I want to start my own IT web/Software development & Services business? Need guidance to establish & promote my business.
I am starting my own IT web/Software development & Services business? Need guidance to establish & promote my business.
I need some innovative ideas & domains which will support my business.
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May 19, 2017
Well, if you have seriously taken up this matter, I will tell you honestly far by itself do not advance. I advise you to contact the companies that specialize in this. For example, Cleveroad (https://www.cleveroad.com/blog/check-out-the-benefits-of-open-source-library-and-open-source-software), great guys and great professionals, they will help you.
Jul 9, 2014
There are some software tools that will really help you developing your startup. Most of them are free or at least affordable.
1. Dropbox
Dropbox has become a synonym of Cloud storage. If you want your documents to follow you wherever you are and with any device you use then DropBox will be very helpful. For free users the storage limit is 2GB, which is ok for a startup. The problem with DropBox is that there is no connection of your Documents with your everyday work and communication. It is mostly used as a backup
2. Google tools
Google provides users with a set of tools valuable for startups. The web email client is fast and stable, though Google has been criticized many times for using tools which extract data from your emails to offer ads customized to your needs. The size of your mailbox is 15GB, huge for a typical company. Your email attachments can be combined with Google drive, a cloud storage where you can upload your digital documents. Its user interface however can be confusing for most people who are used to a desktop environment. Google Contacts is a great backup of your contact list, since it can be easily synchronized with your Android mobile, while google Tasks let you organize your everyday work in a quite simplified way without too many options.
3. Skype
Skype is the best video chat software at the moment. The acquisition by Microsoft shows the power it already had and the potential for the future. Its architecture lets you use audio and video chat with clear voice and quite good resolution most of the times. On the other side, Microsoft sometimes can be confusing (I am still trying to find out what’s going on with my multiple accounts and skype in Windows 8) and may pose some limitations, for example when you are working in different operating system (Linux, MaxOS)
4. Mailchimp
MailChimplis a cloud marketing campaign software. The design tools offered for your emails are simple to use and very convenient. The most interesting part is its Reporting system, which lets you track the visibility of your Campaign and track down your subscribers. You can also post updates to many social media and connect your campaigns with your profiles. It gives you the ability to use an API and connect their service to other CRM software, but this also shows their limitations
5. Mozy
If your company has critical data that need to be secured and backup, Mozy is a nice solution and a quite cheap one. It lets you sync your folders (like DropBox) so that you can access your documents anywhere and at any time, but it also lets you schedule backups so that you are sure you will not lose anything. Ofcourse, this is functional if you are still working using a desktop application and not SaaS software. In the latter case you will not have problems with backup since most SaaS providers offer you this choice.
6. Zohocrm
Zoho CRM, in its full fledged version, apart from the typical Accounts- Contacts and Opportunities/Leads management, it also offers workflows, invoices, social integration as well as document creation/sharing. In its free version though, (for up to 3 users) only Leads/Opportunities, Accounts management and limited social tools integration is provided.
7. Trello
Trello it’s a free light task management solution organized around the concept of boards. It is good for creating and assigning tasks and issues and for adding/inviting new members. Trello cannot compete in the project management arena as it has no Gantt charts for planning, no calendar for organizing and no document management functionality.
8. Appear.in
appear.in is a web-based group video calling service. There is no need to login/register or to install any particular app or software. It can cater up to eight participants and supports chatting and screen sharing. Though secure enough ( SSL/SRTP to secure and encrypt chats and video conversations) it doesn’t support mobile and works using WebRTC, so it will only work with browsers that support WebRTC.
9. Freeagent
FreeAgent supports unlimited users, clients, accounts and invoices. It is very useful for creating and emailing invoices, track time, expenses and budgeting under projects’ scope, and is compatible with PayPal, Google Apps. However, FreeAgent does not include any document or task management functionality and doesn’t support mobile.
10. Comidor
Last but not least Comidor is a cloud business application suite integrating CRM, Project Management and Collaboration in one platform. Comidor is ideal for SMEs (including startups) due to its efficiency and cost effectiveness in managing all business operations. Comidor offers projects (tasks, resources, Gantt) accounts (opportunities/leads), contacts, integrated e-mail client, document management, workflows and even business intelligence tools for up-to-date powerful reports.asks, resources, Gantt) accounts (opportunities/leads), contacts, integrated e-mail client, document management, workflows and even business intelligence tools for up-to-date powerful reports.
Mar 25, 2014
It is usually easy to find your first project and client. Keeping projects coming in is much harder. Use partners and contractors at the beginning, after building your network and reputation hire full time resources. Use outsourcing to provide better price value to your clients, but make sure you use only senior resources to build your company reputation and deliver high quality product. You will face a lot of competition and as previously stated, you need to provide something unique what other can't.
All the best
Mar 25, 2014
Well, introducing a new business in a market with tons of competitors who had already established their name in the market may not be easy. But with hardwork and good marketing strategy, you can make it possible.
First you have to know who are your target client. Once you had that figured out you can create your marketing plan, you can connect with clients through their e-mails or social media accounts. You can also have a partnership with a business quite related to the services you offer.
But keep this in mind, word-of-mouth is the best for of advertising, ask clients that had already experienced your services to write a feedback on the services that you had done for them so other clients could see it too. That way they will be intrigued and interested with the services you offer.
I know most of what I had mentioned had been said were already told. But based on experience, this works all the time.
