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ABUJA, FCT, Nigeria
I love this Business because it makes me what i am today. I am not a guru like many others with the same internet idea, but i love sharing my idea with you if you want. this site is just for you and make the best use of it to achieve your objectives. Visiting my site is Just too good for you ......Enjoy it.

Friday, June 25, 2010

FEASIBILITY STUDY ON YOUR BUSINESS IDEA

CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON YOUR BUSINESS IDEA
Today, i intend teaching you how to carryout feasibility study on your business idea. Since conducting feasibility study is such an important process that must be carried out on your business idea or proposal, i will advise you print out or bookmark this article for future reference.
Let’s move on as i explain to you the various processes involved when conducting a feasibility study.
1) Economic Analysis: I believe this is where your feasibility study should start from. What is the essence of carrying out market research when the economy does not favor entrepreneurship or private ventures. Analyzing the economy will help you align your planned business with the economic situation on ground. Economic feasibility should include analysis on government fiscal and monetary policies, import and export rate, inflation rate, and currency exchange rate and so on.


2) Market Analysis: The next thing you should be analyzing is the market of your proposed business idea. Carrying out a feasibility study on the market will enable you know if there is actually a need or market for your business idea. Market analysis will also help you to determine the size of the market, demographics and psychographics of the market, level of competition and the size of the market you can compete for.
3) Technical Analysis: This part of a feasibility study deals with the technological requirements of the business. Technical analysis will enable you determine the method of production to be employed, equipments, spare parts and tools, site development, supporting facilities, the nature of the factory building, fencing and so on.
4) Location Analysis: This is carried out with a view to determine the best location for the business in terms of nearness to high traffic roads, nearness to infrastructure, ease of transportation of raw materials and finished products, cost of land acquisition and so on.
5) Manpower Analysis: This part of a feasibility study deals with the process of estimating the level of skill, professionalism and number of employees to be hired by the business. The salary scale, incentives and pay package are also estimated at this point.
6) Financial Analysis: Financial analysis will be dealing with the estimation of the total capital involved, capital expenditures, working capital, profit and loss analysis, pricing of products, cash flow projections, projected sales revenue and the entire project viability. Everything concerning finance should be dealt with at this juncture.
7) Sensitivity and Risk Analysis: This is the last part of a feasibility study. After all other factors have been analyzed and proven viable, then sensitivity and risk analysis can come in. Before any business idea is taken to the marketplace, its risk to reward ratio is analyzed, the sensitivity to competition is determined and the liquidation rate of companies in the industry of your proposed business venture is calculated. With results obtained from sensitivity and risk analysis, growth and survival strategies can be developed for your proposed business.

Monday, June 21, 2010

COMPUTER IN SCHOOL INITIATIVES

Information Technology and Development (ITD) = Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
Monday, June 21, 2010

EITPIN 2008 – ITAN RELAUNCHES COMPUTER IN SCHOOL INITIATIVE
PRESS RELEASE ON EITPIN 2008 BY THE PRESIDENT, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (INDUSTRY) ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (ITAN), Dr. Jimson Olufuye on March 14, 2008
On behalf of the National Council of Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria (ITAN), and the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), it is my pleasure to divulge that this year’s edition of our annual event EITPIN 2008 holds 9am at the Centre for Information and Technology Systems, the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos on March 27, 2008. Attendance is FREE!
EITPIN is an ellipsis for Enhancing Information Technology Penetration in Nigeria. It is an annual event which provides a platform for the industry players to strategize on how to enhance Information Technology (IT) penetration in Nigeria. The theme for this year’s edition - EITPIN 2008, is Enhancing IT Penetration in the Grassroots.
The choice of the theme was informed by the need to create the necessary foundation that will make our economy globally competitive in line with Vision 20 2020 which aims at propelling our economy to one of the top 20 in the world by the year 2020. We hope to contribute to the attainment of this vision by mobilizing all stakeholders to accentuate and increase human capacity and know-how by deepening the IT penetration in the grassroots particularly areas that are digitally cut-off.
One practical way of enhancing the penetration of IT at the grassroots is by providing computers to schools with cutting edge educational software in line with CPN/NERDC IT Curricula. This will not only allow the pupils/students to have the opportunity to learn to use the computer at an early age in their educational career but will also enable them learn and progress in their studies with computing tools. This will of course put them at par with their counterpart elsewhere in the digital world. It will also allow the communities where these schools are located to utilize the facilities and benefit from them as it may be practicable.
In addition, without providing computing tools in our schools, we will not meet the goal of the World Summit on Information Society for all schools, libraries and local government offices to be connected to the Internet by the year 2015. It must also be remembered that access to IT is critical to the achievement of many of the targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
It is in support of this effort to ensure that our schools have access to educational computers, as first step towards the deepening of IT at grassroots that we at ITAN have decided to resuscitate our earlier initiative, the Computer In School Initiative now christened Old Students Computer In School Initiative (OS CISI).

