Suppose you have been hired as an IT consultant to help someone start their business. They are hiring you because they want to utilize some of the latest technologies and they think you are most knowledgeable in this realm. The business is a seminar business providing half day and full day informational sessions on wellness, diet, health related topics and sessions on understanding Obamacare. (you can choose another topic for the seminars if you wish).
Following are some specific questions from the client – but he also wants you to provide any other suggestions and recommendations that you think would be helpful. The client has a modest start-up budget but wants to know your recommendations for longer term plans when funds become available. From this point you may state any other assumptions you think are necessary to present your case.
1. Assume the client has already incorporated the business as a LLC.
2. The client would like to have a home base from which to launch the business and start with face-to-face seminars. Where should this be (hotels, organization, rent a space, etc.). He will need to branch out to other locations in the U.S. Should he start by offering these seminars all on-line instead? What is the success model to get started?
3. Does the client need traditional paper business cards? If so, what information goes on the business card? Does he need a physical address or just a web address? (Note: the client has already had the logo designed). Should there be a QR code on the business cards? Does the client need a paper brochure? If so, should there be a QR code? If so, where does the QR code take you? What is the best approach for the initial marketing campaign? Think about your audience also. The client hopes you have some creative ideas.
4. The client has chosen a domain name – where and how does he register it? He will need to get the web page up and running – how does he go about web hosting? How will he propagate the web site? How does he get a minimal web page up and running? He would like to put basic information on the web page concerning time, place, dates of the seminars rather than on brochures so changes can be made easily. Also, the client would like to put seminar handouts on the web page – but needs password access for those who pay for the seminar. So – the front page for the public to see and then password access for seminar participants. The client will also need a way for registrants to register and pay online. Those are the basics. You need to recommend how to accomplish this.
5. The client also feels it is necessary to have a mobile app to access the site. He just needs something simple and cost effective.
6. How can the client use social media to drive traffic and get registrants involved – both to attract new business and to bring past participants to additional seminars? Maybe use some photos on the site also.
7. How will the business advertise their services? Word of mouth? LivingSocial? Web page and QR code? Combination of these?
8. The client will need to keep up with a lot of information about the business. Set up the design for the client – what information will he need to collect?
9. The client will need a smart phone for the business. He already has a laptop, desktop, and iPad. He currently has a personal smartphone. Does he need both a personal and business phone – or just one phone (similar to the BYOD issues)? If one phone – then which one? His current smartphone contract is over and he can change or stay with his current phone. Does he go with Apple, Samsung (android), etc.? The cloud may be helpful in his business to store files and access information. How does his cloud strategy impact which phone he should purchase? These decisions are important – he wants to do the right thing from the beginning.
10. How would you describe the business model (subscription-based, advertising – based, registration-based only, or some combination)? What is the revenue model? How will the company make money?
11. Make the business case for the client – along with your recommendations. Show a basic budget and the revenue stream for the first and second year. Don’t forget your own fees in the calculation. When can he expect to make a profit? Who will the client need to hire? He plans to start by doing all the seminars himself.
12. Security will be important if credit cards are used and information is collected over the internet. How should the client deal with the security issues?
13. Your client has a vision to expand globally with the seminars. What issues are important for him to consider?
14. On a final note, the client asks you how he can get off the 24/7 treadmill. As a start-up company he is living and sleeping the business. He is worried about his own health. What advice do you have?
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