Over past 7 years, Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) has gained traction as a widely-respected Small Business Server networking suite.

As a result, many small business computer consultants, systems integrators, and value-added resellers have jumped on-board Microsoft Small Business Server bandwagon.

However, before you go ahead and bet YOUR company on Microsoft Small Business Server, consider following three Small Business Server Business Tips... so you can maximize your Small Business Server consulting profits.

(1) Most small businesses in your area have never heard of Microsoft Small Business Server.

Although there may be hundreds, if not thousands, of small businesses in your area that would be excellent candidates for Microsoft Small Business Server, don’t make ultra-common mistake of assuming that typical non-technical small business owner even knows what Microsoft Small Business Server is.

If you want to maximize your consulting profits and avoid commodity price wars, you’re much better off leading off with a pitch for something that’s more universally recognized... such as getting rid of computer viruses, stopping SPAM, or preventing computer security breaches.

(2) Sell your small business prospects on YOUR company first.

The real money in Small Business Server is NOT in reselling Microsoft Small Business Server software. The real money comes from selling RELATIONSHIP with small business. So your company essentially becomes your clients’ outsourced IT department.

Remember, no small business owner is going to wake up in middle of night, in a cold sweat, craving Small Business Server. However, small business owners DO constantly lose sleep over what will happen to their companies if their computer systems fail them. Become solution to more primal, survival instinct and you’ll get plenty of opportunities to sell Small Business Server, once you’ve established a solid client/consultant relationship.

Computer Consulting 101 Preventative Medicine

Many small business owners have a tough time knowing how to deal with difficult computer consultants. However, if you're able to uncover potential problems at start of your computer consultant/client relationship, you can avoid many of these unpleasant issues altogether.

Root of Problem

While most entrepreneurs and small business managers know exactly what to ask when it comes to hiring for internal staff positions, hiring a computer consulting firm can be more difficult.

So on top of dealing with myriad legal issues surrounding how you retain services of contractors (best advice: consult with your attorney), as opposed to hiring employees on your payroll, you'll need to know how to ask "right" questions. Don't make ultra-common common mistake of focusing on wrong things. Use these Computer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips as your checklist for doing your homework before you sign on dotted line.

Part-time or Full-time Computer Consulting

Do you have a "day job"? Are you moonlighting?

Solo Practitioner or True Computer Consulting Business

What do you mean by "we"? Are there any other people who work at your company?