover a variety of services from checking your computer for the latest updates to helping you plan for your future computer needs. Before shopping for a service agreement begin thinking about what services you need from an IT consulting firm.

Finding a Great IT Consulting Firm

So, how do you find the right company to help you with your IT needs? First, you want to shop around. Find a company who will let you speak with references so that you can evaluate their track record. Also, many companies will offer free quotes for services, thus saving you a lot of money. If a company doesn't offer this service, you should probably keep shopping.

To find other great hints for choosing an IT service agreement and consulting firm, read the article, IT Service Contracts Allow You To Focus On Your Business (link above).

Blogged by Computer Consulting 101

Fast Track Training & Certification for CompTIA RFID

Expertise in RFID is currently in high demand. Companies and individuals with certification can gain a corner on this important market. Offered by RFID World 2006, this new vendor neutral certification can assist IT consultants in gaining the expertise they need on a variety of different software solutions.

With the limited amount of time most consultants have to train and receive certification, the fast track program allows consultants to learn everything they need to be prepared for all their clients' RFID needs.

According to Sanjiv Dua, CEO of RFID4U, "With the usual four days of material, compressed into one jam-packed day of intense training, individuals can benefit from an efficiently delivered program in record-breaking time. This program is recommended for individuals with certain prerequisite skills. Participants in our fast-track training program should have a working knowledge of basic RF fundamentals, tags and various types, readers or Interrogators and standards, as well as current RFID market awareness."

For more on the fast track RFID training, read the complete article (link above).

Added by Joshua Feinberg

Microsoft, EMC, and IBM All Eye Enterprise Search

Although Google and Yahoo! are the leaders in search capability software, other major companies are trying to catch up. Realizing that they are miles behind, Microsoft, EMC, and IBM are all rushing to create their own web search and enterprise search systems.

Microsoft’s Windows Vista represents Microsoft’s entrance into the search software market. The new search capabilities will be available on the Start Menu, and it will allow users to search the contents of a document for just a few keywords.

Many of these companies are planning to sell their software via Value Added Resellers (VARs) since their research has shown that most SMBs do not purchase products from normal retailers but instead take advice from their IT consulting firms.

To learn more about the opportunities with enterprise search software and why some companies are excited about the possibilities, read the full article (link above).

Submitted by Computer Consulting 101

Software Support Contracts: A Step Toward Success

Designing and building databases becomes much easier with a software support contract. You will have experts working for you who can guide you through the planning process and develop the right type of database for you.

From modifications to your IT system and infrastructure to basic planning for future endeavors, your software support contract will serve you well. Instead of keeping up with all the newest technologies and making all the hard decisions, you can leave some of that to the experts.

Choosing a Company

Choosing the right company is your most important decision in the process. You want a company who can offer superior skills, great customer service, and the insight needed to understand your company and your needs.

Finding that company is easy when you know what to look for. Find a few more tips in the full article (link above).

Blogged by Computer Consulting 101

IT Marketing: Your Elevator Pitch

You've probably heard of the elevator speech before. You know, the speech you should always have prepared so that if you meet someone in an elevator on the 20th floor, they should know about your company and why they should work with you by the time you get to the bottom floor.

Your elevator speech should be second nature to you. Practice it with your coworkers or spouse and keep it written on an index card that you can review before meetings so that you are always prepared to sell yourself and your company.

Eventually, you'll get tired of selling your elevator speech, but every time you say it, your prospect should feel the same energy and enthusiasm that you gave the first time. Learn more about creating your own elevator speech in the complete article (link above).

Submitted by Joshua Feinberg

IT Audits: How to Handle Prospects

When you make an initial sales call to a prospect, unless they have an immediate emergency for you to handle, you really want to try to push IT audits. IT audits and half-day technology assessments are the perfect way to introduce a potential long-term client to your IT services. There are several approaches you can take when selling IT audits.

