Executive Summary: Business Plan For Computer Consultancy
Executive Summary: Business Plan For Computer Consultancy
Executive Summary
Calico Computer Consulting is in the process of being formed as a sole proprietorship owned and operated by Doug Burham. This plan is written as a guide for starting and managing this new business and will also serve as the basis for a separate, detailed marketing plan. Following is a summary of the main points of this plan.
The objectives of CCC are to generate a profit, grow at a challenging and manageable rate, and to be a good citizen. The mission of CCC is to provide fast and reliable technical assistance to small office computer users. The keys to success for CCC are marketing and networking, responsiveness and quality, and generating repeat customers. The initial primary service offered will be hourly technical aid, although retainer contracts and projects will be considered in the future growth. The local market for this business, while not new, is wide open for new and expanding consulting firms. An initial financial analysis of the viability of this venture shows outstanding promise and results. Several sources note that the computer consulting business is easy to start, requires little up-front capital, and has the potential to be quite lucrative in today's high tech world.
In conclusion, as shown in the highlights chart below, this plan projects rapid growth and high net profits over the next three years. Implementing this plan, in conjunction with a comprehensive and detailed marketing plan, will ensure that Calico Computer Consulting rapidly becomes a profitable venture for the owner.
1.1 Objectives
The objectives of this business plan are: 1. 2. To provide a written guide for starting and managing this computer consulting business; a strategic framework for developing a comprehensive tactical marketing plan. The intended audience is the owner of this business only; this plan is notintended to obtain financing from outside sources.
3.
The scope of this plan is to provide detailed monthly projections for the current plan year, and yearly summaries for the following two years.
The objectives of Calico Computer Consulting are: 1. 2. 3. Profit - To generate sufficient profit to finance future growth and to provide the resources needed to achieve the other objectives of the company and its owner. (Net profit of at least 45% of sales in first year). Growth - To grow the business at a rate that is both challenging and manageable, leading the market with innovation and adaptability. (Grow from 24 billable hours/week at end of Year 1 to 35 hours/week in Year 3). Citizenship - To be an intellectual and social asset to the community and environment. (Contribute 5 hours per week as volunteer, contribute 5% of pretax profits to charity).
1.2 Mission
Calico Computer Consulting's mission is simple and straightforward:
Purpose - CCC exists to provide fast, reliable technical assistance to local business/small office/home office computer users. CCC sells solutions & results! Vision - By providing fast response, informed expertise, and consistently high quality solutions, CCC generates enough satisfied repeat customers to provide a stable retainer base. This generates sufficient profit to provide a comfortable living for the owner. Mission - The short term objective is to start this company quickly and inexpensively, with a minimum of debt. The long term objective is to grow the company into a stable and profitable entity that the owner can easily and comfortably manage.
Marketing and Networking (getting the name out there -TOMA). Responsiveness (being an on-call computer paramedic with fast response time). Quality (getting the job done right the first time, offering 100% guarantee). Relationships (developing loyal repeat customers - retainers).
Company Summary
Calico Computer Consulting will be a start-up venture with the following characteristics:
CCC will initially be a sole proprietorship. The goal will be to start the venture as inexpensively as possible, with nodebt financing. CCC will be a home office start-up, utilizing one studio room in the owner's home.
Most expenses are typical start-up paperwork fees (legal, accounting, etc.). Cash requirements consist of one month's rent as a reserve. 500 for expensed equipment will be used to purchase a new All-In-One printer, fax, answering machine to replace an aging inkjet printer.
Start-up
Requirements Start-up Expenses Legal Stationery etc. Brochures Accountant Insurance Rent Expensed Equipment Total Start-up Expenses Start-up Assets Cash Required Other Current Assets Long-term Assets Total Assets Total Requirements
Start-up Funding
Start-up Expenses to Fund Start-up Assets to Fund Total Funding Required Assets Non-cash Assets from Start-up Cash Requirements from Start-up Additional Cash Raised Cash Balance on Starting Date Total Assets Liabilities and Capital Liabilities Current Borrowing Long-term Liabilities Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills) Other Current Liabilities (interest-free) Total Liabilities Capital Planned Investment 0 0 0 0 0 1,625 0 1,625 0 0 425 425 425
Owner Investment Other Additional Investment Requirement Total Planned Investment Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses) Total Capital Total Capital and Liabilities Total Funding
Computer facilities will initially consist of the owner's existing system. Telephone - one line currently serves the location. A second line for data use should be added soon. Utilities are already provided, included in the space rent of 425.
