The Computer Consulting Business: Selling the Network as an Investment
Thanks to today's small-business environment, the computer consulting business is emerging as a huge market. With all of the technological advances over the past few years, the average person doesn't know how to manage their network at home. This can leave them with expensive downtime and potential security risks.
This post will discuss what a computer consulting company needs in order to succeed and how they can sell networks as investments by pointing out some of the most common mistakes people make when managing their own networks at home. As part of this discussion, we'll take a look at common pitfalls that could cost you your livelihood if they're not addressed.
You could become the #1 target of an attack if you leave your network open. When it comes to protecting your business and family at home, you need to think like a company. Let's start with the basics and then build up from there. Listed below are the major components that should be part of every home computer network:
Firewall: A firewall is a computer or device that controls or restricts access to or from a server, a network, or another computer. It is used to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network and verifies that outgoing traffic is legitimate before passing it along. This prevents hackers from using fake IP addresses and other information in order to get into systems on the web or private networks. When it comes to managing a network, the firewall is one of the most important pieces. The firewall is where you can set policies for the whole network and assign users and computers to those policies.
A firewall is a computer or device that controls or restricts access to or from a server, a network, or another computer. It is used to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network and verifies that outgoing traffic is legitimate before passing it along. This prevents hackers from using fake IP addresses and other information in order to get into systems on the web or private networks. When it comes to managing a network, the firewall is one of the most important pieces. The firewall is where you can set policies for the whole network and assign users and computers to those policies. Antivirus: The antivirus system scans incoming and outgoing files and blocks any that are infected with viruses or other malware. When a computer connects to the internet, it is vulnerable to attack because many viruses are transmitted over the internet by email or through websites. In order to prevent your computer from becoming infected, you need an antivirus software package.
The antivirus system scans incoming and outgoing files and blocks any that are infected with viruses or other malware. When a computer connects to the internet, it is vulnerable to attack because many viruses are transmitted over the internet by email or through websites. In order to prevent your computer from becoming infected, you need an antivirus software package. Firewall and Antivirus Combination: In the new world of network security, the safest way to protect your network is to combine both firewalls and antivirus software. The firewall provides security at the network level, while the antivirus software secures every device on your home network.
In the new world of network security, the safest way to protect your network is to combine both firewalls and antivirus software. The firewall provides security at the network level, while the antivirus software secures every device on your home network. Users: Users should be assigned specific levels of access based upon their job function and authorization needs. Even if they are allowed to use the internet or network resources, they shouldn't be able to make any changes.
Users should be assigned specific levels of access based upon their job function and authorization needs. Even if they are allowed to use the internet or network resources, they shouldn't be able to make any changes. Backup: If a file is accidentally deleted or damaged, you need a backup system that allows you to quickly retrieve it.
If a file is accidentally deleted or damaged, you need a backup system that allows you to quickly retrieve it. Remote Access: If you need to access your data when you are away from home, the network should have a secure way for you to access your data remotely.
If you need to access your data when you are away from home, the network should have a secure way for you to access your data remotely. Other: There are many other components that may or may not apply, depending on the size of your network or required level of security. This can include intrusion detection systems (IDS), wireless routers and security gateways, and domain name systems (DNS).
As a computer consultant business, it is important that these items are addressed. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of these things and send home computers to their friends and family on a regular basis, or they install viruses or malware that can lead to a serious problem.
When it comes to managing a network, you will have fewer clients at the beginning. This means they can be your best clients because they don't have any competition. However, if you have too many people on your network, they will become your competition. Your goal is to build up enough clientele that you're making money while serving as many clients as possible.
Once you get this down, it's time to start thinking about referrals. As a consultant, you need to put a lot of effort into your business. However, it's just as important to pay attention to the things that you cannot control.
The first is the client's attitude. You can't control how they feel about their computer problems. If they're happy with the work performed and are satisfied with the service, then they will help spread your name around. The other thing you can't control is their desire and motivation to keep your business growing.
As a computer consultant, it pays to know some basic marketing tactics that will get you more clients quickly and easily:
Become an active member of the various Internet discussion boards for your industry or specialty area (computer consultants will have several).
Join the various discussion groups in your area.
Provide the best service possible and give the client excellent, personal service.
Keep records of all your contacts and determine which of them are potential clients. These are your best prospects, so be sure to work diligently on earning their business!
Send out a monthly newsletter (electronic or snail mail) to all of your contacts. This letter should describe how you've helped others and what they have said about you, as well as provide additional valuable information and tips that will keep your clients coming back for more.
Write a blog (an online forum that publishes regular, brief postings) that will provide your clients with more information about you and your industry.
For all of the posts you write, include keywords in your signature file so people can find them easily. This will help drive potential clients to your blog and ensure that they see exactly what they're looking for!
Research who is bringing in the best business for various computer consultants or techs in your area (online or otherwise). You may also want to use blogs, forums and other industry-specific websites to help promote yourself. After all, if someone has just moved into an area, chances are they might not even know about all of these things.
Conclusion
The world of computer repair is so much more complicated than it has ever been in the past. While you may feel overwhelmed at the thought of finding the perfect computer repair, realize that many computer professionals find themselves overwhelmed all of the time!
The biggest decision you will have to make as a computer consultant is whether or not to specialize in one area or another. For example: network administrators are held in high esteem, but finally, all of these knowledgeable people have turned their attention to things like security and malware removal tools.