One of the best things about being in the Information Technology industry is consulting. For purposes of this article I’m using the term consulting in reference to side jobs or moonlighting work. While full time Computer Consultants can also benefit from the tips in this article, I’m really writing at the IT Employee who works a full-time IT job and then takes extra jobs for extra money on the side.

One of the most frequent questions I receive from those who are trying to start or grow their own consulting business is: “How and what do you charge clients for your consulting services?”

As you are making your cold calls on property, you will run into sellers that are having a hard time selling, however, the numbers just don’t work for you to take on the deal. Do you just say, “I can’t work with those numbers”.
Heck, no. In fact, I don’t even use that phrasing.

Hi Scott: I’m working on a business plan for a consulting business. Could you please provide tips on how to market such a business?

Here’s a golden opportunity for CXOs seeking advice and guidance to get in touch with a true professional with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Whether your question is on management, human resources, or longrange planning, ask Rene Vishney. He can help you steer your company through difficult channels to its ultimate goal.

Does your company need guidance in its marketing plan? Do you think you’re on the right course, but not quite achieving what you’d hoped? Send your marketing questions to Rene Vishney. He’ll help you understand the big picture and come out a winner.

Some of the simplest and seemingly “dumbest” questions are usually the most important. If you have a question about writing your business plan, or securing financing, send it in and Scott will answer it personally.

Management consulting is one of the professions that endure in a slow economy. Why? Because more than ever, companies need consultants to help them increase revenues and cut costs.

Robin will answer any questions related to the search engine marketing industry. If the question is highly technical, or if she doesn’t know the answer, she’ll contact experts in the industry or search engine representatives for the answers.

Businesses will have to spend more to stay competitive, predicts analyst. Businesses will soon have to start spending on consulting and integration to maintain competetiveness, according to research. A report by analyst organisation Yankee Group, What Will Happen Next in Consulting and Integration, predicts that revenues from IT professional consulting will rise six per cent in 2003.

I’ve had a lot of success with most of the search engines, but my manual submissions to Alta Vista are not getting posted. I am not spamming and have followed all the rules. Any ideas?

Is link pop software any good or worth it? Like ARELIS 3 or OptiLink?

Dear Dan,

We recently achieved #4 on Google tool bar, does it help to bring the site up in key word search? Because until now in key word search our web site is not visible. Do you have any idea what we should be doing to improve the ranking. Can you look at our web site and give us suggestions. Thanks.

Dear Dan,

Does position weaver still work on all search engines?

-Ged

Dear Ged,

Dear Dan,

The cost for submitting the first URL to the Inktomi database for one year is $39 and the cost for a second is $25. Once a URL is submitted to the Inktomi database for the first year is there any need to submit the URL for subsequent years? Could you review the pros and cons of submitting for the second year versus not submitting?

After submitting a proposal, many consultants wait a short period of time–maybe a few days or one week, before contacting the potential client. The purpose is to find out if the proposal has been accepted, rejected, or if modifications are necessary. Contacting the potential client once is professional and acceptable. However, if your phone call or email is not returned, you will be tempted to repeatedly contact the potential client for an answer.

Resist this temptation. Hounding the potential client for an answer does not improve the situation. Don’t take it personally. After making your one inquiry about the proposal’s status, forget about it and move on. Begin searching for the next potential client.