As a new small business computer consulting firm, you might ask what level of technical staff you can put on payroll. Don't get too excited yet; you have to be realistic about this.

Of course, it varies by job market, but all things being equal, what kind of technical person will your small business computer consulting firm be able to find? Can you find someone that has the wide variety of intermediate to high end technical skills that are needed for larger small business clients if your technical salary budget is only $37,500 a year?

The Need for Qualified Help

Your small business computer consulting clients that have ten to fifty PCs are going to start to have much more sophisticated needs. You cant send someone in whos a glorified screwdriver technician.

It doesnt work. Your small business computer consulting firm needs fairly high level people.

Know What You Have to Offer

On the flip side, on the demand generation side, what kind of polished B to B salesperson are you going to be able to find for your small business computer consulting firm if you can only offer a base salary of $27,500 a year?

That extra $10,000 will need to be allocated to things like direct mail, having that person go to organization and networking meetings, sponsoring events, doing seminars and things along those lines.

The Bottom Line about Small Business Computer Consulting

Finding staff with skills for such low salaries is like Fantasy Island for most new small business computer consulting firms. Its very unlikely to happen. You, as the owner, are the only person, aside from maybe your spouse or another family member, whos going to be willing to work like a dog at way below market wages while the business is built up.

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