The fulcrum of the “OS CISI” is the deployment of computers to Old Students primary/secondary schools at the 1st Level. The 2nd Level would require the deployment of computers to Old Students nominated schools apart from their Alma Mata. 1st & 2nd levels deployments could actually run pari-passu. The 3rd level will be deployment of PCs to 3rd party nominated schools across the six geo-political regions of Nigeria.
The computers involved are either fairly used (not below Pentium III 128MB RAM) or brand new systems (branded) as may be recommended by the sponsor of the school. Based on strategic partnership with Microsoft and local software developers (eg Cognitive Software), we plan to power each system with Microsoft Windows Xp, MS Office 2003 Suite, MS Student Encarta 2005, MS Educational software, and Cognitive educational packages at the first instance. An option with Linux has an alternate standard platform is still on the table. A minimum of five computers will be Star-networked with a fairly used (or brand new) laserjet/deskjet printer. The equipment will in essence be made Internet ready but not connected to the Internet. It is hoped that the Galaxy Backbone Internet Infrastructure will extend to benefiting schools as soon as it is deployed. At least one 5kva Stabilizer and 5 650va UPSs shall also be part of the package.
The operational scope of the scheme shall be in tandem with the 2001 guidelines which include:

1. Securing beneficiary nomination and sponsorship funds.

2. Writing the beneficiary school/s about the offer and requesting them to prepare a laboratory (ie a secure, powered and well ventilated room) for the equipment installation.

3. Verification of the lab by ITAN inspectors

4. On successful verification exercise, request for each school to nominate 2 teachers for an accelerated train-the-trainer scheme on the software installed and the CPN IT Syllabi for Primary and Junior Secondary schools.

5. Deployment of Equipment

6. Installation, Testing and handing-over

7. Establishment of Contact person for link with ITAN CISI Help Desk

8. ITAN Lead Technical Officer (LTO) submits project report.

9. End of Deployment Operation
The project is expected to be sustained by

1. 1. Securing local partners for each deployment

2. 2. Creation of a functional CISI Help Desk

3. 3. The submission by the nominee’s contact person a Quarterly Performance Report (QPR) to ITAN

4. 4. The submission of an independent regular but not exceeding quarterly report by the local partner or authorized ITAN representative.

5. 5. Securing continuous stream of sponsorship funds from donors.
Additional details about OS CISI are available on www.itan.org.ng. The OS CISI will be formally launched at the EITPIN 2008 on March 27, @ CITS, Unilag. Brain storming sessions at the event are expected to further fine tune the OS CISI delivery strategies. Personalities that have accepted to brainstorm at the event include: Prof Charles Uwadia, NCS President, Dr (Mrs) Osofisan CPN President, Dr Sola Afolabi, Director ECOWAS Community Computer Centre, Dr Femi Aladesulu, Director ITD CBN and ITAN Performance Awardee, Dr I. A. Odeyemi, CEO Debis Computers, Mr Chris Uwaje, former ITAN President, Mr David Mirilla, former President ITAN, Mr Lanre Ajayi, NIG President, Engr S. Agu, ISPON President and Dr E. Ekuwen, ATCON President. Others include: Dr Leo-Stan Ekeh, CEO Zinox Technologies, Engr Flourence Seriki, CEO Omatek Computers, Engr Tunji Balogun, CEO Brian Technologies, Engr Omotunde-Young, CEO Kes Group and Prof. Manny Aniebonam, CEO Afri-Hub Ltd among many others.
A number of organizations have confirmed their commitment to partner with ITAN on this initiative. They include: Zinox Computers, Omatek Computers, Brian Computers, Beta Computers, K2Group, Cognitive Software, Gafunk, ISPON, ATCON, and NIG. Partnership support is being expected from companies and agencies like Microsoft Corporation, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Millennium Development Goals’ Office, New Partnership for African Development Nigeria (NEPAD), Education Trust Fund (ETF) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). However, partnership support has been received from ECOWAS Commission, Centre for Information and Technology Systems (CITS) of the University of Lagos host for the event. From the state government side we have received the commitment of the Yobe State Government which has made an initial pledge of 200 brand new computers to its schools under the Initiative.
We are happy with the responses we have received so far and would like to use this opportunity to, while thanking all those organizations and individuals that have accepted to partner with us in this bold initiative, call on the federal government, other states, local governments and other companies and organizations as well philanthropic individually to join the Old Student Computer In School Initiative (OS CISI) and demonstrate their commitment to uplifting our human capacity, economy and country. An online page has been created on www.itan.org.ng to receive expression of commitment by Old Students (Alumni) for the OS CISI initiative.
I will also want to underscore some policy issues that have important bearing on the development of the IT sector in our country. First, we (ITAN) would like to add our voice and support to the Local Content Bill that is currently before the National Assembly. However, we would like the scope of Bill to be expanded to include IT in addition to the proposed 8 focal sectors.
Second, we would like to call on the Federal Government to appoint a Special Adviser to the President on IT Matters. This would allow the President to be better advised on developments in the sector and on what policy and programmes that the government should prosecute. We are happy with some state governors that already have special advisers on IT. This is a step in the right direction. We call on the states that do not currently have advisers on IT to do so.

