Geeks, Inc.

(FSB Online) -- Dear FSB: I am an IT geek who is planning to start a small, IT-based services consulting firm. I would ultimately like to provide service-driven consulting services to companies that use enterprise-level systems out of an office in Toronto. Can you offer any advice on getting started?

- S. Munir H. Hatmi, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Dear Munir: Given your expertise, you seem to be very well-positioned to tap into a rapidly expanding market. One important step that will help you focus your business is to determine which clients you will target. Do you plan to help in product selection, deployment planning, implementation, customization, or support? The clearer your focus, the easier it will be to convey it in your marketing materials and for potential clients to understand why they should hire you.

We are starting to see many new hosted solutions, which allow clients to rent access to software, rather than purchase the right to use the software forever. Give careful thought to the changing needs of these users and you are likely to come up with some innovative services.