Hi Everyone,

I joined the forum a few days ago and at this point I am trying to figure out what services I should offer. I have seen a lot with web design and graphics both of which are not my field. I also have seen answering services or email services, which may be more towards what I could offer. How should I go about selecting what services are good to offer. Working for over 11 years in local government, I have been exposed to a lot of data processing, spreadsheets, word processing, and I have extensive experience in the wastewater industry (the reporting requirements). Any suggestions or guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks

Carol

Hi Carol,

Go with what you know! You can always expand later once you are up and running. You may want to offer a specialty in the wastewater (or similiar industries) since that is where your background lies.

I offer the normal services but lately have been working with some non-profits so I am currently taking classes on grant writing to expand this service to my current clients. I feel it is easier to learn and add new and this way you will "not waste time" learning a service you may not have any interest in.

Best of luck to you!

__________________
Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Carol - Welcome!

1) Start with a brainstorming session, writing down all the things you know how to do. It doesn't matter if you think you can sell it, write down everything.

2) Go through the list and cross out anything you don't like to do. Just because we know how to do something doesn't mean we actually like it, or will want to do it day after day. (I personally hate cold calling and don't offer that service, even though I know how to do it)

3) Circle all the things you really LOVE to do, and you're really good at. These are the skills you will want to focus on offering.

Then you'll want to get another sheet of paper out and write only the items you found in #3. You'll want to next brainstorm all the types of industries that you think might be able to use those skills. This will help you determine a niche to focus on.