Services
Calico Computer Consulting will offer small office/home office business owners a quick-response, reliable source of technical help for their computers.
CCC will offer three main services - Hourly Technical Aid, Retainer contracts for specific skills or systems, and Project consulting. There appear to be four main classes of competition, the largest of which consists of individual proprietors and smaller consulting firms such as CCC. The competitive edge for CCC will be to expand on already existing relationships. CCC will start with some basic sales literature, including logo and stationary, a brochure, and a basic web page. These will be self-designed and computer generated, of course. Fulfillment of services will be provided exclusively by CCC's owner. Technology is obviously a critical component of this business: It will be important to stay up to date on both equipment and knowledge to remain competitive in the future.
3.
Logo and theme - A national catalog sales paper goods company has a wonderful line of blank papers with a computer theme that will serve as the "look" for CCC. A graphic artist friend of the owner has already commenced work on a matching logo. Stationery - The theme paper is available in various formats for use as company stationery. Brochure - Likewise, pre-printed paper is available, along with software templates for generating brochures Web Presence - Eventually a website will be developed as an "electronic brochure" as well as a resource site for the owner's established client base. Response Templates - As common problems/solutions are encountered and solved, a set of standardized templates for initial responses will be developed. This will shorten response time and eliminate confusion in providing quick solutions to routine issues.
3.3 Fulfillment
The fulfillment of services for CCC is provided by the owner. The ultimate deliverable is the owner's expertise and problem solving ability, coupled with an open mind and ease of communication that will result in the customer's complete confidence in immediate and lasting results.
In-house MIS consultants - Usually employed by larger companies that can afford the fixed cost of a salaried or hourly employee. Individual proprietors & smaller consulting firms - As noted elsewhere in this plan, the bulk of Yellow Page advertisements are comprised of this group. Larger network and telecommunications consulting firms - Large, known-name companies such as Network One that specialize in providing total MIS services to larger companies that choose to outsource. Computer and electronics stores offering consulting services.
Of course, Calico Computer Consulting fits into the largest group as a sole proprietorship. The primary reason that customers would buy from CCC rather than competitors is the existing relationships that exist. Customer loyalty and satisfaction are the way to success for small service businesses such as this.
3.5 Technology
Technology is, of course, vital to the success of Calico Computer Consulting. It is imperative that the owner stay upto-date on the latest technological developments in the computer industry. In addition, it will be important to devote a reasonable portion of each year's revenues toward upgrading the equipment and software used by CCC in its normal operations.
A logical segmentation breaks the market down into the following: Home Office Businesses, Small Businesses, Medium Businesses and Large Businesses. Descriptions are provided below. The largest and most logical target markets for CCC are the Home Office and Small Businesses. These businesses mostly have a need for temporary technical aid, usually billed at an hourly rate. Some opportunity does exist, however, for retainer and/or specific project contracts.
While there are a fair number of competitors in the local area, they seem to be widely specialized and widely sized, leaving ample opportunity for CCC to create and expand a niche in the chosen market segments. Finally worth noting is the growth trend for this market, estimated at around 9 to 10 percent annually through the beginning of the next century.
Home Office Businesses - The largest and fastest growing segment, this segment is obviously defined as small businesses that are based primarily out of the owner's home. This is not the same as simple home computer users, which sources warn are NOT a viable market segment for computer consulting. Small Businesses - Defined by the government as businesses with 1 to 99 employees, this is the second largest and fastest growing segment in Eugene and Lane County. Medium Businesses - 100 to 499 employees. Large Businesses - 500 or more employees.
As is obvious in the pie chart, the first two segments comprise the bulk of opportunity for Calico Computer Consulting.
Market Analysis
Year 1 Potential Customers Home Office Businesses Small Businesses Medium Businesses Large Businesses Total Growth 10% 9% 9% 9% 9.50% 4,259 3,931 159 192 8,541 4,685 4,285 173 209 9,352 5,154 4,671 189 228 10,242 5,669 5,091 206 249 11,215 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 CAGR 6,236 10.00% 5,549 225 271 12,281 9.00% 9.07% 9.00% 9.50%
Businesses not using computers Small entrepreneurial businesses using one or more computers Small to medium sized corps using computers on networks Large corps seeking problem-solving assistance (trouble-shooting) with specific projects Government agencies, corporations, and other organizations in search of computer training Businesses in search of custom computer programming services
Calico Computer Consulting will focus on the top market segments only - an intently focused marketing strategy.
