Become a Computer Consultant by Focusing on Training and Client Acquisition

Many people wonder when first starting to try to become a computer consultant whether they should focus on computer consulting training first or client acquisition. The correct answer is, “Do both at the same time.”

When I am helping people learn to become a computer consultant, I typically tell them how important it is to simultaneously focus on client recruitment AND skills development. You can’t feasibly take six months off to focus on training because six months later, you will find yourself broke. The truth is, you need paying clients at all stages of your business.

However, you can’t let six months go by while you are trying to become a computer consultant without keeping your technical skills up to speed. You will eventually be incapable of taking on advanced technical projects and you will not be able to confidently bid on a lot of small business accounts.

What is the “Ideal” Way to Become a Computer Consultant?

Most small business IT consulting firms typically balance training with client acquisition by spending a couple days a month or a couple weeks a year going to formal classroom training.

Additionally, many consulting firms set up labs for testing and training in their offices so they can work with basic, entry-level server hardware. These can provide someone trying to become computer consultant with informal, self-guided training regularly.

What about Programs?

You can join a lot of different programs that let you get copies of software for internal use. If your firm belongs to a partner program like Microsoft’s, you will get a certain amount of software to use internally. A lot of other vendors provide similar things as part of their partner benefits with annual membership fees.

Evaluation software can really help someone that wants to become a computer consultant keep skills sharp. When you run programs internally, your staff gets good at the software before it goes into the field.

Added By: Computer Consulting Kit

Posted in: become a computer consultant