 Thirdly, we would like to call on the National Assembly to establish IT Committees in the House and Senate as it had done for other sectors. This we believe would allow the National Assembly to be well prepared to play its oversight role with respect to IT development, policy making and the enactment of relevant laws to regulate the sector. We wish to submit also that States Assemblies should follow suit with their IT Committees established without delay for articulated and well co-ordinated IT development. The establishment of IT Ministries in states at the executive level is a necessity in this regard.
We are happy that Nigeria is making steady progress in the IT sector. But we need a proactive and conducive policy environment that will provide our professionals and IT corporate citizens with the opportunities, support and incentive to excel in the sector. We therefore call on NITDA to urgently conclude its IT Policy review initiative before its elements become obsolete on the drawing board.
I would like to use this opportunity to thank our sponsors for EITPIN 2008 namely, Centre for Information and Technology Systems, Unilag, Zinox Technologies, Brian Technologies, Omatek Technologies, K2Group, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and Yobe State Government. I look forward to seeing you at EITPIN 2008 9am at the CITS, University of Lagos on 27th March 2008 to not only witness this epoch making event but to also support us in whatever way possible.

 Thank you.

Signed
Jimson Olufuye, Ph. D
President, ITAN
 

INTERNET TO THE GRASSROOTS

Digital divide: Finding effective means of bringing Internet to the grassroots
By SAMSON ECHENIM
Tuesday, 9 Mar 2010

 Creation of digital centres to provide rural dwellers access to the Internet and useful data for self development is required to boost the quality of human capital in Nigeria. SAMSON ECHENIM writes on the means through which this can be achieved more effectively.


Digital divide, across the globe or within a country, has become a concern to responsible governments and relevant stakeholders, while investors are showing new interest in opportunities inherent in bridging the gap.


According to Wikipedia, digital divide refers to the gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology on one hand and those with very limited or no access at all on the other hand.


It also has to do with the imbalances in physical access to technology as well as the imbalances in resources and skills needed to effectively participate as digital citizens. In other words, it is the unequal access by some members of a society to Information and Communication Technology, and the unequal acquisition of related skills.


Digital divide, therefore, implies knowledge divide as the lack of technology causes lack of useful information and knowledge. It may be classified, based on gender, income, or by geographical locations.


In a report released by the International Telecommunications Union on February 25, 2010 the body‘s analysis revealed a link between higher educational performance and greater access to the Internet. The report, entitled ”Measuring the Information Society, 2010,” also showed more women in the workforce and more equality between men and women in households with Internet access.


In smaller towns and villages in Nigeria, access to the computer or the Internet is a big problem, leading to the establishment of the Universal Service Provision Fund, an arm of the Nigeria Communication Commission, to work in enhancing the accessibility of telecommunications and related infrastructure and services by people in those areas.


In a speech delivered at a recent USPF Stakeholders Consultative Forum in Ibadan, the Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe, affirmed the need to bridge the digital gap.


