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| Why
Choose Marcel Brown |
Beyond
my knowledge and experience, which are top-notch, I offer several more
advantages to my clients.
Excellent Customer Service
I pride myself on providing not only quality technical services, but also
excellent customer service. I like to take care of my clients and focus my
efforts on making sure they are happy with the whole package of work that I do
for them, not just plugging in a technology.
Simplified Billing
I believe that the value of work done should be clear and concise to both the
one doing the work and the one receiving the work. Using that philosophy, to
the fullest extent possible I give my clients firm quotes on work deliverables
based not on arbitrary hourly rates, but instead on the value of the work being
done. This allows my clients to know exactly what they are paying for and not
need to worry about extra charges for hourly overages. Note that I will charge
an hourly rate for troubleshooting work, as troubleshooting is done to
determine a problem that is not known beforehand. However, once I have
determined the problem and can recommend a course of action, I will then offer
the client a firm quote to fix the problem.
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Well-Networked
Over the years that I have been working in the technology field, I have
developed quite a large network of contacts in the industry. In addition to my
personal contacts, with memberships in organizations such as the Computer
Consultants of St. Louis, the Mardun Professional Association of Computer
Consultants, and the Mac Experts Network, my clients are assured that even if I
don't posses a certain skill that they require, I will be able to help them
find someone who does. In addition, my large network of contacts allows me to
offer services to clients who may have larger projects than I could handle by
myself.
Advantages vs. Consulting Firms
If you are lucky enough to find a consulting firm that will serve the small
business market, there are several reasons to work with me instead of a firm:
Consistent Expertise - When my clients work with me, they know
they can expect a certain level of expertise and customer service. Time and
again, when working with me, they know they will receive the same high level of
expertise and great service they've come to expect. Customers of a consulting
firm can not expect that same level of expertise or service. Oftentimes,
consulting firm customers are not assigned a permanent contact. They work with
whomever they're assigned at the time. This makes it difficult for the customer
to establish a relationship with any particular consultant.
Longevity - Even if a customer is assigned a permanent contact
by a consulting firm, it is only permanent as long as the consultant works for
that firm. Consultants leave consulting firms for any number of reasons: better
jobs, better work environment, or they may get fired or laid-off. My clients
know that I work for them and will continue to service them as long as they are
happy with my work.
True Focus - Some companies that do consulting work are not
true consulting firms. They may be computer stores or Internet providers or
another business whose focus is not consulting. They may use consulting or
services as an add-on to their primary sales focus, or to drive other sales. I
am truly independent. Technology consulting and services are my full-time job.
This allows me to deliver the expertise needed, without the distraction of
trying to sell something else.
Value - Much of what consulting firms charge is due to the
overhead they incur by running a firm. My clients find me to be a much better
value than consulting firms. They know what they are paying for is the real
value of the work being done, not for consulting firm overhead. Advantages vs.
Other Independent Consultants
There are other independent consultants in the market. What sets me apart?
Knowledge and Experience - Compare my expertise to most other
independent consultants. I think you will find that have much more to offer.
Dedicated - Technology consulting is my full-time job. Many
other independent consultants are not quite so independent and may have other
jobs or responsibilities that limit their availability.
The Right Focus - Many technology professionals focus on the
technology they are proficient at. They tend to advertise themselves in this
manner, for example "database administrator", "web designer", "PC technician",
and so on. I choose to focus on the small business and individual, not the
technology. This means I am interested in serving your needs, not simply
pushing the latest technology buzzwords.
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