Excel / Access / Google Docs Consulting

[greatdanish]

I have never considered myself to have a huge "entrepreneurial spirit", as I have worked in education and industry for my whole professional life. But, in my jobs, I have realized how inefficient the typical worker is with Microsoft Excel, Access, and Google Docs. This observation has stirred in me that spirit that I hadn't previously had.

I am in the beginning stages of preparing a business plan to offer online consulting and training services in these areas (Excel, Access, and Google Docs). I know there are others that do this, and I have a plan regarding competing with these established businesses.

My primary question for this forum is this: As a small business owner, what is your opinion on the likelihood of other small business owners (or yourself) to enlist the services of such a consultant?

I realize to accurately gauge interest, it would be best to provide a list of specific services, so here is a very generalized list of services I would plan to offer:
- On-site training in Excel, Access, and Google Docs
- Database management; for example, creating, merging, and/or scrubbing client data
- Database creation; for example, create forms for employees to enter information in, as opposed to entering data directly into an Excel spreadsheet
- Creation of "dashboards" - a set of simple graphs to gauge the status and trends of the business in a given time period
- Provide analysis and statistical consulting for various projects
- Ensure spreadsheets adhere to a set of international standards, particularly in the case where spreadsheets will be shared in marketing efforts
- Create and administer surveys for employees or for clients, and report results

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[Will]

That is exactly what I was thinking I needed for my startup... I need a bit of work done and some training in excel to be able to handle all my products for my website.

I think it is a service that could be needed by a lot of entrepreneurs around the world. Go for it!

[JohnYE]

Hi danish,

Welcome to the forum. I agree with Will. There is a need for this kind of service. The key will be marketing it in a way that reaches your target audience. With MS Office suite being taught in high school and college these days, you might consider a niche market with people who are "middle aged." Finding a focused niche will allow you to target your marketing efforts and work with a laser vs. shotgun approach.

In any case, asking the question on forums is a good start to get a feel for the need. Keep it up, and let us know how it's going as you progress.

To your success!
John


.

[greatdanish]

Thanks for your responses. And, honestly, I'm glad neither one of you just said it was a horrible idea...
I am setting up my website right now, so I will post it when it is ready.

If anyone is interested, I am trying to find a few "trial runs" before the business goes live, so if anyone needs some help with anything mentioned above, please let me know.

[mcfarldr1]

I definitely agree that there is a need for this. If you can keep your costs down and get a few clients quickly, then you will have some capital to spend on marketing/advertising.

Go for it!

[Southern_Lenders]

Hows this idea paning out? Still working on it?

[akula]

My primary question for this forum is this: As a small business owner, what is your opinion on the likelihood of other small business owners (or yourself) to enlist the services of such a consultant?

I realize to accurately gauge interest, it would be best to provide a list of specific services, so here is a very generalized list of services I would plan to offer:
- On-site training in Excel, Access, and Google Docs
- Database management; for example, creating, merging, and/or scrubbing client data
- Database creation; for example, create forms for employees to enter information in, as opposed to entering data directly into an Excel spreadsheet
- Creation of "dashboards" - a set of simple graphs to gauge the status and trends of the business in a given time period
- Provide analysis and statistical consulting for various projects
- Ensure spreadsheets adhere to a set of international standards, particularly in the case where spreadsheets will be shared in marketing efforts
- Create and administer surveys for employees or for clients, and report results

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Umm..ok..

1. The likelihood depends on the quantifiable benefits of your services. If I'm running a convenience shop, or a car repair business it will be hard for you to quantify to me how much benefit I can get from better spreadsheet skills.

2. However, if I'm a business that constantly uses spreadsheets/databases..like a financial services company...then it would be easier to quantify how much money you can save me if I buy your service.

So yea...you've gotta segment the market

[greatdanish]

Hows this idea paning out? Still working on it?

Yeah, I am still working on what I believe the next poster identified - trying to really narrow my target market to start. Trying to create a more well-defined list of services, cost structure, marketing scheme, and also setting up a bare bones website.
I have a three-month old and a three year old at home, and so it has been difficult to find a convenient time to really work on this. Last week, I began crafting a list of people I thought might be willing to partner with me...