When you start an IT services business, you must research like competitors, find funding sources, and protect yourself with contracts and business insurance.
Companies across all industries need the right technological infrastructure to remain competitive, reduce risk and protect data in the modern business landscape driven by technology. As a result, IT services professionals like you are in high demand across all industries.
Businesses are increasing their IT budgets to hire these experts and consultants. According to a recent Gartner report, global IT spending will grow by 6.2 percent in 2021.
You can take advantage of this demand by starting your own IT services company.
Regardless of your area of expertise, there is much work to be done. And, most importantly, make a lot of money. This guide will let you through the steps to start a successful IT Consultant in New York.
Make a Decision About The IT Services You’ll Provide
Keep in mind that your services will be a major selling point for prospective customers. Some of the IT services might offer to include a combination of the following:
- design and installation of networks
- Updates and software installation
- assistance with technology
- Decisions on IT budgeting and procurement
- Storage and hosted services
- risk evaluations
- a security plan
- administration from afar
When deciding on your offerings, stick to those that you’ve worked with before. It’s tempting to offer services that aren’t in your skillset in the hopes of gaining more clients. However, taking on an IT project with which you are unfamiliar can backfire.
Examine The Market And Your Competitors
Determine what types of clients you will pursue after deciding on potential IT services. You can target customers based on the size of their company. You can also focus on companies in industries where you have established a reputation.
In order of customer base, competition, and expenses, some cities are more difficult to start a business than others—conduct market research on IT competitors in your city.
It’s relatively simple to find out what services they offer, but you’ll have to dig a little deeper to find out how much they charge. A competitive analysis will help you identify gaps in your local IT services market.
Our research of the seven best cities to start an IT consulting business can help you sort out which areas have the most potential. Some cities are more expensive than others, but in more expensive cities, you may charge more for your services.
Select a Company Structure
Don’t exceed the importance of choosing the right business structure when starting an IT services company. It is not enough to have the necessary experience and financial resources to get started.
A sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability company (LLC), or an S corporation are the most common forms of small IT services businesses (S corps). The composition of your company will have an impact on your taxes, how much paperwork you’ll need to file, and your personal liabilities.
For example, for one-person businesses, a sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure. You won’t need to submit any paperwork with your state. However, if a client sues you, there is no distinction between personal and business assets.
Forming an LLC can cost up to $500, and it can take a few weeks for the paperwork to be processed by your state. In the event of a lawsuit, however, an LLC protects a small business owner’s personal assets.
S corporations and partnerships each have their own set of paperwork and filing requirements. They also have different tax structures and restrictions. Your accountant can advise you on what is best for your current situation and future business plans.
Obtain a Business Licence
You may need a business license once you have decided on a company structure. The process for obtaining a business license varies by state, but it is usually easy to apply for one.
Specifications can be found on your state’s business licensing website, but you can expect to submit basic information about your company, such as:
- Employer Assigned Number (EIN)
- Business type and its name
- Information about yourself and your company’s location
- business owner name
- if there is an employee
You may be required to pay filing and processing fees depending on your state. Once your application is approved, check to see how long your licence will be valid. Small business owners in some states have to reapply for their business licences every few years.
Choose Your Work Environment
If you are renting office space, be aware that most landlords will require commercial property insurance to secure your belongings from theft or damage.
Commercial auto insurance or rental and non-owned auto insurance should be considered by home-based IT service businesses that do most of their operation on client sites. When you are driving for business, most personal auto insurance policies do not cover you if you have an accident.
Certifications for a vendor’s technology can also be pursued by your company. Microsoft, Cisco Systems, and Amazon Web Services are among the companies involved (AWS). These certifications can help you sell yourself to potential clients because they show you’re knowledgeable about the technology they use.
Starting an IT services company gives you the freedom to choose your own projects, increase your income, and work for clients in a variety of industries. Putting in the time and effort to cover all of your bases increases the likelihood of your company’s long-term success.
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