Trend #1 - most important -rapid growth in technology, need for continuous upgrades in both hardware and software. Trend #2 - moderately important -predicted continued growth in consulting/outsourcing - companies being unwilling to pay fixed costs of salaries, choosing instead to treat computer upgrades and repair as variable costs. Trend #3 - least important - rapid growth in ratio of SOHO businesses to traditional medium sized businesses.
These trends are predicted by industry experts to continue well into the next century.
Growth rate citation - Entrepreneur Magazine says that the consulting industry in general will continue to grow at an annual rate of 9.1% Growth rate citation - Census data for each identified segment in the Lane County area roughly parallel this growth rate. Growth rate citation - Eugene Chamber of Commerce published data supports the Federal Census data, predicting continued and rapid growth particularly in the small office/home office market segment.
Short term assignments finding solutions for businesses - this is noted as the largest market
2. Specific Skill - the largest area is software specialty, the second largest area
System setup & purchasing guidance Systems reengineering/optimization Network Admin Training Repair Database/Application development Data Storage Disaster Recovery Security/Data Protection Telecommunications
3. Bail-Out (Trouble shooting) According to Entrepreneur Magazine, private home computer users are NOT a viable market for computer consultants.
While there already exists a large number of consultants, there is also a wide range of sizes and specialties. This leaves plenty of opportunity for CCC to find and develop a particular niche. Customers in this industry tend to be loyal, relying on the same consultant for future needs once a relationship has been established. An analysis of CCC's main competitors shows no overwhelming strengths that would be significant barriers to CCC's success. Likewise, identifying competitor's weaknesses has illuminated several areas that CCC can target as marketing strategies.
In short, this business arena, while no longer brand new, is far from exhausted as an opportunity for a new and aggressive company or sole proprietor. By utilizing a logical and comprehensive marketing approach, CCC should easily find success in the computer consulting business.
Under the heading Consultants - Computer & Data Processing there were a total of four listings Under Computers - Service & Repair there were 51 total listings, the majority of which seemed to be stores or companies Under Computers - Software & Services there were 88 total listings. Thirteen of those were large companies such as [name omitted], [name omitted], and [name omitted] (a Portland firm). Sixteen were specialists in accounting software that listed CPA's on their staff. Under Computers - System Designers & Consultants there were 45 total listings. About half had larger listings and/or company names that implied larger size. Throughout all the listings, only four were clearly listed as individual practitioners. The most unique (and catching) name amongst all listings was "[name omitted]."
The conclusion is that while there a fair number of competitors in the geographic area, they are widely specialized and widely sized. Many of the larger participants appear to cater to larger clients, thus leaving plenty of opportunity for Calico Computer Consulting to focus on its chosen market segments.
Top strength - A very memorable name that will stick in customer's minds. Primary weakness - a focus primarily on one operating system (not used by businesses).
Top strength - Longevity and experience, someone who has been in the business locally a long time. Primary weakness - Slow response and an unwillingness to take on new customers.
A much more comprehensive discussion of these strategies is presented in the CCC Marketing Plan (written in Marketing Plan Pro).
The larger competitors seem to be grouped into two main categories: those who provide network expertise to large companies, and those who provide "consulting" service to products they sell. Of the smaller sized companies, about half still seemed to favor larger businesses as their clients.
Customer buying patterns also highlight the opportunity for Calico Computer Consulting. While larger companies tend to hire larger consulting firms, the home business/small business owner tends to favor the personal relationship that can develop with the smaller consulting firm. Several small business owners interviewed for this research admitted being intimidated and overwhelmed by the prospect of calling a larger firm to come "rescue them." They much preferred calling a person they already knew for help. This leads to another very important buying pattern. Customers who have established a relationship with a computer consultant tend to stay very loyal as long as the service and results remain acceptable. This will be critical to the success of a new company like CCC.