He said as an arm of the NCC, the USPF was designed to contribute to the national economic and social development through the enhancement of the universal accessibility of ICT infrastructure and services as well as supporting the establishment of efficient and self sustaining businesses, which would continue to expand access to ICT on their own initiative.


According to the Head, Corporate Services, USPF, Mr. Okoh Aihe, in addition to other relevant ICT issues, his organisation will establish the financial models for rural connectivity; determine the appropriate technologies for rural communities and available rural connectivity solutions.


However, such developmental gestures, he said will not be successful if rhetoric was given prominence, with actions played down to mere seminars and forums. Without the concerted input of ICT investors, who will be ready to extend their investments to the rural areas, success might remain elusive.


To this effect, the Nigerian Representative for SkyVision, a global IP connectivity company with head office in the United States, Mr. Abdulrazaq Shittu, give some useful insights into how to get cheaper digital solutions for the rural areas.


While noting that the buying power of the people in the rural areas matters, Shittu says determination of the infrastructure that is suitable for the areas and the level of government‘s support are also major factors in bridging the digital divide.


He says, ”You cannot rule out the fact that access to data and information is access to wealth. But for you to have access to data, you must have a computer and you can now imagine how those living in the rural areas can afford it.


”In the United States for instance, there is no where you call a rural area because they all have access to data. When you have access to data, you can make an idea that will help you in bringing food to your table.”


Shittu, nevertheless, says there are other cheaper solutions that can give rural dwellers access to the Internet. He says since villages cannot have fibre for now, the best way to make sure they have access to data is through the satellite.


”The local governments can be encouraged to establish digital centres in various wards where they put computers, using the iDirect solution since they cannot have access to fibre. So, the only way to go is through a small solution such as the satellite,” says Shittu.


The ICT expert advises that local government authorities can divide their areas into several digital centres. This, he says, is synonymous with establishing libraries as they used to do before as data is now on the Internet.


”So, if you have about 10 digital centres, where you can have about 20 computers in each centre and you put a small iDirect solution for them to be able to have Internet, then people will have regular access to data. To me, this is an excellent idea of bringing data access to the grassroots relatively cheaply,” he explains.


Another way to bridge the digital divide is for the Federal Ministry of Education to empower and mandate all state ministries of education to ensure they have digital centres in all primary and secondary schools, in addition to active teaching of IT, says Mr. Augustine Idarah, whose company also provides Internet via the satellite.


Idarah, who agrees with Shittu on the idea of creating digital centres in the rural areas by the local councils, adds that the state governments should actively assist the local councils and make the project mandatory.


”Companies operating in local communities can also seize this opportunity as a new way to go in their corporate social responsibility programmes. Establishing internet centres by these companies is more of empowering the people at a higher level, because it is about access to vital information that can change their lives,” says Idarah.

PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE PROMOTION

Software: NITDA, NMC to promote new programming language
By Everest Amaefule, Abuja
Monday, 21 Jun 2010
The National Information Technology Development Agency is working in collaboration with Python Nigeria Group and the National Mathematical Centre to promote the use of an open source programming language, Python, for teaching and research in the country.


Coordinator of Python Nigeria, Dr. Olumide Owolabi, disclosed this our correspondent after a training workshop on the Python Programming Language, which was concluded at the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja on Friday.


Owolabi said that popularising the language would help the country check the enormous capital, which individuals, businesses and government spend on foreign software licences.


He said, “It gives developers the ability to experiment with different kinds of projects and approaches to software development. The ease and speed with which software applications can be developed using Python can result in significant savings in the cost of developing software. That it is relatively easy to learn is also a great advantage.


“It is particularly becoming an important teaching tool in universities in the advanced world. For that reason, the Python Nigeria Group is working on forging relationships among academics in Nigeria, the NMC and NITDA to promote the use of Python by academics for both teaching and research.”

