LAN networks are something you should discuss with every small business client you work with:  especially in terms of delivering Internet and email access.  The efficiency increases with LAN networks make it an almost essential feature of today’s workplace.

The typical objection you will get relates to the cost of a LAN network.  If you prepare your argument correctly and do some research, you will more than likely prove that having a LAN network actually saves money in the long run.  Here’s how:

Just as many of your small business clients install their first network to share and cost-justify the purchase of an “expensive” resource, like a color laser printer, discuss how the newly installed LAN network allows your clients to buy a bigger “pipe” (i.e. more bandwidth) to the Internet. Just as with the color laser printer, sharing a resource on the LAN spreads a fixed cost over a number of users.

Again, many of your small business clients may initially have just one or two analog dial-up ISP accounts. Small business owners may “think” this low-budget approach “works,” but in reality the standalone approach is almost always more expensive than it appears on the surface. Consider the following hidden costs of using the traditional stand-alone system:  

One Time Out-of-Pocket Expenses

  • Cost of modem    
  • Cost of telephone company setup for analog line    
  • Cost of inside wiring for modem jack, by telephone company or private contractor    
  • Any setup charges for the ISP dial-up account    
One Time Computer Support Costs
  • Researching and purchasing modem, and performing modem installation    
  • Ordering analog line from telephone company    
  • Hiring someone to install inside wiring for analog line    
  • Researching and ordering ISP dial-up account    
  • Configuring the ISP dial-up account on the PC and in related software applications    
Recurring Monthly Fixed and Variable Out of Pocket Expenses
  • Fixed charge for analog line, including tariffs and various calling and wire maintenance plans    
  • Any toll charges associated with reaching the ISP’s point of presence (POP), if ISP doesn’t have a local dial-up telephone number    
  • Any variable or metered charges (i.e. message units) for the analog line    
  • Monthly recurring fixed-charges for the ISP account    
  • Any variable or metered charges for the ISP account    
Recurring Monthly Computer Support Costs
  • Monitoring telephone bill to make sure charges are bona fide    
  • Monitoring credit card bill to make sure ISP recurring charges are bona fide, including ample time for dispute resolution    
  • Troubleshooting modem/PC, ISP account, and analog telephone line    
Bottom Line on LAN Networks
Installing and maintaining a LAN network will actually save your client money in the medium to long term.  Armed with the data and rationale presented here, you should be able to quickly quell any objections your client has to upgrading to a LAN network.

In this article, you’ve been introduced to LAN Networks. To learn more about how you can improve your knowledge about LAN Networks, just click here now to get access to a free one-hour audio training program on 5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Computer Consulting Business.