Has Anyone Here Set Up A SUCCESSFULL IT business

[Debbie ITAccounting Online]

Re: Successful Business

Tired of living out of a suitcase after six + years of contracting (SAP ABAP) and with the advent of IR35, combining previous career/experience as Accountant with hands-on contracting experience resulted in ITAccounting, internet based accountancy/taxation service.

Been in business now for 3 and half years, use of the internet to promote / provide and collect information clients made the difference for us.

Good luck to all of you.

ITAccounting Online - Truly Interactive Internet Accounting

[silicondale]

Re: Successful Business

Yes - I've set up two successful IT businesses - but of course it all depends on how you define 'success' and how you define 'IT business'.

The first company was set up in 1981, and is still going, though I left in 1993 (in a boardroom coup). It exploited a niche: developed technical software for the mining industry, and in 1989 and 1990 we got a couple of Queen's Awards, for export and technology. Started with 2 people and GBP100 capital. We had finance from bank, advance purchase by one customer, and a large grant under the Software Products Scheme (this was a very generous 'white heat of technology' initiative by Old Labour, finally axed by Maggie in the mid 80s). Staff grew to 30+ spread over offices in 5 continents. Turnover stabilised at around $5million/yr during the 1990s.

Reasons for success - identified a niche ripe for exploitation, developed a well-engineered product, and most important had 200% committed staff ("not so much a product, more a way of life"). Virtually zero staff turnover for the first 12 years.

Second company, started in 1993, still going (hence by definition successful). Started with 2 people, grew to 3, then back to a different 2. Build project teams of sub-contractors as and when necessary. IT consultancy services to the mining industry. Reasons for success - personal recommendations, word-of-mouth. Zero advertising budget, minimal overheads - even moved from London Docklands to rural Derbyshire to reduce costs as well as improve lifestyle. Loyal clients - developed and managing website for one client since 1996 (is this a record?); working with another on specialised database applications since 2000. Watchword again is niche - find it and stay with it !

[Malingering BA]

Re: Successful Business

It isn't an IT business but I (not on my own, I hasten to add) successfully set up OneTip.Com after a particularly unsatisfying stint at a large corporate as a contractor lead me to believe there had to be something better in life.

Advertising is the key - even if people don't make use of your business themselves, they may remember your name if a friend or relative mentions they are looking for someone who does 'x'.

It is also unfortunately true that sex sells. We went through a handing out leaflets exercise a couple of times. On the first occasion, one of our analysts (a man) was assigned the task and he struggled to shift them. On the second occasion, we hired a mini-skirted dolly bird and she was beating them off with a stick - we couldn't print the leaflets fast enough!

Just my two pen'orth!

Malingering BA.

OneTip.Com
A Winning Combination

[MarillionFan]

Re: Successful Business

Shop business. Bugger all to do with IT but we sell Monkeys/
Big ones, small ones, furry ones oh and loads of furniture and gifts.

Just looking for a 2nd premises at the moment.

[eek]

Re: Successful Business

MF,

When you get a chance have a look at Beaconsfield or Amersham for premises. Suitable catchment area and last time I was past that way, there were a few options.

[3wisemonkies]

Success story

Well, my business may not be a 'core' it business being primarily concerned with the areas of BS7799 and information security legislation, but now in our second tax year, and having just won an IR35 case, I would class us as a success. :hat

www.advent-im.co.uk

[RobAnt]

Re: Success story

We now have a new opportunity: -

We are looking for Small Businesses (SME's) that would like to upgrade their 1, 2 or 3 PC or small peer to peer network and start looking proper Server & Client networking solutions.

We can also integrate practically any bespoke application that our customers might need.

More details HERE

By the way - Small Business Suite 6 for up to 5 users & 2 servers is free, but we make a small charge for the media, delivery and a deposit, which is refundable against upgrading or engaging our services within 3 months.

[GordonBrown]

Re:Shop

Shop, what are you advertising yourself as in the YP, etc?

[Matrix IT Ltd]

Re: Re:Shop

We're in the process of setting up as an IT consultancy / support company... It's going well so far... Small businesses need a decent level of IT support.