Saturday, June 19, 2010

A CLOSE STUDY OF THE GBAGYI IN FCT ABUJA

A Close study of the Gbagyis in FCT 
BY OLABODE GBENGA
Very few residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT know much about the Gbagyi tribe, otherwise known as the Gwari. These are the original settlers of Abuja. The challenges they face in the advent of massive transformation of their hitherto serene agrarian settlements, make for a very moving story.
Gwari (also spelled Gbagyi and Gbari) are an ethnic group in central Nigeria. They are predominantly found in Niger and Kaduna States, and the Federal Capital Territory. The language is an intrinsic part of the Kwa or Benue Congo group of languages. Many years before the carving out of the Federal Capital Territory as the seat of power, the area was predominantly populated by this great tribe. With the decision of the authorities to turn the area into a capital city, the people who are mostly farmers, craftsmen, artisans and great potters, were persuaded to give out their farmland and settlements for the actualization of the national vision. Years after this, many Gbagyis still feel that the Federal Government has cheated them, and deprived them of their lands and heritage.
Based on the extensive work on the historical evolution of this culture, it was noted that the modernization of the area now known as the Federal Capital Territory was essentially an aftermath of an agrarian community filled with simple minded Gbagyis who were living in tranquility, before the rapid influx of residents from different cultures and tribal backgrounds. This is a form of urban violence. Furthermore, the majority of the Gbagyis are still yet to come to terms with this dizzying transformation.
 'There are certainly both negative and positive impacts of this transformation on the Gbagyi, as a former host community. The results are very clear for all to see. One of these is that the Gbagyi people are now mixed with people that are more advanced in modernity, and have come from virtually all parts of the country, where the Gbagyis have never been. These people have migrated here looking for their own means of survival and livelihood. We all know Abuja is a growing economically, and it naturally attracts people from all backgrounds. It attracts people not only from the urban areas, but the rural areas as well. The Gbagyi people before this were living in a quiet environment, and carrying out their farming activities. Suddenly, new groups start coming. These brought with them new cultures and were rather nonchalant to the cultural sensibility and diversity of the host people. So, you can understand that they are now exposed to different kinds of cultures beyond their wildest imagination, and the effects seem to be devastating to the ordinary Gbagyi man.


Gbagyi’s Adherence nature to culture
The culture of Gbagyi is regarded as an ancient culture which is comparable in age and beauty to the famed Nok culture in Kaduna State. They have relatively remained unaffected by the attractions of modernity. Interestingly, their women are known for carrying heavy loads (at times reaching several meters high into the sky) only on their shoulder. This has been an olden tradition which is strictly adhered to by all Gbagyi children till date. They believe that the head is the most sacred part of the body, which is already saddled with the task of thinking for the whole body, and therefore should not be over burdened.
 The Gbagyis are cultured and give respect to everyone they come across. They are not proud, and at the same time they are not to be taken for granted. You give them their respect and they respect you in return. As long as you do not stop them from going to their farms, they keep out of your way too.'
Hardworking nature of the Gbagyis
Considering urban economy, it was not what the Gbagyi people were used to. They were used to a simple agrarian setting, now overnight, their land has been taken away, and they are left in the lurch because their means of livelihood have been taken away by the authorities. They have had to painfully adjust to the new state of affairs. Thus you now see them going to apply for menial jobs in construction sites, moulding blocks, doing the jobs of Security Guards, Water Vendor or even House Servants. You can imagine the hardship somebody will face having a large family. Now he could no longer farm. You see, in other advanced climes, it is regarded as a violation of a people's fundamental human rights. One, you are in your ancestral land, but you cannot participate in the lucrative economic activities taking place there. These are people that were promised resettlement by the authorities. However the money from the Federal Government is not forthcoming and no one appears to be concerned about how these people are faring generally.' Though, their hardworking nature had been very interesting especially the womenfolk. As early as 5 o'clock in the morning you see the women with their characteristic load strung over their shoulders, and their men holding on to farm implements. Their farms are many kilometers away, and it takes them not less than three hours to walk there. By 9 pm or at most 10 o clock they are back at their selling points with the Gbagyi yams which everyone loves buying due to its affordability. They do not look for trouble, and only respond violently if threatened.

