Have you ever gone into a small store to purchase a snack and then when you went to pay for it, the cashier was “busy” on their cell phone? Yes it appeared as if you were interrupting them. Even though it is their job to provide service for you, they come across as if it is a burden to assist you.

How does that reflect on the business? Does it make you want to come back? Realistically that is not the way to treat a customer. In fact we should come across as if it is a pleasure to serve the customer. How about you?

When it comes to your Internet business are a professional or are you simply doing a boring job? Let’s take a look at a couple examples and areas that we can improve upon.

Okay then here we go. We are going to assume that you are an independent contractor like a Virtual Assistant or a Freelance service provider. These are both in their very nature a professional business. Companies or individuals are turning to you for your expertise.

However being a professional is more than just performing a service in a satisfactory manner. Remember our cashier? There is no doubt that they know how to ring out your sale and send you on your way. But knowing how to use the cash register is just a part of their job isn’t it?

Likewise if you are a VA, it is safe to assume that you know how to perform the services you provide. For example maybe you offer professional accounting services. Or maybe you are a Freelance web designer? Again the reality is you probably are somewhat reliable at providing such services or you wouldn’t bother offering them.

Your success however, will be determined by far more than your actual work. Your performance will be judged and evaluated on an entire package. By what you do, how well you do it, and the manner in which you do it?

Yes as VA or a Freelance contractor what does your package add up to? Aside from doing the job do you market yourself professionally? Does your web page and any other advertising tell the world who you are and what you are capable of? Do you deliver what you say you can deliver?

Do you provide a timely service? If you say you are going to be done in 2 weeks, are you? Do you complete everything you promised you would? Are you very clear as to what it is you will be doing for your client?

Do you prepare contracts that spell out in detail the services that you will provide and the cost of those services? Does it explain when these services will be finished and so on?

Are you available and accessible to your clients? Do you return messages and/or phone calls in a timely manner? Do you answer all questions in a satisfactory fashion? Do you make your client feel like their concerns are important to you? Customers do not want to feel like you don’t have time for their attention because you have so many other customers. In fact it is more professional if you turn down a project and explain that you would not be able to give them the service they deserve. Of course you would offer them the option of your assistance at a future time. Your professionalism may likely motivate them to wait if it is not urgent.

Taking this a little further you may even be able to take the job and sub contract the job out to another reliable associate or colleague. However, be certain they have the same standards of professionalism that you do.

Continuing in this theme it would be wise to decline a project you are not qualified to do. Of course if you are taking the job with intention of letting a qualified person or team perform the service that would do the trick. Again, as long as it is done professionally, in fact this may be a way that you could learn to perform additional services. Yes combining your continued education with on the job training will help you expand your services.

In all actuality it would be professional to always continue to pursue more education. You should always be up to date. For example some accounting requires knowledge of legal applications. A professional will be on top of all the latest changes in the law. As well as recent upgrades in software and concepts that may apply to other forms of VA or Freelance services. Be willing to learn new things and new options.

In summary the VA and Freelance world is very competitive and yet continues to grow. Those who are successful are taking the professional approach. How about you?

		Subscribe to BevyHost via RSS Feed
		Follow BevyHost on Twitter

Copyright © 2009 BevyHost.com.

You and your family are driving one Sunday afternoon to attend a graduation party being held in an area you are not familiar with. You thought you had reliable directions but it turns out they were not as complete as you were led to believe.

When you left your house you were confident nonetheless because the person who supplied those directions sounded pretty confident and thorough. However as more and more discrepancies occurred you finally stop to get better directions.

Oddly enough the person who you are now asking directions from at first appears a little suspicious. Suspicious in the sense that they looked like they were not very sure of anything. In fact when you first ask them for directions to the location you were searching, they hesitated for a moment. But then they got out a map and gave you very detailed directions. In fact they made sure you understood what they said before they let you go on your way.

