Joshua Feinberg is the author and editorial director of the Computer Consulting Kit Home Study Course, which helps computer consultants, VARs, integrators, solution providers, and managed services providers get more of the best, steady, high-paying small business (SMB) clients.
Many technology consultants decide to add being a computer reseller to their list of client solutions. This can help give consultants control over the total solution and solve very complex business problems.
But if you want to be a computer reseller who is profitable and successful at catering to the needs of your small business clients, you will need to pay attention to many different responsibilities besides just those related to products. How can you make sure you are balancing your function as a computer reseller with your job to solve bigger small business problems through technology?
The following 4 tips can help you manage all the responsibilities that go along with being a successful computer reseller and consultant in the small business market.
1. Coordinate Telecommunications and Internet Solutions. With your small business clients, you will probably need to coordinate your own technology support and product installation with the local telephone company or Internet service provider. You will need to research which types of connections are needed and how they will work together to facilitate a sophisticated network.
2. Test, Test, Test. As part of delivering a complete, soup-to-nuts IT solution, your computer reseller firm should get involved in vertical industry-niched applications. You may bring the vertical applications in, but your clients might also ask you to test the application before they make a major investment. This way, you'll control application selection and be able to coordinate application selection with other products you recommend, sell or purchase for them. You will also have to evaluate how vertical applications fit in with your clients' networks.
3. Be Prepared to Train the Guru ... or the Masses. Even if you think training won't be a part of your duties as a computer reseller or you don't want to do it, you will inevitably have to be involved at some point. Sometimes you will have to conduct formal end-user training where you take small groups aside and show new users an application or a new piece of hardware. Other times, you will have to help the internal guru through informal training. Training the internal guru can often help train others on routine technology matters - i.e., lost toolbar or taskbar recovery, simple troubleshooting - so you can free up time to help with more complicated issues that more easily cost-justify your high hourly billing rates.
4. Expect Disaster. Another responsibility you will have to take on with small businesses is disaster recovery planning. You will have to check out the data backup system, the antivirus software, the power protection and the security. You will also need to develop a proactive maintenance plan for your clients.
Your biggest value to your clients, even if you decide to be a computer reseller alongside other services, is in your problem solving and strategic planning. In order to build a strong company, you need to make selling complete small business solutions a priority over just reselling products.
In this short article we discussed 4 tips to help you manage all the responsibilities that go along with being a successful computer reseller and consultant in the small business market. Learn more about how you can get great, steady, high-paying clients as a computer reseller now at http://www.ComputerResellerTips.com
Copyright (C), ComputerResellerTips.com, All Rights Reserved
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Computer Reseller Tips For Selling High-Margin Services
- ASCII Resellers Get Free Support, Higher Margins and Training from Walling Data plus Benefits Unavailable Anywhere Else
- Choosing the Perfect Computer Case
- Get Great Deals With Computer Parts Resellers
- IT Resellers: What Are Your Options?
- Lower Your Cost of Computer Technology Ownership
- Techies: Frustrated With the Job Market? Look Into USA Reseller Web Hosting
- Guide to Reseller Hosting
The Canon Powershot A700 digital Camera Rocks
By: Aprill Pudol | 02/01/2010The Canon Powershot A700 digital camera is a stylish and chic camera. It's one I can take all over the place, to document those exceptional moments in my life.
Find A Lost Relative With Free People Search Engines-Find A Lost Relative
By: Franck Lin | 02/01/2010A free lost relative search is something that is in high demand these days.If you want to find a lost relative, it would definitely be easier to look online rather than perform a physical search. Free people search sites are available in countries like the United States. The downside to using free sites is that they are usually only available in progressive countries.
Ext3 journaled File system – A study
By: Betsy T | 01/01/2010A study of journaled ext3 file system
What caused the black screens in Windows 7?
By: John Russell | 31/12/2009Prevx company issued a statement to their customers and fix the problem, downloaded by 50,000 users.
