Consulting Services

One of the hats I wear besides programmer, author and microISV is that of consultant, specifically, helping microISVs, software and Internet startups in five areas I can add real value.

Fixed Price MicroISV Sites that Sell Exercises Review. You’ve read my ebook - or are thinking you should - but you like me to review your answers to the four exercises the ebook contains. I can confidentially review your responses to these exercises, offer you suggestions and guidance and assistance via email as you discover and define your Primary Customer and your USP Hook. This consultation is primarily via email, with a Skype phone consultation as needed. Price: $199 USD, $180 if you’ve already purchased MicroISV Sites that Sell.

Fixed Price Private Blog Consultations. You’ve started a blog for your microISV, product or startup, but no one seems to care - no comments, no trackbacks, no results. My fixed price approach to dramatically improving the results you’re getting is first a concise written blog review that forms the basis of our initial Skype conversation. During this conversation, I work with you to identify and clarify the priorities and passions that will ignite your blog. Afterwards, I prepare a detailed Action Plan for structuring your blog, with specific recommendations on what needs to be done when to get your blog moving in the right direction. Whether you are coping with product blog noone is reading, or you want to build a blog for yourself as a professional in the IT business that positively differentiates you, My Blog Consultation can change the game - in your favor. Introductory Price: $500 USD.

Fixed Price Private Site Reviews. Your web site is your company as far as the Internet is concerned: does your site market your product successfully? What changes - and more importantly why - should you make that will dramatically improve your download/trial/conversion rates. The way this works is similar to the Weekly Site Reviews - I review you site following a detailed methodology and prepare a private report for your eyes only. Then, after you’ve had time to read that report, we discuss and prioritize the specific actions you need to take, when and how. Finally, 30 days later, I re-review your site and we identify together what your next steps should be. Introductory Price: $700 USD.

Defining a blogging strategy for your startup. So you know that having a successful blog is a key component to your overall success as a company, but you’re not sure how to turn that realization into an actionable, executable plan - that’s where I come in. Working one to one with you and your team I can develop a Blogging Plan that clarifies and defines your successful product or company blog. This is not about generalities and good things to do (That’s what Clear Blogging covered, and covered well). This is all about successfully defining your company or product in the Blogosphere, educating you and your staff on the nuts and bolts of maintaining a great blog that pulls in attention like a 10,000 watt electromagnet and structuring your blog’s workflow to leverage what you are already doing and as a springboard to other Internet-centric marketing such as online communities.

Product Definition and Differentiation. You’ve got an idea for a desktop app or Software as a Service web site: but will it sell? I can help you see your product or service as others will, and help you define the key differentiators and message your of your product, be you in the early development or near release phases.

Online Community Definition - When you launch a product or web service today, you’re building an online community that’s nearly as important and valuable as your codebase - or you should be. Attention is the new currency, and a well-structured, moderated and focused online community changes the game for your microISV or startup. With dozens of Online Community platforms out there, which is the right one for your product or startup? Then what do you do? I can work with you to help you clarify the structure, focus and vision of your Online Community to create real value for both you and it’s citizens.

Typically, all of these specific ways I can provide you with many times the value what I charge are done remotely via Skype but onsite arrangements can be made at your option in North America, Europe and Asia. And, unless you prefer your own online project management software I use Basecamp to ensure all participants have a clear idea at all times who is doing what and why by when. I charge an intial 50% retainer on all projects, balance due upon Client Acceptance.

Why not start right now? Email me at bob.walsh@47hats.com.