And not only did they make sure the directions were clear to you, they offered you free drinks to take with you on your travel. Already feeling relieved and confident, you have this strange but reassuring feeling that you definitely know where you are going now. Yes, you thought were confident before with the original directions, but this was more than confidence you were feeling now. You knew the person that you requested directions from along the way actually knew what he was talking about.

In fact at the party you couldn’t tell enough people about how that person helped you. Some of the locals even knew the person you were talking about. You heard a few people say “oh they are wonderful people, and know how to take care of their customers” and “you can always trust them for help”.

Even after the party on the way home you stop in the business and buy a few items just to say thanks and show your gratitude. And anytime you are in the area you would stop there again and again to patronize their business and say hello.

What made these people so trustworthy and helpful? The fact that they were truthful and accurate? That was part of it. The reality is they were professional!

Yes, being a professional is a package or a culmination of all things it takes to be a provider of good sound business. They listened patiently, they seriously thought, they responded kindly, they were accurate, they were clear, they made sure you understood, they went the extra mile, and they were not “in your face” sales people. All this amounted to thoroughness, pleasantness, kindness, taking care of the needs and emotions of their customer. Making the customer feel important.

Think about this. Directions are simply a form of advice are they not? It realistically can also be considered a service too.

However simple or complicated we often need help. And the help business is enormous these days. That is certainly the case on the Internet. That is not going to change. In fact one area this manifests itself is in the Internet consulting business.

True, there are a variety of fields of consulting. Practically speaking that does not change the need to be professional. Whether you are offering web design or helping create a warehouse software program you need to be a professional in order to be successful. Yes no matter what area of consulting you provide, you have to be professional.

Now it goes without saying that you need to know what you are doing. Recall in our opening story you can’t fake your way through a business. Remember the first person who gave the directions sounded like they knew what they were talking about? In the end it turned out they were full of doggy doo doo. That became even more apparent when a professional was consulted and they provided the “goods”.

But as we are trying to point out being a professional consultant goes beyond just knowing what we are doing. So ask yourself some questions to examine your level of professionalism.

How about this. Are you clear on the areas you can help in? Are you honest about it or do you just give the appearance that you are? Are you kind and pleasant to work with? Are you punctual and judicious in your work? Are you truly interested in giving your customer the help they need and desire?

Do you offer your services at a reasonable market value? Is getting paid more important to you than doing an excellent job? Are you looking to squeeze every last cent from your customers when the reality is that doing the little things can result in more business?

Are you continuing to learn the latest applications and keeping your customers aware of all of their options? Do you know how to balance giving the customer what they want and yet warning them of problems that could result from a bad idea?

Yes being the one a customer calls upon for that service you professionally provide is very rewarding indeed. And if you do your best to be all the things it takes to be a professional you will make some money as a trusted Internet Consultant. And you will be recommended by others to others.

So be a real professional and not a bunch of hot air. You will be recognized and people will seek you out.

		Subscribe to BevyHost via RSS Feed
		Follow BevyHost on Twitter

Copyright © 2009 BevyHost.com.

So I’m sitting here humming the old Jackson 5 song “I’ll Be There” again. Seems that every time I think of today’s topic the tune comes to mind. What topic is that you ask? Today’s topic is Internet Consulting.

It’s kind of interesting because Internet consulting is closely related to freelancing. And yet there are differences also. But that is neither here nor there for the purpose of our discussion. And frankly if you are interested in starting a new Internet business you should become thoroughly familiar with the area you decide to pursue. Actually you should do research to decide what field to consider in the first place.

So assuming you have done that to some degree and you have determined you that Internet consulting is for you, and then you should keep reading. Practically speaking, if you are already in the consulting field this article will still be helpful to you.

Naturally Internet consultants benefit from maintaining an Internet presence and an Internet marketing campaign. And we have and will continue to discuss why and how this can be done on this web page. Today however we are going to take a look at how this is being done. As a result you can be motivated and inspired by the success of others.

