| Most computer security consultants work on their | | | | services and use that as a guide in establishing |
| own. So Computer Consulting is a good business | | | | your own rates. You might be tempted to |
| to startup as a sole proprietor. You won't need to | | | | undercut your competitors at first, but cheaper |
| worry about payroll and taxes for additional | | | | isn't always the best business solution. |
| employees when you are starting out. This will | | | | 6. Create a website outlining the services you |
| free up more time for you to continue with | | | | provide. It's a good idea to get testimonials and |
| professional development training and to focus on | | | | recommendations from your clients to help you |
| generating business. | | | | establish your reputation for quality service and |
| | | | | professionalism. You might want to promote your |
| Steps for Getting Started | | | | business via a blog or other social networking |
| | | | | sites as well. |
| 1. Start small. It takes time to build a strong | | | | 7. As a computer securities consultant you will |
| customer base. It might be a good idea to start | | | | often come into contact with sensitive client |
| on a part-time basis at first, maintaining another | | | | information. Draw up your own contracts that |
| full- or part-time job for financial security. | | | | include a non-compete clause to put your clients |
| 2. Focus on a particular specialty or niche. Being a | | | | at ease. It is recommended that you consult a |
| consultant means you need to be an expert in | | | | legal professional when drawing up contracts and |
| your field. By specializing in a specific field you can | | | | other legal documents. |
| make it easier to stay up to date with industry | | | | |
| information. You might decide to work as a | | | | Additional Tips: |
| physical security systems expert, data encryption, | | | | |
| or even biometrics. | | | | - To generate more business, you should consider |
| 3. Maintain a professional image. Dress nicely. Your | | | | contacting libraries, business, school, and other |
| customers will appreciate your attention to fine | | | | agencies to hold seminars on the importance of |
| details. Consider purchasing ID lanyards for you | | | | computer security. In the beginning you may want |
| and anyone else on your team. A lanyard with a | | | | to consider holding free seminars or webinars to |
| photo ID and the name of your company gives | | | | help you promote your company and establish |
| you a more professional appearance. | | | | your reputation. |
| 4. Don't forget to buy insurance for your | | | | - To generate business, offer free consultations. |
| company. Consulting firms should have some | | | | Keep the initial consultation short (30 minutes or |
| form of business insurance policy. If you're not | | | | less) and be sure not to give away too much |
| sure where to start speak with the agent that | | | | advice. The goal of the initial consultation is to |
| handles your homeowners', renters' or condo | | | | show potential clients how they will benefit from |
| insurance. | | | | the services your company provides. |
| 5. Do price comparisons before you set your | | | | - For every business owner it is important that |
| fees. Find out how much other consulting | | | | you respond to calls and emails quickly. |
| professionals in your area charge for similar | | | | |