t doesn't take a degree in economics. Just about everyone understands the economy has been taking a slow and rocky road to the much- portended recovery we've been told is coming. Yet while many businesses see their profit margins dwindling, even disappearing, a few lucky niche service providers are finding that today's tough economic climate can, if you play your cards right, be a day at the beach. And nobody's outlook is sunnier than the Information Technology provider.
With the average size of workforces decreasing, holds put on purchasing and freezes on payrolls, today's companies are relying more and more heavily on cutting edge technologies to get them through the current pinch without loss of productivity and with minimal damage to their bottom line. Whether you write software, repair hardware or provide technical support, you and your product are the bandage that's keeping many of today's businesses from bleeding to death. It's just a matter of presenting yourself to the right people with the right plan.
And remember, even if you're better at writing program than chatting up the CEO of a small parts manufacturing plant, you'll find that what you can offer, because it can help them stretch their dollar, will pretty much sell itself.
Then there are your current customers. Don't overlook the fact that with their belts so tightly cinched, they might need to outsource at least some of their IT work. Freelancing for current or new customers gives you another angle on the market.
First, you need to expand your customer base. You'll be surprised how many companies that had been handling things the old fashioned way now want a web page, firewalls for security and have even decided that maybe paperless isn't so darned scary after all. These are often small to mid-sized businesses that specialize. Many of them have never needed your expertise before and, believe or not, you may have to explain what you do to them. And, when you do explain it, make sure you point out that having the program you're installing for them enables all their people to share a calendar for scheduling meetings and time off. Also let them know that they don't need an in-house techno-wiz, because you've got their back 24-7-365. You are selling to a new market, but you're not selling anything new.
评论