The purpose of this exercise is not to advertise any specific company or their site but to see an example of some of the things we discuss in word. Yes seeing things does enhance our understanding. So let’s do it.

Without further ado take a look at http://www.wsiconsultants.com/. The Company cleverly calls themselves WSI or We Simplify the Internet. They also have a nice logo. A logo is always good, for if the people at first forget the name of your business, they will likely recall the image or logo.

On the top right of the Home Page on the opposite side of the company logo they provide a site map and a search bar, both of which are valuable and site service friendly for your visitors. Underneath the header is a really cool flash banner featuring their services.

Immediately below is a nice menu offering information on the “Company”, a “Client Showcase”, and a section highlighting their “Internet Consultants”. Under the option of “Our Company” is another menu with further options and informative options. They are:

• What’s New
• Our Approach
• Our Products
• Business Opportunities
• News Room
• Contact Us

All of these options are insightful and relevant. Obviously when you are deciding what to include on your page you should be as selective. They even offer another search tool below those options.

In a section next to the just mentioned menu is a showcase box directed at their consultants. It offers the visitor the option to locate and contact a WSI rep closest to them. This is common I many Internet fields for a site to be group oriented. These sites feature the designated service but also provide opportunity for individuals to offer their independent service in the context of a collective group of your professional peers.

Now checking out another example we go to http://www.spartaninternet.com/. This company site is more a direct site exclusively marketing their professional consulting services. On their home page you will see their logo and title at the top left. To the top right is a commercial slogan. A slogan is always a nice touch.

Below their header page is a tool bar allowing you to learn more about their “Consulting”, “Implementation”, “Experience”, “By the Industry”, “About Us”, and “Contact Us”. Notice again the relevant choices along with the “standard” options most sites should provide.

Beneath the menu tool bar is their banner ad and 3 inviting topics to explore:

1. Get return value on your web site
2. Create a web strategy for success
3. Generate real profits and reduce costs

All of which are common and vital themes in the Internet consulting field. Below and starting on the left is a further breakdown of their consultant offers.

• Website development
• E-commerce
• Web programming

Next to those choices in the 3 box section is a very good feature. They created what they call a performance index. It is an example of the types of things they have to offer regarding web development and performance. This is a spin of a necessary feature that you should provide. Yes, any resume or past references will show potential future clients what you are capable of.

At the bottom of the page you find contact and location information. This is also a user friendly option as some potential clients may prefer picking up over the phone or in person.

Note that both of these sites are purely promotional and a marketing site for their business. They are not using their site for promotion and as a way of earning income through ancillary methods such as affiliate or sponsorship ads. But that is always an option for your web site. Keep in mind though the manner in which you wish to present your company. And also the focus you wish to have on your primary business compared to side ventures.

So all you consultants out there waiting for someone to ask for your help, how are you getting the word out of your services and credentials?

		Subscribe to BevyHost via RSS Feed
		Follow BevyHost on Twitter

Copyright © 2009 BevyHost.com.

In a forest it is the norm for the majority of trees to be of a similar species. But there are plenty of examples of where a mix of tree species dwells together. Sometimes you plant a variety of species for aesthetically pleasing purposes. There are also times where there are ecological reasons.

The same is true in business. You have needs, wants, and practical matters that effect your operations. In a related topic, there are some businesses that overlap. That is true in the Internet business arena.

Today we are going to take a look at service that can be viewed as virtual assistance, a freelance service, or a form of consultation. Frankly it is a moot point. We are talking about technical support. In countries like the US, this continues to rise in demand.

Many companies use call centers for their technical support. Often times the call centers are businesses of their own built on an independent contract concept. They are a company of virtual assistants basically. In many cases the independent company is made up of independent freelance tech operators.