Festive nature of the Gbagyi
With the Gbagyi, there is always something to celebrate. Their colourful festivities are performed to mark the burial of their loved ones, marriages, naming ceremonies and sacrifices to their gods 
Recently the Gbagyi people of New Karu in Nasarawa State celebrated its 2009 cultural festival at New Karu Local Government Area. It was indeed a time of fanfare and a rich display of cultural richness that attracted not only nationals from other tribes, but tourists who came to savor the unique culture. 
In his speech at the occasion the Traditional Head of Karu, Etsu Luka Panya Baba enthused that the Gbagyi people have decided to open a museum to preserve their cultural heritage. He noted further that the museum, when built would, preserve the remains of their surviving traditional and cultural artifacts and appliances, in such a manner that will boost the Gbagyi culture, education and inter-ethnic relations.
Religious characteristics of the Gbagyis
They are also deeply religious. They form the majority of the congregations in churches like Evangelical Church of West Africa, ECWA.
A very close watch on the Gbagyi also revealed that on Sunday morning, they are found to line up on the streets going to their respective churches in groups as if they are going on military parade. This is an aspect of their lifestyle that is also interesting. 
The fashion life of the Gbagyis
The Gbagyi, despite the trends of modernity, still retain an appealing simplicity which is not enticed by the lures of wealth and glamour: their women are simply dressed in their traditional wrappers and for some, blouses, even their young maidens, and of course the elderly men who are equally not dressed flamboyantly. Only their young men appear to be caving in to the modern way of life through their more glamorous lifestyle. 
Education lifestyle of the Gbagyis
With the introduction of government intervention in education, most Gbagyi are found in schools: primary, secondary, tertiary institutions. These have adversely affected their lifestyle and language. The learned one even speaks more of English language than their mother tongue. My Intense conversation with a cross section of Gbagyi children reveals that modern trends seem to have absorbed them more than their traditional roots. Theresa, who assists her mother to sell yams and her friend, Mary, are two Gbagyi teenagers who speak more of English than their native tongue. They only manage to utter a few of Gbagyi greetings. Neme, a boisterous 3 year old speaks near perfect English, to the amazement of those who listen to her.
Expectations of the Gbagyis
Members of the tribe interestingly can be found in several parts of the capital city especially in suburban area such as Jikwoyi, Mararaba, Karu, Kuje, Orozo, Karshi, Nyanyan, New Nyanyan, Mabushi, Mpape, Kpegi, Kurudu and even as far as Gwagwalada, Rubochi, Abaji and Gwargwada, to mention a few. However despite their simplicity, they are still looking forward to a complete settlement from the authorities for taking over their land. Presently not up to one-tenth of the total population have been compensated, even though they constitute over 86% of the indigenous population, the minority tribes such as Gade, Egbira, Fulani, Koro and Gwandara. 
Perhaps the reserved Gwari may eventually accept other settlers from around the country, as co-inheritors of their ancestral abode, which is slowly becoming a global standard capital city.










Friday, June 18, 2010

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH BUSINESS PLAN PRO SOFTWARE

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH BUSINESS PLAN PRO SOFTWARE

Product Description
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A SIMPLE WAY TO STOP CLIENTS FROM REJECTING YOUR PROPOSALS

A SIMPLE WAY TO STOP CLIENTS FROM REJECTING YOUR PROPOSALS
The Secret: Remove the Prospect’s Price Objections

Taking the time to work up a quote, only to have it rejected immediately as out of budget, is frustrating to say the least. This emotion-draining event isn’t something you want happening to you, so you’re going to take control of the situation by giving the prospect choices — specifically, three choices.

Those choices will be service level options (different price points that represent different levels of professional services) that your prospect can weigh and consider. When you do this, you take conversation away from “Can I afford this?” and redirect it towards “How much can I afford?” Remember, the prospect wants to spend some level of money, and you would prefer they spend it with you.

How To Lay Out Your Service Level Options

When asked for a quote, you want to request that the client give you little bit of information about what they are looking for. They may start out by saying “I need a logo” but after a little bit of conversation reveal that what they really need is a tagline, a press kit, and stationary/business card. The task they are sourcing may be only part of a larger project, and that information can help you frame your offer.

Once you have that information, you can begin working on your three tier quote, which will ultimately look something like this:
Basic Package: Include the bare minimum here, at the lowest price point you can comfortably stomach. Don’t reduce your rates — rather, reduce the service you are providing so that the client’s minimum base needs are met. For example, a basic package may have a very limited number of revisions to reflect the lower price.
Professional Package: Here’s where you’ll give your quote for what you think the client really wants, at the price which feels good for you. Include information on the heightened level of services included, but don’t go overboard. This package reflects the level of service you prefer to give to a typical customer.
Premium Package: In this package, you’ll throw in the additional services and premium-level perks that you’re willing to charge more for. Perhaps this might include additional revisions, or two hours of pre-project consultation, or a follow-up package. Whatever services you want to throw in to boost the total package price, include it here.
Why This Takes the Stress Off Of Both Of You