Four main promotion strategies: networking and referrals, web based promotion, traditional media advertising, and some non-traditional promotion methods. A value proposition of timely and practical solutions, at a reasonable rate, coupled with a 100% guarantee. A competitive edge based on cultivating existing customer relationships. A comprehensive and detailed marketing and sales strategy, covered in depth in a separate marketing plan.
Strategy 1 - Networking & Referrals - Using existing contacts and clients to build a larger network of potential clients. Strategy 2 - Web promotion - Using a web page to showcase the owner's skills and knowledge, providing an "electronic brochure" as well as useful technical information free of charge. Strategy 3 - Advertising - Traditional methods such as Yellow Page ads, newspaper classified and display ads, local television cable access advertisements. Strategy 4 - Non-traditional - Creative and unique advertising such as door hangers, bumper stickers, etc.
A much more comprehensive discussion of these strategies is presented in the CCC Marketing Plan (written in Marketing Plan Pro).
Sending a letter of announcement and brochure to all existing contacts and customers.
Following the well-established steps of a public relations campaign (press releases, announcements, etc.). Developing and purchasing "grand opening" announcements in the local news media.
A much more comprehensive discussion of these programs is presented in the CCC Marketing Plan (written in Marketing Plan Pro).
Hourly Rate Pricing - The average price charged was 75.00 per hour. Retainer Pricing - Based on the expected minimum number of hours per month, the average was 150. Project Pricing - Based on a daily rate (8 hours x 75.00/hour)
Sales forecast figures are based on industry figures for the typical growth of a consulting startup and reflect repeat business generated through meeting customer needs. Sales programs must be based on the notion that business is driven on customer demand when problems arise. While some business can be generated by soliciting customers to upgrade their systems and software, by and large the bulk of the business will be emergency technical aid.
A much more comprehensive discussion of the sales strategy is presented in the CCC Marketing Plan (written in Marketing Plan Pro).
Sales Forecast
Year 1 Unit Sales Hourly Rate Consulting Retainer Consulting Project Consulting Total Unit Sales Unit Prices Hourly Rate Consulting Retainer Consulting Project Consulting Sales Hourly Rate Consulting Retainer Consulting Project Consulting Total Sales Direct Unit Costs Hourly Rate Consulting Retainer Consulting Project Consulting 660 0 0 660 Year 1 75.00 0.00 0.00 49,500 0 0 49,500 Year 1 10.00 0.00 0.00 Year 2 1,152 5 6 1,163 Year 2 75.00 150.00 600.00 86,400 750 3,600 90,750 Year 2 10.00 20.00 79.98 Year 3 1,152 10 12 1,174 Year 3 75.00 150.00 600.00 86,400 1,500 7,200 95,100 Year 3 10.00 20.00 79.98
Direct Cost of Sales Hourly Rate Consulting Retainer Consulting Project Consulting Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales
6,598 0 0 6,598
5.7 Milestones
The milestones listed in the table below outline primarily the tasks needed to develop this business plan and get the start-up business to opening day. The milestones table in the marketing plan will be a more comprehensive listing of the tasks involved in promoting and sustaining CCC's business.
Milestones
Milestone Research the right business Test assumptions Improve business mgmt. skills Determine the right business Prepare personal financials Decide on target customers Know the industry Decide on location Select business name Secure location Establish business contacts Expand information base Choose business form Establish good Start Date 10/1/1998 10/1/1998 10/1/1998 5/1/1999 5/1/1999 5/1/1999 5/1/1999 5/1/1999 7/1/1999 7/1/1999 7/1/1999 7/1/1999 7/1/1999 7/1/1999 End Date 5/1/1999 5/1/1999 10/1/1999 6/1/1999 7/1/1999 6/1/1999 8/1/1999 6/1/1999 8/1/1999 8/1/1999 9/1/1999 9/1/1999 8/1/1999 8/1/1999 Budget 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Manager Department Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
information flow Research demographic info Establish financial objectives Establish pricing strategy Establish sales forecast Determine capital needs Prepare marketing plan Prepare balance sheet Establish bank relationship Prepare for opening Check all systems Opening final prep Totals
7/1/1999 8/1/1999 8/1/1999 8/1/1999 8/1/1999 9/1/1999 9/1/1999 9/1/1999 9/1/1999 9/15/1999 9/15/1999
7/15/1999 8/15/1999 9/1/1999 8/15/1999 9/1/1999 9/15/1999 10/1/1999 9/15/1999 9/15/1999 10/1/1999 10/1/1999
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner Owner
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Management Summary
Since Calico Computer Consulting is a sole proprietorship and this is an internal plan, this topic is moot.