QUICK EQUALS FREE

If you’re looking to grab your prospect’s attention quickly and memorably, a stripped-down, free version of an IT audit might be the way to go. Go in and sit down with your client for half an hour and give them a basic list. If you spend any more time than half an hour, and start to look at details such as hubs, switches or any equipment lay-out or configurations, you are well beyond the limits of what would be considered reasonable for a free assessment. While giving a prospect the feeling that they are getting something valuable for free from you is important in building the foundation of a great business relationship, you should still work within the limits of what is cost-effective for you. Value your services, and your client will too.

CHARGE FOR LONGER ASSESSMENTS

If you start to enter the realm of more thorough IT audit involving equipment analysis and anything else more detailed, bill your prospect. Even if you offer your prospect a free tech assessment or IT audit over the phone, make it clear what is involved, and set up a rate in case you run into a situation on the spot where your client wants more than originally agreed upon.

Created By: Computer Consulting Kit

Computer Repair Franchises: The Whole Truth About Cost

Computer repair franchises can be huge investments, both in terms of money and time. But they can provide you, as the future owner a great deal of benefits not available to other entrepreneurs. Before you envision the possibilities of your franchise, you have to do a careful cost analysis.

LOCATION

Some computer repair franchises don’t offer help with finding location, but some do. Make a careful list of travel expenses, market data, competitive analysis and other real estate-related costs.

DEPOSITS

Since your potential building landlord will need a deposit for leases and property, you will need to take this into account when detailing your budget. But don’t forget to also include the costs of business licenses, phone and utility deposits.

ARCHITECTS, CONTRACTORS, LANDSCAPERS AND OTHERS

Sometimes entrepreneurs investigate locations for franchises that haven’t yet been built. If you are looking at an unbuilt franchise, make sure you don’t miss hidden costs. Certainly you will have to pay architects and contractors, but what will you pay them to do? It will cost you extra money to have them prepare drawings and also make lists of materials they will need to start construction.

Once construction begins, the real cost enters the picture. Physically building your franchise will of course cost a significant amount of money and time in man-hours. Landscaping will become an issue at this point as well; you will need built-in items such as sprinkler systems. Even if you are leasing a space, you will need to consider repairs, improvements and general redesign to fit your particular franchise.

EQUIPMENT, FIXTURES

Once you’ve taken care of the franchise building from the outside, you will need to envision what is going to go inside. Desks, chairs, computers, telephones and decorations will need to be either leased or bought.

INSURANCE

Your best-case scenario for insurance as a computer franchise owner will be that you only need to pay a deposit for premiums. But many insurance requirements will demand that you pay up-front for the first year. You will need to include everything from auto to worker’s compensation and property or casualty.

Working capital will cover the cost of start-up for most computer repair franchises, but you should expect not to make a profit for at least the first few months. Regardless, you should seek the advice of an accountant or trained financial expert before embarking on your exciting venture.

Blogged By: Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

The Hottest New Solutions at RSA

Network Access Control: The Newest Need

The hot topic at this week’s RSA conference is going to be Network Access Control. One of the main threats to corporations is that an employee can take a laptop offsite, log in to the corporate network, and spread a virus. Although it may take a while, companies are going to realize more and more that Network Access Control is an essential for business and VARs should be preparing to meet the need.

Data Recovery: In the Spotlight

After disasters like Hurricane Katrina, providers and retailers alike are more aware of data security and data retrieval issues in all industries. According to Monte Robertson, president of security solution provider Software Security Solutions in Lakewood, Colo, services that use no tapes and provide off-site backup will be in high demand this year.

Preparing For Your Future

To learn more about what the experts are predicting for 2006, read the complete article about what is happening at the RSA convention (link above).

Blogged by Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

TCS and Stanford University to Research Data Privacy

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced today that it has joined with Stanford University to research data privacy and develop better solutions. The joint collaboration between researchers at TCS and the Computer Science department at Stanford will begin immediately and they have signed an agreement to continue their work together for the next five years.