Archive for 'Project Management' Category
IT Support and Wearing Multiple Hats
When you are just starting your IT support company, you will most likely be wearing all the hats. You will be responsible for sales, technical support and administrative duties, until the company is established enough to justify delegation of certain tasks to a salesperson or a few different technical staff members. Wearing Multiple Hats is [...]
Advice for a Consulting Business: VARs Give Tips for Success
A professionally-administered survey from Dynamics Markets released earlier this week determined that only one in three IT projects meets expectations. So what advice for a consulting business is there to help with this phenomenon? Dynamics Markets surveyed 800 middle and senior IT managers in large companies in eight different countries for Tata Consultancy Services. Nearly [...]
Project Management: Pricing IT Audits
Part of project management in IT consulting is figuring out how to price IT audits. Pricing IT audits should be based on your rate, but you will have to also be prepared to offer a discount to get to the next step in IT sales. Your Hourly Rate is Your Guide When dealing with project [...]
IT Spending: How Do You Use a Budget Surplus?
If your main focus is to sell to government, non-profit or educational institutions, your computer consulting firm might be used to working with on-the-fly IT spending and the next steps. However, when you are working with mainly small businesses, you probably don’t want to ascribe to the “use it or lose it” IT spending concept. [...]
IT Consulting Services for Large Small Businesses
When you work in IT consulting, you have the option of offering a lot of different services to many different sizes of companies. How can you fulfill the needs of large small businesses? The key is to pick two or three of the networking skill sets you use with the sweet spot. You could pick [...]
IT Consulting Rates and Knowing What to Charge
IT consulting rates are slightly different depending upon where in the world you reside. The IT consulting rates mentioned in this entry will be based in U.S. dollars, so make sure to do some conversions. These rates work well for populated suburban areas and major metropolitan areas. If you are in an area of low [...]
News for VARs: Oracle Offers New Program for Resellers
Oracle announced last week that it would be rolling out a program for VARs that work with the small business market. Its new VARs order process will allow resellers to order directly through distributors without membership in its partner program. This new idea is in part an attempt to help the company stay competitive with [...]
Computer Resellers Flock Towards ArmorCore Program
Recently, solution provider ArmorCore Technologies LLC announced a program for computer resellers looking to specialize in storage and security solutions. The company stated it would recruit 30-40 storage and security computer resellers in the proceeding six months to help build the program and meet its quota for data recovery, data backup and security products. [...]
How Does IT Support Work for Micro Small Businesses?
Part of understanding how you will provide IT support for businesses is knowing where you are when it comes to the competition. Making expensive mistakes will take up too much precious time and effort. Micro Small Businesses and IT Support Those businesses with 1-10 PCs that make anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million per [...]
Specialization is Key for Solution Providers
More and more solution providers are learning that specialization is critical to providing the best tech services. A recent research study conducted by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) confirmed this idea. CompTIA shared findings with solution providers at its Managed Services Summit in Coronado, CA last week. The organization polled 332 managed technology users [...]
IT Support Means Valuing Your Time and Charging Appropriately
Don’t set IT support rates too low, or you will have to work harder than you have to in order to keep your business running. As a computer consulting professional, you need to make sure you don’t provide anything for free. IT Support: Make a Profit You should not run into a situation with [...]
Project Management: Offer Better Than Average Service
Sometimes the processes that keep business running smoothly can benefit your customers as well as your business. Technology is constantly evolving, so keep on top of the current developments that can help you deliver the best service possible to your clients. Read on to see what one of our computer consultants implemented and how it [...]
Systems Integrator – Understanding the Client Relationship
Systems integrator projects translate to effectively working with another organization. The systems integrator who has a clear understanding of the client relationship will be able to work efficiently. A satisfied customer is the goal for every systems integrator. Understanding the Client Relationship A systems integrator should remember three important factors when working with a client. [...]
Technology Consultant – Monitoring Project Performance
Technology consultant work consists of large and complex projects. Every technology consultant is responsible for monitoring their projects. Tracking the progress will ensure that the objectives are met and the job runs smoothly for the technology consultant. Monitoring Project Performance Understanding the monitoring process will allow a project to stay on course. Several factors should [...]
Technology Consultant – Project Management Essentials for Success
Technology consultant jobs will require knowledge of project management. Projects will flow more smoothly and achieve the desired outcome if a technology consultant is aware of a few essential tips. A technology consultant should have clear goals, plan, communicate effectively, and be flexible. The Essentials for Project Success Clearly defined goals are the first step [...]
Becoming an I.T. Consultant – Determining Your Role
Generally, a client hires an I.T. consultant to achieve a set goal. Traditionally, a consultant was retained for their advisory capabilities only. Presently, there is more of trend towards a consultant who advises then carries out the plan. Sometimes, you may want to simply carry out a planned project. I.T. Consultant Roles The Advisory Role [...]
Computer Repair Prices – Determining Your Fees
Computer repair prices can be determined using a variety of methods. Consider four of these methods before setting computer repair prices. Just remember that deciding on computer repair prices is not an exact science. There is no right or wrong decision – only the right choice for you! Four Price Setting Methods Market Pricing This [...]
Computer Networking Business Operation – Applying the 80-20 Rule
Computer networking business owners will take on many new management skills. Applying the 80-20 rule will assist them in better managing a computer networking business. Computer networking business owners are not always natural managers. These skills must be honed while operating the computer networking business. The 80-20 rule is a useful tool for managing a [...]
Computer Consulting Proving Ground Projects Are a Good First Test
A great way to see if you and potential clients are a good fit is by first trying "proving ground projects." In this article, you’ll learn how proving ground projects are essential before signing any long-term agreements for computer consulting. Proving Ground Projects Defined Proving Ground Projects are the first projects computer consulting professionals complete [...]
IT Support: Areas of Responsibility with Your Clients
Many different responsibilities are included in providing IT support to your clients. In this article, you’ll learn which areas need to be a part of your comprehensive services. Coordinating Telecommunications Solutions With sweet spot clients, you’ll probably end up coordinating your IT support with the local telephone company, whether it’s a CLEC (competitive local exchange [...]