Tutorial to Create a Windows XP Password Reset Disk
By: Fiona | 31/12/2009Creating a Windows XP password reset disk is a great way to protect yourself from the possibility of forgetting your account password. With it, you can easily reset Windows XP password and get right in to Windows XP.It's true that there are ways to recover lost Windows passwords without a password reset disk but they are often complicated and time consuming.Be proactive by creating a password reset disk right now. With a password reset disk, you don't ever have to worry about forgetting your
Tutorial to Create a Windows Vista Password Reset Disk
By: Fiona | 31/12/2009Creating a Windows Vista password reset disk can really come in handy if you forget your account password. With it, you can easily reset your password and get right in to Windows Vista.While there are ways to recover lost passwords without a password reset disk, they are often complicated and time consuming. Be proactive by creating a password reset disk today. With a password reset disk, forgetting your password is no longer a crisis.
Visual C Runtime Error Fix-C Runtime Error
By: Franck Lin | 31/12/2009The "Microsoft Visual C Runtime Error" usually occurs when your running some programs, surfing the web, or playing games online. This is a frustrating problem that occurs often but fortunately there is a easy solution to this runtime error.The microsoft visual c runtime library error can be an indication of further problems with Windows that can be compounded if left as they are.
What Is Ati2evxx.exe?-Fix Ati2evxx.exe Error
By: Franck Lin | 31/12/2009"ati2evxx.exe" is a component of the display adapter drivers for ATI products, and is necessary in order to fully configure and manage these hardware products.This article will tell you how to fix ati2evxx exe error.
PC Repair Job Tips for Landing Long-Term Clients
By: Joshua Feinberg | 23/11/2009 | HardwareLooking for a PC repair job with a future? Think like a business-owner and send surveys out to your prospects to build long-term client relationships. This article presents tips that help you use each PC repair job as a stepping-stone to long-term clients.
Becoming an IT Consultant? Ask Your Prospects These 4 Key Questions
By: Joshua Feinberg | 28/10/2009 | Information TechnologyAre you becoming an IT consultant? Not all prospective clients are created equal. Learn 4 key qualifying questions that you must consistently ask every prospect to build a great client list as you're becoming an IT consultant.
How to Become a Reseller of PC Hardware and Software
By: Joshua Feinberg | 21/10/2009 | HardwareLooking to learn how to become a reseller of computer hardware and software? Before you get too much product-focused tunnel-vision, learn 4 easy ways to add more lucrative value-added service revenue, as you figure out how to become a reseller, the profitable way.
IT Contracts Business and the Value of On-Going Client Support
By: Joshua Feinberg | 16/10/2009 | Information TechnologyOwn an IT contracts business? Learn why providing on-going client support is key to long-term success. This article explains why your IT contracts business needs to invest in long-term client relationships.
Computer Repair Business Forms That Every Small IT Business Needs
By: Joshua Feinberg | 08/10/2009 | HardwareDo you use computer repair business forms? Learn how to use forms efficiently to build relationships with your clients and run your business profitably. This article presents 3 computer repair business forms you need to build a stable company.
PC Technician Business Tips
By: Joshua Feinberg | 10/07/2009 | Marketing TipsOwn a PC technician business? Go beyond building your technical skills and work on building relationships with your current customers and clients. This article introduces PC technician marketing tips for strengthening client relationships and getting more steady service revenue.
Small IT Business Start-Up Game Plan for Avoiding Distractions
By: Joshua Feinberg | 09/07/2009 | Small BusinessOwn a small IT business? Learn how to fend off freeloaders that can stunt your business growth, so you can instead focus on high-quality small business prospects. Learn ways to get rid of those moochers for good and attract steady, high-paying clients to your small IT business.
Open a Computer Repair Shop with the Right Priorities
By: Joshua Feinberg | 08/07/2009 | EntrepreneurshipTrying to open a computer repair shop? You need to take it slowly and be patient as you build a solid marketing plan and relationships with potential customers. This article helps you open a computer repair shop with the right kinds of priorities.