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  1. #1
    P5C768 is offline Advanced Beginner
    Windows XP Access 2007
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Denver, CO
    Posts
    95

    Small Business Question

    I am considering trying to start my own small business and would like to provide other small businesses with excel/access/ppt/word tools to streamline their operations.



    This idea is really in it's infancy right now, and I am trying to see if anyone else has done something similar, or has any helpful insight. I currently don't have any Microsoft certifications, which would be one of the first things I would pursue. However, my current job requires a great deal of similar work, so I have "above average" experience to start out with.

    Any ideas/suggestions?

  2. #2
    Stanggirlie is offline Novice
    Windows 7 32bit Access 2007
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    25
    I don't have my own business, but due to word of mouth from my friends/family I get calls probably about once a month or so from people looking for a database, template form, etc. Sometimes I even do logos, letterheads and matching envelope templates. Stuff like that.

    I do have the 2007 Application Specialist Certification but because it's neighbors, family, etc, they don't really care. They just like they don't have to pay a company thousands of dollars for a functional database or new logo. Although, a few local companies have approached me for things and asked what experience and training I had - that was the only time I mentioned the certification or schooling.

    Just by doing this on the side (I have a full time job as a Financial Manager), I've learned that a business like you are trying to start, I think offering a variety of services is very important. Not just databases, templates, etc but overall computer services.

    For example, I created a database for a small business recently. The owner was off and running with it with no problems and didn't want to change a thing. So if it wasn't for me saying I do logos, letterhead, web design, etc that can go along with your database, plus I act as a computer issue troubleshooter, he would have been a one-time customer. Now, I'm his "regular" computer go-to-person for whatever he needs (he used to rely on his son who is now moved out of state). He recently got a new wireless router and I helped him set it up. So even just little stuff like that keeps him as a customer.

    I have a handfull of people that would have been those "one-time customers" but by offering a sort of "one-stop shop" for all their computer needs, they always call me first.

    Do I make a lot of money doing this? It's usually a couple hundred bucks a month unless I do a database, then I can get $1,000 or so. BUT - I can go months with no calls (4 months was my longest). If you are willing to put the effort into advertising, pitching/selling your services and such it could probably be a profitable business.

    Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

Please reply to this thread with any new information or opinions.

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