I currently work as a Document Management Specialist (Document Controller) for a global company, but would like to own my own business and provide document control services to small engineering/building companies on a contractual basis. The way I see it is smaller firms are bidding for work as well and if they can employee a project specific document controller, rather than a full time person, then it will cut down on their costs plus look better in their tender.

I can't seem to find much information on Document Control markets on the internet so am hoping I am hitting a niche market.

Wondering if any of you have heard of it?

Hi Kate -

I never have but you can could make some inquiries at your local chambers, small business administration, or local libraries. Not sure where you are located, but here where I am there are online business reference resources that with my library card I'm able to gain access to that lets you search on businesses, industries, contact information, demographics, etc. It could help you identify who all is doing this and then you can check them out and maybe even call them and say..."I'm just thinking about getting started and can I buy you lunch and pick your brain."

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Pam Blackman - On My Wings International
Integrated Virtual Business Management Solutions | Mentoring | Coaching

I am not familiar with Document Control services. What all does it involve? I worked for an engineering firm a couple of years ago as an Office Manager and there were tons or reports/documents coming through there as they were a testing company. Just for grins, look up concrete testing engineering on the net to see if that would interest you as far as servicing their document control needs.

Furthermore, I agree with what Pam suggested. In fact, I have a neighbor that runs a training company and I asked her out to lunch to "pick her brain". It was one of the best things I have ever done. She ended up needing help with accounting/admin work for her business and she introduced me to tons of people.

Good luck!

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Christi
https://www.facebook.com/CrunchTimeServices

I'm a rookie VA just starting out but I'm also focusing on providing document management and information design services as my niche. I too have been quite surprised by the lack of information there is out there with regard to document management.

I spent the last fourteen years working as an investor relations manager for a growth equity venture capital/investment banking firm and spent the majority of my time creating due diligence reports, designing investor presentations, preparing financial reports, maintaining document version control, and managing regulatory compliance issues - all of which entailed creating some type of documentation and managing control.

I definitely think this can be a great (and interesting) niche to follow depending on your target market. I have found (within the VC industry) that smaller firms definitely need help in some form or another. Perhaps helping startups with their document compliance and formation (corporate articles), or establishing policy and procedures for business owners who simply don't have the time to engage in those administrative tasks themselves. So, yes, I definitely think there is a niche out there for us, and happy I'm not following it alone!

Wishing You Much Success
Linda

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Linda
Cyber Associate, LLC