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Meet Carl Owen (that’s him in the hat). Carl signed up in October to be an EZ-NetTools™ reseller. We call him the “Reseller in a Fishbowl” because everyone can follow and learn from his experiences as he establishes his Internet Consulting Business.
We have received numerous questions from resellers who want business advice. While we are not business consultants and do not offer business advice, we are certain that as you read about Carl's experiences as he works to build his business you will be able to gain a better understanding of how to build your own Internet Consulting Business.
The Next Step
Carl has already taken many steps to establish his business identity. At this point, one of Carl's primary focuses will be to market a local online business directory called RexburgOnline.com. This is a wonderful tool for him because it creates instant local awareness of his company among his target market – small businesses. We will elaborate on his specific plans for RexburgOnline.com in the next issue. What's more, we will also explain how ICServ is implementing new features into the EZ-NetTools™, so you can do a directory just like it.
Reseller Report - December 2000
I spent the first week setting up shop and doing some preliminary planning. I wanted to provide a professional looking office where I could meet with clients. I first selected an office in the local business development center. The rent is inexpensive and they have a great Internet connection. These were two major criteria.
Office Furnishings
Once the office was rented, I needed to furnish the office. I am staying frugal so the oak desk will have to wait. Here is a list of items I purchased:
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- desk with file drawer
- hanging file folders
- standard file folders
- coat rack
- coat rack
- mouse
- keyboard
- monitor
- pens
- pencils
- printer paper
- printer cartridges
- scissors
- sticky pads
- notebooks
- stapler
- Quickbooks software
- day planner (Palm Pilot)
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Note: I used a computer and printer business software (Corel Suite, Ulead Photo Impact 6, and Art Explosion) that was already available to me. I also brought some simple artwork from home.
Services
While I was getting the physical part purchased, I also registered my business with the State of Idaho, opened my business checking account and merchant account. I ordered the phone connection, and signed up for the local ISP service.
I spent almost a week setting up my office and getting my services together. It was a lot of running around but was necessary to get it started. It didn't go near as fast as I wanted it to. Putting my desk together was a tedious task but looks good now. Whenever I could, I would talk about my plans and what I was doing!
Marketing & Advertising
When I got my office and all of the services set up I started thinking about marketing. I started with what I learned in "hands on training."
My business identity as an Internet consultant
My target market is small to medium sized businesses in Rexburg and surrounding areas. I established my service offerings which revolve around selling web sites created with EZ-NetTools™. I will provide services to meet the needs of the small businesses in Rexburg and surrounding areas. I priced my services. I found that there are a few freelance web designers in Rexburg and one start up business doing a directory which I am thinking about using to cultivate business.
I modified the model web site provided by ICServ. It took me several days to think through this and do some preliminary research on the market in Rexburg. I did a lot of the thinking while I was setting up my office space.
Summary
It took quite a bit of time to pull this together. I found myself impatient at times and just started talking to people whenever I could about what I was doing. Now that I have all of togther, I will do my marketing plan and set up my advertising. Whew! I've started!
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