Tiered packaging makes life easier for both you and the prospect. You don’t have to stress about whether you’ll be rejected outright, and they have choices to select from, rather than a take-it-or-leave-it scenario. In fact, a prospect may have an elevated view of you based on the fact that most other freelancers will simply give a price quote, while you show a greater understanding of their potential needs.
Tiered Pricing Protects Your Rates (And Professional Dignity)

You don’t want to have to lower your rates just to land a gig — that smacks of desperation, and once a client gets a taste of that, they move in for the kill. Forcing your prospect to have to choose a service level — rather than haggling on rates — lets you preserve your professional self-image while still giving them options to pay more or less depending on their budget.

How to Make Money Even When Your Quote Is Rejected

At some point, you will find clients who simply have to pass on your services because your minimum is still more than they can pay — but that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on the party. Keep a list of trusted freelancers on hand who charge substantially less than you do and offer to manage a contract for the prospect. They may be willing to provide you with a firm budget at this point (since they were told you were outside it) and be interested in handing off this time-consuming search to you. Outsource the project to your contacts, and take a well-deserved percentage from the now-satisfied client.

The economy may be taking a hit — but you don’t have to take one for the team. Use tiered pricing to land more clients, and outsourcing to handle the ones you can’t afford to work on directly. This will create a win-win situation that keeps your freelance income flowing, no matter what the financial weather brings.

Monday, June 7, 2010

COMPUTERATGRASSROOTS

RC 742420
WESCORG TECHNOLOGIES LTD
OFFICE ADDRESS: SUITE 2, 360 STORES, OPPOSITE OCEANIC BANK BUILDING, WURU STREET, KUJE F.C.T- ABUJA
TEL: 08066713410, 08062436922, 08096504223, 08096504219…….E-MAIL: wescorgtechnologies@yahoo.com

Motto… Bringing I.T to your doorsteps
ABOUT US
Wescorg Technologies Ltd was incorporated on 18th April, 2008. We are a reputable and quality conscious company having a challenge in the field of Information & Communication Technologies ICT, bringing it to the doorsteps of individual, corporate and government bodies. But our major focus is on people at the grassroots level.
OUR SERVICES
IT Solution Provider
v Supply of genuine Computers and Information Technologies Hardware
v Sales and Supply of Accessories, Consumables and related Office Equipment
v Installation of newly Bought Computers and Programs
v Servicing and Repairing of Information Technology Equipment
v Internet and Networking ( Home and Office)
v Routine Maintenance
v Supply of TV and Installation of Satellite TV ( all kinds of dish)
Entrepreneurial skills acquisition and development
This is in form of Training and Workshops on ICT and related business
v Business Awareness at grassroots level
v ABC of Business
Business Information & Advisory services
To achieve this we have partnered with another agency to put in place a number of resources, including:
v Internet Café
v Business Library
v Mentoring
v Counseling.
v Financial Access Enlightenment
v Youth Empowerment in ICT
v Human Resources and Management
OUR CLIENTS
Our services are targeted at
v Individual at the grassroots level to involve in ICT know-how and to set up Computer Business Centre to improve their standard of living
v It also extends to enterprises that are failing and need resuscitating
v Corporate and Government bodies
v Business Tycoon in ICT
OUR OBJECTIVES
v To contribute to poverty alleviation programme
v To reduce unemployment
v To encourage excellent support services to new and existing business in ICT at the grassroots
v To encourage and promote ethical business practices among the local business community
v To encourage and promote the use of technology and technology initiatives
v To facilitate access to finance for viable business proposals
OTHER INFORMATION
We welcome financial support from YOU to make our vision in helping people at the grassroots in ICT a reality. …………..as you contribute to this gesture, more grease to your elbow

PAY YOUR DONATIONS INTO ANY OF THE FOLOWING BANK ACCOUNTS

ACCOUNT NAME: OLABODE GBENGA O
(1) AFRIBANK PLC - 2176582057417
(2) FINBANK PLC - (1) 270430000064201. (2) 270460000066601
(3) UNITYBANK PLC - 219198026110


WE THANK YOU IN ANTICIPATION AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR SUPPORT
….…ALSO BEING AT YOUR SERVICE SOON……..