I am starting a software training service, where I train employees of
companies, non-profit organizations, and public agencies in the
following skills: (a) Effective use of Microsoft Office programs,
especially Word, Excel, Access, and Powerpoint; (b) Database design
principles; and (c) Visual Basic programming. This list is in
descending order of importance, i.e., the emphasis will be on the MS
Office training, and that is also where I expect to find the greatest
demand. As of this time, I don't have packaged "courses", but will
teach whatever combination of skills my client is interested in. I
also develop printed handouts and computer files designed specifically
for each client, that employees can use after the training to refresh
their memories and learn the material in more depth.
I intend to market my services by a combination of direct mail and
e-mail contact, possibly with follow-up by phone - and possibly by
getting listed with any business service directories or referral
services that may apply to my field. As I'm a one-person operation and
my own resouces are very limited, I want to restrict my marketing
effort only to the best prospects. My question is: How do I identify
the companies and organizations in my area that are most likely to
need, want, and be able to pay for my services? They can be very small
organizations - typically, I only teach 5 to 10 people at a time
anyway - as long as they're legitimate prospects for software
training.
I am located in Greenfield, Massachusetts, in the area called the
Pioneer Valley. My "prime" market area would be the Pioneer Valley
region from Springfield north to Brattleboro, Vermont, but I'm also
willing to reach a little further and market myself in Greater Boston
and Hartford, CT. |
