Top 3 Ways to Maximize Your Small Business Server Consulting Profits
Over the past 7 years, Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) has gained traction as a widely-respected Small Business Server networking suite.
As a result, many small business computer consultants, systems integrators, and value-added resellers have jumped on-board the Microsoft Small Business Server bandwagon.
However, before you go ahead and bet YOUR company on Microsoft Small Business Server, consider the following three Small Business Server Business Tips... so you can maximize your Small Business Server consulting profits.
(1) Most small businesses in your area have never heard of Microsoft Small Business Server.
Although there may be hundreds, if not thousands, of small businesses in your area that would be excellent candidates for Microsoft Small Business Server, don't make the ultra-common mistake of assuming that the typical non-technical small business owner even knows what Microsoft Small Business Server is.
(2) Sell your small business prospects on YOUR company first.
The real money in Small Business Server is NOT in reselling the Microsoft Small Business Server software. The real money comes from selling the RELATIONSHIP with the small business. Remember, no small business owner is going to wake up in the middle of the night, in a cold sweat, craving Small Business Server. However, small business owners DO constantly lose sleep over what will happen to their companies if their computer systems fail them. Little known fact: the first version of Microsoft Small Business Server, planned in 1996 and released in 1997, was code-named "SAM"... because Microsoft's goal was for Small Business Server to completely bypass their reseller channel and be sold at "Sam's Club" warehouse clubs.
So the product team had the mandate to make the Small Business Server product SO simple that a non-technical small business end user could buy Small Business Server at the warehouse club and have the Small Business Server suite running in their office that same day.
Shortly after the first-version shipped, Microsoft realized that the most cost-effective way to reach small businesses with Small Business Server was through their reseller channel. And since then, Small Business Server resources have flowed toward the channel.
However, even today, you can often find 5-user versions of Microsoft Small Business Server in retail stores.
Which brings us back to points one and two: Small business owners aren't actively shopping for a “Small Business Server”. So instead of "selling" Small Business Server per se, you're much better off selling a small business on YOUR company, BEFORE you sell Microsoft Small Business Server.
Small Business Software Shopping Tips
Choosing the right small business software for your home-based internet business can be a confusing undertaking to say the least. The challenge in choosing small business software is striking a balance between what you have to have and what you can afford. There are many small business software packages that have a number of features included, even though you may not use all of them. The first step in shopping for small business software is to distinguish between what you need now, what you want, and what you might need in the future. Never start buying small business software until these two steps are done. Otherwise, you are likely to buy some of those things you want, rather than the things you definitely need, and then you'll end up with a busted budget and you won't have the small business software that is crucial to running your business.
At a minimum, most businesses need a recordkeeping system, a word processor and an email program. Other small business software packages you may or may not need include spreadsheet programs, database programs, web design and graphic design programs, time management programs, and desktop publishing programs.
Some small business software packages, like Microsoft® Office products for instance, have several basic programs that are most commonly used by small businesses packaged in one small business software package. Before you spend a dime on small business software, familiarize yourself with the types of software that are available and their features as well as their benefits. Research is vital when choosing small business software for your company.
Here is a quick overview of the very basic, commonly used small business software:
Word Processors
Word processing capabilities are something that just about every business needs from its small business software. Word processors are primarily used for preparing written communication such as letters and reports. Word processing software can also be used to prepare information products and web copy for your internet based business.
Some word processing programs don't have these features, so that is something to watch for when reviewing small business software that will be used for preparing business communications.
Email Programs
Many of the small business software packages that include email programs. A basic email program is usually included with computer operating systems. Some of the more advanced email packages include time-saving organizational features that are great for small businesses. While a basic email program may be sufficient, some of the more advanced email programs can sure save a lot of time and aggravation.
Recordkeeping Programs
For most businesses, recordkeeping is accomplished through the use of small business software programs designed for accounting or bookkeeping, although recordkeeping can be accomplished using database or spreadsheet programs. A comprehensive recordkeeping package will have modules for tracking sales and expenses as well as paying bills and managing accounts receivable.
If you have employees, you need payroll processing capabilities and if you carry inventory, you need inventory control features. Some bookkeeping programs integrate with reports from online sources like eBay® or Elance®, so if you are working with such marketplaces it may be wise to see what types of recordkeeping programs arecapable of uploading their reports. This capability will save you lots of data input time.
There are many other types of small business software that you may find useful. For instance, if you are going to be designing your own websites, you will need an HTML editor and website design software. The trick to getting the small business software that you need is to determine exactly what you are going to do, then evaluate small business software packages and explore the numerous capabilities of each. Compare the features, benefits and prices, and select the small business software that best meets
your needs within your budget.