By outsourcing technical support a company can maintain a higher level of service by having support available at peak hours and high volume periods. Perhaps a new product has been introduced or special maintenance package has been made available. Often times a tech support service is more versed and better equipped to field problems and questions. This also allows the company employees to care for their everyday production related to their job.

Over the past 10 to 15 years a push has been made by learning institutions to offer tech support training. And many people have taken advantage of the increasing number of courses offered. Unfortunately some people feel the opportunities do not match the number of people who have taken the schooling. But those people are not your concern.

The reality is that there are many areas of training that have gone unfulfilled by former students. How many of those people took the necessary steps after their schooling to land a position? Another thing that happens is people do not do the research before they enroll in the course. They hear that something is “hot” or “trendy” and they jump in before examining if it is something they actually see themselves doing.

That is neither here nor there for you. Practically speaking the positions continue to open up. Especially when you consider the increasing use of Internet and network related applications. Add to that the magnifying use of outsourcing support.

This allows the potential employment or independent contract with companies that provide tech support, perhaps by way of call centers. But there are also possibilities for independent freelance or virtual assistants to get some work for hire.

Circumstantially speaking, the bulk of support from call centers is needed in areas concerning networking, main framing, and computer/telephone integration. There is growing technology in areas like speech recognition software, support automation, and related applications.

In a similar but more detailed vein, there is a demand in the help desk application. This is a scenario where support tech operators are available via phone and Internet connection. Help desk offers IT(information technology), troubleshooting, and a host of operating assistance.

In order to perform and provide professional quality service in the tech support field does require training in the areas you wish to pursue. But it is very realistic that you could find self employment via independent contracts. Keep in mind that even if a tech support company provides services that does not automatically mean they have a hired staff. More and more companies are building a staff out of independent contractors. Maybe this is where you fit in?

Here is the bottom line on this branch. The tech support demand is here to stay and the demand is on the rise as a growing number of companies make use of computer based operations and applications. This opens the door for straight out employment, independent contracting with an established support company, or your own one on one freelance service.
Regardless of where you see yourself the good news is if you see yourself somewhere in the picture. Take the time to investigate your options. Look into the education if need be or compare your education to what is required in the area you may be interested in. Get on it!

		Subscribe to BevyHost via RSS Feed
		Follow BevyHost on Twitter

Copyright © 2009 BevyHost.com.

Sometimes our job description is not always much of a description of what we do. It may tell part of the story or give a general concept but there is often more to the story.

One job description that can be a little vague is the title consultant. The reality is there are many applications of being a consultant. Although it will obviously involve consulting it may very as to what is all involved. For our topic we are going to take a look at some applications of Internet consulting.

By way of illustration we are looking at a symbolic “consultant” tree and the branches of that tree is a more specific focus on services that can be offered under the consultant premise. The first branch we are going to look at is Internet marketing consultants.

While many companies and individuals may have a solid Internet presence and perhaps have a respectable knowledge of Internet marketing the fact is there may room for improvement. That is where an Internet marketing consultant comes in. They can advise, instruct, develop or recommend a sales model for you. They may even offer services to carry that model out. Among the areas they will analyze for you are:

• Review of your SEO plan (Search Engine Optimization)
• Review of your email marketing
• Review of your use of affiliate marketing
• Review of your overall advertising/marketing strategy
• Review your web site (features, links and appearance)
• Apply tracking studies
• Study conversion rates ( example: for every 100 visits you get 1 sale)

As a result of their research and analysis they will build a strategy for you to improve in any and every way they pin point. They will also offer programs to instruct you how to maintain this strategy. All in all this is a comprehensive business.

For those of us who would like to pursue an Internet consultation business, these are the types of services expected from an Internet Marketing consultant. It is a rewarding and lucrative business and the demand and need is on the rise.

Very similar and overlapping is an Internet Sales Consultant. Most people may see it as being semantical, and in essence it is. However a sales consultant may also delve into more sales related specifics like products, sales pitch, delivery, and customer service concepts.