Financial Plan
The following sections include the annual estimates for the standard set of financial tables. Detailed monthly proforma tables are included in the appendix.
General Assumptions
Plan Month Current Interest Rate Long-term Interest Rate Tax Rate Other Year 1 1 10.00% 10.00% 30.00% 0 Year 2 2 10.00% 10.00% 30.00% 0 Year 3 3 10.00% 10.00% 30.00% 0
Break-even Analysis
Monthly Units Break-even Monthly Revenue Break-even Assumptions: Average Per-Unit Revenue Average Per-Unit Variable Cost Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost 14 1,046 75.00 10.00 906
Year 1 Assets Current Assets Cash Accounts Receivable Other Current Assets Total Current Assets Long-term Assets Long-term Assets Accumulated Depreciation Total Long-term Assets Total Assets Liabilities and Capital Current Liabilities Accounts Payable Current Borrowing Other Current Liabilities Subtotal Current Liabilities Long-term Liabilities Total Liabilities Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Earnings Total Capital Total Liabilities and Capital Net Worth 15,526 10,958 0 26,484 0 0 0 26,484 Year 1 3,641 0 0 3,641 0 3,641 2,050 (1,625) 22,417 22,842 26,484 22,842
Year 2
Year 3
52,328 99,788 20,089 21,052 0 0 72,417 120,839 0 0 0 0 0 0 72,417 120,839 Year 2 Year 3 3,687 0 0 3,687 3,850 0 0 3,850
0 0 3,687 3,850 2,050 2,050 20,792 66,679 45,887 48,260 68,729 116,990 72,417 120,839 68,729 116,990
Ratio Analysis
Year 1 Sales Growth Percent of Total Assets Accounts Receivable Other Current Assets Total Current Assets Long-term Assets Total Assets Current Liabilities Long-term Liabilities Total Liabilities Net Worth Percent of Sales Sales Gross Margin Selling, General & Administrative Expenses Advertising Expenses Profit Before Interest and Taxes Main Ratios Current 0.00% 41.37% 0.00% 100.00% 0.00% 100.00% 13.75% 0.00% 13.75% 86.25% 100.00% 86.67% 41.38% 0.00% 64.70% 7.27 Year 2 83.33% 27.74% 0.00% 100.00% 0.00% 100.00% 5.09% 0.00% 5.09% 94.91% 100.00% 86.67% 36.11% 0.00% 72.23% 19.64 Year 3 4.79% 17.42% 0.00% 100.00% 0.00% 100.00% 3.19% 0.00% 3.19% 96.81% 100.00% 86.67% 35.92% 0.00% 72.50% 31.39 Industry Profile 7.20% 21.70% 50.20% 71.90% 28.10% 100.00% 51.40% 19.10% 70.50% 29.50% 100.00% 0.00% 80.70% 1.20% 1.70% 1.27
Quick Total Debt to Total Assets Pre-tax Return on Net Worth Pre-tax Return on Assets Additional Ratios Net Profit Margin Return on Equity Activity Ratios Accounts Receivable Turnover Collection Days Accounts Payable Turnover Payment Days Total Asset Turnover Debt Ratios Debt to Net Worth Current Liab. to Liab. Liquidity Ratios Net Working Capital Interest Coverage Additional Ratios Assets to Sales Current Debt/Total Assets Acid Test Sales/Net Worth Dividend Payout
7.27 13.75% 140.20% 120.92% Year 1 45.29% 98.14% 3.39 55 7.44 27 1.87 0.16 1.00 22,842 0.00 0.54 14% 4.26 2.17 0.00
19.64 5.09% 95.38% 90.52% Year 2 50.56% 66.76% 3.39 83 12.17 30 1.25 0.05 1.00 68,729 0.00 0.80 5% 14.19 1.32 0.00
31.39 3.19% 58.93% 57.05% Year 3 50.75% 41.25% 3.39 105 12.17 29 0.79 0.03 1.00 116,990 0.00 1.27 3% 25.92 0.81 0.00
1.01 70.50% 3.50% 11.80% n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a