Over the past 7 years, Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) has gained traction as a widely-respected Small Business Server networking suite.
As a result, many small business computer consultants, systems integrators, and value-added resellers have jumped on-board the Microsoft Small Business Server bandwagon.
However, before you go ahead and bet YOUR company on Microsoft Small Business Server, consider the following three Small Business Server Business Tips... so you can maximize your Small Business Server consulting profits.
(1) Most small businesses in your area have never heard of Microsoft Small Business Server.
Although there may be hundreds, if not thousands, of small businesses in your area that would be excellent candidates for Microsoft Small Business Server, don't make the ultra-common mistake of assuming that the typical non-technical small business owner even knows what Microsoft Small Business Server is.
(2) Sell your small business prospects on YOUR company first.
The real money in Small Business Server is NOT in reselling the Microsoft Small Business Server software. The real money comes from selling the RELATIONSHIP with the small business. Remember, no small business owner is going to wake up in the middle of the night, in a cold sweat, craving Small Business Server. However, small business owners DO constantly lose sleep over what will happen to their companies if their computer systems fail them. Little known fact: the first version of Microsoft Small Business Server, planned in 1996 and released in 1997, was code-named "SAM"... because Microsoft's goal was for Small Business Server to completely bypass their reseller channel and be sold at "Sam's Club" warehouse clubs.
So the product team had the mandate to make the Small Business Server product SO simple that a non-technical small business end user could buy Small Business Server at the warehouse club and have the Small Business Server suite running in their office that same day.
Shortly after the first-version shipped, Microsoft realized that the most cost-effective way to reach small businesses with Small Business Server was through their reseller channel. And since then, Small Business Server resources have flowed toward the channel.
However, even today, you can often find 5-user versions of Microsoft Small Business Server in retail stores.
Which brings us back to points one and two: Small business owners aren't actively shopping for a “Small Business Server”. So instead of "selling" Small Business Server per se, you're much better off selling a small business on YOUR company, BEFORE you sell Microsoft Small Business Server.
Small Business Software Shopping Tips
Choosing the right small business software for your home-based internet business can be a confusing undertaking to say the least. The challenge in choosing small business software is striking a balance between what you have to have and what you can afford. There are many small business software packages that have a number of features included, even though you may not use all of them. The first step in shopping for small business software is to distinguish between what you need now, what you want, and what you might need in the future. Never start buying small business software until these two steps are done. Otherwise, you are likely to buy some of those things you want, rather than the things you definitely need, and then you'll end up with a busted budget and you won't have the small business software that is crucial to running your business.
At a minimum, most businesses need a recordkeeping system, a word processor and an email program. Other small business software packages you may or may not need include spreadsheet programs, database programs, web design and graphic design programs, time management programs, and desktop publishing programs.
Some small business software packages, like Microsoft® Office products for instance, have several basic programs that are most commonly used by small businesses packaged in one small business software package. Before you spend a dime on small business software, familiarize yourself with the types of software that are available and their features as well as their benefits. Research is vital when choosing small business software for your company.
Here is a quick overview of the very basic, commonly used small business software:
Word Processors
Word processing capabilities are something that just about every business needs from its small business software. Word processors are primarily used for preparing written communication such as letters and reports. Word processing software can also be used to prepare information products and web copy for your internet based business.
Some word processing programs don't have these features, so that is something to watch for when reviewing small business software that will be used for preparing business communications.
Email Programs
Many of the small business software packages that include email programs. A basic email program is usually included with computer operating systems. Some of the more advanced email packages include time-saving organizational features that are great for small businesses. While a basic email program may be sufficient, some of the more advanced email programs can sure save a lot of time and aggravation.
Recordkeeping Programs
For most businesses, recordkeeping is accomplished through the use of small business software programs designed for accounting or bookkeeping, although recordkeeping can be accomplished using database or spreadsheet programs. A comprehensive recordkeeping package will have modules for tracking sales and expenses as well as paying bills and managing accounts receivable.
If you have employees, you need payroll processing capabilities and if you carry inventory, you need inventory control features. Some bookkeeping programs integrate with reports from online sources like eBay® or Elance®, so if you are working with such marketplaces it may be wise to see what types of recordkeeping programs arecapable of uploading their reports. This capability will save you lots of data input time.
There are many other types of small business software that you may find useful. For instance, if you are going to be designing your own websites, you will need an HTML editor and website design software. The trick to getting the small business software that you need is to determine exactly what you are going to do, then evaluate small business software packages and explore the numerous capabilities of each. Compare the features, benefits and prices, and select the small business software that best meets
your needs within your budget.
August 28, 2009 at 4:24 AM
Finding the right small business server is a big decision as it will effect how your business operates. You must be confident the server you choose is the right one for the way your company operates.