You may find it helpful to combine the two in your Internet Consultant business. You can offer marketing and sales advice instruction and strategy.

You also have the option of specializing in Internet media consultation. Also semantical to a large extent to the sales and marketing services. It however leans more toward the web development and design aspect.

The moral of the story is that you have choices and opportunity. In the perfect scenario you would offer the full range of services. But again there are many branches to the consultant tree. We will discuss more options in upcoming articles.

As far as what we have discussed here, no matter how far you plan to take your consultant business it is important to be prepared. And if you are in another form of Internet business do not be afraid to consider the value of using a consultant service.

Don’t just take my advice, ask the pros.

		Subscribe to BevyHost via RSS Feed
		Follow BevyHost on Twitter

Copyright © 2009 BevyHost.com.

I was visiting my father the other day and he was gloating over his garden, and rightfully so, as I was able to enjoy a salad with some of his bounty. One thing that was missing however was tomatoes. Naturally I asked my dad, “hey what happened to your tomatoes? Last time I was here they looked like they were making progress.”

My father then explained to me that something went wrong with all of the plants of tomatoes and he had to rip them out. In fact he was told to make sure he got out every last root out. Now keep in mind my father is 80 years old and the son of an Italian couple that were gardener extraordinariness. Therefore my father has been in gardens his entire life. And he does not recall one time that he had to go to such extremes and never has had an entire selection of plants go bad.

But the story is not over. My father is a believer that you can always learn more. As a result he looked further into his quandary and found out that he should till that ground and leave it alone for a couple years before he plants anything new there.

The lesson here is twofold. The first lesson is that even the best laid plans and following through on your part does not guarantee success. That may be the case with some of our efforts in our Internet business. That said, it is not the end of the world or the end of your garden. It is just a matter of adaptation and learning from your mistakes. Then it is a process of moving past your setback.

The second lesson is that no matter how experienced or lacking in experience someone is there is always a demand for assistance. Yes help will always be a commodity. A commodity that holds a certain value that can be turned into a job of consulting.

So there you are with the talent and know how to guide people through, advise, develop a plan, and the like and you are stuck trying to figure out what the next move is.

This is an area that it may behoove you to set your future by getting your feet wet in an already established consulting firm. Going that route will require you to pursue a position the same as you would in most any other field. The advantages would be that you could create a network and also observe more experienced people on the job. You will also get a taste of the different aspects of the business: Operations, compensation, billing, and so on.

Of course there are numerous areas of expertise. Consultation is sought in industry, office, finance, and business fields. So while the basic elements are the same the trade of choice will have its own nuances.

Now if you are gainfully employed and branching out into the field of consultation that is fine also. For the remainder of this topic, let’s assume that you have made this a goal. Let us also presume that you have done your homework on the in and outs of consulting. Your area of expertise is industry. You have years of factory management and production relating to computer management and software operation.

The ideal approach would be to build a trade relevant network. Put together a professional portfolio featuring your credentials and of your value to potential clients. This would be followed by putting the word out. Spreading the word will likely include a professional web site detailing many of the same highlights. Any references ad past satisfied customers and/or examples of your work is beneficial to include.

Your web page should be marketed through the common applications like newsletters, web ads, forums, business banners, e-zine articles, and so on. Candidly speaking if you are good at consulting and charge a market value fee, the word will get out. But do not take anything for granted.

Hey remember our example of a back yard garden? You don’t stop weeding and keeping produce stealing animals out of your garden just because the harvest starts out good.

In the field of consulting it is also vital that you stay up to date with the latest equipment, programming, and philosophies out there. You can’t be behind the times.

So what about it? Are you a good helper? A troubleshooter, a developer, or a designer? Or are you a numbers guru or a waste management specialist? The areas of which consultants are needed continues to grow. Yes more and more companies are opting to hire a specialist to come in for the needed amount of hours and then move on. This has proven cost effective for many companies.

