Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Thanks

I`ve been seeing a lot of people moving toward something along these lines. The basic concept is that one side has the actual production skills, the other has the organizational and business skills. The common connection has been consulting, but I don`t know that`s such a great idea anymore.

Against, would be that smaller contractors usually don`t have the money to handle a consultant contract.

So how about an entirely different business model, and set up something along the lines of HR and Payroll management?

Instead of contracting for individual consulting, set up a company designed to offload the needed management skills. Small contractors then could buy in on the basis of "plans." Those could be set up for either hours per period, or perhaps targeted areas of expertise.

Example of hours: Contractor signs for X hours per quarter. Those hours can be scheduled as needed for any kind of business consulting need. Maybe office organization, hiring an office manager, or negotiating with suppliers.

Example of targeted expertise: Contractor takes a flat-rate plan to develop a marketing campaign or strategic plan. Upon completion, contractor can option for hourly "maintenance," or be free and clear until the next actual need arises.

The advantage to you would be an umbrella company that could hire or sub-contract specialists. You would also have sales people, and manage the various projects underway. But you wouldn`t be tied to specific contracts. Nor would the low-budget self-contractors be hit with high costs.

Thanks for your reply. Great input and I agree with you. Market research is key. Thanks again.

Thanks for your input. It`s worthy of serious consideration.

I agree with Craig. Another thing you need to point out to potential clients is, that by going with you and your company, it saves them 50% off their bottom line. THAT typically gets their attention. In-house employees they must pay taxes, ss, employment taxes, workman`s comp, benefits packages, vaca, sick, nor office supplies/equipment. That will get them to understand how contracting you rather than hiring a FT employee does in fact, save $ and time.