I am currently a resource planner for a large corporation and also develop departmental databases as well. A couple of my fellow employees and I were thinking about starting a database management company on the side. I have a name. I am working with the small business develop center at a local college, but I am at a loss on getting my first client. We have discussed the possibility of doing some "pro-bono" work but even then, I don't know where to start. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get out there and cut out teeth??? This is a very skilled group of people and we do this type of work every day so it is not for lack of knowledge or skill that we haven't gotten a client but rather a lack of direction. HELP!!!

Your lack of direction tells me that you don't have a business plan.

That would be the first place to start. Once you have that, you have a roadmap.

Have you deciphered who your target customers are? That will also help give you direction. The better defined your customer, the easier it will be to go find them.

You can get information in the small biz center to help you with your business plan.

T


Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!

I agree with the previous poster - you need a business plan. Or at least look at the questions that you typically ask yourself when starting your own business. Not sure what these are? Check out your states's small business development website (every state has one) and they will generally have a list of great questions to ask.

One thing that came to mind for me - you're doing this for a living now right? Why hasn't your company outsourced the work? Not in the sense that they should fire you but in the sense of what is a benefit to them to have the work done outside the firm? This is something you'll have to answer to companies that you approach....



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I can't stress enough how important it is to build a strategic business plan before you officially launch any business. This will give you direction, focus and just as Tina pointed out, a roadmap to success.

Once you have established your target market and defined a suitable marketing plan you will be much better prepared to take the steps towards gaining clients.

Good luck with your business and if you have any questions about compiling your business plan then just ask.

Regards,

Tamara

Tamara Lyster Online
www.tamaralyster.net
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