The Perfect Business Opportunity
A Home Business Article Contributed by Alyssa Yerga
Consulting As a Business Opportunity
Would you like to parlay your years of experience in a certain field into a fulfilling business opportunity? Are you good at what you do? Do you like giving advice? Then you should consider consulting. Companies usually turn to consultants when they need help increasing low profits, decreasing high expenses, raising the level of productivity or all three. Businesses that are looking to expand or simply improve their output may also look to consultants as a source of information.
You'll be hired to observe daily operations which may include anything small details like the number of times they use FedEx a week, or bigger concerns like customer service. As an impartial party you'll give suggestions that will benefit the company. If you're the kind of person who wants to help others succeed, this is a business opportunity you should consider.
A Business Opportunity Right from Home
Consulting is a business opportunity that doesn't take up much space, making it a perfect home based business. Since most of your time will be spent primarily on your client's business premises, there's very little reason for you to rent office space. If you don't have a spare room, any part of your home large enough to keep files will suffice. Any equipment and software you'll need will depend on your area of expertise.
If a computer is necessary, a laptop would be advisable, since you could easily transport it from home to the client's place of business, saving you the hassle of dealing with floppy disks or e-mail. You may want to consider a separate phone or fax line so clients can reach you without disturbing your home life.
Attracting Others to Your Business Opportunity
The tricky part about consulting is convincing others that you offer a necessary service. Many consider it a luxury to hire a consultant, or an action only "big" corporations do. Some may view it the same way they view advertising: When business is good you don't need it, when business is bad you can't afford it. Others may resent an outsider coming in and snooping around their business. You'll need to break through those thoughts and feelings and make them see that you're services are an opportunity they can't afford pass up.
Networking is one of the best ways to gather contract clients. (Business cards to hand out when the opportunity arises are good, inexpensive investment. Just be sure you always carry them with you at all times). Here are some networking tips:
• Attend seminars geared toward your specific field. They're educational and will ensure that you target the right potential clients.
• Join area Chambers of Commerce. It will also give you the opportunity to network with local business owners.
• Once you've successfully helped clients, ask them for testimonials and the names of possible references. Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to get a business opportunity.
Later, consider advertising in media like trade papers and chamber directories. These are a good places to get your name out to the people who will most likely call.
