How to Start a Computer Training School Business

Friday, March 14, 2014

How to Start a Computer Training School Business

The ability to effectively use a computer has become a necessary aspect of working in most industries. However, as technologies continue to develop, the majority of workers in a particular field may not have the skills necessary to fully utilize the computer-based tools for that field. This need for continuing development and training presents an opportunity for computer-savvy entrepreneurs who are effective teachers. By starting a computer training company, you can utilize your specific expertise to deliver a rewarding service to your clients.

Instruction:

Step 1

Gain proficiency in various computer programs that are useful in the business world. Some such programs, such as word processing, presentation, database and spreadsheet programs, are ubiquitous across most industries, so learning to use them in every aspect may prove beneficial to you. Even though such programs' ubiquity means that many professionals can use them to some degree, most professionals do not have a deep understanding of them. You can make yourself useful by providing training on their more advanced aspects. Other programs may not be so common, such as animation programs, engineering programs, multimedia programs and publishing platforms. Proficiency in such specialized programs can prove even more lucrative than proficiency in more common programs, as the supply of professionals skilled in their use is limited.

Step 2

Develop a curriculum. Simply understanding how to use a program does not make you a qualified educator. Either purchase teaching materials or create your own, and structure your classes into segmented units that cover the most essential aspects of the programs. Place items of instruction in a logical and understandable order.

Step 3

Locate a teaching venue. Depending on the number of students you expect to have, decide whether you want to rent an office space on a monthly basis or rent a conference room by the hour. Some office rental companies offer conference rooms with computers set up according to your specific requirements. Another option is to run a mobile computer education business. Instead of renting your own space, go to companies and teach their employees while at work.

Step 4

Create a marketing plan. Detail all of the advertising and marketing methods you plan on using to find clients, whether they be direct marketing, online advertising, print advertising or broadcast advertising. Outline the specific venues in which you plan to advertise, and make a plan of how much money you plan on spending for such advertising.

Step 5

Establish your business as a legal entity. If you are starting a business with yourself as the only employee, the lack of complexity and low level of liability regarding your business may mean that you only need to set up an assumed name -- or DBA -- instead of an LLC or corporation.

Step 6

Set up a business website. Even if you do not plan on doing much online advertising, you should still have an Internet presence to help establish legitimacy -- especially since your business is a computer-based business. On the website, give a full account of your expertise, qualifications and curriculum. Mention any applicable certifications you have.

References (4)

About the Author

Ronald Kimmons has been a professional writer and translator since 2006, with writings appearing in publications such as "Chinese Literature Today." He studied at Brigham Young University as an undergraduate, getting a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese.

Photo Credits (2)

1 comment:

Computer TrainingMarch 14, 2014 at 6:33 PM
Computer Training, Computer Training School, Computer Training School Business, How to Start a Computer Training School Business
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Easy Tips and Ideas to Start Business

Although anyone can start a business, many people fail because of a bad product or improper research. If you want to start your own business, you can improve your chances for success before you even begin. In order to make your business successful, start strong and make sure that your idea will hold out for the long haul.

Have a Good Product

Ensure that you plan to sell something useful. Although you may think that your product is important or special, that doesn't mean the general public will agree. Ask friends, family and strangers what they think of your product. If they don't seem that interested, ask them why. With their suggestions, you can either improve the product or scrap the idea completely. According to Brad Sugars of Entrepreneur magazine, most small businesses fail because they sold a product that didn't have an adequate market. This also applies to small businesses that provide a service. A lawn-care business might be useful for part of the year in a northern state, but it is in-demand year-round in the south. Consider whether people will actually want to use your service and get constructive advice from those not afraid to give their opinion.

Research Local Businesses

Research local companies before starting up your own business. This will not only give you an idea of the amount of competition you will have, but it will also help you price your product or service. If you're looking to start a wedding photography business, you may find during your research that the market is over-saturated in your area. If not over-saturated, you should contact each business and ask them for a price list. Alter your prices so you can stay competitive with the competition in town. Researching similar local businesses will also help you decide where to locate your business location. Try not to start up a store or office close to another business of your type. If your small business is located away from similar business types, this will cause locals to choose you over businesses that are farther away from where they live.

Get Professional Advice

You may know someone who has started their own successful business. Ask him for advice and listen to his stories of how he started his company. You may gain useful advice on the good and bad ways to start a business. Local entrepreneurs can also introduce you to local product providers or advertisers that you may not have met without their help. Accept any advice with open arms, especially if the advice is coming from someone successful in the area.

How to Calculate Business Start Up Costs

Starting a business in no easy endeavor. It takes a great deal of research, perseverance and hard work. While sweat equity will make your small business more successful, you will most likely need real capital to get the business started. Before you start raising capital and/or investing your own funds, the first thing you need to do is determine the total start-up costs.

Step 1

Determine your costs of sales. For most small businesses this means inventory, the cost of raw materials, manufacturing equipment, shipping, packaging, and warehousing. However, not all businesses sell products. In this case, the cost of sales is primarily the direct labor involved in making the sale. For example, to open a small shoe business entails purchasing enough inventory ($10,000) to stock the store.

Step 2

Determine professional fees. Planning your business structure, i.e., limited liability corporation or general partnership, means hiring an attorney. There may also be the need to pay an attorney for help with establishing trademarks, copyrights, and patents. In this scenario, that puts total professional fees at an estimated $20,000.

Step 3

Determine technology costs. Technology can greatly reduce the cost of labor for small business if used effectively. Most small businesses require computers, printers, cell phones, website development, Internet access, software applications, information security, data storage, and outsourced information technology (IT) consulting. If the cost of technology is $10,000 to start, add an additional $5,000 a year for maintenance (hint: maintenance is not included in start-up costs).

Step 4

Determine administrative costs. This varies with business types and may include items such as business insurance, office supplies, product packaging, parking, rent, express shipping, desks, chairs, fax machines, phones, or anything else necessary to operate the business daily. A good estimate for start-up administrative costs would be $5,000 for the first six months.

Step 5

Determine initial sales and marketing costs. Now that you have your product, you need to let folks know about it. Sales and marketing costs generally include marketing materials for presentations, printing stationery, business cards, advertising, trade show events, and public relations. These initial sales and marketing costs can add up to $3,000.

Step 6

Determine the wages and benefits needed to secure a staff. This includes employee salaries, benefits, workers compensation, and payroll taxes. Let's put the cost of wages and benefits estimated at $20,000 for the first three months of business.

Step 7

Add all costs associated with starting the business for a total. Be sure to only include business start-up costs that will be incurred in the first three to six months of operations. For this example, the calculation is: $10,000 + $20,000 + $10,000 + $5,000 + $3,000 + $20,000 = $68,000.

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Friday, March 14, 2014