Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

Dear Msauro,

Good for you for taking action.

To help you, you'll need to offer forum contributors a little more information on the services you'll be offering. Who's your ideal customer? What problems do they have? How can you fix those problems, at what price points, and with what specialized knowledge?

Will you be selling used equipment, reselling new gear, offering software training, doing technical trouble shooting, offering server maintenance, or doing something different?

Where are you? What area will you be serving? Why should people spend money with you? What makes you different or better than any other supplier?

Whatever it is, tell us! The more specific you can be, the better for all concerned.

I hope this helps and I look forward to helping you even more if I can.

Gary Bloomer
Wilmington, DE, USA

Are you sure you want to start your business with a very small marketing budget? It's very difficult to get the awareness you need in the marketplace without either investing some funds in marketing or waiting a long time for the "slow build" to happen. (And you'll get hungry while you're waiting.)

I've read that 90% of new businesses fail within the first 5 years, and most of those don't even make it to year 3. The most common reasons? (1) Undercapitalized; (2) Don't really understand the role and importance of marketing; (3) Think that somehow their skills, product and hard work will overcome the first two.

We can definitely help with the start-up marketing plan for you once you answer Gary's questions. But I'd also urge that you think long and hard about trying to start a business without adequate funds to do a great job on your initial launch and your year 1 marketing efforts.

This is not to say that we can't take a small budget and make it look bigger, but there's a limit to how much magic we can work, and I'd hate to see you blow a small investment in marketing by not being able to stick around long enough to see it work.

Your post is confusing in that it is entitled: "Computer Consultant Marketing" but the body of the post leads one to believe you are interested in computer repair.

Which is it?

The strategies for marketing "Consultant" services are world's apart from computer repair.

First off, thank you for the responses. Thank you MGoodman for the concerns of a start up and to Gary, want to offer all of those services. Thank you Jay for a few ideas to target.

I'll try to clarify what I am looking for after a bit of background.

I am a computer professional with a support background for over 28 years. I have performed inhouse and field work supporting hardware, software, servers, desktops, wiring and end Users. I don't say I specialize in any one area but am a highend generalist which allows me to be flexible.

I started a company in 2004 and 6/09 formed an LLC. My target niche market would start off with home and/or micro businesses until I can grow, expand and branch out.

I do my own graphics and marketing materials. Have done a lot of self study on marketing but still need assistance to make sure the first time is not a total flop. Have assisted marketing departments with concepts and software training in the past. I am working on a website (see below). My strongest skills are effective and creative problem resolution and Customer service skills.

I want to establish myself during a down economy to prepare for when it gets better, performing tasks from system repair to network design and support. I will sell equipment and training if the Customer has the need.

I am currently working through another company doing the above under a W9 status making money for them instead of myself. I do have a couple of clients on an as needed basis. Want to make the switch from W9 status to my own customers. I never signed a non-compete but do have business ethics.

Advice required:

1) Suggestions for a strong website design to stand out.
2) Lowcost but effective ways to get the word out.
3) Best ways to let people know what I can do for them.
4) Advice on pricing. Now using a 50.00/hr rate but want to create a good pricing structure.
5) Any other tips that can help.

I hope that sheds more light on my task at hand. Any and all advice will be appreciated.

Matt