Mar 25, 2014
Howdy, a lot of interesting points have been made on this question and I do agree with some of them, differentiation is most definitely the key to success in this particular instance as the IT spectrum is too large to perform all aspects in a small business. However, it doesn't seem anyone has provided you with the tools to understand what that differentiation is. I've started a company called Outsourced CTO here in South Africa and came across the exact problems as described by the other people commenting on this blog. I found a wealth of information in three books that will change how you look at your business and the best way to ensure it will be profitable. The books are “The Lean Startup”, “Growth Hacker” and “Entrepreneurial Revolution”. These books show you low cost ways of defining what the niche or differentiator is in a scientific and cost effective way.
I would always suggest having some business qualification before taking the leap from techie to MD as well as a year worth of financing, as you may have to pivot from your niche several times before finding one that works.
You can email me directly and we can share ideas if you like. Italo@outsourcedcto.co.za.
Mar 1, 2014
I think there is very simple for you.
1. Why you want to start your own IT Web business?
2. What you think that you can also penetrate in the market as you already know there are giants in the market.
3. Are you really passionate about it?
4. What if you dont have any business? How you will survive in the market?
These are the above questions try to come up with answer I hope you will automatically simplify things
Thanks
Feb 24, 2014
Good to start with your own product combination of Web and Mobile App no matter you have client list or not but that will show the strength and skill set of your organization. Also focus on Open Source solutions for ERPs all you need to select the product and gets your hands on for deployment and configuration only.
Feb 24, 2014
Why are you using a picture of Misha Collins (an American actor) as your profile picture?
Feb 24, 2014
Where you wanna started your business ??
I have also started a small IT firm !!
Feb 24, 2014
In my opinion your stated market is too large "Small & Medium scale manufacturing/automobile companies, educational institutes, hotels, hospitals, financial agencies & other small scale ventures who needs software & websites for their operations." that describes just about everyone. That's too broad a paintbrush. Do One Thing & Do It Better Than Anyone Else ~ JEFF HOFFMAN, Inc magazine.
In my business IT software and service, I chose a niche' market in which to work. This niche' will give my business traction, and from that success I can expand to the next market, and continue to massage business in both. The problem with trying to market, to establish and promote your business to everyone in the world, is that each market you attempt to market and establish yourself will require a different message and approach. Taking it a bite at a time will help you focus your message to a target in which to excel in your business presence, create networks and partnerships and successfully build both a brand and business.
Feb 26, 2014
Thanks very much sir for your valuable answer.
Sir there are some software products like Payroll, Inventory, Billing, those same can be used by different Manufacturing & automobile companies. And those by Hospitals & Hotels, there could be some changes in those software's. So I can target these areas for same product. That's why I am planning to target these small businesses first then I will go Medium scale businesses. That's my thinking about developing my business. According to your opinion sir, should I go for this strategy?
Feb 24, 2014
Can't add too much to what Luc said, but I would like to emphasize what he said about finding your target. To really be able to deliver for your clients, there should be at least one thing you do better than anybody else. Sooner or later (hopefully sooner) you'll find that whatever you're best at matches up with a particular need of some market. That is your target. Once identified, it's all about being able to serve their needs and success will follow for as long as you can deliver.
Never stop trying new things.
Feb 24, 2014
I think Luc gives some great ideas. The only thing I would add is... you have to find a way to make your firm stand out from the crowd. This industry has a ton of competition. Concentrate on building long term relationships and then focus on word of mouth advertising. I've run my small shop for 31 years & have never advertised. I've had most of my clientele for 15 to 25 years. Feel free to email if you ever want to talk... no charge. I wish you the best.
Feb 24, 2014
Write a quick and short business plan.
Find your customer target .
Write down why you are better than your closest competitors and use that line to promote your business.
Get in the network then build your network:
Partner with businesses that are complementary to yours. For instance graphic designers may send you their customers for maintenance work.
Partner with some of your competitors if you can.
Understand how your customers make money and what kind of service providers they use to operate then contact those providers.
Call, email , face customers. Measure your improvements and do better next time .
Find out what s your competitor a customers are complaining about .
Locate marketing channels where your competitors are promoting themselves and do the same.
Keep learning , testing and improving .
Feb 26, 2014
Thank you very much for your valuable answer Luc Sir. I will try to do the same. Once when I will start my business, i won't look back, I want to do fast development, for that your guidance is valuable for me.
Thank You Sir.
Feb 24, 2014
What are your obstacles, values and do you have a business plan? I would be pleased to explore professional business coaching with you at any time to consider these areas. Feel free to call me anytime at 416 634 7451
Feb 24, 2014
Hello,
What is your target audience? What kind of solutions are you developing?
Regards.
Feb 24, 2014
My target audience are Small & Medium scale manufacturing/automobile companies, educational institutes, hotels, hospitals, financial agencies & other small scale ventures who needs software & websites for their operations.
I have ideas about providing clients the applications software(ERP, etc), customized software & Websites.
I don't have much market knowledge.
I needs guidance to promote my business.
I need some innovative ideas & domains other than those I mentioned which will support my business.
Please guide me how to get clients, customer information Online so that I can do calling, visiting 7 email sending to customers.
Feb 24, 2014
Sir please guide me to develop appropriate Business Strategy so that I could face the vast competitors which present in the market.
Feb 24, 2014
@Jtn Rthd I'm on the same road. I've been willing to start an IT business for years, and have taken a frew steps without much guidance but the internet. I'd really appreciate how this question develops, and of course try to help the way I can.
Well he is my favorite actor from TV series shows.