Now it is a matter of you finding the fit for you or doing what is necessary to fit into a position. Yes whether you start by working with an established consultant firm of starting your own consulting business there are companies that need you. It is up to you to be available and able to be found. Don’t be a submarine in a battle ship society. You have to surface and be seen.

So where are you?

		Subscribe to BevyHost via RSS Feed
		Follow BevyHost on Twitter

Copyright © 2009 BevyHost.com.

The office is buzzing and everybody is feeling the pressure. Inevitably Suzie in accounting hits a snag in her computer and her program is all screwy. Meanwhile across town Raul can’t get the shrink wrapper to work and he has a dozen skids of product that needs to get out of the warehouse.

Tamika, on the other hand, works for an auditing service and she needs a new device to keep up with the demand of her clients. But that won’t help Farad who is having difficult downloading a new software application at the investment firm he works at.

And then there is Wally who is at home working with his video editing equipment and can’t figure out how the components intertwine. And Katrina wants to take her web page to another level but her finances make it difficult to hire a professional service. Nevertheless she is struggling on her own.

Look, we all know that the world over at any given moment, people need help! Things go wrong, ideas are needed, or people want to learn, and so on. And while there are of course various avenues to pursue for help, often times people are in need of a consultant.

This may be where you come in. In fact the demand for consulting continues to grow as technology and in particular, the Internet, has skyrocketed. But how does one get started in the consulting business?

Part of the answer to that lies in the areas of your expertise, experience, and ability. But in general here is a few tips to get going.

Naturally you need to establish what field it is that you are qualified to consult in. If you lack the ability or would like to improve or expand your skills/knowledge, than education would be the first place to start. This is especially relevant in professional areas. But it is not an absolute.

Yes some people have the gumption to dive right in and offer consulting services through their own promotion. That may not be a realistic way to begin but it can be done in a favorable setting. Promoting these services can range from word of mouth, Internet ads, local ads, and on and on. Obviously you will target the people most in need of your assistance.

The independent consultant will often times work for people who are set up for consulting type business, like say financial matters, ala investments or estate planning. So in essence they have already started their consulting business they are just looking to take it and practice it to an on line customer base.

Another place to start is by seeking gainful employment for consulting services or companies that have consulting support. Not only will this offer you the opportunity to have a fabulous job, but you will acquire valuable experience. That experience may lead to you starting your own consulting firm or service.

A bi-product of working for a consulting company may likely include educational and training in a variety of areas. Or at the very least, more in depth study of a specific and attractive field will be accomplished.

A consultant is usually a person who has very good customer service skills. So as a matter of course you will always benefit from improving in that area. Therefore even if you wish to change directions at some point, those communications skills will always be helpful.

Are you good at explaining things or walking people through procedures? Or are you an innovator and/or a problem solver? Then you have already began your journey into the consulting arena.

At this point your next step or official beginning steps is building on those talents and skills. It is also a manner of learning the channels or outlets to be available to consult. This is an important aspect to learn and thus determine what avenue you will pursue first. As a result that will somewhat dictate your next move or moves.

It should be noted that if you are going to go the independent advisor/consultant route, than you will obviously need to have the skills to be available. If that involves on line communications then a working knowledge of Internet operations will be a must.

One thing is for sure, the web is chock full of people who need help in some form or another. The beginning of our discussion merely scratched the surface of the multitude of areas and scenarios that consulting assistance will be desired.
What are you going to do about that? Yeah you! That guy in the red sweater staring at the computer right now, or that gal in her jeans and sweat shirt wanting to work from home, and that man who is tired of his day job and desperately wants a change, and the college kid or high school brainiac who is primed to teach and assist. I know you are out there. Now get started and help the rest of us out, will ya?

		Subscribe to BevyHost via RSS Feed
		Follow BevyHost on Twitter

Copyright © 2009 BevyHost.com.