Professional Services

Start a Business offering Professional Services

Many professional services businesses are consulting firms. While some consulting firms only offer advice and guidance others provide specific services, such as business accounting, tax preparation, financial management and project management. Do you have in-demand expertise of any sort? Are you a human resources professional, a public relations practitioner, social network specialist, talented business writer, marketing genius or a technology services pro? All these skills can be the basis for a successful small business when combined with an entrepreneurial spirit. It is possible to start-up a professional services business with minimal capital, because the product you are selling is your expertise. There may be some overheads including setting up an office, employing office staff and possibly an bookkeeper, stationery, printed literature to advertise your services, as well as legal expenses such as permits, contracts, membership fees and business insurance.

Make sure your resume is comprehensive and current;
Ask former employers and customers for written references;
Utilize Social Networks to promote your professional services; have a list of references on hand if you need to present them to potential customers;
Look for opportunities to develop mutually beneficial relationships with other businesses. For example, if you are a social network specialist you could seek out a firm that specializes in Web design to undertake their social network management and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Offer to refer your clients to them when they need a Web site makeover if they agree to a partnership arrangement.

Ideas for a professional services business: